Adverse weather conditions are gripping the capital city of india, Delhi, and its surrounding areas. This as a thick blanket of fog enveloped the city, causing visibility to plummet to nearly zero. The relentless cold wave continued to persist as the minimum temperature in the national capital region dropped to 7 degrees Celsius. The dense fog drastically reduced visibility, creating an environment where navigating through the streets became really difficult.

Dense fog grips Asian countries: Thick fog reduces visibility in Beijing, New Delhi | WION

As 2023 comes to a close, Beijing seeks to expand its domestic demand for a quick economic recovery next year and beyond. China's economic planning body states that the country will prioritise consumption and expand the country's middle-class.

China to prioritise consumption & boost middle class: Report | World Business Watch

Just a couple of weeks ahead of the January 13 election in Taiwan, Chinese President Xi Jinping has vowed to prevent anyone from splitting the island from China. His comments assume significance given how Beijing has been ramping up military and political pressure to assert its sovereignty claims over Taipei.

China reasserts sovereignty claims over Taiwan, Xi Jinping vows Taiwan reunification | World DNA

China President Xi Jinping says, 'Will prevent anyone from splitting Taiwan from China' | WION

China levies fresh accusations at the Philippines. China has alleged that the Philippines brings outside forces to intervene. Beijing has said it is "willing to work with Manila on sea-related issues." Watch the video to know more!

South China Sea remains a point of convention between China & Phillipines, former accuses latter

The Chinese capital Beijing broke its nearly 75-year record for hours of sub-zero temperatures in the month of December after a cold wind tore through the city bringing the temperature down to record lows.

The northern and northeastern parts of the country were most affected by the biting cold air that flowed down from the Arctic, as some areas recorded a historic dip with the northeast hitting minus 40 Celsius (minus 40 Fahrenheit) and below.

A weather observatory in Beijing had, as of Sunday, recorded more than 300 hours of below-freezing temperatures since Dec 11, which is the most for the month since records began in 1951, as per the state-backed Beijing Daily.

The Chinese capital has also faced temperatures below minus 10 C (14 F) for nine days in this period, news agency Reuters reported, citing the Beijing Daily.

Several cities in the central Chinese province of Henan, southwest of Beijing, are in the grip of a winter heating supply crunch, with thermal power suppliers in the city of Jiaozuo under pressure to ensure supplies.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-feel-sad-bethlehem-the-birthplace-of-jesus-marks-sombre-christmas-celebration-with-vigil-amid-gaza-war-673157">Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, marks sombre Christmas Eve amid Gaza war</a>

Heating boilers at JiaoZuo WanFang Aluminum Manufacturing, which is one of the major suppliers in the city, broke down which left some areas in urgent need of more heat supply, news agency Reuters reported, citing state media.

Meanwhile, two other cities in Henan - Puyang and Pingdingshan, have already suspended heat supply to government departments and administrative institutions to make way for residential usage, said the local governments taking into consideration the extremely cold weather.

The weather forecast indicates temperatures in the three cities descending to sub-zero on Sunday. Temperatures in several other areas in Henan would drop to a low of minus 15 C (5 F) over the weekend, the central province's weather authority said on Saturday.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Chinese capital Beijing broke its nearly 75-year record for hours of sub-zero temperatures in the month of December after a cold wind tore through the city bringing the temperature down to record lows.

The Chinese capital Beijing broke its nearly 75-year record for hours of sub-zero temperatures in the month of December after a cold wind tore through the city bringing the temperature down to record lows. The northern and northeastern parts of the country were most affected by the biting cold air that flowed down from the Arctic, as some areas recorded a historic dip with the northeast hitting minus 40 Celsius (minus 40 Fahrenheit) and below. A weather observatory in Beijing had, as of Sunday, recorded more than 300 hours of below-freezing temperatures since Dec 11, which is the most for the month since records began in 1951, as per the state-backed Beijing Daily. The Chinese capital has also faced temperatures below minus 10 C (14 F) for nine days in this period, news agency Reuters reported, citing the Beijing Daily. Several cities in the central Chinese province of Henan, southwest of Beijing, are in the grip of a winter heating supply crunch, with thermal power suppliers in the city of Jiaozuo under pressure to ensure supplies. Also read: Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, marks sombre Christmas Eve amid Gaza war Heating boilers at JiaoZuo WanFang Aluminum Manufacturing, which is one of the major suppliers in the city, broke down which left some areas in urgent need of more heat supply, news agency Reuters reported, citing state media. Meanwhile, two other cities in Henan - Puyang and Pingdingshan, have already suspended heat supply to government departments and administrative institutions to make way for residential usage, said the local governments taking into consideration the extremely cold weather. The weather forecast indicates temperatures in the three cities descending to sub-zero on Sunday. Temperatures in several other areas in Henan would drop to a low of minus 15 C (5 F) over the weekend, the central province's weather authority said on Saturday. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese capital Beijing breaks record for hours of sub-zero temperatures

Chinese researchers have designed a new camouflage device that can make fighter jets appear like civilian planes on radars. Will this change the face of wars?

Gravitas: Will China's 'Golden Veil' change the face of war?

In a move to safeguard its dominance in the rare earths sector, China, the world's leading processor of these critical materials, has officially prohibited the export of technology crucial for extracting and separating rare earths. <o:p></o:p>

According to Reuters, the ban, announced on Thursday, is anticipated to have an impact on "heavy rare earths," vital for electric vehicle (EV) motors, medical devices, and weaponry, where China currently holds a virtual monopoly. Rare earths, a group of 17 metals, are indispensable for manufacturing magnets used in EVs, wind turbines, and electronics.<o:p></o:p>

China's commerce ministry-initiated discussions in December last year, seeking public input on the potential addition of this technology to its "Catalogue of Technologies Prohibited and Restricted from Export." <o:p></o:p>

The move aligns with the country's broader efforts to tighten regulations on the export of critical minerals, citing national security and public interest as primary objectives. <o:p></o:p>

Reuters cited Nathan Picarsic, the co-founder of the geopolitical consulting firm Horizon Advisory, who highlighted the significance of this development, stating, "This should be a clarion call that dependence on China in any part of the value chain is not sustainable." <o:p></o:p>

The ban underscores China's commitment to maintaining its market dominance, sparking concerns and intensifying the global race to secure alternative rare earth processing capabilities.<o:p></o:p>

As China asserts control over its rare earth technology, the West faces challenges in reducing dependence on Chinese rare earths, constituting nearly 90 per cent of global refined output. Western countries, including the US and Europe, are striving to establish their rare earth processing operations. <o:p></o:p>

The struggle is particularly pronounced in heavy rare earths, where China excels and has recently banned the export of production technology for rare earth metals, alloy materials, and certain rare earth magnets.<o:p></o:p>

Shares of MP Materials, a Western rare earth company, surged more than 10 per cent following China's announcement. MP Materials has been gradually increasing rare earth processing in California. Ucore Rare Metals, another player in the sector, reported the completion of commissioning a facility for testing its rare earths processing technology, partly funded by the US Department of Defence.<o:p></o:p>

Experts suggest that the ban's impact may impede the development of heavy rare earth separation capacity outside China. While the West is making strides in processing "light" rare earths, including neodymium and praseodymium, the challenge remains in reducing reliance on China for critical elements like dysprosium.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

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In a move to safeguard its dominance in the rare earths sector, China, the world's leading processor of these critical materials, has officially prohibited the export of technology crucial for extracting and separating rare earths.

In a move to safeguard its dominance in the rare earths sector, China, the world's leading processor of these critical materials, has officially prohibited the export of technology crucial for extracting and separating rare earths. According to Reuters, the ban, announced on Thursday, is anticipated to have an impact on "heavy rare earths," vital for electric vehicle (EV) motors, medical devices, and weaponry, where China currently holds a virtual monopoly. Rare earths, a group of 17 metals, are indispensable for manufacturing magnets used in EVs, wind turbines, and electronics. China's commerce ministry-initiated discussions in December last year, seeking public input on the potential addition of this technology to its "Catalogue of Technologies Prohibited and Restricted from Export." The move aligns with the country's broader efforts to tighten regulations on the export of critical minerals, citing national security and public interest as primary objectives. Reuters cited Nathan Picarsic, the co-founder of the geopolitical consulting firm Horizon Advisory, who highlighted the significance of this development, stating, "This should be a clarion call that dependence on China in any part of the value chain is not sustainable." The ban underscores China's commitment to maintaining its market dominance, sparking concerns and intensifying the global race to secure alternative rare earth processing capabilities. As China asserts control over its rare earth technology, the West faces challenges in reducing dependence on Chinese rare earths, constituting nearly 90 per cent of global refined output. Western countries, including the US and Europe, are striving to establish their rare earth processing operations. The struggle is particularly pronounced in heavy rare earths, where China excels and has recently banned the export of production technology for rare earth metals, alloy materials, and certain rare earth magnets. Shares of MP Materials, a Western rare earth company, surged more than 10 per cent following China's announcement. MP Materials has been gradually increasing rare earth processing in California. Ucore Rare Metals, another player in the sector, reported the completion of commissioning a facility for testing its rare earths processing technology, partly funded by the US Department of Defence. Experts suggest that the ban's impact may impede the development of heavy rare earth separation capacity outside China. While the West is making strides in processing "light" rare earths, including neodymium and praseodymium, the challenge remains in reducing reliance on China for critical elements like dysprosium. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

China tightens grip on rare earths industry, bans key technology exports for national security

The strong relationship between the two nations, which has endured despite Russia's military invasion of its neighbour Ukraine in early 2022, has faced pointed criticism from Western leaders in recent years.

Russia & China hit trade target ahead of schedule; Russian PM praises Beijing-Moscow relationship

As media tycoon and pro-democracy activist, Jimmy Lai is at the court to face his biggest trial today. The 76-year-old can face life imprisonment over his charges under Beijing's national security law.

Hong Kong: Media mogul Jimmy Lai on trial for sedition, foreign collusion charges | WION

Hong Kong's luxury retail sector is undergoing a transformation as the city adjusts to a decrease in high-spending Chinese tourists and a shift in consumer preferences. Once a global hub for multi-brand department stores and ultra-luxury brands, the city is now facing challenges from competing shopping destinations, changing consumer behaviour, and the rise of online shopping, impacting the demand for luxury goods in the region.<o:p></o:p>

Shift in Visitor Focus: From shopping to experience<o:p></o:p>

Before the pandemic, Hong Kong attracted high-spending mainland Chinese visitors, boosting its luxury retail sector. However, the focus of visitors has now shifted from extravagant shopping sprees to a greater desire for local culture and experience-based tourism, according to Rosanna Tang, an executive director at Cushman &amp; Wakefield. Overnight and same-day visitor shopping spend has significantly decreased, prompting retailers to redirect their focus towards food and beverage outlets.<o:p></o:p>

"The focus of visitors in Hong Kong has shifted from 'shop till you drop' to a greater desire for local culture and experience-based touring ," Reuters quoted Tang as saying.<o:p></o:p>

Impact on Luxury Retailers: Harvey Nichols closes flagship store<o:p></o:p>

British luxury department store Harvey Nichols, a symbol of Hong Kong's luxury retail scene, is at the forefront of these changes. Its owner, Dickson Concepts, recently announced the relinquishment of its lease on the flagship five-level store in the upscale Landmark mall after almost two decades. The company stated, "Chinese tourists coming to Hong Kong are no longer focused on shopping as they used to be before the pandemic."<o:p></o:p>

Luxury retailers, including Valentino, Burberry, and LVMH's Tiffany, have also closed some of their stores in Hong Kong, where retail rents remain the highest in Asia despite a 40 per cent drop since 2019.<o:p></o:p>

Government and Tourism Sector Response: A shift towards nature and leisure attractions<o:p></o:p>

With total retail sales down about 20 per cent from 2018 levels, the government and tourism sector in Hong Kong are making efforts to reduce reliance on luxury spending by Chinese shoppers. Initiatives include promoting nature and leisure attractions, developing large-scale festivals, and green tourism projects in outlying islands. However, the effectiveness of these strategies remains uncertain as the city grapples with the aftermath of anti-government protests in 2019 and strict COVID-19 rules.<o:p></o:p>

Luxury sector's repositioning and future prospects<o:p></o:p>

Despite closures and challenges, Hong Kong has reclaimed its position as the number one location in per-capita spending on luxury goods in 2023, surpassing Switzerland and Singapore, according to Euromonitor International. The city is expected to recover to its pre-COVID personal luxury goods sales levels by mid-2024.<o:p></o:p>

Caroline Reyl, Head of Premium Brands at Pictet Asset Management, anticipates improvement in the luxury sector but acknowledges the competition from China's Hainan island. She mentions, "There was probably some over-distribution in the past," suggesting that major luxury labels saturated Hong Kong with their stores. As some brands reduce exposure to Hong Kong, opportunities emerge for others to fill the void.<o:p></o:p>

Luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel remain optimistic about Hong Kong's future prospects. Louis Vuitton recently held a star-studded fashion show in the city, signalling a luxury renaissance. Chanel and other brands have opened new retail spaces, demonstrating confidence in the city's resilience despite current challenges.<o:p></o:p>

While property developer Hong Kong Land reports a return to pre-pandemic levels in tenant sales and footfall in its city centre malls, the closure of Harvey Nichols highlights the changing dynamics in the luxury retail landscape.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

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Hong Kong's luxury retail sector is undergoing a transformation as the city adjusts to a decrease in high-spending Chinese tourists and a shift in consumer preferences.

Hong Kong's luxury retail sector is undergoing a transformation as the city adjusts to a decrease in high-spending Chinese tourists and a shift in consumer preferences. Once a global hub for multi-brand department stores and ultra-luxury brands, the city is now facing challenges from competing shopping destinations, changing consumer behaviour, and the rise of online shopping, impacting the demand for luxury goods in the region. Shift in Visitor Focus: From shopping to experience Before the pandemic, Hong Kong attracted high-spending mainland Chinese visitors, boosting its luxury retail sector. However, the focus of visitors has now shifted from extravagant shopping sprees to a greater desire for local culture and experience-based tourism, according to Rosanna Tang, an executive director at Cushman & Wakefield. Overnight and same-day visitor shopping spend has significantly decreased, prompting retailers to redirect their focus towards food and beverage outlets. "The focus of visitors in Hong Kong has shifted from 'shop till you drop' to a greater desire for local culture and experience-based touring ," Reuters quoted Tang as saying. Impact on Luxury Retailers: Harvey Nichols closes flagship store British luxury department store Harvey Nichols, a symbol of Hong Kong's luxury retail scene, is at the forefront of these changes. Its owner, Dickson Concepts, recently announced the relinquishment of its lease on the flagship five-level store in the upscale Landmark mall after almost two decades. The company stated, "Chinese tourists coming to Hong Kong are no longer focused on shopping as they used to be before the pandemic." Luxury retailers, including Valentino, Burberry, and LVMH's Tiffany, have also closed some of their stores in Hong Kong, where retail rents remain the highest in Asia despite a 40 per cent drop since 2019. Government and Tourism Sector Response: A shift towards nature and leisure attractions With total retail sales down about 20 per cent from 2018 levels, the government and tourism sector in Hong Kong are making efforts to reduce reliance on luxury spending by Chinese shoppers. Initiatives include promoting nature and leisure attractions, developing large-scale festivals, and green tourism projects in outlying islands. However, the effectiveness of these strategies remains uncertain as the city grapples with the aftermath of anti-government protests in 2019 and strict COVID-19 rules. Luxury sector's repositioning and future prospects Despite closures and challenges, Hong Kong has reclaimed its position as the number one location in per-capita spending on luxury goods in 2023, surpassing Switzerland and Singapore, according to Euromonitor International. The city is expected to recover to its pre-COVID personal luxury goods sales levels by mid-2024. Caroline Reyl, Head of Premium Brands at Pictet Asset Management, anticipates improvement in the luxury sector but acknowledges the competition from China's Hainan island. She mentions, "There was probably some over-distribution in the past," suggesting that major luxury labels saturated Hong Kong with their stores. As some brands reduce exposure to Hong Kong, opportunities emerge for others to fill the void. Luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel remain optimistic about Hong Kong's future prospects. Louis Vuitton recently held a star-studded fashion show in the city, signalling a luxury renaissance. Chanel and other brands have opened new retail spaces, demonstrating confidence in the city's resilience despite current challenges. While property developer Hong Kong Land reports a return to pre-pandemic levels in tenant sales and footfall in its city centre malls, the closure of Harvey Nichols highlights the changing dynamics in the luxury retail landscape. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Hong Kong luxury retailers adapt as Chinese tourist spending declines

Chinese and Russian warplanes have entered South Korea's air defense zone amid growing military ties between Beijing and Moscow.

Fresh tensions in Korean peninsula: 2 Chinese & 4 Russian planes enter South Korean's defence zone

Beijing, the capital of China, saw its first snowfall of the winter season early on Monday and was covered in a layer of white throughout the night.

Second cold wave envelops China's Beijing in snow

The Philippines and China continue their blame game in the territory of the South China Sea. In the latest the Philippines has accused China of using water canons to obstruct three of its vessels.

Manila accuses Beijing of shooting water canons at its boats

China's financial regulator has suggested lowering the fee rate for public investment funds. This is just the most recent move to encourage trade and support the market. China's Securities Regulatory Commission is planning to enhance oversight over commissions on fund trading.

Financial regulator suggests lowering fee rate for funds

In a relief for Chinese factories, the country's exports grew by 0.5 per cent in November, marking the first positive growth in six months. According to Reuters, this unexpected uptick suggests that Chinese manufacturers are attracting buyers through discount pricing to overcome the prolonged slump in demand. &nbsp;

Zhiwei Zhang, Chief Economist at Pinpoint Asset Management, notes that the improvement in exports aligns with market expectations, indicating sequential growth in China's exports in recent months. Zhang also highlights positive trends in other Asian countries' export data, offering a glimmer of hope amidst global economic uncertainties.&nbsp;

Challenges and discounted exports&nbsp;

While the export growth is encouraging, challenges persist for Chinese manufacturers. The official purchasing managers' index (PMI) reveals that new export orders have contracted for a ninth consecutive month. &nbsp;

A private sector survey echoes these challenges, indicating the struggles of factory owners to attract overseas buyers for a fifth month. Zichun Huang, China economist at Capital Economics, notes that while export volumes have hit a fresh high, this robustness is supported by exporters reducing prices, a strategy that may not be sustainable in the long run. &nbsp;

Analysts caution that the pressure on Chinese manufacturers shows little sign of easing off completely.&nbsp;

Upbeat global trade indicators&nbsp;

Despite the challenges, global trade indicators present a more optimistic picture. The Baltic Dry Index, a gauge of global trade, reached a three-year high in November, fuelled by increased demand for industrial commodities, particularly from China. &nbsp;

South Korean exports, another indicator of global trade health, rose for a second consecutive month, buoyed by chip exports. Trade with China's major peers, including the United States, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, also witnessed positive growth in November. These indicators point to a potential revival in global trade, providing some relief for China's export-oriented economy.

Cautionary Notes and uneven recovery &nbsp;

Despite the positive signals, analysts remain cautious about the sustainability of the export rebound and its impact on domestic demand. Dan Wang, Chief Economist at Hang Seng Bank China, emphasises that while overseas demand appears stronger than expected, domestic demand remains weaker. &nbsp;

The uneven recovery raises concerns about property, unemployment, and weak household and business confidence, threatening a sustained rebound at home. Analysts stress that it is too early to determine the long-term impact of recent policy support measures and whether they will be sufficient to bolster both domestic and overseas demand.&nbsp;

Global economic landscape and future challenges &nbsp;

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) upgraded China's growth forecasts for 2023 and 2024, reflecting some optimism. However, Moody's recent warning of a downgrade to China's A1 credit rating and the cautious response of Chinese markets suggest lingering uncertainties. &nbsp;

The cooling economies of Europe and the United States pose challenges for China's export-led growth strategy. While export demand has improved, concerns remain about the contribution of exports as a growth pillar into the next year. Analysts highlight the need for China to depend on domestic demand as the main driver for growth in 2024, given the evolving global economic landscape.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

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In a relief for Chinese factories, the country's exports grew by 0.5 per cent in November, marking the first positive growth in six months. According to Reuters, this unexpected uptick suggests that Chinese manufacturers are attracting buyers through discount pricing to overcome the prolonged slump in demand.

In a relief for Chinese factories, the country's exports grew by 0.5 per cent in November, marking the first positive growth in six months. According to Reuters, this unexpected uptick suggests that Chinese manufacturers are attracting buyers through discount pricing to overcome the prolonged slump in demand. Zhiwei Zhang, Chief Economist at Pinpoint Asset Management, notes that the improvement in exports aligns with market expectations, indicating sequential growth in China's exports in recent months. Zhang also highlights positive trends in other Asian countries' export data, offering a glimmer of hope amidst global economic uncertainties. Challenges and discounted exports While the export growth is encouraging, challenges persist for Chinese manufacturers. The official purchasing managers' index (PMI) reveals that new export orders have contracted for a ninth consecutive month. A private sector survey echoes these challenges, indicating the struggles of factory owners to attract overseas buyers for a fifth month. Zichun Huang, China economist at Capital Economics, notes that while export volumes have hit a fresh high, this robustness is supported by exporters reducing prices, a strategy that may not be sustainable in the long run. Analysts caution that the pressure on Chinese manufacturers shows little sign of easing off completely. Upbeat global trade indicators Despite the challenges, global trade indicators present a more optimistic picture. The Baltic Dry Index, a gauge of global trade, reached a three-year high in November, fuelled by increased demand for industrial commodities, particularly from China. South Korean exports, another indicator of global trade health, rose for a second consecutive month, buoyed by chip exports. Trade with China's major peers, including the United States, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, also witnessed positive growth in November. These indicators point to a potential revival in global trade, providing some relief for China's export-oriented economy. Cautionary Notes and uneven recovery Despite the positive signals, analysts remain cautious about the sustainability of the export rebound and its impact on domestic demand. Dan Wang, Chief Economist at Hang Seng Bank China, emphasises that while overseas demand appears stronger than expected, domestic demand remains weaker. The uneven recovery raises concerns about property, unemployment, and weak household and business confidence, threatening a sustained rebound at home. Analysts stress that it is too early to determine the long-term impact of recent policy support measures and whether they will be sufficient to bolster both domestic and overseas demand. Global economic landscape and future challenges The International Monetary Fund (IMF) upgraded China's growth forecasts for 2023 and 2024, reflecting some optimism. However, Moody's recent warning of a downgrade to China's A1 credit rating and the cautious response of Chinese markets suggest lingering uncertainties. The cooling economies of Europe and the United States pose challenges for China's export-led growth strategy. While export demand has improved, concerns remain about the contribution of exports as a growth pillar into the next year. Analysts highlight the need for China to depend on domestic demand as the main driver for growth in 2024, given the evolving global economic landscape. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

China's export rebound in November sparks hope, but challenges remain  

Chinese leader Xi Jinping held discussions with European Union leaders Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen in Beijing on Thursday.&nbsp;

"Chinese President Xi Jinping met with President of the European Council Charles Michel and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in Beijing on Thursday," reported state news agency Xinhua. The talks were held regarding the divisions between the bloc and its largest economic partner, which ranged from trade to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.&nbsp;

This year, the diplomatic engagement was ramped up by China and the EU so as to steer post-pandemic recovery and repair damaged relations, as a number of its commissioners visited Beijing to restart high-level dialogue.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-withdraws-from-chinas-belt-and-road-project-667010">&nbsp;Italy withdraws from China's Belt and Road project</a>

The bloc said that it hopes the meetings being held between China's top brass and the EU leaders on Thursday will give them a chance to discuss areas of common interest, like health and climate change.

The leaders will also speak about more touchy topics, ranging from human rights and continued ties between China and Russia despite its war in Ukraine as well as the increasing trade gap between the two nations.

<h2>Beijing seeks to reassure Europe</h2>

This week, von der Leyen had warned that the bloc will "not tolerate" that imbalance indefinitely. "We have tools to protect our market," she said while speaking to AFP.

Hitting back, Beijing on Wednesday said that the efforts of the bloc to curb exports of China's sensitive tech while balancing trade did not "make sense".

Throughout the year, European officials have repeatedly said that they aim to "derisk" their economic ties with China after the Ukraine war exposed the energy dependence of the continent on Russia.

Watch:&nbsp;Georgia Meloni's government exits Belt and Road Initiative by China, BRI criticised&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/italy-georgia-melonis-government-exits-belt-and-road-initiative-by-china-bri-criticised-wion-667013/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The goal of Beijing this week will be to "hinder or delay derisking at a minimum cost", said Grzegorz Stec, an analyst working at China-focused think tank MERICS, while speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday.

Beijing will make efforts to "project the image of a responsible global actor and to reassure European actors about the direction of the Chinese economy", said Stec.&nbsp;

However, on the eve of the summit, Italy withdrew from China's vast Belt and Road infrastructure initiative. For long, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has opposed the participation of the country, which has been viewed by many as an attempt by Beijing to get political influence and whose economic benefits were very limited for Rome.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese leader Xi Jinping held discussions with European Union leaders Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen in Beijing on Thursday. "Chinese President Xi Jinping met with President of the European Council Charles Michel and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in Beijing on Thursday," reported state news agency Xinhua.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping held discussions with European Union leaders Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen in Beijing on Thursday. "Chinese President Xi Jinping met with President of the European Council Charles Michel and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in Beijing on Thursday," reported state news agency Xinhua. The talks were held regarding the divisions between the bloc and its largest economic partner, which ranged from trade to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. This year, the diplomatic engagement was ramped up by China and the EU so as to steer post-pandemic recovery and repair damaged relations, as a number of its commissioners visited Beijing to restart high-level dialogue. Also read: Italy withdraws from China's Belt and Road project The bloc said that it hopes the meetings being held between China's top brass and the EU leaders on Thursday will give them a chance to discuss areas of common interest, like health and climate change. The leaders will also speak about more touchy topics, ranging from human rights and continued ties between China and Russia despite its war in Ukraine as well as the increasing trade gap between the two nations. Beijing seeks to reassure Europe This week, von der Leyen had warned that the bloc will "not tolerate" that imbalance indefinitely. "We have tools to protect our market," she said while speaking to AFP. Hitting back, Beijing on Wednesday said that the efforts of the bloc to curb exports of China's sensitive tech while balancing trade did not "make sense". Throughout the year, European officials have repeatedly said that they aim to "derisk" their economic ties with China after the Ukraine war exposed the energy dependence of the continent on Russia. Watch: Georgia Meloni's government exits Belt and Road Initiative by China, BRI criticised The goal of Beijing this week will be to "hinder or delay derisking at a minimum cost", said Grzegorz Stec, an analyst working at China-focused think tank MERICS, while speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday. Beijing will make efforts to "project the image of a responsible global actor and to reassure European actors about the direction of the Chinese economy", said Stec. However, on the eve of the summit, Italy withdrew from China's vast Belt and Road infrastructure initiative. For long, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has opposed the participation of the country, which has been viewed by many as an attempt by Beijing to get political influence and whose economic benefits were very limited for Rome. (With inputs from agencies)

China's Xi Jinping holds talks with EU's von der Leyen and Charles Michel in Beijing

The European Union President Ursula von der de Leyen told Chinese leader Xi Jinping that the block and its biggest trading partner must address their differences as they began the first in-person EU-China Summit in over four years.

EU-China Summit | Xi: China & EU must jointly respond to global challenges

EU-China Summit: Top European Union officials meet with Xi in China Summit

A sharp decline in exports and China's poor economy led to a contraction in the manufacturing sector. Now, the mood is grim in Beijing's corridor and there is a new headache. Watch the video to know more.

Italy: Giorgia Meloni's government exits Belt and Road Initiative by China, BRI criticised | WION

China's foreign ministry announced on Tuesday that its newly implemented visa-free travel policy has successfully boosted tourism, streamlining the process for visitors from several European countries and Malaysia. &nbsp;

During a press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin highlighted the positive impact of the policy, stating, "Going forward, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to adjust visa policies to create more favourable conditions and further facilitate cross-border travel."

The visa-free policy, which came into effect on December 1, covers countries such as France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia.

According to immigration data cited by the ministry, nearly 7,000 travellers, out of nearly 18,000 travellers, who entered China in the first three days of December belonged to these countries. &nbsp;

Wang emphasised the convenience it offers, making travel easier for tourists. The daily average tourist numbers from the covered countries witnessed a 39 per cent increase in the initial three days of December compared to the last day of November.

Germany's ambassador to China expressed hope that these measures would be extended to all European Union members.

Revisiting the visa-free travel policy

China’s visa-free trade policy, announced in late November is an attempt to spur post-pandemic tourism. &nbsp;

The second-largest economy has temporarily waived off the requirement for visas for residents of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia to enter the second-largest economy in the world.

Citizens of certain nations who enter China for business, tourism, visiting family and friends, or transiting for fewer than 15 days will not require a visa if they enter between December 1 and November 30 next year.

After three years of strict COVID-19 regulations that essentially closed its borders, China is trying to revitalise its tourism sector, including the resumption of foreign flight routes.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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China's foreign ministry announced on Tuesday that its newly implemented visa-free travel policy has successfully boosted tourism, streamlining the process for visitors from several European countries and Malaysia.

China's foreign ministry announced on Tuesday that its newly implemented visa-free travel policy has successfully boosted tourism, streamlining the process for visitors from several European countries and Malaysia. During a press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin highlighted the positive impact of the policy, stating, "Going forward, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to adjust visa policies to create more favourable conditions and further facilitate cross-border travel." The visa-free policy, which came into effect on December 1, covers countries such as France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia. According to immigration data cited by the ministry, nearly 7,000 travellers, out of nearly 18,000 travellers, who entered China in the first three days of December belonged to these countries. Wang emphasised the convenience it offers, making travel easier for tourists. The daily average tourist numbers from the covered countries witnessed a 39 per cent increase in the initial three days of December compared to the last day of November. Germany's ambassador to China expressed hope that these measures would be extended to all European Union members. Revisiting the visa-free travel policy China’s visa-free trade policy, announced in late November is an attempt to spur post-pandemic tourism. The second-largest economy has temporarily waived off the requirement for visas for residents of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia to enter the second-largest economy in the world. Citizens of certain nations who enter China for business, tourism, visiting family and friends, or transiting for fewer than 15 days will not require a visa if they enter between December 1 and November 30 next year. After three years of strict COVID-19 regulations that essentially closed its borders, China is trying to revitalise its tourism sector, including the resumption of foreign flight routes. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

China's visa-free initiative sparks surge in tourism: Report

One of the most prominent pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong, Agnes Chow, who was jailed over her role in massive 2019 protests, on Sunday (Dec 3) revealed that she has left Hong Kong for Canada and would probably not return to meet her bail conditions.&nbsp;

The 27-year-old finally broke her silence two-and-a-half years after she was released after spending seven months in jail over a protest outside Hong Kong police headquarters in 2019.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened to Chow?</h2>

Chow, on her 27th birthday, took to Instagram and published two posts saying that she had left Hong Kong for Toronto in mid-September for university studies and would not return to report to the police as her bail conditions demanded, in December or possibly ever.&nbsp;

In her first public comments since her release from prison in June 2021, she also detailed how she had remained under “supervision” from the authorities, the pressure of which led to her developing depression, anxiety, and PTSD.&nbsp;

Chow said that she managed to get her passport back after agreeing to take part in a propaganda tour in mainland China. She was released on police bail on conditions, including surrendering her passport and reporting regularly to the police.&nbsp;

In July, Hong Kong police offered to return her passport on the condition that Chow would travel with them to the Chinese city of Shenzhen.&nbsp;

In August, the 27-year-old accompanied by five police officers was shown an exhibition of China’s achievements and the headquarters of tech giant Tencent – where she was requested to pose for photos, which Chow speculated would be held as proof of her “patriotism” to China.

While she was not questioned by Chinese authorities or met any Communist party officials, Chow said that she felt like “I was under surveillance all the time”.&nbsp;

Upon her return to Hong Kong, she was asked to write a letter of thanks to the police for arranging the trip to “understand the great development of my motherland”.

She was allowed to leave after the national security authorities demanded she submit information about the course, timetable, accommodation and other records in Canada. Chow was also required to return to Hong Kong during college holidays.&nbsp;

It was only in recent weeks that Chow had decided not to return to Hong Kong citing fears that if she went back there would be more conditions placed on her, or would be prevented from leaving again.

“I don’t want to be forced to do anything any more, and I don’t want to be forced to go to mainland China any more,” said the 27-year-old.&nbsp;

“After…considering the situation in Hong Kong, my own safety, my physical and mental health, I decided not to go back, and will probably never go back for the rest of my life,” Chow wrote.&nbsp;

<h2>Hong Kong police ‘responds’</h2>

In a seeming response to Chow’s post, the Hong Kong police released a statement on Monday (Dec 4), condemning these “irresponsible behaviours that blatantly challenge law and order.”&nbsp;

It added, “The police appeal to the person involved to step back from the cliff and not choose to take a path of no return and bear the name of ‘fugitive’ for the rest of her life.”

Chow was once one of the most prominent young faces of the 2012, 2014 and 2019 protests against China’s increasingly authoritarian rule in Hong Kong and a core member of the now-disbanded group of younger activists Demosisto, which helped drive the movement.&nbsp;

Demosisto dissolved hours after Beijing passed a sweeping national security law in 2020. The law has led to more than 280 arrests. Chow was sentenced to 10 months in jail in Nov 2020 over an unauthorised assembly and faced an alleged national security charge.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

One of the most prominent pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong, Agnes Chow, who was jailed over her role in massive 2019 protests, on Sunday (Dec 3) revealed that she has left Hong Kong for Canada and would probably not return to meet her bail conditions.

One of the most prominent pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong, Agnes Chow, who was jailed over her role in massive 2019 protests, on Sunday (Dec 3) revealed that she has left Hong Kong for Canada and would probably not return to meet her bail conditions. The 27-year-old finally broke her silence two-and-a-half years after she was released after spending seven months in jail over a protest outside Hong Kong police headquarters in 2019. What happened to Chow? Chow, on her 27th birthday, took to Instagram and published two posts saying that she had left Hong Kong for Toronto in mid-September for university studies and would not return to report to the police as her bail conditions demanded, in December or possibly ever. In her first public comments since her release from prison in June 2021, she also detailed how she had remained under “supervision” from the authorities, the pressure of which led to her developing depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Chow said that she managed to get her passport back after agreeing to take part in a propaganda tour in mainland China. She was released on police bail on conditions, including surrendering her passport and reporting regularly to the police. In July, Hong Kong police offered to return her passport on the condition that Chow would travel with them to the Chinese city of Shenzhen. In August, the 27-year-old accompanied by five police officers was shown an exhibition of China’s achievements and the headquarters of tech giant Tencent – where she was requested to pose for photos, which Chow speculated would be held as proof of her “patriotism” to China. While she was not questioned by Chinese authorities or met any Communist party officials, Chow said that she felt like “I was under surveillance all the time”. Upon her return to Hong Kong, she was asked to write a letter of thanks to the police for arranging the trip to “understand the great development of my motherland”. She was allowed to leave after the national security authorities demanded she submit information about the course, timetable, accommodation and other records in Canada. Chow was also required to return to Hong Kong during college holidays. It was only in recent weeks that Chow had decided not to return to Hong Kong citing fears that if she went back there would be more conditions placed on her, or would be prevented from leaving again. “I don’t want to be forced to do anything any more, and I don’t want to be forced to go to mainland China any more,” said the 27-year-old. “After…considering the situation in Hong Kong, my own safety, my physical and mental health, I decided not to go back, and will probably never go back for the rest of my life,” Chow wrote. Hong Kong police ‘responds’ In a seeming response to Chow’s post, the Hong Kong police released a statement on Monday (Dec 4), condemning these “irresponsible behaviours that blatantly challenge law and order.” It added, “The police appeal to the person involved to step back from the cliff and not choose to take a path of no return and bear the name of ‘fugitive’ for the rest of her life.” Chow was once one of the most prominent young faces of the 2012, 2014 and 2019 protests against China’s increasingly authoritarian rule in Hong Kong and a core member of the now-disbanded group of younger activists Demosisto, which helped drive the movement. Demosisto dissolved hours after Beijing passed a sweeping national security law in 2020. The law has led to more than 280 arrests. Chow was sentenced to 10 months in jail in Nov 2020 over an unauthorised assembly and faced an alleged national security charge. (With inputs from agencies)

Jailed Hong Kong activist Agnes Chow jumps bail to move to Canada, breaks silence

China is experiencing a boom in tourism, The dailly average tourist numbers spike in China as the nation adjusted its visa policy.

China: Daily average tourist numbers spike in Beijing

Belarusian President Lukashenko has made his way to China, the second time this year, he is said to meet the Chinese President Xi Jinping to further the negotiations on various aspects.

Belarusian President Lukashenko on China visit, to meet China President Xi in Beijing | WION

The Philippines Coast Guard has released a video showing hundreds of Chinese maritime vessels gathered at a Coral Reef that lies within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone in the South China Sea.

China vessels at Reef off Philippines, 'Beijing's present alarming at Whitsun Reef' | World DNA

An award-winning journalist from Hong Kong has reportedly gone missing after her work trip to China in October, Japanese media outlet Kyodo News reported Thursday (Nov 30).

Minnie Chan, a defence and diplomacy expert, travelled to Beijing to report on the three-day Xiangshan Forum. However, she remained unreachable even days after the summit concluded on October 31.

The incident has raised concerns whether she has been arrested by Chinese authorities. According to media reports, Chan has been working with Alibaba-owned South China Morning Post (SCMP) since 2005.

Her last story appeared on the website on November 1, which shed light on the mediating role that China has been playing in the Israel-Hamas war.

SCMP has not commented on the matter so far; however, Kyodo News reported that the Post said she was on “personal leave” without giving more details citing privacy concerns.

<h2>Journalist association ‘deeply concerned’</h2>

The Hong Kong Journalists Association said in a statement on Friday that it “is deeply concerned for Minnie’s safety” and it is requesting more information from the Post.

Watch:&nbsp;China's crackdown on bankers

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One of Chan’s Facebook friends was quoted by Aljazeera as saying that her WhatsApp account showed her as last online on November 2 and added that her activities on the social media apps were “very strange” of late.

Additionally, another one of Chan’s Facebook friends, Andrei “Pinkov” Chang, said in a public post that Chan was always “very polite” and would respond to his messages but had stopped doing so in November.

<h2>China: Jailer of journalists</h2>

In the previous year, China was ranked as the second-highest jailer of journalists globally, following Iran, as reported by the Committee to Protect Journalists. In December 2022, at least 43 journalists were in custody.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/china-investment-bank-enforces-strict-measures-on-analysts-amid-regulatory-crackdown-664884">Also read:&nbsp;China investment bank enforces strict measures on analysts amid regulatory crackdown</a>

Chinese authorities have the power to detain a suspect for up to 37 days before an official arrest. Following an arrest, the suspect can be held for an additional 13.5 months before formal charges are brought, as outlined in a Canadian travel advisory.

The courts in China, under the influence of the ruling communist party, boast an almost 100 per cent conviction rate for individuals who undergo trial.

(With inputs from agencies)

An award-winning journalist from Hong Kong has reportedly gone missing after her work trip to China in October, Japanese media outlet Kyodo News reported Thursday (Nov 30).

An award-winning journalist from Hong Kong has reportedly gone missing after her work trip to China in October, Japanese media outlet Kyodo News reported Thursday (Nov 30). Minnie Chan, a defence and diplomacy expert, travelled to Beijing to report on the three-day Xiangshan Forum. However, she remained unreachable even days after the summit concluded on October 31. The incident has raised concerns whether she has been arrested by Chinese authorities. According to media reports, Chan has been working with Alibaba-owned South China Morning Post (SCMP) since 2005. Her last story appeared on the website on November 1, which shed light on the mediating role that China has been playing in the Israel-Hamas war. SCMP has not commented on the matter so far; however, Kyodo News reported that the Post said she was on “personal leave” without giving more details citing privacy concerns. Journalist association ‘deeply concerned’ The Hong Kong Journalists Association said in a statement on Friday that it “is deeply concerned for Minnie’s safety” and it is requesting more information from the Post. Watch: China's crackdown on bankers × One of Chan’s Facebook friends was quoted by Aljazeera as saying that her WhatsApp account showed her as last online on November 2 and added that her activities on the social media apps were “very strange” of late. Additionally, another one of Chan’s Facebook friends, Andrei “Pinkov” Chang, said in a public post that Chan was always “very polite” and would respond to his messages but had stopped doing so in November. China: Jailer of journalists In the previous year, China was ranked as the second-highest jailer of journalists globally, following Iran, as reported by the Committee to Protect Journalists. In December 2022, at least 43 journalists were in custody. Also read: China investment bank enforces strict measures on analysts amid regulatory crackdown Chinese authorities have the power to detain a suspect for up to 37 days before an official arrest. Following an arrest, the suspect can be held for an additional 13.5 months before formal charges are brought, as outlined in a Canadian travel advisory. The courts in China, under the influence of the ruling communist party, boast an almost 100 per cent conviction rate for individuals who undergo trial. (With inputs from agencies)

Award-winning journalist from Hong Kong goes missing after landing in Beijing

As November comes&nbsp;to an end, indications suggest that China's manufacturing activity is likely to contract for the second consecutive month, according to a Reuters poll. The official Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), expected to improve slightly to 49.7 from last month's unexpected drop to 49.5, remains below the critical 50-point threshold that separates contraction from expansion.

While some economists have observed green shoots in mixed October data, the consensus is that the economy is still grappling for traction, with predictions ranging between 49.0 and 50.2 and the majority anticipating a small contraction between 49.6 and 49.8.

The challenges facing China's economy persist despite a series of policy support measures, including the struggle in the property market, risks associated with local government debt, slow global growth, and geopolitical tensions.

The inability to achieve a robust post-COVID recovery has intensified the call for additional stimulus. Profit growth at China's industrial firms witnessed a slowdown, reverting to low single digits in the last month. Both new export and import orders contracted in October, underlining the headwinds faced by the manufacturing sector.

Analysts warn of a potential stagnation in China akin to Japan later this decade unless policymakers take decisive steps to reorient the economy toward household consumption and market-allocation of resources. While China's central bank governor expressed confidence in the country's healthy and sustainable growth in 2024 and beyond, he emphasised the need for structural reforms to reduce reliance on infrastructure and property for growth.

The government's pursuit of an annual economic growth target of 'around 5 per cent' for next year may necessitate additional stimulus measures, aligning with the goals set for this year.

The official PMI, a crucial economic indicator, is set to be released on Thursday, providing further insights into the state of China's manufacturing sector.

Concurrently, the private Caixin factory survey, scheduled for Friday, is anticipated to show a slight uptick to 49.8 from October's 49.5. The outcome of these reports will likely influence policymakers' decisions as they navigate the complex economic landscape and consider further measures to sustain growth and stability.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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As November comes to an end, indications suggest that China's manufacturing activity is likely to contract for the second consecutive month, according to a Reuters poll.

As November comes to an end, indications suggest that China's manufacturing activity is likely to contract for the second consecutive month, according to a Reuters poll. The official Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), expected to improve slightly to 49.7 from last month's unexpected drop to 49.5, remains below the critical 50-point threshold that separates contraction from expansion. While some economists have observed green shoots in mixed October data, the consensus is that the economy is still grappling for traction, with predictions ranging between 49.0 and 50.2 and the majority anticipating a small contraction between 49.6 and 49.8. The challenges facing China's economy persist despite a series of policy support measures, including the struggle in the property market, risks associated with local government debt, slow global growth, and geopolitical tensions. The inability to achieve a robust post-COVID recovery has intensified the call for additional stimulus. Profit growth at China's industrial firms witnessed a slowdown, reverting to low single digits in the last month. Both new export and import orders contracted in October, underlining the headwinds faced by the manufacturing sector. Analysts warn of a potential stagnation in China akin to Japan later this decade unless policymakers take decisive steps to reorient the economy toward household consumption and market-allocation of resources. While China's central bank governor expressed confidence in the country's healthy and sustainable growth in 2024 and beyond, he emphasised the need for structural reforms to reduce reliance on infrastructure and property for growth. The government's pursuit of an annual economic growth target of 'around 5 per cent' for next year may necessitate additional stimulus measures, aligning with the goals set for this year. The official PMI, a crucial economic indicator, is set to be released on Thursday, providing further insights into the state of China's manufacturing sector. Concurrently, the private Caixin factory survey, scheduled for Friday, is anticipated to show a slight uptick to 49.8 from October's 49.5. The outcome of these reports will likely influence policymakers' decisions as they navigate the complex economic landscape and consider further measures to sustain growth and stability. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

China's manufacturing sector faces second consecutive month of contraction. Here are the details

Are Russia and China secretly discussing building an undersea tunnel that connects mainland Russia to Crimea? If the reports are true, then it would mark an unprecedented collaboration as Beijing does not officially recognise Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea.

Gravitas: Are China and Russia 'Secretly' Building an Undersea Tunnel To Crimea?

Beijing police are investigating suspected crimes committed by Zhongzhi Group, a leading Chinese wealth manager. This comes just days after the company told investors it is heavily insolvent with up to $64 billion in liabilities. A social media post from Beijing authorities said it is looking into "many" suspects involved with the company. It encourages investors to report their losses & help the authorities with the investigation.

Beijing police probing suspected crimes of Zhongzhi Group

Concerns are being raised about an 'undiagnosed pneumonia' epidemic reportedly affecting Chinese children. China's hospitals are reportedly "overwhelmed with sick children" as a pneumonia outbreak spreads throughout Beijing and other Chinese cities. While, China responded to WHO by saying, that they have found 'no unusual or novel Pathogens'.

China responds to WHO, says 'no unusual or novel Pathogens' have been detected

A new Human Rights Watch report alleges that China is destroying or repurposing mosques - it is called Beijing's crackdown on mosques and is part of China's efforts to target the practice of Islam in the country.

China: Human Rights Watch says mosques have been altered or closed down

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