Leaders from India's political left joined the Chinese ambassador on a seminar celebrating 100 years of the Chinese Communist Party. What explains this cross-border communist love story? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: India's left leaders celebrate Chinese communism

A Chinese poet and current affairs commentator has committed suicide in Guangdong province following "unbearable" surveillance under the tenure of President Xi Jinping.

Li Huizhi, 62, was a vocal critic of Xi Jinping's policies. He breathed his last in a hospital in Guangdong's Huizhou city, Radio Free Asia reported.

His friend Li Xuewen told RFA that the poet had posted a suicide note online before taking his own life.

"After he had posted his suicide note online, he turned off his phone," Li Xuewen said. "He took the pesticide, and was taken to hospital after that."

The note suggested that Li had found the increased surveillance under the tenure of ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) general secretary Xi Jinping unbearable.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-concern-over-china-nukes-buildup-after-new-silos-report-401052">Also read |&nbsp;US concern over China nukes buildup after new silos report</a>

There has been less and less room for freedom of public expression since Xi Jinping took power, the letter said.

Li himself had been made a "ministry-level" stability maintenance target during the 2019 National People's Congress (NPC) meetings in Beijing.

According to RFA, Li's phone was monitored and he had to report to the state security police if he wanted to make a trip out of town, the letter said.

Li had also suffered a stroke in March 2021, after which his mobility had been greatly affected, it said.

"He was forced to use a wheelchair after the stroke, and suffered from paralysis in his right arm," Li Xuewen told RFA. "It really did a lot of damage ... he wasn't able to write properly."

"But he learned pretty quickly how to type with his left hand and carried on writing articles."

The letter said Li had made repeated requests for the authorities to call off their surveillance teams, but to no avail.

A Chinese poet and current affairs commentator has committed suicide in Guangdong province following "unbearable" surveillance under the tenure of President Xi Jinping.

A Chinese poet and current affairs commentator has committed suicide in Guangdong province following "unbearable" surveillance under the tenure of President Xi Jinping. Li Huizhi, 62, was a vocal critic of Xi Jinping's policies. He breathed his last in a hospital in Guangdong's Huizhou city, Radio Free Asia reported. His friend Li Xuewen told RFA that the poet had posted a suicide note online before taking his own life. "After he had posted his suicide note online, he turned off his phone," Li Xuewen said. "He took the pesticide, and was taken to hospital after that." The note suggested that Li had found the increased surveillance under the tenure of ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) general secretary Xi Jinping unbearable. Also read | US concern over China nukes buildup after new silos report There has been less and less room for freedom of public expression since Xi Jinping took power, the letter said. Li himself had been made a "ministry-level" stability maintenance target during the 2019 National People's Congress (NPC) meetings in Beijing. According to RFA, Li's phone was monitored and he had to report to the state security police if he wanted to make a trip out of town, the letter said. Li had also suffered a stroke in March 2021, after which his mobility had been greatly affected, it said. "He was forced to use a wheelchair after the stroke, and suffered from paralysis in his right arm," Li Xuewen told RFA. "It really did a lot of damage ... he wasn't able to write properly." "But he learned pretty quickly how to type with his left hand and carried on writing articles." The letter said Li had made repeated requests for the authorities to call off their surveillance teams, but to no avail.

Chinese poet committed suicide under 'unbearable' surveillance by the CCP

The 'soft-pedal coverage' of the Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech at the Communist Party centenary has left US experts sounding the alarm bells. Geopolitical experts believe that commercial motive could be behind the mellow reporting of the communist nation by American media.

According to Fox News, the mainstream media in the United States had a celebratory tone leading up to the 100-year anniversary of CCP, despite its poor human rights record.

China expert Gordon Chang believes that a lot of news organizations want to do business in China, and as a result, they are willing to mellow down their coverage.

"I think it's because a lot of news organizations want to do business in China, and so they are willing to soft-pedal coverage and they are not willing to give context where context is required," Chang told Fox. "I think there's the commercial motive there."

During the 100th founding anniversary of the CCP, Xi threatened that any nation that gets in the way of China's priorities "will find their heads bashed bloody against a great wall of steel".

According to Chang, the mainstream media didn't pick up on an "important message" that was sent to America through the communist leader's rhetoric.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippine-military-plane-carrying-85-people-crashes-40-rescued-395665">Also read |&nbsp;Philippine military plane carrying 85 people crashes; 40 rescued</a>

"What they should have said was that Xi Jinping has territorial designs on other countries. So really what he was saying was that he's going to wage war on the region. And that was not pointed out," Chang said, adding that most American media outlets lack context when covering China and failed to pick up on a key element of the speech.

On Thursday, former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the Chinese President is serious about his 'bashing heads bloody' remark and called on President Joe Biden's administration to strengthen its policies against Beijing.

Pompeo urged the Biden administration to take the Chinese threat seriously and that the Chinese President sees America as 'weak'. "We've seen this now for six months with this administration: unprepared to respond to Chinese aggression," he said.

Pompeo further remarked: "Xi is serious. He has confidence, he's aggressive. He thinks America is declining. He's wrong about that but it's going to take American leadership to prove him wrong."

According to Fox News, China revelled in what it views as the bedrock of the nation's global success. However, they will without a doubt fail to mention that tens of millions of people have been killed at the hands of the CCP.&nbsp;

The 'soft-pedal coverage' of the Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech at the Communist Party centenary has left US experts sounding the alarm bells. Geopolitical experts believe that commercial motive could be behind the mellow reporting of the communist nation by American media.

The 'soft-pedal coverage' of the Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech at the Communist Party centenary has left US experts sounding the alarm bells. Geopolitical experts believe that commercial motive could be behind the mellow reporting of the communist nation by American media. According to Fox News, the mainstream media in the United States had a celebratory tone leading up to the 100-year anniversary of CCP, despite its poor human rights record. China expert Gordon Chang believes that a lot of news organizations want to do business in China, and as a result, they are willing to mellow down their coverage. "I think it's because a lot of news organizations want to do business in China, and so they are willing to soft-pedal coverage and they are not willing to give context where context is required," Chang told Fox. "I think there's the commercial motive there." During the 100th founding anniversary of the CCP, Xi threatened that any nation that gets in the way of China's priorities "will find their heads bashed bloody against a great wall of steel". According to Chang, the mainstream media didn't pick up on an "important message" that was sent to America through the communist leader's rhetoric. Also read | Philippine military plane carrying 85 people crashes; 40 rescued "What they should have said was that Xi Jinping has territorial designs on other countries. So really what he was saying was that he's going to wage war on the region. And that was not pointed out," Chang said, adding that most American media outlets lack context when covering China and failed to pick up on a key element of the speech. On Thursday, former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the Chinese President is serious about his 'bashing heads bloody' remark and called on President Joe Biden's administration to strengthen its policies against Beijing. Pompeo urged the Biden administration to take the Chinese threat seriously and that the Chinese President sees America as 'weak'. "We've seen this now for six months with this administration: unprepared to respond to Chinese aggression," he said. Pompeo further remarked: "Xi is serious. He has confidence, he's aggressive. He thinks America is declining. He's wrong about that but it's going to take American leadership to prove him wrong." According to Fox News, China revelled in what it views as the bedrock of the nation's global success. However, they will without a doubt fail to mention that tens of millions of people have been killed at the hands of the CCP.

US experts raise alarm over 'soft-pedal coverage' of CCP's centenary

According to a new report published by Human Rights Watch, the Xi Jinping regime is monitoring Chinese students living in Australia. If the students make statements critical of the CCP or in support of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement, then their families back home are threatened with dire consequences.

Beijing monitors Chinese students at Universities in Australia

The Chinese Communist Party puts up a great extravaganza as it celebrates its 100th founding anniversary which comes as Hong Kong marks 24 years of its handover.

Beijing celebrates 100th founding anniversary of Chinese Communist Party

President Xi Jinping has called for some comprehensive implementation of China's governance in Hong Kong as the Chinese Communist Party is celebrating its 100th founding anniversary which comes as Hong Kong for its part is marking 24 years since its handover.

Chinese Communist Party celebrates centenary of founding

Clocking in the centenary celebrations of the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from the balcony of Tiananmen Gate in Beijing, Xi Jinping highlighted the work that the party had done to transform China into a 'superpower' since its establishment in 1921 under Mao Zedong.

Xi Jinping says era of China being bullied is gone

Every piece of evidence points to a leak of coronavirus from the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV), said US former state secretary Mike Pompeo, adding that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) must be held "accountable".

Pompeo`s remarks come after a US media reported three Wuhan lab staff sought hospitalisation after they fell ill in November 2019, weeks before China reported the first patient with COVID-19-like symptoms.

He claimed that the CCP has "done everything" to cover up and deflect blame.

"The CCP was actively engaged in viral research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Every piece of evidence points to a leak from this laboratory. The CCP has done everything to cover up and deflect blame, even blaming the U.S. Prove it. They must be held accountable," he tweeted.

A US State Department fact sheet released by the Trump administration in January said the researchers had become sick in autumn 2019 and displayed "symptoms consistent with both Covid-19 and common seasonal illness."China reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) that the first patient with Covid-like symptoms was recorded in Wuhan on December 8, 2019.

"The US government has reason to believe that several researchers inside the WIV became sick in autumn 2019, before the first identified case of the outbreak, with symptoms consistent with both Covid-19 and common seasonal illnesses," the report read.

Recently, Anthony Fauci, a top adviser to US President Joe Biden on the coronavirus pandemic said he`s "not convinced" the deadly virus developed naturally and has called for further investigations into where it emerged. Fauci was asked during a Poynter event, "United Facts of America: A Festival of Fact-Checking," earlier this month about whether he was confident that Covid-19 developed naturally, Fox News reported.

"No actually. I am not convinced about that. I think we should continue to investigate what went on in China until we continue to find out to the best of our ability what happened," Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases, said.

"Certainly, the people who investigated it say it likely was the emergence from an animal reservoir that then infected individuals, but it could have been something else, and we need to find that out. So, you know, that`s the reason why I said I`m perfectly in favour of any investigation that looks into the origin of the virus," he added.

Last month, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken launched a scathing attack against China for a lack of transparency during "the early stages" of the coronavirus pandemic and called for a more thorough investigation into the origins of Covid-19. Blinken`s remarks came following the publishing of a joint inquiry by the World Health Organization and China in March.

The inquiry did not conclusively establish how or when the virus began spreading and did little to address Western concerns that the Chinese Communist Party bent the investigation to its advantage.

The WHO report determined that the possibility the virus came from a lab was "extremely unlikely," noting there was "no record" any lab had closely related viruses.

The probe was criticised by the US, UK, and other governments over its limited access to "complete, original data and samples". The organization was also accused of being overly deferential to China throughout the study, which was co-authored by 17 Chinese scientists -- several of them from state-run institutions.

Every piece of evidence points to a leak of coronavirus from the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV), said US former state secretary Mike Pompeo, adding that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) must be held "accountable".

Every piece of evidence points to a leak of coronavirus from the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV), said US former state secretary Mike Pompeo, adding that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) must be held "accountable". Pompeo`s remarks come after a US media reported three Wuhan lab staff sought hospitalisation after they fell ill in November 2019, weeks before China reported the first patient with COVID-19-like symptoms. He claimed that the CCP has "done everything" to cover up and deflect blame. "The CCP was actively engaged in viral research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Every piece of evidence points to a leak from this laboratory. The CCP has done everything to cover up and deflect blame, even blaming the U.S. Prove it. They must be held accountable," he tweeted. A US State Department fact sheet released by the Trump administration in January said the researchers had become sick in autumn 2019 and displayed "symptoms consistent with both Covid-19 and common seasonal illness."China reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) that the first patient with Covid-like symptoms was recorded in Wuhan on December 8, 2019. "The US government has reason to believe that several researchers inside the WIV became sick in autumn 2019, before the first identified case of the outbreak, with symptoms consistent with both Covid-19 and common seasonal illnesses," the report read. Recently, Anthony Fauci, a top adviser to US President Joe Biden on the coronavirus pandemic said he`s "not convinced" the deadly virus developed naturally and has called for further investigations into where it emerged. Fauci was asked during a Poynter event, "United Facts of America: A Festival of Fact-Checking," earlier this month about whether he was confident that Covid-19 developed naturally, Fox News reported. "No actually. I am not convinced about that. I think we should continue to investigate what went on in China until we continue to find out to the best of our ability what happened," Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases, said. "Certainly, the people who investigated it say it likely was the emergence from an animal reservoir that then infected individuals, but it could have been something else, and we need to find that out. So, you know, that`s the reason why I said I`m perfectly in favour of any investigation that looks into the origin of the virus," he added. Last month, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken launched a scathing attack against China for a lack of transparency during "the early stages" of the coronavirus pandemic and called for a more thorough investigation into the origins of Covid-19. Blinken`s remarks came following the publishing of a joint inquiry by the World Health Organization and China in March. The inquiry did not conclusively establish how or when the virus began spreading and did little to address Western concerns that the Chinese Communist Party bent the investigation to its advantage. The WHO report determined that the possibility the virus came from a lab was "extremely unlikely," noting there was "no record" any lab had closely related viruses. The probe was criticised by the US, UK, and other governments over its limited access to "complete, original data and samples". The organization was also accused of being overly deferential to China throughout the study, which was co-authored by 17 Chinese scientists -- several of them from state-run institutions.

Evidence suggests leak of coronavirus from Wuhan lab, CCP must be held accountable: Pompeo

After the coronavirus outbreak, face masks have become potent symbols in how leaders have responded to a public health crisis that often collides with politics and economic concerns.

But despite being one of the first countries in the world to authorize vaccines for use, China has said nothing about the vaccination status of its top leaders, who all including President Xi Jinping.

Chinese President Xi Jinping appeared without face masks in Beijing at the gathering of the National People’s Congress and its advisory body, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.

Not only Xi but Chinese Premier Li Keqiang moved around the Great Hall of the People mask-free.

Meanwhile, China has been stepping up coronavirus vaccine production as it looks to vaccinate its 1.4 billion population and boost its vaccine diplomacy to make strategic gains.&nbsp;

Last Friday, China welcomed India supplying more COVID-19 vaccines to a number of countries, playing down reports that New Delhi has beaten Beijing in its vaccine diplomacy around the world.

Responding to a question on a report that India has beaten China at its own game of vaccine diplomacy, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin during a media briefing said, "We welcome that and hope to see more countries taking actions to provide vaccines to the world, especially developing countries, to help with the global response".

"China has been overcoming domestic difficulties to provide vaccines to other countries in concrete measure," he said, flagging China's own vaccine requirement to inoculate its 1.4 billion population.

He reiterated that China has been providing vaccines to 53 countries and exporting vaccines to 27 countries, amid reports that many of those countries are yet to receive Chinese vaccines or the promised quantities.&nbsp;

The coronavirus has mostly been brought under control inside China's borders, while the country's economy has rapidly rebounded from the damage dealt by the pandemic.

(With inputs from agencies)

After the coronavirus outbreak, face masks have become potent symbols in how leaders have responded to a public health crisis that often collides with politics and economic concerns.

After the coronavirus outbreak, face masks have become potent symbols in how leaders have responded to a public health crisis that often collides with politics and economic concerns. But despite being one of the first countries in the world to authorize vaccines for use, China has said nothing about the vaccination status of its top leaders, who all including President Xi Jinping. Chinese President Xi Jinping appeared without face masks in Beijing at the gathering of the National People’s Congress and its advisory body, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. Not only Xi but Chinese Premier Li Keqiang moved around the Great Hall of the People mask-free. Meanwhile, China has been stepping up coronavirus vaccine production as it looks to vaccinate its 1.4 billion population and boost its vaccine diplomacy to make strategic gains. Last Friday, China welcomed India supplying more COVID-19 vaccines to a number of countries, playing down reports that New Delhi has beaten Beijing in its vaccine diplomacy around the world. Responding to a question on a report that India has beaten China at its own game of vaccine diplomacy, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin during a media briefing said, "We welcome that and hope to see more countries taking actions to provide vaccines to the world, especially developing countries, to help with the global response". "China has been overcoming domestic difficulties to provide vaccines to other countries in concrete measure," he said, flagging China's own vaccine requirement to inoculate its 1.4 billion population. He reiterated that China has been providing vaccines to 53 countries and exporting vaccines to 27 countries, amid reports that many of those countries are yet to receive Chinese vaccines or the promised quantities. The coronavirus has mostly been brought under control inside China's borders, while the country's economy has rapidly rebounded from the damage dealt by the pandemic. (With inputs from agencies)

Xi Jinping appears without face mask at National People’s Congress

A Chinese delegation team led by vice minister of the Communist Party of China met senior Nepal Communist Party leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda and discussed the political situation in the country.

Nepal: Chinese delegation meets NCP leaders to avert party split

China said today that reports of United States blocking imports of cotton it says are harvested with "slave labour" in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nike-and-coca-cola-lobby-against-xinjiang-forced-labor-bill-346470">Xinjiang</a> region is "fake news of so-called forced labour".

Watch:

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The New York Times had reported that the US government will issue new entry rules for Chinese Communist Party members travelling to the United States.

The Chinese foreign ministry slammed the move asserting that it shows "hatred and abnormal mindset towards the Communist Party."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-bans-cotton-imports-from-chinese-producer-citing-xinjiang-slave-labour-347087">Also Read:&nbsp;US bans cotton imports from Chinese producer, citing Xinjiang slave labour</a>

Reports said&nbsp;that the Trump administration had issued new rules to curtail travel to the United States by members of the Chinese Communist Party by limiting the maximum validity of travel visas for party members and their families to one month and a single entry.

Earlier, CCP members could obtain visitor visas to the United States for up to 10 years. The move is likely to hit top Chinese officials and business leaders, the report said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-tightens-visa-rules-for-chinese-communist-party-members-347141">Also Read:&nbsp;US tightens visa rules for Chinese Communist Party members</a>

The Trump administration in its last few weeks has decided to put a stranglehold on China with reports indicating that US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency will "Withhold Release Order" ban on cotton and cotton products from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-outbreak-in-china-shows-ties-with-forced-labour-in-xinjiang-338937">Xinjiang</a> Production and Construction Corps (XPCC).

The new order allows US Customs and Border Protection officials to detain ships containing cotton originating from Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps.

The United States government has alleged that China has held at least 1 million Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang camps and forced them to work even as China says it is a vocational training centre.

China's foreign ministry said, "Their aim is to constrain and oppress relevant parties and enterprises in China and curb China's development." Chinese foreign ministry official said workers in Xinjiang "choose occupations based on their own wishes."

Xinjiang is a major cotton hub of China. The US House of Representatives had earlier in September unanimously voted to ban all imports from Xinjiang but the bill has yet to pass the Senate.

China said today that reports of United States blocking imports of cotton it says are harvested with "slave labour" in Xinjiang region is "fake news of so-called forced labour".

China said today that reports of United States blocking imports of cotton it says are harvested with "slave labour" in Xinjiang region is "fake news of so-called forced labour". Watch: The New York Times had reported that the US government will issue new entry rules for Chinese Communist Party members travelling to the United States. The Chinese foreign ministry slammed the move asserting that it shows "hatred and abnormal mindset towards the Communist Party." Also Read: US bans cotton imports from Chinese producer, citing Xinjiang slave labour Reports said that the Trump administration had issued new rules to curtail travel to the United States by members of the Chinese Communist Party by limiting the maximum validity of travel visas for party members and their families to one month and a single entry. Earlier, CCP members could obtain visitor visas to the United States for up to 10 years. The move is likely to hit top Chinese officials and business leaders, the report said. Also Read: US tightens visa rules for Chinese Communist Party members The Trump administration in its last few weeks has decided to put a stranglehold on China with reports indicating that US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency will "Withhold Release Order" ban on cotton and cotton products from the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC). The new order allows US Customs and Border Protection officials to detain ships containing cotton originating from Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. The United States government has alleged that China has held at least 1 million Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang camps and forced them to work even as China says it is a vocational training centre. China's foreign ministry said, "Their aim is to constrain and oppress relevant parties and enterprises in China and curb China's development." Chinese foreign ministry official said workers in Xinjiang "choose occupations based on their own wishes." Xinjiang is a major cotton hub of China. The US House of Representatives had earlier in September unanimously voted to ban all imports from Xinjiang but the bill has yet to pass the Senate.

US ban of CCP members: Abnormal mindset towards Communist Party, says China

The Trump administration Wednesday issued new rules to curtail travel to the United States by members of the Chinese Communist Party and their immediate families, a move certain to further exacerbate tensions between the countries.

The new policy, which took immediate effect, limits the maximum validity of travel visas for party members and their families to one month and a single entry, according to two people familiar with the matter. A State Department spokesman said in an emailed statement it was reducing the validity of visas for party members from 10 years to one month.

Previously, party members, like other Chinese citizens, could obtain visitor visas for the United States of up to 10 years in duration. The new measures do not affect party members’ eligibility for other kinds of visas, such as immigration, one of the people added.

In principle, the policy change could affect the travel of roughly 270 million people — China has about 92 million Communist Party members — although in practice, it might be difficult to determine who, apart from high-level officials, belongs to the party. The new visa rules add to the now yearslong conflict between the countries on trade, technology and much else.

According to the people familiar with the rules, the new guidelines allow U.S. officials to make a determination about someone’s party status based on their visa application and interview, as well as officials’ local understanding of Communist Party membership. That could mean that the policy disproportionately hits China’s top government and business leaders rather than the millions of lower-level members who join the party to get a leg up in areas as varied as business and the arts.

A spokesman for the State Department said the move was a part of “ongoing policy, regulatory, and law-enforcement action across the U.S. government to protect our nation from the CCP’s malign influence.”

“For decades we allowed the CCP free and unfettered access to U.S. institutions and businesses while these same privileges were never extended freely to U.S. citizens in China,” he added in an emailed statement.

The new rules are likely to raise hackles in Beijing for targeting the heart of China’s ruling elite. Even so, the restrictions are more moderate than an outright ban on travel by party members, which Trump administration officials had discussed this summer.

Such restrictions are likely to prompt retaliation from China’s government, though travel between China and the United States has already been hugely limited by the pandemic. In 2018, almost 3 million Chinese citizens traveled to the United States.

Coming in the twilight of the Trump administration, the new rules and the likely Chinese retaliation will be yet another challenge to the incoming administration of President-elect Joe Biden, who is inheriting a U.S.-China relationship that is in its worst state since the normalization of diplomatic ties in 1979.

While some have expected a reset of relations from Biden, his views on China have hardened since he was vice president under President Barack Obama. Biden appears to be committed to leaving in place many of the tough measures taken by the Trump administration, including tariffs and restrictions on Chinese technology. He has said he will forcefully address China’s human rights violations, including mass detentions in the western region of Xinjiang. Chinese officials have worried that Biden will be more effective at leading a broader global pushback against China.

Under Trump, the State Department has also announced other visa restrictions on various categories of Chinese citizens. These include officials responsible for the mass internment and surveillance of Muslim ethnic minorities in the Xinjiang region, journalists working in the United States and officials deemed to be responsible for the political crackdown in Hong Kong.

In May, U.S. officials said the government was canceling the visas of graduate- or higher-level students in the United States who had ties to certain Chinese military institutions. Chinese students make up the largest group of international students in the country.

The Trump administration Wednesday issued new rules to curtail travel to the United States by members of the Chinese Communist Party and their immediate families, a move certain to further exacerbate tensions between the countries.

The Trump administration Wednesday issued new rules to curtail travel to the United States by members of the Chinese Communist Party and their immediate families, a move certain to further exacerbate tensions between the countries. The new policy, which took immediate effect, limits the maximum validity of travel visas for party members and their families to one month and a single entry, according to two people familiar with the matter. A State Department spokesman said in an emailed statement it was reducing the validity of visas for party members from 10 years to one month. Previously, party members, like other Chinese citizens, could obtain visitor visas for the United States of up to 10 years in duration. The new measures do not affect party members’ eligibility for other kinds of visas, such as immigration, one of the people added. In principle, the policy change could affect the travel of roughly 270 million people — China has about 92 million Communist Party members — although in practice, it might be difficult to determine who, apart from high-level officials, belongs to the party. The new visa rules add to the now yearslong conflict between the countries on trade, technology and much else. According to the people familiar with the rules, the new guidelines allow U.S. officials to make a determination about someone’s party status based on their visa application and interview, as well as officials’ local understanding of Communist Party membership. That could mean that the policy disproportionately hits China’s top government and business leaders rather than the millions of lower-level members who join the party to get a leg up in areas as varied as business and the arts. A spokesman for the State Department said the move was a part of “ongoing policy, regulatory, and law-enforcement action across the U.S. government to protect our nation from the CCP’s malign influence.” “For decades we allowed the CCP free and unfettered access to U.S. institutions and businesses while these same privileges were never extended freely to U.S. citizens in China,” he added in an emailed statement. The new rules are likely to raise hackles in Beijing for targeting the heart of China’s ruling elite. Even so, the restrictions are more moderate than an outright ban on travel by party members, which Trump administration officials had discussed this summer. Such restrictions are likely to prompt retaliation from China’s government, though travel between China and the United States has already been hugely limited by the pandemic. In 2018, almost 3 million Chinese citizens traveled to the United States. Coming in the twilight of the Trump administration, the new rules and the likely Chinese retaliation will be yet another challenge to the incoming administration of President-elect Joe Biden, who is inheriting a U.S.-China relationship that is in its worst state since the normalization of diplomatic ties in 1979. While some have expected a reset of relations from Biden, his views on China have hardened since he was vice president under President Barack Obama. Biden appears to be committed to leaving in place many of the tough measures taken by the Trump administration, including tariffs and restrictions on Chinese technology. He has said he will forcefully address China’s human rights violations, including mass detentions in the western region of Xinjiang. Chinese officials have worried that Biden will be more effective at leading a broader global pushback against China. Under Trump, the State Department has also announced other visa restrictions on various categories of Chinese citizens. These include officials responsible for the mass internment and surveillance of Muslim ethnic minorities in the Xinjiang region, journalists working in the United States and officials deemed to be responsible for the political crackdown in Hong Kong. In May, U.S. officials said the government was canceling the visas of graduate- or higher-level students in the United States who had ties to certain Chinese military institutions. Chinese students make up the largest group of international students in the country.

US tightens visa rules for Chinese Communist Party members

Every year, China celebrates Martyrs’ Day on September 30, one day before the National Day of the People’s Republic of China.

Martyrs are those who have sacrificed their lives for the national cause, and how a country remembers its martyrs is a hallmark of its society and polity. Some countries observe national holidays, others have monuments dedicated to the martyrs.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/brahmos-another-deterrent-against-the-ever-aggressive-neighbour-china-331507" hreflang="en">BrahMos: Another deterrent against the ever-aggressive neighbour China</a>

China’s Martyrs’ Day was first observed in 2014 to commemorate Chinese martyrs, mostly from the war against Japan. The idea is to place communist fighters at the centre of China’s battles against foreign powers. Naturally, martyrs who did not belong to the party were quickly forgotten.

President Xi Jinping led the tributes at Tiananmen Square, where senior communist leaders and members of the politburo were in attendance. Floral tributes for the fallen heroes could be seen, along with a military parade overseen by President Xi.

Can CPC&nbsp;pass the patriotism test?

For that, we don’t have to go back 80 years to the Sino-Japanese war.&nbsp;

In mid-June 2020, deadly clashes broke out in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh. The Indian army was quick to confirm casualties - as many as 20 soldiers were killed in action by Chinese troops. Their names will soon be inscribed at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. Prime Minister Modi paid floral tributes to them in Leh.

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What about China?

It’s been 77 days since the clashes at Galwan, with no word on Chinese casualties. The Indian Army and Chinese state media admitted that China lost soldiers in the clash, and American intel reports indicate the same -&nbsp; as many as 35 Chinese soldiers were killed.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/vatican-must-show-courage-against-china-suggests-us-secretary-of-state-mike-pompeo-331522" hreflang="en">Vatican must show 'courage' against China, suggests US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo</a>

Revealing casualties doesn’t fit well with China’s global ambitions, and in its bid to project the PLA as an invincible fighting force.

By ignoring Chinese martyrs at Galwan and honouring those from almost a century back, China has made one thing clear: Martyrs' day is less about remembering fallen heroes, and more about shaping the legacy around the Communist Party of China.

Every year, China celebrates Martyrs’ Day on September 30, one day before the National Day of the People’s Republic of China. Martyrs are those who have sacrificed their lives for the national cause, and how a country remembers its martyrs is a hallmark of its society and polity.

Every year, China celebrates Martyrs’ Day on September 30, one day before the National Day of the People’s Republic of China. Martyrs are those who have sacrificed their lives for the national cause, and how a country remembers its martyrs is a hallmark of its society and polity. Some countries observe national holidays, others have monuments dedicated to the martyrs. Also read: BrahMos: Another deterrent against the ever-aggressive neighbour China China’s Martyrs’ Day was first observed in 2014 to commemorate Chinese martyrs, mostly from the war against Japan. The idea is to place communist fighters at the centre of China’s battles against foreign powers. Naturally, martyrs who did not belong to the party were quickly forgotten. President Xi Jinping led the tributes at Tiananmen Square, where senior communist leaders and members of the politburo were in attendance. Floral tributes for the fallen heroes could be seen, along with a military parade overseen by President Xi. Can CPC pass the patriotism test? For that, we don’t have to go back 80 years to the Sino-Japanese war. In mid-June 2020, deadly clashes broke out in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh. The Indian army was quick to confirm casualties - as many as 20 soldiers were killed in action by Chinese troops. Their names will soon be inscribed at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. Prime Minister Modi paid floral tributes to them in Leh. × What about China? It’s been 77 days since the clashes at Galwan, with no word on Chinese casualties. The Indian Army and Chinese state media admitted that China lost soldiers in the clash, and American intel reports indicate the same - as many as 35 Chinese soldiers were killed. Also read: Vatican must show 'courage' against China, suggests US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Revealing casualties doesn’t fit well with China’s global ambitions, and in its bid to project the PLA as an invincible fighting force. By ignoring Chinese martyrs at Galwan and honouring those from almost a century back, China has made one thing clear: Martyrs' day is less about remembering fallen heroes, and more about shaping the legacy around the Communist Party of China.

China marked Martyrs' Day today. But does it really care about fallen soldiers?

Equal distribution of wealth and public ownership of land is the foundation of Communism. A Communist society is one that strives towards being classless and stateless.

However, 22,000 people from China and Hong Kong have money stashed in offshore accounts. The people of China are unaware of it.&nbsp;China is an oligarchy and&nbsp;its people are being led by 21st-century Tsars.

At least $4 trillion in untraced assets have left China since 2000.&nbsp;The money has gone into offshore accounts and trusts. China's elites own secret companies abroad. &nbsp;They operate offshore accounts. At least 15 of them are members of China's National People's Congress.

Then there are members of the Politburo Standing Committee and some family members of President Xi Jinping.&nbsp;Deng Jiagui is the&nbsp;brother-in-law of Xi Jinping. He is also the owner of the&nbsp;offshore companies - Victory Enterprises Ltd, Best Effect Enterprises Ltd, and Wealth Ming International Ltd.

These companies are located in the British Virgin Island. The first company was dissolved in 2007. The other two companies have been laying low.&nbsp;Li Xiaolin is&nbsp;the daughter of former Chinese Premier Li Peng.

Li Xiaolin and her husband own an offshore firm called Cofic Investment. Their company is based out of the British Virgin Island.

Jasmin Li Zidan is the grand-daughter of the former Politburo Standing Committee member Jia Kinglin. Jasmin owns an offshore company called Harvest Sun Trading Limited.

Also in the list is a grandson-in-law of former CCP chairman&nbsp;Mao Zedong whose name is Che Dong-Sheng.&nbsp;He incorporated Keen Best International Limited&nbsp;in the British Virgin Islands in 2011. Chen is also the head of a life insurance company and an art auction house.

The question is how did they manage to set up companies abroad? The international consortium of investigative journalists ran a study.&nbsp;They found that these Chinese elites were helped by Western financial groups.&nbsp;Swiss financial giant Credit Suisse, for example&nbsp;reportedly helped Wen Jiabao's son create his company. It&nbsp;was at a time when Wen Jiabao was leading China.

Xi's&nbsp;administration does not require government&nbsp;officials to disclose their personal assets. They&nbsp;conceal their assets through&nbsp;censorship.&nbsp;Any reports regarding offshore assets are quickly taken off the internet as China likes to project&nbsp;itself as a no-nonsense society.

Public figures are routinely arrested to hammer the point home. From actor Fan Bingbing and Interpol chief Meng Hongwei, if someone still demands government officials to disclose their assets they are jailed.

Equal distribution of wealth and public ownership of land is the foundation of Communism. A Communist society is one that strives towards being classless and stateless.

Equal distribution of wealth and public ownership of land is the foundation of Communism. A Communist society is one that strives towards being classless and stateless. However, 22,000 people from China and Hong Kong have money stashed in offshore accounts. The people of China are unaware of it. China is an oligarchy and its people are being led by 21st-century Tsars. At least $4 trillion in untraced assets have left China since 2000. The money has gone into offshore accounts and trusts. China's elites own secret companies abroad. They operate offshore accounts. At least 15 of them are members of China's National People's Congress. Then there are members of the Politburo Standing Committee and some family members of President Xi Jinping. Deng Jiagui is the brother-in-law of Xi Jinping. He is also the owner of the offshore companies - Victory Enterprises Ltd, Best Effect Enterprises Ltd, and Wealth Ming International Ltd. These companies are located in the British Virgin Island. The first company was dissolved in 2007. The other two companies have been laying low. Li Xiaolin is the daughter of former Chinese Premier Li Peng. Li Xiaolin and her husband own an offshore firm called Cofic Investment. Their company is based out of the British Virgin Island. Jasmin Li Zidan is the grand-daughter of the former Politburo Standing Committee member Jia Kinglin. Jasmin owns an offshore company called Harvest Sun Trading Limited. Also in the list is a grandson-in-law of former CCP chairman Mao Zedong whose name is Che Dong-Sheng. He incorporated Keen Best International Limited in the British Virgin Islands in 2011. Chen is also the head of a life insurance company and an art auction house. The question is how did they manage to set up companies abroad? The international consortium of investigative journalists ran a study. They found that these Chinese elites were helped by Western financial groups. Swiss financial giant Credit Suisse, for example reportedly helped Wen Jiabao's son create his company. It was at a time when Wen Jiabao was leading China. Xi's administration does not require government officials to disclose their personal assets. They conceal their assets through censorship. Any reports regarding offshore assets are quickly taken off the internet as China likes to project itself as a no-nonsense society. Public figures are routinely arrested to hammer the point home. From actor Fan Bingbing and Interpol chief Meng Hongwei, if someone still demands government officials to disclose their assets they are jailed.

How China's Politburo members own offshore companies

China will be celebrating the 93rd founding anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on August 1. Formed in 1927 during the Nanchang uprising by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), PLA was formed as an armed wing to counter the Kuomintang’s anti-communist purges during the Chinese civil wars. Watch report.

Fineprint: China to celebrate 93rd foundation day on August 1 | World News

On Chinese Communist Party's 99th anniversary, a timeline of how it became so controversial

Countries around the world are not only speaking up against the Chinese wrongdoings but also stepping up their defences. They are punishing China in every possible way, some are taking the business route, and others are preparing their military.

The United States has hit China's Technological power and banned Chinese firms Huawei and ZTE corporations.

Washington has said that Huawei, ZTE, their parent companies and subsidiaries are all 'national security threats', so the companies will no longer be allowed to function in the United States.

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The tussle between Washington, Huawei and ZTE is almost a decade old, the first US action against them dates back to 2012.

The Obama administration had blacklisted ZTE, trump had slapped ZTE with a 1.3 billion fine.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday applauded India’s sweeping ban on Chinese apps including TikTok, saying New Delhi was ensuring its own security.

“We welcome India’s ban on certain mobile apps” from China, Pompeo told reporters, saying the move would “boost India’s integrity and national security.”

China's new enemy Australia

Canberra is increasing its defence spending to counter the rise of China. Canberra has committed to 270 billion dollars in defence spending over the next 10 years. The plan is to build a larger military.

One that is focused on its immediate backyard. Over the next four years, Australia will add at least 800 more people to its defence force.650 of them will join the navy, 100 people will be added to the air force and the army will get 50 new men.

So, Australia is preparing to take on China on the high seas if provoked and Scott Morrison is not being shy about it.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison saying: “Australia will invest in longer-range strike weapons, cyber capabilities and area denial. As mentioned we are expanding our plans to acquire long-range, maritime and land strike capabilities and to invest in more highly integrated sensors and weapons.”

China has not just stolen information through technology or been a bullying trade partner. China has also stolen land. 
&nbsp; 
China is currently guilty of grabbing land from 18 countries. The dragon is a repeat offender, it is engaged in land disputes around the world. 
 
China is engaged in a land dispute with Japan. Over parts of the South China Sea. Especially Senkaku islands and the Ryukyu Islands.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
China also has land disputes with Vietnam at the South China Sea. Goes without saying that the dragon has occupied 38,000 sq Km of India’s Aksai China. Beijing also stakes a claim on Arunachal and Ladakh.

Beijing claims parts of Nepal dating back to the Sino-Nepalese war. China has a land dispute with North Korea. Beijing says Baekdu Mountain and Jiandao belongs to belongs China. With the Philippines — China is engaged in a tussle over parts of the South China Sea.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Russia too has not to be spared, China has grabbed 160,000 square kilometres of the Russian land.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
This list again is long, Charting out China's land grab would mean sitting here all night. Apart from the countries, I have already mentioned. China has also staked a claim in territories belonging to Singapore.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
South Korea, Bhutan, Taiwan, Laos, Brunei, Tajikistan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Mongolia. That makes it a total of 18 countries and this is China's land grabs alone.

Throw in its trade wars, diplomatic battles and you would hardly be left with any countries that China has not rubbed the wrong way. So, it is safe to say. There is a global chorus against China and Beijing's censuring was a long time coming.

Countries around the world are not only speaking up against the Chinese wrongdoings but also stepping up their defences. They are punishing China in every possible way, some are taking the business route, and others are preparing their military.

Countries around the world are not only speaking up against the Chinese wrongdoings but also stepping up their defences. They are punishing China in every possible way, some are taking the business route, and others are preparing their military. The United States has hit China's Technological power and banned Chinese firms Huawei and ZTE corporations. Washington has said that Huawei, ZTE, their parent companies and subsidiaries are all 'national security threats', so the companies will no longer be allowed to function in the United States. The tussle between Washington, Huawei and ZTE is almost a decade old, the first US action against them dates back to 2012. The Obama administration had blacklisted ZTE, trump had slapped ZTE with a 1.3 billion fine. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday applauded India’s sweeping ban on Chinese apps including TikTok, saying New Delhi was ensuring its own security. “We welcome India’s ban on certain mobile apps” from China, Pompeo told reporters, saying the move would “boost India’s integrity and national security.” China's new enemy Australia Canberra is increasing its defence spending to counter the rise of China. Canberra has committed to 270 billion dollars in defence spending over the next 10 years. The plan is to build a larger military. One that is focused on its immediate backyard. Over the next four years, Australia will add at least 800 more people to its defence force.650 of them will join the navy, 100 people will be added to the air force and the army will get 50 new men. So, Australia is preparing to take on China on the high seas if provoked and Scott Morrison is not being shy about it. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison saying: “Australia will invest in longer-range strike weapons, cyber capabilities and area denial. As mentioned we are expanding our plans to acquire long-range, maritime and land strike capabilities and to invest in more highly integrated sensors and weapons.” China has not just stolen information through technology or been a bullying trade partner. China has also stolen land. China is currently guilty of grabbing land from 18 countries. The dragon is a repeat offender, it is engaged in land disputes around the world. China is engaged in a land dispute with Japan. Over parts of the South China Sea. Especially Senkaku islands and the Ryukyu Islands. China also has land disputes with Vietnam at the South China Sea. Goes without saying that the dragon has occupied 38,000 sq Km of India’s Aksai China. Beijing also stakes a claim on Arunachal and Ladakh. Beijing claims parts of Nepal dating back to the Sino-Nepalese war. China has a land dispute with North Korea. Beijing says Baekdu Mountain and Jiandao belongs to belongs China. With the Philippines — China is engaged in a tussle over parts of the South China Sea. Russia too has not to be spared, China has grabbed 160,000 square kilometres of the Russian land. This list again is long, Charting out China's land grab would mean sitting here all night. Apart from the countries, I have already mentioned. China has also staked a claim in territories belonging to Singapore. South Korea, Bhutan, Taiwan, Laos, Brunei, Tajikistan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Mongolia. That makes it a total of 18 countries and this is China's land grabs alone. Throw in its trade wars, diplomatic battles and you would hardly be left with any countries that China has not rubbed the wrong way. So, it is safe to say. There is a global chorus against China and Beijing's censuring was a long time coming.

India must take a strong stand against China

The Communist Party of China (CPC) on Wednesday completed 99 years in power. China has seen seven presidents since the time CPC took control of the country.

The&nbsp;founder of the People's Republic of China, Mao Zedong, led a classic totalitarian regime. Under Zedong's rule, industries came under state ownership and political rivals we purged in the cultural revolution.&nbsp;

During the Deng Xiaoping era, Maoism was abandoned and China launched its reform and opening-up policy. The era brought an end to the one-man rule.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/none-of-your-business-china-slams-foreign-critics-over-hong-kong-law-309907">Also Read:&nbsp;'None of your business': China slams foreign critics over Hong Kong law</a>

Deng supported the idea of collective leadership and orderly succession. His policies were followed by his successors -&nbsp;Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao. 
 
But, Xi Jinping has taken China back to Maoism. Under his term, China has removed term limits and the Communist Party has tightened its grip on china.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-fears-admitting-galwan-valley-casualties-may-lead-to-unrest-dissident-309905">Also Read: China fears admitting Galwan valley casualties may lead to unrest</a>

Jinping defines China as a people’s democracy. Chinese constitution also mentions the word democracy, however, that is just another attempt to legitimize china’s autocratic political system.&nbsp;

For the Communist Party, democracy has been a difficult concept to tackle and China doesn’t really have a clear definition for its own political setup.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Communist Party of China (CPC) on Wednesday completed 99 years in power. China has seen seven presidents since the time CPC took control of the country. The founder of the People's Republic of China, Mao Zedong, led a classic totalitarian regime.

The Communist Party of China (CPC) on Wednesday completed 99 years in power. China has seen seven presidents since the time CPC took control of the country. The founder of the People's Republic of China, Mao Zedong, led a classic totalitarian regime. Under Zedong's rule, industries came under state ownership and political rivals we purged in the cultural revolution. During the Deng Xiaoping era, Maoism was abandoned and China launched its reform and opening-up policy. The era brought an end to the one-man rule. Also Read: 'None of your business': China slams foreign critics over Hong Kong law Deng supported the idea of collective leadership and orderly succession. His policies were followed by his successors - Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao. But, Xi Jinping has taken China back to Maoism. Under his term, China has removed term limits and the Communist Party has tightened its grip on china. Also Read: China fears admitting Galwan valley casualties may lead to unrest Jinping defines China as a people’s democracy. Chinese constitution also mentions the word democracy, however, that is just another attempt to legitimize china’s autocratic political system. For the Communist Party, democracy has been a difficult concept to tackle and China doesn’t really have a clear definition for its own political setup.

Communist Party of China completes 99 years of existence

National security law for Hong Kong is the top&nbsp;agenda of the three-day meeting of China’s legislative body, with draft disclosure not expected before bill’s passage as per local delegates.

However, pro-establishment heavyweight Ip Kwok-him, who was in Beijing to observe the discussion, remained tight-lipped over the draft of the legislation, refusing to disclose whether the law would carry a life sentence or be retroactive.

“I can only say the bill has been clearly drafted,” he said, adding that details were unlikely to be disclosed before the passage of the law.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kongers-march-in-silent-protest-against-national-security-laws-309172">Hong Kongers march in silent protest against national security laws</a>

China moved a step closer to passing a controversial law targeting dissent in Hong Kong after a top law-making committee discussed the bill on Sunday, state media reported.

The Communist Party leadership says the national security law is needed to end political unrest after the city was rocked by months of pro-democracy protests last year, but critics fear the law would smother the financial hub's treasured freedoms.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-visa-restrictions-on-chinese-officials-over-hong-kong-issue-308910">US imposes visa restrictions on Chinese officials over Hong Kong issue</a>

Delegates at a meeting of the National People's Congress Standing Committee reviewed the draft of the law at the committee's second meeting of the month on Sunday, the official Xinhua news agency said without giving details of the bill's latest contents.

Sunday's discussion means the committee is expected to vote on and adopt the law, which is being fast-tracked, in the next few days.&nbsp;

China's parliament endorsed the planned legislation last month, sending the draft to the Standing Committee for discussion and revision.

International critics and opposition politicians in Hong Kong have voiced fears that the law will effectively end the "One Country, Two Systems" arrangement granting the former British colony freedoms unseen on the mainland.

Xinhua said earlier this month that China will set up a "national security agency" in the semi-autonomous city, and that the new law will override any existing Hong Kong laws that may conflict with it.

China had agreed before Britain handed the territory over in 1997 to let Hong Kong maintain certain liberties and autonomy until 2047 -- including legislative and judicial independence and freedom of speech.

Article 23 of Hong Kong's mini-constitution, the Basic Law, says the city must enact a bill to prohibit "treason, secession, sedition (and) subversion" against the Chinese government.&nbsp;

But an attempt to pass it through the city’s legislature in 2003 was shelved because of mass protests.

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National security law for Hong Kong is the top agenda of the three-day meeting of China’s legislative body, with draft disclosure not expected before bill’s passage as per local delegates.

National security law for Hong Kong is the top agenda of the three-day meeting of China’s legislative body, with draft disclosure not expected before bill’s passage as per local delegates. However, pro-establishment heavyweight Ip Kwok-him, who was in Beijing to observe the discussion, remained tight-lipped over the draft of the legislation, refusing to disclose whether the law would carry a life sentence or be retroactive. “I can only say the bill has been clearly drafted,” he said, adding that details were unlikely to be disclosed before the passage of the law. Also read: Hong Kongers march in silent protest against national security laws China moved a step closer to passing a controversial law targeting dissent in Hong Kong after a top law-making committee discussed the bill on Sunday, state media reported. The Communist Party leadership says the national security law is needed to end political unrest after the city was rocked by months of pro-democracy protests last year, but critics fear the law would smother the financial hub's treasured freedoms. Also read: US imposes visa restrictions on Chinese officials over Hong Kong issue Delegates at a meeting of the National People's Congress Standing Committee reviewed the draft of the law at the committee's second meeting of the month on Sunday, the official Xinhua news agency said without giving details of the bill's latest contents. Sunday's discussion means the committee is expected to vote on and adopt the law, which is being fast-tracked, in the next few days. China's parliament endorsed the planned legislation last month, sending the draft to the Standing Committee for discussion and revision. International critics and opposition politicians in Hong Kong have voiced fears that the law will effectively end the "One Country, Two Systems" arrangement granting the former British colony freedoms unseen on the mainland. Xinhua said earlier this month that China will set up a "national security agency" in the semi-autonomous city, and that the new law will override any existing Hong Kong laws that may conflict with it. China had agreed before Britain handed the territory over in 1997 to let Hong Kong maintain certain liberties and autonomy until 2047 -- including legislative and judicial independence and freedom of speech. Article 23 of Hong Kong's mini-constitution, the Basic Law, says the city must enact a bill to prohibit "treason, secession, sedition (and) subversion" against the Chinese government. But an attempt to pass it through the city’s legislature in 2003 was shelved because of mass protests.

Hong Kong's national security law tops meeting agenda of China's legislative body

Indian and Chinese soldiers were recently involved in a conflict across the Line of Actual Control.

While India quickly declared its fatalities along with the details of the incident, China has remained mum on what went down at the border.

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However, in typical China style, the press in the country has also failed to report on the skirmish.

No details have been divulged about Chinese losses in Galwan. On global platforms, China pins the blame on India for being the “aggressor”, while domestically the country has not reported the incident at all!

From the Global Times to the People's Daily and the PLA Daily, there has minimal to no coverage of the border face off. Most of it has been pushed away into small columns.

A complete blackout!

The Global Times duly reported the casualties on the Indian side, but made no mention of local casualties.

Another state mouthpiece Xinhua ran Xi Jinping’s phone call with Ecuadorian president as its biggest story.

China Daily’s headline read “India urged to halt border violation”, calling India’s actions a violation of its territorial sovereignty.

Another headline from Xinhua read “Chinese military urges India to return to correct track of dialogue and negotiations”.

CGTN, another major Chinese outlet wrote “China's military urges India to stop provocative actions along border areas”

However, Chinese troops continue to conduct large-scale military drills along the border.

Indian and Chinese soldiers were recently involved in a conflict across the Line of Actual Control. While India quickly declared its fatalities along with the details of the incident, China has remained mum on what went down at the border.

Indian and Chinese soldiers were recently involved in a conflict across the Line of Actual Control. While India quickly declared its fatalities along with the details of the incident, China has remained mum on what went down at the border. However, in typical China style, the press in the country has also failed to report on the skirmish. No details have been divulged about Chinese losses in Galwan. On global platforms, China pins the blame on India for being the “aggressor”, while domestically the country has not reported the incident at all! From the Global Times to the People's Daily and the PLA Daily, there has minimal to no coverage of the border face off. Most of it has been pushed away into small columns. A complete blackout! The Global Times duly reported the casualties on the Indian side, but made no mention of local casualties. Another state mouthpiece Xinhua ran Xi Jinping’s phone call with Ecuadorian president as its biggest story. China Daily’s headline read “India urged to halt border violation”, calling India’s actions a violation of its territorial sovereignty. Another headline from Xinhua read “Chinese military urges India to return to correct track of dialogue and negotiations”. CGTN, another major Chinese outlet wrote “China's military urges India to stop provocative actions along border areas” However, Chinese troops continue to conduct large-scale military drills along the border.

While the world anxiously watches India-China standoff, Chinese media blacks out the conflict!

United Front Department, a secretive arm of the C.C.P has time & again been called Xi Jinping's 'magic weapon'. At home, this body helps Beijing keep track of dissidents & minorities. Across the world, it is influencing minds through Confucius institutes.

Gravitas: United Front | Xi Jinping's 'magic weapon'

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