Public debates about China’s Middle East policy are as much internal Chinese discussions as they are indications of where Beijing’s thinking is going and efforts to nudge countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to accommodate potential policy changes.

Relying on scholars rather than officials, China is signalling to Gulf states adjustments they would have to make to enable China to become more engaged in regional security and geopolitics.

The subtext in the scholars’ writings and statements is that a failure to reduce tension, particularly with Iran, could persuade China to either reduce its economic involvement in the Middle East or focus on relations with non-Arab states, two of which are arch-rivals of Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

At the bottom line, China’s subtle hints at what it would like Gulf states to do is in line with a Russian proposal that calls for a non-aggression agreement with Iran and possibly Turkey that would significantly reduce the risk of disputes spinning out of control and allow China to expand its engagement beyond economics.

In the latest blast, Chinese Middle East scholar Fan Hongda suggested that China rather than “overestimating” the importance of Arab states should pay more attention to the Middle East’s non-Arab powers, Turkey, Israel, and particularly Iran.

"Given Iran's expressed willingness to strengthen bilateral relations (with Beijing), China needs to respond more actively," Mr Fan said in an op-ed published by Lianhe Zaobao, a Chinese language newspaper in Singapore.

Driving the point home, Mr Fan argued in two articles in Hamshahri, a popular Iranian newspaper published by the municipality of Tehran, that China should forge closer ties to Iran irrespective of US policy or potential Arab opposition. “These overcautious concerns have no advantage whatsoever for the 'second most powerful country in the world,” Mr Fan said referring to China.

The timing of Mr Fan’s article will not have been lost on Gulf leaders. It comes on the back of the publication in Iran of a draft 25-year multi-billion dollar Chinese-Iranian agreement on economic and military cooperation. The draft sparked intense speculation about Chinese Middle East policy and how realistic an agreement was.

To capitalize on the speculation, Iran substantially increased the number of companies populating its pavilion at this month’s China International Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai.

Mr Fan’s article was further published as US President-elect Joe Biden prepares to take office in January with the stated intention to break with Donald J. Trump’s harsh ‘maximum pressure’ sanctions policy and return the United States to the 2015 international agreement that curbed Iran’s nuclear program. Mr Trump withdrew from the agreement in 2018.

China’s suggestion that it has alternatives in the Middle East puts pressure on countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE as they try to come to grips with a Biden administration that is likely to put greater emphasis on human rights and take a more critical view towards Gulf involvement in wars in Yemen and Libya.

Similarly, the suggestion anticipated a Biden administration effort to rejigger, if not reduce, the United States’ security commitment to the Middle East and possibly entertain a more multilateral regional architecture.

Mr Fan’s proposal follows an article by prominent Chinese scholars Sun Degang and Wu Sike &nbsp;arguing that the Middle East was a “key region in big power diplomacy with Chinese characteristics in a new era.”

Messrs. Sun and Wu indicated that Chinese characteristics would involve “seeking common ground while reserving differences,” a formula that implies conflict management rather than conflict resolution.

The scholars said Chinese engagement in Middle Eastern security would seek to build an inclusive and shared regional collective security mechanism based on fairness, justice, multilateralism, comprehensive governance, and the containment of differences.

Earlier, Niu Xinchun, director of Middle East studies at China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR), widely viewed as one of China’s most influential think tanks, adopted a different tone to drive the same message home: China’s interest in the Middle East was waning. To avoid losing China, Gulf states need to create a degree of stability.

“For China, the Middle East is always on the very distant backburner of China’s strategic global strategies … Covid-19, combined with the oil price crisis, will dramatically change the Middle East. (This) will change China’s investment model in the Middle East,” Mr. Niu said.

With few exceptions, Gulf states and media have largely remained silent about Chinese voices that reflect thinking in Beijing that calls into question China’s relations with key Arab states.

No doubt, Gulf states believe that China’s dependence on Middle Eastern energy and their significance to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) makes them all but indispensable.

The BRI is Chinese President’s Xi Jinping’s energy, infrastructure, and telecommunications-driven Eurasia-wide signature foreign policy initiative.

While the Gulf states may not be wrong, they remain vulnerable in an environment in which shifts in US policy force them to hedge their bets and be more attentive to the positions of China in an increasingly multi-polar world. 
 
Said Mordechai Chaziza, an expert on China-Middle East relations: “Beijing has indeed become more concerned about the stability of Middle Eastern regimes. Its growing regional interests combined with its BRI ambitions underscore that Middle East stability, particularly in the Persian Gulf, is now a matter of strategic concern for China.” 
A podcast version of this story is available on Soundcloud, Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Spreaker, Pocket Casts, Tumblr, Podbean, Audecibel, Patreon and Castbox.

(With inputs from Dr Alessandro Arduino, he is a principal research fellow at the Middle East Institute of the National University of Singapore.)

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do&nbsp;not represent the views of&nbsp;WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse&nbsp;the views of the writer)

Public debates about China’s Middle East policy are as much internal Chinese discussions as they are indications of where Beijing’s thinking is going and efforts to nudge countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to accommodate potential policy changes.

Public debates about China’s Middle East policy are as much internal Chinese discussions as they are indications of where Beijing’s thinking is going and efforts to nudge countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to accommodate potential policy changes. Relying on scholars rather than officials, China is signalling to Gulf states adjustments they would have to make to enable China to become more engaged in regional security and geopolitics. The subtext in the scholars’ writings and statements is that a failure to reduce tension, particularly with Iran, could persuade China to either reduce its economic involvement in the Middle East or focus on relations with non-Arab states, two of which are arch-rivals of Saudi Arabia and the UAE. At the bottom line, China’s subtle hints at what it would like Gulf states to do is in line with a Russian proposal that calls for a non-aggression agreement with Iran and possibly Turkey that would significantly reduce the risk of disputes spinning out of control and allow China to expand its engagement beyond economics. In the latest blast, Chinese Middle East scholar Fan Hongda suggested that China rather than “overestimating” the importance of Arab states should pay more attention to the Middle East’s non-Arab powers, Turkey, Israel, and particularly Iran. "Given Iran's expressed willingness to strengthen bilateral relations (with Beijing), China needs to respond more actively," Mr Fan said in an op-ed published by Lianhe Zaobao, a Chinese language newspaper in Singapore. Driving the point home, Mr Fan argued in two articles in Hamshahri, a popular Iranian newspaper published by the municipality of Tehran, that China should forge closer ties to Iran irrespective of US policy or potential Arab opposition. “These overcautious concerns have no advantage whatsoever for the 'second most powerful country in the world,” Mr Fan said referring to China. The timing of Mr Fan’s article will not have been lost on Gulf leaders. It comes on the back of the publication in Iran of a draft 25-year multi-billion dollar Chinese-Iranian agreement on economic and military cooperation. The draft sparked intense speculation about Chinese Middle East policy and how realistic an agreement was. To capitalize on the speculation, Iran substantially increased the number of companies populating its pavilion at this month’s China International Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai. Mr Fan’s article was further published as US President-elect Joe Biden prepares to take office in January with the stated intention to break with Donald J. Trump’s harsh ‘maximum pressure’ sanctions policy and return the United States to the 2015 international agreement that curbed Iran’s nuclear program. Mr Trump withdrew from the agreement in 2018. China’s suggestion that it has alternatives in the Middle East puts pressure on countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE as they try to come to grips with a Biden administration that is likely to put greater emphasis on human rights and take a more critical view towards Gulf involvement in wars in Yemen and Libya. Similarly, the suggestion anticipated a Biden administration effort to rejigger, if not reduce, the United States’ security commitment to the Middle East and possibly entertain a more multilateral regional architecture. Mr Fan’s proposal follows an article by prominent Chinese scholars Sun Degang and Wu Sike arguing that the Middle East was a “key region in big power diplomacy with Chinese characteristics in a new era.” Messrs. Sun and Wu indicated that Chinese characteristics would involve “seeking common ground while reserving differences,” a formula that implies conflict management rather than conflict resolution. The scholars said Chinese engagement in Middle Eastern security would seek to build an inclusive and shared regional collective security mechanism based on fairness, justice, multilateralism, comprehensive governance, and the containment of differences. Earlier, Niu Xinchun, director of Middle East studies at China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR), widely viewed as one of China’s most influential think tanks, adopted a different tone to drive the same message home: China’s interest in the Middle East was waning. To avoid losing China, Gulf states need to create a degree of stability. “For China, the Middle East is always on the very distant backburner of China’s strategic global strategies … Covid-19, combined with the oil price crisis, will dramatically change the Middle East. (This) will change China’s investment model in the Middle East,” Mr. Niu said. With few exceptions, Gulf states and media have largely remained silent about Chinese voices that reflect thinking in Beijing that calls into question China’s relations with key Arab states. No doubt, Gulf states believe that China’s dependence on Middle Eastern energy and their significance to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) makes them all but indispensable. The BRI is Chinese President’s Xi Jinping’s energy, infrastructure, and telecommunications-driven Eurasia-wide signature foreign policy initiative. While the Gulf states may not be wrong, they remain vulnerable in an environment in which shifts in US policy force them to hedge their bets and be more attentive to the positions of China in an increasingly multi-polar world. Said Mordechai Chaziza, an expert on China-Middle East relations: “Beijing has indeed become more concerned about the stability of Middle Eastern regimes. Its growing regional interests combined with its BRI ambitions underscore that Middle East stability, particularly in the Persian Gulf, is now a matter of strategic concern for China.” A podcast version of this story is available on Soundcloud, Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Spreaker, Pocket Casts, Tumblr, Podbean, Audecibel, Patreon and Castbox. (With inputs from Dr Alessandro Arduino, he is a principal research fellow at the Middle East Institute of the National University of Singapore.) (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

Subtly, China pressures Gulf states to reduce regional tensions

Taiwan began construction on a fleet of indigenous submarines on Tuesday, the latest move by the out-gunned island to bolster its defences against increasingly bellicose threats from Beijing.

Democratic Taiwan lives under the constant threat of invasion by communist China, which views the self-ruled island as part of its territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if necessary.&nbsp;

Beijing has piled on military, economic and diplomatic pressure since the election of President Tsai Ing-wen in 2016, in part due to her refusal to acknowledge its stance that the island is part of "one China".

"We are letting the world see Taiwan's strong will to defend its sovereignty," Tsai said at a ceremony marking the start of construction in a shipyard in southern Kaohsiung city.

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The long-mooted project aims to deliver eight new submarines, with the first expected by 2025 according to officials.

Taiwan's navy currently has four submarines, including two built by the United States in the 1940s.

In recent decades Taiwan has had to ramp up its own defence industry as China pressures other countries against selling it major weapon platforms.

It has made significant progress on missiles and built its own fighter jet, but its military might is dwarfed by China's People's Liberation Army.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-join-annual-taiwan-protest-anger-focussed-on-us-pork-344692">Thousands join annual Taiwan protest, anger focussed on US pork</a>

Washington initially approved an offer back in 2001 to supply eight conventional submarines, but the sale never came to fruition.

Over the same period, China has built itself one of the world's largest navies, with nuclear-powered submarines, aircraft carriers and latest-generation hypersonic missiles within its arsenal.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has adopted the most openly hostile stance towards Taiwan since Mao Zedong.&nbsp;

Chinese jets have neared Taiwan's air defence zones at an unprecedented rate this year, forcing Taipei to repeatedly scramble its own ageing fleet.

But the wariness of major arms manufacturing powers to sell to Taiwan may be fading.&nbsp;

Outgoing US President Donald Trump was far more willing to sign off on advanced weapon systems to Taiwan, approving some $18 billion worth of sales, including new-generation fighter jets.&nbsp;

Taiwan began construction on a fleet of indigenous submarines on Tuesday, the latest move by the out-gunned island to bolster its defences against increasingly bellicose threats from Beijing.

Taiwan began construction on a fleet of indigenous submarines on Tuesday, the latest move by the out-gunned island to bolster its defences against increasingly bellicose threats from Beijing. Democratic Taiwan lives under the constant threat of invasion by communist China, which views the self-ruled island as part of its territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if necessary. Beijing has piled on military, economic and diplomatic pressure since the election of President Tsai Ing-wen in 2016, in part due to her refusal to acknowledge its stance that the island is part of "one China". "We are letting the world see Taiwan's strong will to defend its sovereignty," Tsai said at a ceremony marking the start of construction in a shipyard in southern Kaohsiung city. × The long-mooted project aims to deliver eight new submarines, with the first expected by 2025 according to officials. Taiwan's navy currently has four submarines, including two built by the United States in the 1940s. In recent decades Taiwan has had to ramp up its own defence industry as China pressures other countries against selling it major weapon platforms. It has made significant progress on missiles and built its own fighter jet, but its military might is dwarfed by China's People's Liberation Army. Also read| Thousands join annual Taiwan protest, anger focussed on US pork Washington initially approved an offer back in 2001 to supply eight conventional submarines, but the sale never came to fruition. Over the same period, China has built itself one of the world's largest navies, with nuclear-powered submarines, aircraft carriers and latest-generation hypersonic missiles within its arsenal. Chinese President Xi Jinping has adopted the most openly hostile stance towards Taiwan since Mao Zedong. Chinese jets have neared Taiwan's air defence zones at an unprecedented rate this year, forcing Taipei to repeatedly scramble its own ageing fleet. But the wariness of major arms manufacturing powers to sell to Taiwan may be fading. Outgoing US President Donald Trump was far more willing to sign off on advanced weapon systems to Taiwan, approving some $18 billion worth of sales, including new-generation fighter jets.

Taiwan expanding submarine fleet as China threat grows

'Pakistan's fortunes are linked to China's growth'. We are not saying this, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said this earlier this year. But history has shown that depending on China is not prudent. Pakistan is learning this, but a bit late. China wants a higher interest rate on its loans. It is stalling infrastructure projects until an agreement is reached.

Meanwhile, Islamabad's external debt continues to grow.

Watch |&nbsp;

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Main Line Project in Pakistan is a railway line that runs all the way from Karachi in South to Peshawar in North. It is the largest Chines initiative in Pakistan. More than 2600 kilometres of railway track is being built at a cost of 6.8 billion US Dollars. Pakistan will bear only 10 per cent of the project cost while the rest of the money will come from China not as an investment, but as loans.

Pakistan wants to pay 1 per cent interest on these loans. But China is playing hardball and has resorted to delay ing tactics. The project is a classic example of how China works.

Refusing to fund its all-weather ally, is bad optics. Agreeing to a bad deal is bad economics.&nbsp;

So what does China do?

Squeeze Pakistan until it offers better terms.

And China can very well succeed here as Pakistan's railway network is in shambles. It badly needs the project to succeed. Pakistan's Railway Minister claims this initiative will create 1,50,000 jobs. This estimate is unrealistic but Main Line 1 is expected to boost transport. Particularly cargo transport.

Constriction was slated to start from January 2021. But as China is disagreeing to Pakistan's proposal, phase-1 is expected to be delayed. Reeling under the pressure from borrowers Pakistan has approached the G-20. It has secured a relief of 3.2 billion dollars. It offers Islamabad some room to negotiate with Beijing.

But if China refuses to budge, can Pakistan secure more loans? Western countries are hesitant to lend to Pakistan They are worries that their money will be used to repay Chinese loans. So there are chances that Pakistan would agree to Beijing unfavourable deal. This is a step one of what is called a debt trap.

But China can lay this trap without worry because Pakistan's Prime Minister has already tipped his hand. Imran Khan admitted this year, that his country' s fortunes are linked to China's growth.

2020 marks 5 years of China-Pakistan economic corridor. Less than 30 per cent of the projects have been completed. 40 per cent of all energy projects run on coal turning Pakistan into a pollution hub. CPEC was supposed to industrialise Pakistan, turn it into a manufacturing hub.

Instead, economic zones lie vacant. Only one Special Economic Zone in Gwadar is operational.

This episode is a lesson for all countries vying for Chinese funds. These funds have one objective, to lay a debt trap.

'Pakistan's fortunes are linked to China's growth'. We are not saying this, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said this earlier this year. But history has shown that depending on China is not prudent.

'Pakistan's fortunes are linked to China's growth'. We are not saying this, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said this earlier this year. But history has shown that depending on China is not prudent. Pakistan is learning this, but a bit late. China wants a higher interest rate on its loans. It is stalling infrastructure projects until an agreement is reached. Meanwhile, Islamabad's external debt continues to grow. Watch | Main Line Project in Pakistan is a railway line that runs all the way from Karachi in South to Peshawar in North. It is the largest Chines initiative in Pakistan. More than 2600 kilometres of railway track is being built at a cost of 6.8 billion US Dollars. Pakistan will bear only 10 per cent of the project cost while the rest of the money will come from China not as an investment, but as loans. Pakistan wants to pay 1 per cent interest on these loans. But China is playing hardball and has resorted to delay ing tactics. The project is a classic example of how China works. Refusing to fund its all-weather ally, is bad optics. Agreeing to a bad deal is bad economics. So what does China do? Squeeze Pakistan until it offers better terms. And China can very well succeed here as Pakistan's railway network is in shambles. It badly needs the project to succeed. Pakistan's Railway Minister claims this initiative will create 1,50,000 jobs. This estimate is unrealistic but Main Line 1 is expected to boost transport. Particularly cargo transport. Constriction was slated to start from January 2021. But as China is disagreeing to Pakistan's proposal, phase-1 is expected to be delayed. Reeling under the pressure from borrowers Pakistan has approached the G-20. It has secured a relief of 3.2 billion dollars. It offers Islamabad some room to negotiate with Beijing. But if China refuses to budge, can Pakistan secure more loans? Western countries are hesitant to lend to Pakistan They are worries that their money will be used to repay Chinese loans. So there are chances that Pakistan would agree to Beijing unfavourable deal. This is a step one of what is called a debt trap. But China can lay this trap without worry because Pakistan's Prime Minister has already tipped his hand. Imran Khan admitted this year, that his country' s fortunes are linked to China's growth. 2020 marks 5 years of China-Pakistan economic corridor. Less than 30 per cent of the projects have been completed. 40 per cent of all energy projects run on coal turning Pakistan into a pollution hub. CPEC was supposed to industrialise Pakistan, turn it into a manufacturing hub. Instead, economic zones lie vacant. Only one Special Economic Zone in Gwadar is operational. This episode is a lesson for all countries vying for Chinese funds. These funds have one objective, to lay a debt trap.

China is dragging Pakistan in a debt-trap

The coronavirus outbreak is a global crisis. It is a major health challenge for Bangladesh too but, it is also an opportunity. A chance for Bangladesh to wean businesses away from China and bring them home. In fact, foreign businesses based in China want to move out. They are looking at India and Bangladesh as their new home.&nbsp;

In an attempt to lure companies seeking to move their manufacturing base from China, Bangladesh is looking at simplifying its foreign direct investment (FDI) policy as well as the corporate taxation system.

According to reports, the Bangladesh government has already formed a committee to make the necessary recommendations for a simplified FDI policy and taxation system.

The coronavirus outbreak has exposed how lopsided the global supply chains really are. Companies want to reduce their dependence on China now and India and Bangladesh are emerging as a viable option.

Despite the negative impact of deadly coronavirus all over the world, Bangladesh is maintaining a positive economic growth rate when compared to other economies.

Bangladesh’s GDP will increase by 3.8% in 2020-21, according to projections from the International Monetary Fund.

Bangladesh has been doing remarkably steadily and quite well in terms of macroeconomic performance. It did not have any balance of payment shocks in the last 20-30 years.

(With inputs from agencies)

The coronavirus outbreak is a global crisis. It is a major health challenge for Bangladesh too but, it is also an opportunity. A chance for Bangladesh to wean businesses away from China and bring them home.

The coronavirus outbreak is a global crisis. It is a major health challenge for Bangladesh too but, it is also an opportunity. A chance for Bangladesh to wean businesses away from China and bring them home. In fact, foreign businesses based in China want to move out. They are looking at India and Bangladesh as their new home. In an attempt to lure companies seeking to move their manufacturing base from China, Bangladesh is looking at simplifying its foreign direct investment (FDI) policy as well as the corporate taxation system. According to reports, the Bangladesh government has already formed a committee to make the necessary recommendations for a simplified FDI policy and taxation system. The coronavirus outbreak has exposed how lopsided the global supply chains really are. Companies want to reduce their dependence on China now and India and Bangladesh are emerging as a viable option. Despite the negative impact of deadly coronavirus all over the world, Bangladesh is maintaining a positive economic growth rate when compared to other economies. Bangladesh’s GDP will increase by 3.8% in 2020-21, according to projections from the International Monetary Fund. Bangladesh has been doing remarkably steadily and quite well in terms of macroeconomic performance. It did not have any balance of payment shocks in the last 20-30 years. (With inputs from agencies)

China’s loss may become Bangladesh’s gain: Dhaka to simplify FDI policy to lure global manufacturers

India always tried to maintain good relations with its neighbours, but situations arose from time to time when its armed forces had to make supreme sacrifices to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday.

His comments during an address to a group of soldiers at the Indian Army's 33 Corps in Sukna in Darjeeling district came in the midst of a festering border row with China in eastern Ladakh.

Before the event, the defence minister reviewed the combat preparedness of the Indian Army during a high-level meeting at the key military base which is responsible for guarding the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in the Sikkim sector.

In his address to the soldiers, Singh also mentioned the death of 20 Indian soldiers during a clash with the Chinese military in Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on June 15.

"India wants good relations its neighbours. India always tried for good ties with the neighbouring countries. But certain situations emerged from time to time when our soldiers had to make the supreme sacrifice to defend sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country," he said.

"This time too 20 soldiers of Bihar regiment had to sacrifice their lives to protect the country. I do not want to reveal what happened to the other side," Singh said.

The defence minister arrived at the key military base, popularly known as 'Trishakti' Corps, late in the afternoon.

This is part of his two-day visit to West Bengal and Sikkim to review the military preparedness in view of the border row in eastern Ladakh as well as to celebrate Dussehra with soldiers.

Singh is accompanied by Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Mukund Naravane.

The Army has significantly bolstered deployment of troops and weaponry along the nearly 3,500 km-long LAC, including in the Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh sectors.

The officials said top commanders of the 33 Corps gave detailed briefing to the defence minister and Gen Naravane on the situation along the LAC in Sikkim sector as well as about deployment of troops and weapons.

In his interaction with the troops, the defence minister conveyed his wishes to them on the occasion of Vijayadashami and hailed their dedication in securing the nation's borders.

"Due to brave soldiers like you, the borders of this country are protected. The whole country is proud of you," he said.

The defence minister also talked about the rich history of the Trishakti Corps.

"The Trishakti Corps has a great golden history. Especially in 1962, 1967, 1971 and 1975, this Corps demonstrated examples of valour. It has been excellent," he said.

"I extend my best wishes to all of you and your family for the festival of Vijayadashami," the defence minister's office tweeted quoting him.

Officials said Singh will perform 'Shastra puja'(worship of weapons) at Sherathang area in Sikkim on Sunday morning on the occasion of Dussehra.

The defence minister had performed 'Shastra Puja' in the French port city of Bordeaux during Dussehra last year as he was on a bilateral visit to the country then.

Singh has been performing 'Shastra Puja' during Dussehra for the last several years including during his tenure as the Union Home Minister in the previous NDA government.

Almost all formations of the Indian Army along the LAC are on a very high level of alert in view of the border row with China in eastern Ladakh.

India and China are locked in an over five-month-long bitter border standoff in eastern Ladakh that has significantly strained their ties.

Both sides held a series of diplomatic and military talks to resolve the row.

However, no breakthrough has been achieved to end the standoff.

India always tried to maintain good relations with its neighbours, but situations arose from time to time when its armed forces had to make supreme sacrifices to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday.

India always tried to maintain good relations with its neighbours, but situations arose from time to time when its armed forces had to make supreme sacrifices to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday. His comments during an address to a group of soldiers at the Indian Army's 33 Corps in Sukna in Darjeeling district came in the midst of a festering border row with China in eastern Ladakh. Before the event, the defence minister reviewed the combat preparedness of the Indian Army during a high-level meeting at the key military base which is responsible for guarding the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in the Sikkim sector. In his address to the soldiers, Singh also mentioned the death of 20 Indian soldiers during a clash with the Chinese military in Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on June 15. "India wants good relations its neighbours. India always tried for good ties with the neighbouring countries. But certain situations emerged from time to time when our soldiers had to make the supreme sacrifice to defend sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country," he said. "This time too 20 soldiers of Bihar regiment had to sacrifice their lives to protect the country. I do not want to reveal what happened to the other side," Singh said. The defence minister arrived at the key military base, popularly known as 'Trishakti' Corps, late in the afternoon. This is part of his two-day visit to West Bengal and Sikkim to review the military preparedness in view of the border row in eastern Ladakh as well as to celebrate Dussehra with soldiers. Singh is accompanied by Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Mukund Naravane. The Army has significantly bolstered deployment of troops and weaponry along the nearly 3,500 km-long LAC, including in the Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh sectors. The officials said top commanders of the 33 Corps gave detailed briefing to the defence minister and Gen Naravane on the situation along the LAC in Sikkim sector as well as about deployment of troops and weapons. In his interaction with the troops, the defence minister conveyed his wishes to them on the occasion of Vijayadashami and hailed their dedication in securing the nation's borders. "Due to brave soldiers like you, the borders of this country are protected. The whole country is proud of you," he said. The defence minister also talked about the rich history of the Trishakti Corps. "The Trishakti Corps has a great golden history. Especially in 1962, 1967, 1971 and 1975, this Corps demonstrated examples of valour. It has been excellent," he said. "I extend my best wishes to all of you and your family for the festival of Vijayadashami," the defence minister's office tweeted quoting him. Officials said Singh will perform 'Shastra puja'(worship of weapons) at Sherathang area in Sikkim on Sunday morning on the occasion of Dussehra. The defence minister had performed 'Shastra Puja' in the French port city of Bordeaux during Dussehra last year as he was on a bilateral visit to the country then. Singh has been performing 'Shastra Puja' during Dussehra for the last several years including during his tenure as the Union Home Minister in the previous NDA government. Almost all formations of the Indian Army along the LAC are on a very high level of alert in view of the border row with China in eastern Ladakh. India and China are locked in an over five-month-long bitter border standoff in eastern Ladakh that has significantly strained their ties. Both sides held a series of diplomatic and military talks to resolve the row. However, no breakthrough has been achieved to end the standoff.

India wants good relations its neighbours: Rajnath's message to China amid LAC tensions

Ahead of next week's 2+2 dialogue between US and India, US State Department said that situation at Line of Actual Control between India and China will be discussed. The 2+ 2 meeting is due to take place on 26th and 27th October. This the third such dialogue between India and the US. US secretary of state Mike Pompeo and US Defence secretary Mark Esper will be visiting India to meet their Indian counterparts.

"Certainly, I think the situation on the Line of Actual Control will be – will probably be discussed at some point, and we’re watching the situation closely. &nbsp;I think both sides have expressed a desire to de-escalate violence," said Dean Thompson, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs. He was speaking with reporters in Washington.

"The Third India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue will entail a comprehensive discussion on cross-cutting bilateral issues of mutual interest. In addition, both sides will also exchange views on salient regional and global issues," said MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastav on Thursday during the weekly virtual press conference.

India and China are engaged in a tensed standoff at LAC in eastern Ladakh, which started in the month of April. The situation got worse in June after 20 Indian soldiers died in Galwan valley due to Chinese aggressiveness, and even though Chinese also suffered casualties, they never came out with any number.

On Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) a military pact, Thompson said, "We’re in the process of finalizing a lot of the discussions right now, and so I know that BECA and other agreements are in the works. &nbsp;I’m not going to, I think, commit to anything right this minute, but we do expect to have several items highlighted as we go through the trip."

BECA will be the last of the 4 foundational military pacts that will be signed to increase interoperability and share information. India and US have already signed the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) in 2018, Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016, General Security Of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) in 2002.

Asked about the 2+2 happening just a week before the US goes to the election, the state department official said, "the 2+2 had previously been scheduled, has been delayed, and this was an opportunity where schedules worked out to get together, so that’s really what’s driving the opportunity for this trip right now."

"There’s a lot happening in the relationship with India and with our other partners in the region, and so the fact that we could go now, that we could have this discussion, is driven by the situation in the region and what – where we’re headed," the official added.

The previous two dialogues were held in New Delhi in September 2018 and in Washington DC in December 2019. US Secretary of state will be on a four-country tour next week, starting with India, followed by Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia.

Ahead of next week's 2+2 dialogue between US and India, US State Department said that situation at Line of Actual Control between India and China will be discussed.

Ahead of next week's 2+2 dialogue between US and India, US State Department said that situation at Line of Actual Control between India and China will be discussed. The 2+ 2 meeting is due to take place on 26th and 27th October. This the third such dialogue between India and the US. US secretary of state Mike Pompeo and US Defence secretary Mark Esper will be visiting India to meet their Indian counterparts. "Certainly, I think the situation on the Line of Actual Control will be – will probably be discussed at some point, and we’re watching the situation closely. I think both sides have expressed a desire to de-escalate violence," said Dean Thompson, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs. He was speaking with reporters in Washington. "The Third India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue will entail a comprehensive discussion on cross-cutting bilateral issues of mutual interest. In addition, both sides will also exchange views on salient regional and global issues," said MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastav on Thursday during the weekly virtual press conference. India and China are engaged in a tensed standoff at LAC in eastern Ladakh, which started in the month of April. The situation got worse in June after 20 Indian soldiers died in Galwan valley due to Chinese aggressiveness, and even though Chinese also suffered casualties, they never came out with any number. On Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) a military pact, Thompson said, "We’re in the process of finalizing a lot of the discussions right now, and so I know that BECA and other agreements are in the works. I’m not going to, I think, commit to anything right this minute, but we do expect to have several items highlighted as we go through the trip." BECA will be the last of the 4 foundational military pacts that will be signed to increase interoperability and share information. India and US have already signed the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) in 2018, Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016, General Security Of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) in 2002. Asked about the 2+2 happening just a week before the US goes to the election, the state department official said, "the 2+2 had previously been scheduled, has been delayed, and this was an opportunity where schedules worked out to get together, so that’s really what’s driving the opportunity for this trip right now." "There’s a lot happening in the relationship with India and with our other partners in the region, and so the fact that we could go now, that we could have this discussion, is driven by the situation in the region and what – where we’re headed," the official added. The previous two dialogues were held in New Delhi in September 2018 and in Washington DC in December 2019. US Secretary of state will be on a four-country tour next week, starting with India, followed by Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia.

Situation at LAC will be discussed during 2+2 dialogue with India: US State Department

India is expected to overtake China as the world's largest cooking gas LPG residential sector market by 2030, Wood Mackenzie said on Tuesday.

"Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) demand in the residential sector will continue to see sustainable growth at a cumulative annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.3 per cent, reaching 34 million tonnes (MT) in 2030 as households' dependence on solid biomass diminishes in the long run supported by rising average household incomes and urban population," it said in a report.

Driven by environmental and health concerns, the government has also been implementing schemes to help lower-income families cope with the cost of switching from dirtier biomass to LPG.

The Direct Benefit Transfer of LPG (DBTL) gives out subsidies to the vulnerable population, while the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) provides families living below the poverty line access to free LPG stoves.

Wood Mackenzie research analyst Qiaoling Chen said: "Although nationwide LPG coverage has reached 98 per cent, up 42 per cent from 2014, usage is still low. Average annual cylinder refills have not kept up with the pace of new connections, with average consumption remaining below the benchmark of 12 cylinders."

Even with subsidy and the initial cost of set-up covered by the government, LPG is more expensive than biomass.

Still, the Indian government is committed to roll out plans to further address affordability and infrastructure challenges in the LPG sector.

These include smaller-size LPG cylinders which reduce upfront cash payment required for each refill, more LPG distributors as well as the 'Give it Up' campaign where households can voluntarily give up their LPG subsidies from the DBTL scheme to benefit lower-income families.

Chen said: "Assuming the government continues to subsidise residential LPG throughout the decade, total subsidy for LPG could reach USD 5.7 billion annually by 2030.

"By then, it will overtake China as the world's largest LPG demand centre for the residential sector."

However, the lack of infrastructure continues to restrain piped natural gas (PNG) penetration in areas outside of top tier cities and retail PNG prices continue to be at a premium to subsidised LPG prices, making PNG a less attractive alternative to LPG before 2030, Wood Mackenzie said.

Wood Mackenzie senior analyst Vidur Singhal said: "Between 2020 and 2030, PNG demand will primarily be from urban households in tier I and tier II cities awarded under CGD bidding rounds.

City gas companies will increase PNG connections and its related infrastructure, which typically takes five to eight years to construct and commercialise fully."

"In addition, growing LPG demand in the residential sector requires more subsidies, which will increasingly become a huge burden for the government," Singhal said adding it is likely that subsidies will taper off over time, as growing income allows more households to pay the unsubsidised price.

The combination of ready PNG infrastructure and less policy support for LPG help to support PNG demand growth post-2030.

"We expect PNG demand in India's residential sector to grow at a CAGR of 12.7 per cent, reaching 2.5 billion cubic metres (bcm) by 2030 from 0.8 bcm currently," Singhal said.

By the end of 2030, India's LPG demand in the residential sector will account for 82 per cent of the country's total LPG demand while natural gas demand in the same sector will only account for 3 per cent of total natural gas demand in India, Wood Mackenzie added.

India is expected to overtake China as the world's largest cooking gas LPG residential sector market by 2030, Wood Mackenzie said on Tuesday. "Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) demand in the residential sector will continue to see sustainable growth at a cumulative annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.

India is expected to overtake China as the world's largest cooking gas LPG residential sector market by 2030, Wood Mackenzie said on Tuesday. "Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) demand in the residential sector will continue to see sustainable growth at a cumulative annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.3 per cent, reaching 34 million tonnes (MT) in 2030 as households' dependence on solid biomass diminishes in the long run supported by rising average household incomes and urban population," it said in a report. Driven by environmental and health concerns, the government has also been implementing schemes to help lower-income families cope with the cost of switching from dirtier biomass to LPG. The Direct Benefit Transfer of LPG (DBTL) gives out subsidies to the vulnerable population, while the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) provides families living below the poverty line access to free LPG stoves. Wood Mackenzie research analyst Qiaoling Chen said: "Although nationwide LPG coverage has reached 98 per cent, up 42 per cent from 2014, usage is still low. Average annual cylinder refills have not kept up with the pace of new connections, with average consumption remaining below the benchmark of 12 cylinders." Even with subsidy and the initial cost of set-up covered by the government, LPG is more expensive than biomass. Still, the Indian government is committed to roll out plans to further address affordability and infrastructure challenges in the LPG sector. These include smaller-size LPG cylinders which reduce upfront cash payment required for each refill, more LPG distributors as well as the 'Give it Up' campaign where households can voluntarily give up their LPG subsidies from the DBTL scheme to benefit lower-income families. Chen said: "Assuming the government continues to subsidise residential LPG throughout the decade, total subsidy for LPG could reach USD 5.7 billion annually by 2030. "By then, it will overtake China as the world's largest LPG demand centre for the residential sector." However, the lack of infrastructure continues to restrain piped natural gas (PNG) penetration in areas outside of top tier cities and retail PNG prices continue to be at a premium to subsidised LPG prices, making PNG a less attractive alternative to LPG before 2030, Wood Mackenzie said. Wood Mackenzie senior analyst Vidur Singhal said: "Between 2020 and 2030, PNG demand will primarily be from urban households in tier I and tier II cities awarded under CGD bidding rounds. City gas companies will increase PNG connections and its related infrastructure, which typically takes five to eight years to construct and commercialise fully." "In addition, growing LPG demand in the residential sector requires more subsidies, which will increasingly become a huge burden for the government," Singhal said adding it is likely that subsidies will taper off over time, as growing income allows more households to pay the unsubsidised price. The combination of ready PNG infrastructure and less policy support for LPG help to support PNG demand growth post-2030. "We expect PNG demand in India's residential sector to grow at a CAGR of 12.7 per cent, reaching 2.5 billion cubic metres (bcm) by 2030 from 0.8 bcm currently," Singhal said. By the end of 2030, India's LPG demand in the residential sector will account for 82 per cent of the country's total LPG demand while natural gas demand in the same sector will only account for 3 per cent of total natural gas demand in India, Wood Mackenzie added.

India to overtake China as world's largest LPG residential market by 2030

The current China-India standoff in eastern Ladakh has seen multiple rounds of talks at various levels from ministers, to local military commanders. This has&nbsp;failed&nbsp;to ease tensions, with continued troop build-up, under the shadow of talks. While efforts for talks continue with upcoming corps commander level talks scheduled&nbsp;amidst environment of deep mistrust, there is very little hope that talks will make any worthwhile progress.&nbsp;

India should not accept that China, having marched in areas, where it was not supposed to be, junking all Confidence Building measures (CBMs),&nbsp;as part of overall ‘Incremental Encroachment Strategy’, to unilaterally alter the status quo along Line of Actual Control (LAC) in its favour and expecting India to accept nominal disengagement, while Chinese troops continue to be sitting in Depsang, Finger 8 to Finger 4, Gogra and some other areas.&nbsp;

Chinese are also not comfortable with Indian proactive gestures of effective domination of some Chushul heights/ Kailash&nbsp;range, in areas south of Pangong Tso and some heights north of Finger 4; hence the game of posturing and muscle-flexing continues with both sides refusing to blink first. &nbsp;

Chinese strategic intent

Chinese political aim in Asian context has always been to have China-centric Asia, for which Indian subordination has been its goal. Its intention was to unfairly grab strategic piece of land, presuming that India will not be able to respond due to the rising impact of COVID-19 and resultant effect on economy, besides embarrassing strongest regional competitor.&nbsp;

Indian side was quick to react to halt further encroachment and stands strong to protect its territorial integrity.&nbsp;

Chinese strategic aim to pick eastern Ladakh is to provide depth to its highway NH G-219, Karakoram Pass and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), redraw LAC as per its perception and negotiate border thereafter. China does feel a threat with Indian dispositions in India’s Sub Sector North (SSN) including Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO), infrastructure development including Darbuk-Shyok-DBO road (DSDBO), and Indian resolve to reclaim its territory of Jammu and Kashmir, posing threat to crucial Tibet-Xinjiang-Pakistan connectivity and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)&nbsp;prospects.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/defence-procurement-time-to-change-the-old-guard-324069">Defence procurement: Time to change the old guard</a> 
 
PLA’s centre of gravity of military operations is Eastern Ladakh and build up/ intended gains in rest of LAC are efforts to pick up bargaining chips.&nbsp;

Currently, with continued build-up and both sides getting ready for long haul, the operational aim of People's Liberation Aermy (PLA)&nbsp;is to maximise its territorial gains, wherever it finds opportunity all along the LAC before onset of winters, exploiting remaining one to two months of campaigning season, before heavy snowfall.&nbsp;

It also intends not to loose any of the heights already occupied, which is evident from further build-up of forces in areas, where it encroached post-April, and strengthening fresh areas, which became vulnerable due to recent Indian domination like some heights ahead of Chushul, south of Pangong Tso.&nbsp;

It is also aiming to waste out Indian infrastructure development season, by preventing/delaying construction till snowfall, although Indian infrastructure development never stopped, but got expedited, like the pace of its capacity building, due to Chinese adventurism.&nbsp;

PLA’s tactical aim is to launch probing actions to gain some tactically significant features, sensitive to Indian defence, before heavy snowfall, which can collectively improve its strategic posture or bargaining position during subsequent talks on LAC/border issue.&nbsp;

Indian Military is well aware of these intentions; hence the reluctance of Chinese verifiable withdrawal could lead to probing actions/ reactions to improve tactical posture. Some more incidents of tug-of-war between two forces can’t be ruled out, every time Chinese try to probe into Indian territory.&nbsp;

The standoff is likely to roll over to winters for which Indian military is fully prepared, providing an option to decision-makers, not to hurry up disengagement on terms unsuitable for long term security of India. &nbsp;

Existing Chinese concerns &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Strategically, President Xi Jinping miscalculated global anger against himself, while trying to make best of Chinese early recovery from COVID-19 in an unfair manner, triggering a strong global desire to decouple from Chinese supply chain.&nbsp;

Having made an unwarranted aggressive move in Ladakh, along with similar activities in South and East China Sea, President Xi Jinping continues to underestimate collective stance of democracies.&nbsp;

China now faces major democracies standing up against its overambitious aggressive design, with few bankrupt countries standing by its side, to handle multiple engagement points.&nbsp;

The gross violation of CBMs in Ladakh by China has opened all military options for India to respond, besides responses in economic, diplomatic and other domains, with international opinion in its favour, and greater freedom of action. A pull back has a heavy domestic political cost for Xi Jinping, besides threat of occupation of vacated areas by India.&nbsp;

Pushing PLA to make some quick gains before winters and asking for talks to freeze the situation thereafter, to retain its gains is the Chinese game plan, which is against Indian security interest.&nbsp;

A transition of Chinese intent from offensive to defensive is evident, when Xi Jinping starts talking about ‘Fortifying Tibet’ due to tough Indian resolve. &nbsp;

What should be Indian responses?

The Indian national resolve, speedy mobilisation, and proactive actions have surprised China. Indian response in multiple domain (including economic and diplomatic) has triggered hard global stance against unfair adventurism of China. No country wants war; hence India has gone along with talks at various levels, so far.&nbsp;

India would like to have peaceful borders, but not at the cost of Chinese unilateral occupation of areas or changed LAC in favour of China. Talks alone are unlikely to make PLA recoil.&nbsp;

India will have to raise the cost of PLA’s presence in unauthorised areas, even if it amounts to long haul on LAC and some military options besides what is being done. &nbsp;

India needs to avoid any quick fix diplomatic solutions like five-point agreement, seeking fresh CBMs, mutual disengagement and ideas like buffer zone, which help Chinese agenda, like many other historic errors in past. Pulling back from freshly occupied heights south of Pangong Tso will be a strategic disaster for India.&nbsp;

This requires political, diplomatic and military decision-makers to be on same page. Indian strategic aim and stance should be to insist on proper delimitation and demarcation of LAC (which is difficult, but doable), pending settlement of border. Any softer stance will lead to reoccurrence of similar situation, which is not in Indian security interest.&nbsp;

What should be the global response?

The world has to realise that China has got emboldened with success of incremental encroachment of territory without fighting in past, especially in South China Sea. This prompted Xi Jinping to open multiple fronts for territorial gains amidst pandemic, diverting domestic and international criticism against himself/CCP.

With multiple fronts, exposed sea lanes of communications and isolated bases, China soon finds its vast inventory of military assets too meagre to cover all its vulnerabilities.&nbsp;

Chinese aggression on multiple fronts has necessitated need for an Indo-Pacific Alliance of democratic countries, which can be build up by strengthening Quad, by converting it to military alliance, on the lines of NATO.&nbsp;

With global economic and population fulcrum shifting to Indo-pacific, it has become inescapable for lasting peace in the region, because if Chinese assertiveness and encroachment is not controlled now, the democracies will have to face an aggressive and much stronger threat from Chinese authoritarian regime, and punishments like choking of global sea lane of communication like South China Sea. &nbsp; &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The current China-India standoff in eastern Ladakh has seen multiple rounds of talks at various levels from ministers, to local military commanders. This has failed to ease tensions, with continued troop build-up, under the shadow of talks.

The current China-India standoff in eastern Ladakh has seen multiple rounds of talks at various levels from ministers, to local military commanders. This has failed to ease tensions, with continued troop build-up, under the shadow of talks. While efforts for talks continue with upcoming corps commander level talks scheduled amidst environment of deep mistrust, there is very little hope that talks will make any worthwhile progress. India should not accept that China, having marched in areas, where it was not supposed to be, junking all Confidence Building measures (CBMs), as part of overall ‘Incremental Encroachment Strategy’, to unilaterally alter the status quo along Line of Actual Control (LAC) in its favour and expecting India to accept nominal disengagement, while Chinese troops continue to be sitting in Depsang, Finger 8 to Finger 4, Gogra and some other areas. Chinese are also not comfortable with Indian proactive gestures of effective domination of some Chushul heights/ Kailash range, in areas south of Pangong Tso and some heights north of Finger 4; hence the game of posturing and muscle-flexing continues with both sides refusing to blink first. Chinese strategic intent Chinese political aim in Asian context has always been to have China-centric Asia, for which Indian subordination has been its goal. Its intention was to unfairly grab strategic piece of land, presuming that India will not be able to respond due to the rising impact of COVID-19 and resultant effect on economy, besides embarrassing strongest regional competitor. Indian side was quick to react to halt further encroachment and stands strong to protect its territorial integrity. Chinese strategic aim to pick eastern Ladakh is to provide depth to its highway NH G-219, Karakoram Pass and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), redraw LAC as per its perception and negotiate border thereafter. China does feel a threat with Indian dispositions in India’s Sub Sector North (SSN) including Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO), infrastructure development including Darbuk-Shyok-DBO road (DSDBO), and Indian resolve to reclaim its territory of Jammu and Kashmir, posing threat to crucial Tibet-Xinjiang-Pakistan connectivity and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) prospects. Also Read | Defence procurement: Time to change the old guard PLA’s centre of gravity of military operations is Eastern Ladakh and build up/ intended gains in rest of LAC are efforts to pick up bargaining chips. Currently, with continued build-up and both sides getting ready for long haul, the operational aim of People's Liberation Aermy (PLA) is to maximise its territorial gains, wherever it finds opportunity all along the LAC before onset of winters, exploiting remaining one to two months of campaigning season, before heavy snowfall. It also intends not to loose any of the heights already occupied, which is evident from further build-up of forces in areas, where it encroached post-April, and strengthening fresh areas, which became vulnerable due to recent Indian domination like some heights ahead of Chushul, south of Pangong Tso. It is also aiming to waste out Indian infrastructure development season, by preventing/delaying construction till snowfall, although Indian infrastructure development never stopped, but got expedited, like the pace of its capacity building, due to Chinese adventurism. PLA’s tactical aim is to launch probing actions to gain some tactically significant features, sensitive to Indian defence, before heavy snowfall, which can collectively improve its strategic posture or bargaining position during subsequent talks on LAC/border issue. Indian Military is well aware of these intentions; hence the reluctance of Chinese verifiable withdrawal could lead to probing actions/ reactions to improve tactical posture. Some more incidents of tug-of-war between two forces can’t be ruled out, every time Chinese try to probe into Indian territory. The standoff is likely to roll over to winters for which Indian military is fully prepared, providing an option to decision-makers, not to hurry up disengagement on terms unsuitable for long term security of India. Existing Chinese concerns Strategically, President Xi Jinping miscalculated global anger against himself, while trying to make best of Chinese early recovery from COVID-19 in an unfair manner, triggering a strong global desire to decouple from Chinese supply chain. Having made an unwarranted aggressive move in Ladakh, along with similar activities in South and East China Sea, President Xi Jinping continues to underestimate collective stance of democracies. China now faces major democracies standing up against its overambitious aggressive design, with few bankrupt countries standing by its side, to handle multiple engagement points. The gross violation of CBMs in Ladakh by China has opened all military options for India to respond, besides responses in economic, diplomatic and other domains, with international opinion in its favour, and greater freedom of action. A pull back has a heavy domestic political cost for Xi Jinping, besides threat of occupation of vacated areas by India. Pushing PLA to make some quick gains before winters and asking for talks to freeze the situation thereafter, to retain its gains is the Chinese game plan, which is against Indian security interest. A transition of Chinese intent from offensive to defensive is evident, when Xi Jinping starts talking about ‘Fortifying Tibet’ due to tough Indian resolve. What should be Indian responses? The Indian national resolve, speedy mobilisation, and proactive actions have surprised China. Indian response in multiple domain (including economic and diplomatic) has triggered hard global stance against unfair adventurism of China. No country wants war; hence India has gone along with talks at various levels, so far. India would like to have peaceful borders, but not at the cost of Chinese unilateral occupation of areas or changed LAC in favour of China. Talks alone are unlikely to make PLA recoil. India will have to raise the cost of PLA’s presence in unauthorised areas, even if it amounts to long haul on LAC and some military options besides what is being done. India needs to avoid any quick fix diplomatic solutions like five-point agreement, seeking fresh CBMs, mutual disengagement and ideas like buffer zone, which help Chinese agenda, like many other historic errors in past. Pulling back from freshly occupied heights south of Pangong Tso will be a strategic disaster for India. This requires political, diplomatic and military decision-makers to be on same page. Indian strategic aim and stance should be to insist on proper delimitation and demarcation of LAC (which is difficult, but doable), pending settlement of border. Any softer stance will lead to reoccurrence of similar situation, which is not in Indian security interest. What should be the global response? The world has to realise that China has got emboldened with success of incremental encroachment of territory without fighting in past, especially in South China Sea. This prompted Xi Jinping to open multiple fronts for territorial gains amidst pandemic, diverting domestic and international criticism against himself/CCP. With multiple fronts, exposed sea lanes of communications and isolated bases, China soon finds its vast inventory of military assets too meagre to cover all its vulnerabilities. Chinese aggression on multiple fronts has necessitated need for an Indo-Pacific Alliance of democratic countries, which can be build up by strengthening Quad, by converting it to military alliance, on the lines of NATO. With global economic and population fulcrum shifting to Indo-pacific, it has become inescapable for lasting peace in the region, because if Chinese assertiveness and encroachment is not controlled now, the democracies will have to face an aggressive and much stronger threat from Chinese authoritarian regime, and punishments like choking of global sea lane of communication like South China Sea.

Decoding Chinese strategic intent in prolonged standoff at LAC

Walt Disney Co`s live-action remake of 'Mulan' pulled in $23.2 million over the weekend at box offices in China, a slow start for the big-budget epic about a Chinese folk hero in its most important theatrical market. 
 
The debut for 'Mulan' fell short of director Christopher Nolan`s 'Tenet,' which grossed $29.8 million in China a week earlier. Unlike 'Tenet,'&nbsp; 'Mulan' was tailored to draw big audiences in the country. 
 
But 'Mulan,' which cost $200 million to produce, was hit by political controversy and received mixed reviews in China. It had been set to debut in March until it was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic, which has limited moviegoing worldwide. 
 
"That`s a disappointing debut," said Jeff Bock, senior media analyst at Exhibitor Relations Co. "Disney made this film for Chinese audiences and they saw it pretty much fall flat." 
 
'Mulan' provoked a backlash on overseas social media, and calls for a boycott, over its star’s support of Hong Kong police and for being partly filmed in the Xinjiang region, where China’s clamp-down on ethnic Uighurs and other Muslims has been criticized by some governments and rights groups. 
 
Chinese authorities told major media outlets not to cover the film`s release in the wake of the uproar, four people familiar with matter told Reuters. 
 
Total worldwide box office receipts for "Mulan" reached $37.6 million through Sunday for the seven territories where the film is playing.

Disney is trying to turn a profit on 'Mulan' through an unusual release strategy because the pandemic has left many theaters shuttered. 
 
The company made 'Mulan' available for online viewing in the United States and other countries where the Disney+ streaming service is available. 
 
In China and other countries where Disney+ does not operate, Disney is releasing 'Mulan' in cinemas. Disney has not provided sales figures from streaming.

Walt Disney Co`s live-action remake of 'Mulan' pulled in $23.2 million over the weekend at box offices in China, a slow start for the big-budget epic about a Chinese folk hero in its most important theatrical market.

Walt Disney Co`s live-action remake of 'Mulan' pulled in $23.2 million over the weekend at box offices in China, a slow start for the big-budget epic about a Chinese folk hero in its most important theatrical market. The debut for 'Mulan' fell short of director Christopher Nolan`s 'Tenet,' which grossed $29.8 million in China a week earlier. Unlike 'Tenet,' 'Mulan' was tailored to draw big audiences in the country. But 'Mulan,' which cost $200 million to produce, was hit by political controversy and received mixed reviews in China. It had been set to debut in March until it was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic, which has limited moviegoing worldwide. "That`s a disappointing debut," said Jeff Bock, senior media analyst at Exhibitor Relations Co. "Disney made this film for Chinese audiences and they saw it pretty much fall flat." 'Mulan' provoked a backlash on overseas social media, and calls for a boycott, over its star’s support of Hong Kong police and for being partly filmed in the Xinjiang region, where China’s clamp-down on ethnic Uighurs and other Muslims has been criticized by some governments and rights groups. Chinese authorities told major media outlets not to cover the film`s release in the wake of the uproar, four people familiar with matter told Reuters. Total worldwide box office receipts for "Mulan" reached $37.6 million through Sunday for the seven territories where the film is playing. Disney is trying to turn a profit on 'Mulan' through an unusual release strategy because the pandemic has left many theaters shuttered. The company made 'Mulan' available for online viewing in the United States and other countries where the Disney+ streaming service is available. In China and other countries where Disney+ does not operate, Disney is releasing 'Mulan' in cinemas. Disney has not provided sales figures from streaming.

Disney's 'Mulan' opens weak in China with $23.2 million at box offices

British perfume brand Jo Malone has apologized to actor John Boyega after the actor was replaced in the Chinese version of the brand's advertisement that he helped create. 
 
The original aftershave commercial featured Boyega walking around Peckham, the neighbourhood where he grew up and was titled as the 'London Gent. The advertisement also spoke about his Nigerian roots. 
 
However, the ad shown in China saw Boyega replaced with the Chinese star Liu Haoran. Now, the brand has admitted that the move was a misstep. 
 
The actor only found out what had happened when the reshot advert was posted on Twitter. In a statement provided to The Hollywood Reporter, Jo Malone said, "We deeply apologise for what, on our end, was a mistake in the local execution of the John Boyega campaign." 
 
"John is a tremendous artist with great personal vision and direction. The concept for the film was based on John's personal experiences and should not have been replicated." 
 
The company also said that it recognised "this was painful and offence was caused", adding: "We respect John, and support our partners and fans globally. We are taking this misstep very seriously and we are working together as a brand to do better moving forward."

This isn't the first time that Boyega has been deleted from a China-based ad. 
 
He played the lead in 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' but the Chinese posters had either removed him or put him the background with other non-white actors. 
 
Ever since the #BlackLivesMatter movement gained momentum, Boyega has spoken out about racism in Hollywood.

British perfume brand Jo Malone has apologized to actor John Boyega after the actor was replaced in the Chinese version of the brand's advertisement that he helped create.

British perfume brand Jo Malone has apologized to actor John Boyega after the actor was replaced in the Chinese version of the brand's advertisement that he helped create. The original aftershave commercial featured Boyega walking around Peckham, the neighbourhood where he grew up and was titled as the 'London Gent. The advertisement also spoke about his Nigerian roots. However, the ad shown in China saw Boyega replaced with the Chinese star Liu Haoran. Now, the brand has admitted that the move was a misstep. The actor only found out what had happened when the reshot advert was posted on Twitter. In a statement provided to The Hollywood Reporter, Jo Malone said, "We deeply apologise for what, on our end, was a mistake in the local execution of the John Boyega campaign." "John is a tremendous artist with great personal vision and direction. The concept for the film was based on John's personal experiences and should not have been replicated." The company also said that it recognised "this was painful and offence was caused", adding: "We respect John, and support our partners and fans globally. We are taking this misstep very seriously and we are working together as a brand to do better moving forward." This isn't the first time that Boyega has been deleted from a China-based ad. He played the lead in 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' but the Chinese posters had either removed him or put him the background with other non-white actors. Ever since the #BlackLivesMatter movement gained momentum, Boyega has spoken out about racism in Hollywood.

Perfume brand Jo Malone apologises to John Boyega after he is cut out of the Chinese version their ad

Last night, we had our eyes on Moscow. The city was hosting a high-level meeting.

The meeting is over, a joint statement is out. But nothing has changed on the ground.

The foreign ministers of India and China, they spoke for 150 minutes. The meeting went late into the night. But China hasn't agreed to mend its ways. It is yet to commit to a deadline for de-escalation. The talks took place on the sidelines of the SCO's foreign minister's summit.

SCO is Shanghai Co-operation Organisation. It is an economic and security alliance created by China. Foreign Minister Dr. S Jaishankar was representing India while Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi was Beijing's man at the SCO.

After the meeting, they issue a joint statement. Both sides agreed to a 5-point course of action to de-escalate.

Here are the 5-points:

<ol>
	<li>India and China will abide by the consensus between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping-- to not allow differences to become disputes.</li>
	<li>India and China will continue their dialogue, quickly disengage, maintain proper distance and ease tensions.</li>
	<li>They'll abide by existing agreements and maintain peace and tranquility at the border.</li>
	<li>The dialogue between the special representatives for boundary talks will continue. Here, India will be represented by Ajit Doval. Wang Yi will represent China.</li>
</ol>

And finally,

Point no 5: An agreement to work towards new confidence-building measures.

The good old CBMs. Remember how many times the term came up vis-a-vis Pakistan?

It's diplomatese, which means, the talks concluded with the decision to talk more.

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That's the long and short of the statement. It doesn't answer the fundamental questions

Has China agreed to completely disengage from the LAC?&nbsp;

When will China pull back its troops?

Will Beijing settle the boundary dispute for once and for all?

The statement doesn't say and the commitment from China is vague. There are no deadlines, no framework. This leads to another question.

Is China even serious about the disengagement?

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign &nbsp;Affairs released a document on the issue. It reportedly says that India doesn't want the border issue to affect bilateral ties.

We have the exact quote.

"Indian side does not consider the relations to be dependent on the settlement of the boundary question"

Either the Indian message was lost in translation or the Chinese want to deliberately twist it.&nbsp;

Where did China get this from?

Apparently from India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar! 
&nbsp; 
A report from China's state newswire service Xinhua quotes Jaishankar and says,

The external affairs minister said that India does not consider the development of India-China relations to be dependent on the settlement of the boundary question

Meanwhile, the Global Times has reduced this border standoff to a cook-off

A video has been tweeted by the Editor of Global Times.&nbsp;It shows drones delivering hot meals to Chinese soldiers at the border.

And they didn't like it when the world says their army is full of spoilt single brats. We just hope they are not being served bat soup.

As for India, it's working on the strategy forward. The challenge cannot be undermined. China's border provocation is perhaps the most serious military challenge that India has faced in decades.

The clashes in Galwan and the events of this week have proved that it cannot be business as usual with China.&nbsp;

What should Delhi do?

Draw the red lines. Make specific pre-conditions for normalising ties.

&nbsp; 
We have a list of three

<ol>
	<li>Restoration o Status Quo Ante on the border. Chinese troops should move to the positions they held before May.</li>
	<li>A time-bound withdrawal of Chinese troops. Specify the deadline. The endless rounds of talks have not helped the situation.</li>
	<li>Define the boundary</li>
</ol>

The issue of this border must be settled once and for all. Otherwise there will always be a risk of more military adventurism from China.

India must weaponise its market. It won't be easy. It won't happen overnight. But it's the only way. China only understands the language of strength. India must stand its ground.

India should make de-escalation a precondition. Otherwise, it cannot be business as usual. 
&nbsp; 
We've done this with Pakistan.

Talks and terror don't go hand in hand.

Time to do the same with China. Border aggression and business don't go hand in hand.

Last night, we had our eyes on Moscow. The city was hosting a high-level meeting. The meeting is over, a joint statement is out. But nothing has changed on the ground.

Last night, we had our eyes on Moscow. The city was hosting a high-level meeting. The meeting is over, a joint statement is out. But nothing has changed on the ground. The foreign ministers of India and China, they spoke for 150 minutes. The meeting went late into the night. But China hasn't agreed to mend its ways. It is yet to commit to a deadline for de-escalation. The talks took place on the sidelines of the SCO's foreign minister's summit. SCO is Shanghai Co-operation Organisation. It is an economic and security alliance created by China. Foreign Minister Dr. S Jaishankar was representing India while Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi was Beijing's man at the SCO. After the meeting, they issue a joint statement. Both sides agreed to a 5-point course of action to de-escalate. Here are the 5-points: India and China will abide by the consensus between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping-- to not allow differences to become disputes. India and China will continue their dialogue, quickly disengage, maintain proper distance and ease tensions. They'll abide by existing agreements and maintain peace and tranquility at the border. The dialogue between the special representatives for boundary talks will continue. Here, India will be represented by Ajit Doval. Wang Yi will represent China. And finally, Point no 5: An agreement to work towards new confidence-building measures. The good old CBMs. Remember how many times the term came up vis-a-vis Pakistan? It's diplomatese, which means, the talks concluded with the decision to talk more. × That's the long and short of the statement. It doesn't answer the fundamental questions Has China agreed to completely disengage from the LAC? When will China pull back its troops? Will Beijing settle the boundary dispute for once and for all? The statement doesn't say and the commitment from China is vague. There are no deadlines, no framework. This leads to another question. Is China even serious about the disengagement? The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a document on the issue. It reportedly says that India doesn't want the border issue to affect bilateral ties. We have the exact quote. "Indian side does not consider the relations to be dependent on the settlement of the boundary question" Either the Indian message was lost in translation or the Chinese want to deliberately twist it. Where did China get this from? Apparently from India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar! A report from China's state newswire service Xinhua quotes Jaishankar and says, The external affairs minister said that India does not consider the development of India-China relations to be dependent on the settlement of the boundary question Meanwhile, the Global Times has reduced this border standoff to a cook-off A video has been tweeted by the Editor of Global Times. It shows drones delivering hot meals to Chinese soldiers at the border. And they didn't like it when the world says their army is full of spoilt single brats. We just hope they are not being served bat soup. As for India, it's working on the strategy forward. The challenge cannot be undermined. China's border provocation is perhaps the most serious military challenge that India has faced in decades. The clashes in Galwan and the events of this week have proved that it cannot be business as usual with China. What should Delhi do? Draw the red lines. Make specific pre-conditions for normalising ties. We have a list of three Restoration o Status Quo Ante on the border. Chinese troops should move to the positions they held before May. A time-bound withdrawal of Chinese troops. Specify the deadline. The endless rounds of talks have not helped the situation. Define the boundary The issue of this border must be settled once and for all. Otherwise there will always be a risk of more military adventurism from China. India must weaponise its market. It won't be easy. It won't happen overnight. But it's the only way. China only understands the language of strength. India must stand its ground. India should make de-escalation a precondition. Otherwise, it cannot be business as usual. We've done this with Pakistan. Talks and terror don't go hand in hand. Time to do the same with China. Border aggression and business don't go hand in hand.

Time to tell China, border aggression and business don't go hand in hand

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar &amp; Chinese Foreign minister Wang Yi will be face-to-face 3 times on Thursday in Moscow. This amidst growing Line of Actual Control (LAC) row in Eastern Ladakh between the two Asian neighbors.

Both ministers will be face-to-face first at Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Foreign Ministers Meet that starts at 12.30 pm IST. It will be followed by the meet of the Indian, Russian &amp; Chinese foreign ministers. This will be followed by late evening bilateral meet between Indian and Chinese foreign ministers, which will be the first in-person meet since the LAC issue began in May.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said, "Foreign Minister Wang will also hold bilateral meetings with foreign ministers of relevant member states and attend the China-Russia-India foreign ministers' luncheon."

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-sco-meeting-in-moscow-is-important-for-india-china-border-de-escalation-326381">Why SCO meeting in Moscow is important for India-China border de-escalation&nbsp;</a>

Both foreign ministers had spoken to each other after the Galwan incident that took place in June in which India lost 20 of its soldiers. China also suffered casualty but never came out with the figures.

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&nbsp;

During that conversation, the Indian side had told China that, "Chinese side took pre-meditated and planned action that was directly responsible for the resulting violence and casualties", Ministry of External Affairs readout said.

The fresh meet between the foreign ministers is coming days after the Chinese side tried to indulge in provocative action at the LAC again. 
&nbsp;

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar & Chinese Foreign minister Wang Yi will be face-to-face 3 times on Thursday in Moscow. This amidst growing Line of Actual Control (LAC) row in Eastern Ladakh between the two Asian neighbors.

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar & Chinese Foreign minister Wang Yi will be face-to-face 3 times on Thursday in Moscow. This amidst growing Line of Actual Control (LAC) row in Eastern Ladakh between the two Asian neighbors. Both ministers will be face-to-face first at Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Foreign Ministers Meet that starts at 12.30 pm IST. It will be followed by the meet of the Indian, Russian & Chinese foreign ministers. This will be followed by late evening bilateral meet between Indian and Chinese foreign ministers, which will be the first in-person meet since the LAC issue began in May. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said, "Foreign Minister Wang will also hold bilateral meetings with foreign ministers of relevant member states and attend the China-Russia-India foreign ministers' luncheon." Also Read: Why SCO meeting in Moscow is important for India-China border de-escalation Both foreign ministers had spoken to each other after the Galwan incident that took place in June in which India lost 20 of its soldiers. China also suffered casualty but never came out with the figures. × During that conversation, the Indian side had told China that, "Chinese side took pre-meditated and planned action that was directly responsible for the resulting violence and casualties", Ministry of External Affairs readout said. The fresh meet between the foreign ministers is coming days after the Chinese side tried to indulge in provocative action at the LAC again.

Indian and Chinese foreign ministers to be face-to-face 3 times in Moscow

A 12-year-old girl was pinned to the ground in Hong Kong by police officers in riot gear during pro-democracy protests that led to hundreds of arrests.

Her detention was caught on video and is being held up as evidence to show the unnecessary force used by the police. The video is creating massive outrage around the world.

The girl, who is only being identified as Pamela, said she was out buying art supplies with her brother Sunday afternoon when she got caught in the protest crowds in the Mong Kok area. 
&nbsp; 
Although the young girl was not among nearly 300 people arrested that day, images of her being restrained on the streets of Mong Kok angered advocates for women’s and children’s rights.

Footage shows two cops approaching her and telling her to stand still before she takes off away from them.

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Police in Hong Kong have come under heavy criticism after a widely circulated video showed officers tackling a 12-year-old girl to the ground during a pro-democracy protest. <a href="https://twitter.com/MollyGambhir?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MollyGambhir</a> brings you the story <a href="https://t.co/U9746adUc2">pic.twitter.com/U9746adUc2</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1303207808289005568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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One of the cops tackles her to the ground, while several others work to pin her down, video shows.

However, Police said that the girl was attempting to flee during a stop-and-search action on Sunday in Mong Kok and they had used the “minimum necessary force” in subduing her.

The police issued penalty ticket to Pamela, her elder brother and a passer-by, accusing them of violating the Covid-19 ban on group gatherings of more than two people.

(With inputs from agencies)

A 12-year-old girl was pinned to the ground in Hong Kong by police officers in riot gear during pro-democracy protests that led to hundreds of arrests. Her detention was caught on video and is being held up as evidence to show the unnecessary force used by the police.

A 12-year-old girl was pinned to the ground in Hong Kong by police officers in riot gear during pro-democracy protests that led to hundreds of arrests. Her detention was caught on video and is being held up as evidence to show the unnecessary force used by the police. The video is creating massive outrage around the world. The girl, who is only being identified as Pamela, said she was out buying art supplies with her brother Sunday afternoon when she got caught in the protest crowds in the Mong Kok area. Although the young girl was not among nearly 300 people arrested that day, images of her being restrained on the streets of Mong Kok angered advocates for women’s and children’s rights. Footage shows two cops approaching her and telling her to stand still before she takes off away from them. Police in Hong Kong have come under heavy criticism after a widely circulated video showed officers tackling a 12-year-old girl to the ground during a pro-democracy protest. @MollyGambhir brings you the story pic.twitter.com/U9746adUc2 — WION (@WIONews) September 8, 2020 × One of the cops tackles her to the ground, while several others work to pin her down, video shows. However, Police said that the girl was attempting to flee during a stop-and-search action on Sunday in Mong Kok and they had used the “minimum necessary force” in subduing her. The police issued penalty ticket to Pamela, her elder brother and a passer-by, accusing them of violating the Covid-19 ban on group gatherings of more than two people. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong police criticised for tackling girl to ground during protests

Anger is brewing among fishermen in Pakistan as 20 Chinese deep-sea trawlers have arrived near Karachi. The fishermen are planning a protest.

Pressure group Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum has announced a campaign against the Chinese trawlers' arrival. The group says that fish stocks in coastal areas have already declined by more than 72 per cent after last year due to uncontrolled fishing. The group fears that fishing by the Chinese trawlers will further deplete Pakistan's marine resources.

The trawlers arrived off the coast of Sindh and Baluchistan in the first week of August. It is not known where exactly in China, these trawlers have come from.

Also Read: <a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/pak-directs-american-blogger-cynthia-ritchie-to-leave-country-within-15-days-324813">Pak directs American blogger Cynthia Ritchie to leave country within 15 days</a>

"These vessels threaten the livelihoods of small fishermen by depriving the catch today, and in future by ecologically destroying the sea," said PFF chairman Muhammad Ali Shah.

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&nbsp;

Fishermen in Gwadar have also announced a protest campaign against the vessels. Gwadar is a central part of the USD 50 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor. Fishermen in Gwadar have protested in the past as well. They protested against construction activities that prevented them from going into the sea.

Anger is brewing among fishermen in Pakistan as 20 Chinese deep-sea trawlers have arrived near Karachi. The fishermen are planning a protest. Pressure group Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum has announced a campaign against the Chinese trawlers' arrival.

Anger is brewing among fishermen in Pakistan as 20 Chinese deep-sea trawlers have arrived near Karachi. The fishermen are planning a protest. Pressure group Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum has announced a campaign against the Chinese trawlers' arrival. The group says that fish stocks in coastal areas have already declined by more than 72 per cent after last year due to uncontrolled fishing. The group fears that fishing by the Chinese trawlers will further deplete Pakistan's marine resources. The trawlers arrived off the coast of Sindh and Baluchistan in the first week of August. It is not known where exactly in China, these trawlers have come from. Also Read: Pak directs American blogger Cynthia Ritchie to leave country within 15 days "These vessels threaten the livelihoods of small fishermen by depriving the catch today, and in future by ecologically destroying the sea," said PFF chairman Muhammad Ali Shah. × Fishermen in Gwadar have also announced a protest campaign against the vessels. Gwadar is a central part of the USD 50 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor. Fishermen in Gwadar have protested in the past as well. They protested against construction activities that prevented them from going into the sea.

Pakistan fishermen plan protests against Chinese trawlers fishing near Karachi

At least 200,000 people gathered at Minsk’s independent square over the weekend. They demanded the resignation of Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko.

Often referred to as Europe’s last dictator, Alexander Lukashenko has maintained a tight grip on power by retaining much from the country’s Soviet past.&nbsp;

Lukashenka is 65 years old, he has spent 26 years as the president of Belarus but the old man's thirst for power is unquenched. 
 
When a 37-year-old Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya challenged him in the August 9 polls, Lukashenko forged the results and triggered a revolution.

Now, all bets are against Lukashenko and his fall is imminent.

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The uprising in Belarus has already erupted last week in a democratic vacuum, in a country where challengers to President Alexander Lukashenko are jailed or exiled and where there is no experienced parliamentary opposition.

But the dictator lives in denial, publicly denouncing the protesters as 'rats' and secretly fearing them.

On Sunday, Lukashenko flew over a sea of protesters wearing a bullet proof jacket. He landed in the presidential palace brandishing a rifle. 
 
Belarus has become a global headline, 50,000 Lithuanians formed a human chain in support of Belarusians. The chain was 30 kilometers long and stretched all the way from Vilnius to the Belarus border.

Among the participants was Lithuania’s President- Gitanas Nauseda.

Speaking from Vilnius, exiled leader Tsikhanouskaya said-- Lukashenko's fall is only a matter of time.

"Belarusian people have changed during this year and even if he (President Alexander Lukashenko) does (go ahead with inauguration), Belarusian people will not accept him as new president and now our people are absolutely different and I am sure that sooner or later he will have to leave,” She said.&nbsp;

The 37-year-old has baffled political pundits by challenging a 26-year-old dictatorship. One year ago, Tsikhanouskaya was just another Belarusian housewife. Today, and she sees herself as a symbol of change.

Russia believes that the polls in Belarus were fair and Tsikhanouskaya only interested in creating disunity in the country. 
 
"In the absence of the (election) observers that the west considers to be independent it's very difficult to convince someone that the result of the presidential elections was diametrically opposed to what was announced,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.

Russia and China are the only countries rallying behind Lukashenko. 
 
As Europe’s last dictator struggles to stay in power, the world is watching Belarus closely.

Lukashenko’s fall will have big political implications. Russia perhaps will feel the pain most strongly.

At least 200,000 people gathered at Minsk’s independent square over the weekend. They demanded the resignation of Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko. Often referred to as Europe’s last dictator, Alexander Lukashenko has maintained a tight grip on power by retaining much from the country’s Soviet past.

At least 200,000 people gathered at Minsk’s independent square over the weekend. They demanded the resignation of Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko. Often referred to as Europe’s last dictator, Alexander Lukashenko has maintained a tight grip on power by retaining much from the country’s Soviet past. Lukashenka is 65 years old, he has spent 26 years as the president of Belarus but the old man's thirst for power is unquenched. When a 37-year-old Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya challenged him in the August 9 polls, Lukashenko forged the results and triggered a revolution. Now, all bets are against Lukashenko and his fall is imminent. The uprising in Belarus has already erupted last week in a democratic vacuum, in a country where challengers to President Alexander Lukashenko are jailed or exiled and where there is no experienced parliamentary opposition. But the dictator lives in denial, publicly denouncing the protesters as 'rats' and secretly fearing them. On Sunday, Lukashenko flew over a sea of protesters wearing a bullet proof jacket. He landed in the presidential palace brandishing a rifle. Belarus has become a global headline, 50,000 Lithuanians formed a human chain in support of Belarusians. The chain was 30 kilometers long and stretched all the way from Vilnius to the Belarus border. Among the participants was Lithuania’s President- Gitanas Nauseda. Speaking from Vilnius, exiled leader Tsikhanouskaya said-- Lukashenko's fall is only a matter of time. "Belarusian people have changed during this year and even if he (President Alexander Lukashenko) does (go ahead with inauguration), Belarusian people will not accept him as new president and now our people are absolutely different and I am sure that sooner or later he will have to leave,” She said. The 37-year-old has baffled political pundits by challenging a 26-year-old dictatorship. One year ago, Tsikhanouskaya was just another Belarusian housewife. Today, and she sees herself as a symbol of change. Russia believes that the polls in Belarus were fair and Tsikhanouskaya only interested in creating disunity in the country. "In the absence of the (election) observers that the west considers to be independent it's very difficult to convince someone that the result of the presidential elections was diametrically opposed to what was announced,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said. Russia and China are the only countries rallying behind Lukashenko. As Europe’s last dictator struggles to stay in power, the world is watching Belarus closely. Lukashenko’s fall will have big political implications. Russia perhaps will feel the pain most strongly.

Belarus: Europe’s last dictator struggles to stay in power

The FBI wants American businesses to stop dealing with the Chinese companies. According to the FBI report,&nbsp;Chinese businesses lie, cheat and steal from American businesses.

Counterfeit goods, pirated software, and stolen trade secrets cost the United States&nbsp;well over 200 billion dollars every year.

Now, the FBI is blaming China for this. America's Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued a warning to corporates. &nbsp;A new FBI report exposes how China has been stealing American innovations targeting every potential source from businesses to even universities.

China steals original ideas through joint ventures between American and Chinese companies.

The FBI feels that such tie-ups provide an opportunity for a competing company to obtain restricted information.

Academic collaborations can be used to gain access to useful scientific research.

China runs talent recruitment programs, through which the country targets scientists, engineers, professionals, foreign government employees and contractors. The aim is to gather foreign research and technology. It is used to target military and civilian programs.

China uses trade shows and conferences as hunting grounds for intelligence.

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Attention, American business owners! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DYK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DYK</a> the Chinese government steals intellectual property and trade secrets from U.S. companies and researchers? Learn more about the risks the Chinese Communist Party poses to corporate America at <a href="https://t.co/eR7Xqxh4Mw">https://t.co/eR7Xqxh4Mw</a>.
— FBI (@FBI) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBI/status/1297571944053846016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The FBI has advised American businesses against working with Chinese companies.

It says the threat posed by Chinese interests is much bigger. Foreign travel can leave US employees vulnerable. The FBI says spies gather information through covert searches of luggage and hotel rooms.

Electronics can be confiscated and Americans workers can be subjected to extensive questioning. Even pushed into compromising situations. All in an effort to steal information.

The FBI now defines China as the world’s principal infringer of intellectual property.

Christopher Wray, FBI director said: "Over the past decade, we've seen economic espionage cases with a link to china increase by approximately 1,300 percent. The stakes could not be higher and the potential economic harm to american businesses and the economy as a whole almost defies calculation."

After losing billions --- the United States is now waking up to China’s theft. China has also been compelling European companies to hand over patents.

According to a survey, one in five firms has been forced to transfer technologies for market access.&nbsp;

The FBI wants American businesses to stop dealing with the Chinese companies. According to the FBI report, Chinese businesses lie, cheat and steal from American businesses.

The FBI wants American businesses to stop dealing with the Chinese companies. According to the FBI report, Chinese businesses lie, cheat and steal from American businesses. Counterfeit goods, pirated software, and stolen trade secrets cost the United States well over 200 billion dollars every year. Now, the FBI is blaming China for this. America's Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued a warning to corporates. A new FBI report exposes how China has been stealing American innovations targeting every potential source from businesses to even universities. China steals original ideas through joint ventures between American and Chinese companies. The FBI feels that such tie-ups provide an opportunity for a competing company to obtain restricted information. Academic collaborations can be used to gain access to useful scientific research. China runs talent recruitment programs, through which the country targets scientists, engineers, professionals, foreign government employees and contractors. The aim is to gather foreign research and technology. It is used to target military and civilian programs. China uses trade shows and conferences as hunting grounds for intelligence. Attention, American business owners! #DYK the Chinese government steals intellectual property and trade secrets from U.S. companies and researchers? Learn more about the risks the Chinese Communist Party poses to corporate America at https://t.co/eR7Xqxh4Mw. — FBI (@FBI) August 23, 2020 × The FBI has advised American businesses against working with Chinese companies. It says the threat posed by Chinese interests is much bigger. Foreign travel can leave US employees vulnerable. The FBI says spies gather information through covert searches of luggage and hotel rooms. Electronics can be confiscated and Americans workers can be subjected to extensive questioning. Even pushed into compromising situations. All in an effort to steal information. The FBI now defines China as the world’s principal infringer of intellectual property. Christopher Wray, FBI director said: "Over the past decade, we've seen economic espionage cases with a link to china increase by approximately 1,300 percent. The stakes could not be higher and the potential economic harm to american businesses and the economy as a whole almost defies calculation." After losing billions --- the United States is now waking up to China’s theft. China has also been compelling European companies to hand over patents. According to a survey, one in five firms has been forced to transfer technologies for market access.

FBI warns American businesses to stop dealing with Chinese companies

Veteran actor Tom Hanks&nbsp;upcoming project 'A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood'&nbsp;is all set for a theatrical release in China in the next six weeks. 
 
According to Variety, the upcoming movie, based on US TV host Mr Rogers, received investment from China`s Tencent Pictures in early 2019, while Tencent received censorship approval for the film in early January this year. However, no release dates were locked by the company then. 
 
The dates were upended by the closure of theatres in China due to the outbreak of COVID-19. On the other hand, Marielle Heller's 'A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood'&nbsp;is to reach the Indian screens on January 17.The film initially premiered on September 7, 2019, during the then-ongoing Toronto International Film Festival and then went on to release in the United States in November last year. 
 
The film revolves around the life of a journalist Lloyd Vogel (played by Mathew Rhys) who is to profile a popular television star Fred Rogers (Tom Hanks). When Lloyd is asked to interview Rogers, he fails to keep his personal life away from work and as a result, things keep tangling in his life. 
 
Tom Hanks was recently nominated at the Golden Globe Awards in Best Supporting Actor Motion Picture's category. The film has also been nominated in various categories in different award ceremonies (most of them pending till now).&nbsp;The film is adapted from Tom Junod's interview of Rogers in 1999 titled 'Can You Say...Hero?'&nbsp;and has been critically acclaimed by many across the globe. 
 
Cited in a news agency, the cinemas in China remained closed until July 20 and are only now getting back on track, with a series of health and safety protocols that limit physical distance and keep cinema capacity at 50 per cent of available seats. 
 
There is a growing number of new and delayed movies, that are heading to China's multiplexes. According to the publication, 'Trolls World Tour'&nbsp;opens Friday, while 'Little Women'&nbsp;opens on 25 August, and 'The Current War'&nbsp;is set to release on 28 August releases on Aug. 28.The much-anticipated Christopher Nolan's 'Tenet' will open in China on 4 September, while 'Mulan'&nbsp;has received approval, but not yet been given a date.

Veteran actor Tom Hanks upcoming project 'A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood' is all set for a theatrical release in China in the next six weeks. According to Variety, the upcoming movie, based on US TV host Mr Rogers, received investment from China`s Tencent Pictures in early 2019, while Tencent received censorship approval for the film in early January this year.

Veteran actor Tom Hanks upcoming project 'A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood' is all set for a theatrical release in China in the next six weeks. According to Variety, the upcoming movie, based on US TV host Mr Rogers, received investment from China`s Tencent Pictures in early 2019, while Tencent received censorship approval for the film in early January this year. However, no release dates were locked by the company then. The dates were upended by the closure of theatres in China due to the outbreak of COVID-19. On the other hand, Marielle Heller's 'A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood' is to reach the Indian screens on January 17.The film initially premiered on September 7, 2019, during the then-ongoing Toronto International Film Festival and then went on to release in the United States in November last year. The film revolves around the life of a journalist Lloyd Vogel (played by Mathew Rhys) who is to profile a popular television star Fred Rogers (Tom Hanks). When Lloyd is asked to interview Rogers, he fails to keep his personal life away from work and as a result, things keep tangling in his life. Tom Hanks was recently nominated at the Golden Globe Awards in Best Supporting Actor Motion Picture's category. The film has also been nominated in various categories in different award ceremonies (most of them pending till now). The film is adapted from Tom Junod's interview of Rogers in 1999 titled 'Can You Say...Hero?' and has been critically acclaimed by many across the globe. Cited in a news agency, the cinemas in China remained closed until July 20 and are only now getting back on track, with a series of health and safety protocols that limit physical distance and keep cinema capacity at 50 per cent of available seats. There is a growing number of new and delayed movies, that are heading to China's multiplexes. According to the publication, 'Trolls World Tour' opens Friday, while 'Little Women' opens on 25 August, and 'The Current War' is set to release on 28 August releases on Aug. 28.The much-anticipated Christopher Nolan's 'Tenet' will open in China on 4 September, while 'Mulan' has received approval, but not yet been given a date.

Tom Hanks 'A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood' set for theatrical release in China

China is trying to emotionally blackmail India after all its propaganda, threats and&nbsp;fake news failed. China is now using Indian expats living in China as pawns.

A video released by China's mouthpiece The Global Times says &nbsp;"...Will you divorce me if the India-China relationship becomes more complicated?....Shree asked her Chinese husband as a joke...''

Who's shree? An indian woman married to a Chinese man. Why is she worrying about a divorce?. Partly because of the growing tensions between India and China but mostly because india has banned Chinese apps. A ban which according to the Global Times has turned Shree's life upside down.

This may just be a new low in China's information warfare. The Global Times has truly outdone itself this time. It has used a private matter to push state propaganda.

An indian face to tell China's story. There are people like Shree on both sides of the border. People who are suffering due to China's aggression. People who have suffered for a long time due to China's censorship. Also, the message China is trying to send through this video is not of peace. Its a message of how vulnerable the indian diaspora in China could be --- if tensions still persist.

This is not the first time that China has dragged foreign citizens into its quarrels with other countries. Not too long ago, it was the Canadian diaspora in China which was on target.

In December 2018, the Canadian government arrested Meng Wanzhou, Huawei technologies executive on charges of fraud. She was detained upon her arrival in Vancouver. In retaliation, China arrested two Canadians -- Michael Covrig and Micheal Apavor -- on unproven charges of espionage.

The two men continue to be in a Chinese prison and China is now putting the same playbook to use in its fight with India. Now, China is dragging the Indian diaspora to send a message to New Delhi. So far, it hasn't targeted or arrested Indians living in China but the precedents the Chinese regime has set makes us all worry.

India's ban on Chinese apps is hurting Beijing's economic interests and Chinese state media is now dragging Indian citizens into its narrative which only reveals China's frustration.

China is trying to emotionally blackmail India after all its propaganda, threats and fake news failed. China is now using Indian expats living in China as pawns.

China is trying to emotionally blackmail India after all its propaganda, threats and fake news failed. China is now using Indian expats living in China as pawns. A video released by China's mouthpiece The Global Times says "...Will you divorce me if the India-China relationship becomes more complicated?....Shree asked her Chinese husband as a joke...'' Who's shree? An indian woman married to a Chinese man. Why is she worrying about a divorce?. Partly because of the growing tensions between India and China but mostly because india has banned Chinese apps. A ban which according to the Global Times has turned Shree's life upside down. This may just be a new low in China's information warfare. The Global Times has truly outdone itself this time. It has used a private matter to push state propaganda. An indian face to tell China's story. There are people like Shree on both sides of the border. People who are suffering due to China's aggression. People who have suffered for a long time due to China's censorship. Also, the message China is trying to send through this video is not of peace. Its a message of how vulnerable the indian diaspora in China could be --- if tensions still persist. This is not the first time that China has dragged foreign citizens into its quarrels with other countries. Not too long ago, it was the Canadian diaspora in China which was on target. In December 2018, the Canadian government arrested Meng Wanzhou, Huawei technologies executive on charges of fraud. She was detained upon her arrival in Vancouver. In retaliation, China arrested two Canadians -- Michael Covrig and Micheal Apavor -- on unproven charges of espionage. The two men continue to be in a Chinese prison and China is now putting the same playbook to use in its fight with India. Now, China is dragging the Indian diaspora to send a message to New Delhi. So far, it hasn't targeted or arrested Indians living in China but the precedents the Chinese regime has set makes us all worry. India's ban on Chinese apps is hurting Beijing's economic interests and Chinese state media is now dragging Indian citizens into its narrative which only reveals China's frustration.

China targets Indian diaspora in mainland after ban on Chinese apps

China's top asset manager Lai Xiaomin made 258 million dollars in bribes and had a hundred mistresses. Lai's story is extraordinary so much so, that China’s state broadcaster CCTV has made a documentary about him.

Reports say Lai had kept 300 million yuan in a bank account in his mother’s name.

Xiaomin was one of china’s four big bad asset managers and in 10 years, he used his position to solicit bribes in exchange for favours.

In his career, he worked with several key government institutions. Xiaomin served as department director with the People’s Bank of China, as well as the China banking regulatory commission. He was appointed chairman of the Huarong Asset Management company in 2012. All of these come under the Chinese government and Xiaomin represented the communist party in these departments.

In his last job, Lai was also the deputy party chief for his company's communist party wing. Those positions allowed Lai to run perhaps the biggest corruption racket in the Chinese banking system.

The scandal was revealed two years ago. Now Lai has pleaded guilty. The Chinese state has turned on Lai. The hearing in the case was held in public. Apart from tonnes of cash, Lai had a string of affairs. Reports say he had more than 100 mistresses. Many of whom received management positions at the subsidiaries of Huarong.

China claims the crackdown against Lai is a big victory against corruption but this case of the fallen banker exposes Beijing and the deep-rooted dishonesty within China’s corrupt meritocracy 
&nbsp;

China's top asset manager Lai Xiaomin made 258 million dollars in bribes and had a hundred mistresses. Lai's story is extraordinary so much so, that China’s state broadcaster CCTV has made a documentary about him.

China's top asset manager Lai Xiaomin made 258 million dollars in bribes and had a hundred mistresses. Lai's story is extraordinary so much so, that China’s state broadcaster CCTV has made a documentary about him. Reports say Lai had kept 300 million yuan in a bank account in his mother’s name. Xiaomin was one of china’s four big bad asset managers and in 10 years, he used his position to solicit bribes in exchange for favours. In his career, he worked with several key government institutions. Xiaomin served as department director with the People’s Bank of China, as well as the China banking regulatory commission. He was appointed chairman of the Huarong Asset Management company in 2012. All of these come under the Chinese government and Xiaomin represented the communist party in these departments. In his last job, Lai was also the deputy party chief for his company's communist party wing. Those positions allowed Lai to run perhaps the biggest corruption racket in the Chinese banking system. The scandal was revealed two years ago. Now Lai has pleaded guilty. The Chinese state has turned on Lai. The hearing in the case was held in public. Apart from tonnes of cash, Lai had a string of affairs. Reports say he had more than 100 mistresses. Many of whom received management positions at the subsidiaries of Huarong. China claims the crackdown against Lai is a big victory against corruption but this case of the fallen banker exposes Beijing and the deep-rooted dishonesty within China’s corrupt meritocracy

Lai Xiaomin case exposes China’s corrupt meritocracy

On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump continued to attack his rival in the upcoming presidential elections, Joe Biden, by suggesting he was too soft on China.

While addressing himself in the third person, Trump said, “China will own the United States if this election is lost by Donald Trump," in conversation with radio host Hugh Hewitt.

"If I don't win the election, China will own the United States. You're going to have to learn to speak Chinese, you want to know the truth”, the president claimed.

China a contentious issue

China has become a focal point for the upcoming elections, with both candidates trying to sound tough against Chinese influence.

Trump has repeatedly blamed China for failing to contain the spread of COVID-19, and claims that his relationship with Chinese President Jinping has now soured. The US continues to bother China, be it in the form of sanctions against its top politicians like Carrie Lam, or the historic visit to Taiwan, which was the first in decades.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-calls-kamala-harris-phony-mean-and-most-disrespectful-senator-319848" hreflang="en">Donald Trump calls Kamala Harris 'phony’, 'mean' and, most disrespectful senator</a>

However, Trump is yet to still refer to the persecution of Uighur muslims in China, and his ex aide John Bolton claimed in a book that he had given his approval for the camps to Jinping.

"Who would ever say a thing like that? He made it up. He made up everything," Trump said, while referring to Bolton. "John Bolton is a sick person. And John, and he's not a smart person”, he added.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had referred to the Chinese action against the Uighurs “the stain of the century”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-presidential-candidate-joe-biden-picks-indian-origin-senator-kamala-harris-for-us-vice-presidential-candidate-319835" hreflang="en">Biden picks Indian-origin Kamala Harris for US vice presidential candidate</a>

Trump attacks Harris

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that he was "surprised" when Joe Biden picked Kamala Harris as his vice-presidential candidate. He called Kamala Harris, the "most horrible" member of the US Senate.

Trump told reporters at the White House that Harris did not impress him when she was striving for the Democratic nomination in primaries ultimately won by Biden.

In Pics |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-top-politicians-and-celebrities-are-reacting-to-kamala-harris-vp-pick-319853" hreflang="en">How top politicians and celebrities are reacting to Kamala Harris' VP pick</a>

"I was more surprised than anything else because she did so poorly," he said.

Donald Trump added that during his 2018 Senate confirmation hearings of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, Harris was "the meanest, the most horrible, the most disrespectful of anybody in the US Senate."

Trump tweeted out a video calling Harris a "phony"&nbsp;and 'attacking Joe Biden for "racist policies".

On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump continued to attack his rival in the upcoming presidential elections, Joe Biden, by suggesting he was too soft on China. While addressing himself in the third person, Trump said, “China will own the United States if this election is lost by Donald Trump," in conversation with radio host Hugh Hewitt.

On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump continued to attack his rival in the upcoming presidential elections, Joe Biden, by suggesting he was too soft on China. While addressing himself in the third person, Trump said, “China will own the United States if this election is lost by Donald Trump," in conversation with radio host Hugh Hewitt. "If I don't win the election, China will own the United States. You're going to have to learn to speak Chinese, you want to know the truth”, the president claimed. China a contentious issue China has become a focal point for the upcoming elections, with both candidates trying to sound tough against Chinese influence. Trump has repeatedly blamed China for failing to contain the spread of COVID-19, and claims that his relationship with Chinese President Jinping has now soured. The US continues to bother China, be it in the form of sanctions against its top politicians like Carrie Lam, or the historic visit to Taiwan, which was the first in decades. Also read: Donald Trump calls Kamala Harris 'phony’, 'mean' and, most disrespectful senator However, Trump is yet to still refer to the persecution of Uighur muslims in China, and his ex aide John Bolton claimed in a book that he had given his approval for the camps to Jinping. "Who would ever say a thing like that? He made it up. He made up everything," Trump said, while referring to Bolton. "John Bolton is a sick person. And John, and he's not a smart person”, he added. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had referred to the Chinese action against the Uighurs “the stain of the century”. Also read: Biden picks Indian-origin Kamala Harris for US vice presidential candidate Trump attacks Harris US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that he was "surprised" when Joe Biden picked Kamala Harris as his vice-presidential candidate. He called Kamala Harris, the "most horrible" member of the US Senate. Trump told reporters at the White House that Harris did not impress him when she was striving for the Democratic nomination in primaries ultimately won by Biden. In Pics | How top politicians and celebrities are reacting to Kamala Harris' VP pick "I was more surprised than anything else because she did so poorly," he said. Donald Trump added that during his 2018 Senate confirmation hearings of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, Harris was "the meanest, the most horrible, the most disrespectful of anybody in the US Senate." Trump tweeted out a video calling Harris a "phony" and 'attacking Joe Biden for "racist policies".

Americans will need to learn Chinese if Biden wins, says Trump

China said on Wednesday that US&nbsp;Health Secretary Alex Azar has performed the "worst in the world" in controlling the novel coronavirus, rejecting criticism of China made by Azar during a three-day trip to Taiwan this week.

Azar attacked China's response to the coronavirus pandemic on Tuesday saying that if such an outbreak had emerged in Taiwan or the United States it could have been "snuffed out easily".

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a regular briefing the epidemic in the United States was "out of control" and the blame lay with Azar.

"He ignored millions of Americans suffering from the virus and went to Taiwan to put on a political show," Zhao said.

"His behaviour proves once again that in the eyes of US&nbsp;politicians, American lives mean nothing when compared with their selfish political gains," he said.

Azar was the highest-level US&nbsp;official visit to Taiwan in four decades and it came after a sharp deterioration of relations between the United States and China over a range of issues including trade, Hong Kong and the coronavirus.

The Trump administration has repeatedly criticised China for trying to cover up the coronavirus outbreak, first identified in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year, and prevaricating on information sharing.

China denies the accusations.

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping had soured over the outbreak, and that they had not spoken in a long time.&nbsp;

China condemned his trip.

China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has vowed to bring it under its rule, by force if necessary. Zhao said on Wednesday that Beijing condemns any official ties between the US&nbsp;and self-governed Taiwan.

The United States has the highest number of coronavirus infections and deaths in the world and Trump has come under scathing attack from critics at home for not taking what he calls the "China virus" seriously enough.

China has reported 84,737 confirmed cases with 4,634 deaths.

Taiwan has been praised by health experts for its early and effective steps to control the outbreak, with only 480 infections and seven deaths. 
&nbsp;

China said on Wednesday that US Health Secretary Alex Azar has performed the "worst in the world" in controlling the novel coronavirus, rejecting criticism of China made by Azar during a three-day trip to Taiwan this week.

China said on Wednesday that US Health Secretary Alex Azar has performed the "worst in the world" in controlling the novel coronavirus, rejecting criticism of China made by Azar during a three-day trip to Taiwan this week. Azar attacked China's response to the coronavirus pandemic on Tuesday saying that if such an outbreak had emerged in Taiwan or the United States it could have been "snuffed out easily". Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a regular briefing the epidemic in the United States was "out of control" and the blame lay with Azar. "He ignored millions of Americans suffering from the virus and went to Taiwan to put on a political show," Zhao said. "His behaviour proves once again that in the eyes of US politicians, American lives mean nothing when compared with their selfish political gains," he said. Azar was the highest-level US official visit to Taiwan in four decades and it came after a sharp deterioration of relations between the United States and China over a range of issues including trade, Hong Kong and the coronavirus. The Trump administration has repeatedly criticised China for trying to cover up the coronavirus outbreak, first identified in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year, and prevaricating on information sharing. China denies the accusations. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping had soured over the outbreak, and that they had not spoken in a long time. China condemned his trip. China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has vowed to bring it under its rule, by force if necessary. Zhao said on Wednesday that Beijing condemns any official ties between the US and self-governed Taiwan. The United States has the highest number of coronavirus infections and deaths in the world and Trump has come under scathing attack from critics at home for not taking what he calls the "China virus" seriously enough. China has reported 84,737 confirmed cases with 4,634 deaths. Taiwan has been praised by health experts for its early and effective steps to control the outbreak, with only 480 infections and seven deaths.

China denounces US health chief's criticism over virus as 'political show'

Xi Jinping tightened his grip on power by promising a corruption-free China. More than one million officials were sacked and they were Xi Jinping loyalists.

In 2017, the Communist Party unveiled its leadership team - the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China. It's the highest decision-making body of the Chinese government and&nbsp;at the centre is Xi Jinping.&nbsp;

The faces around him have one thing in common --- they pose no challenge to the Chinese president.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-friends-and-family-get-top-positions-in-xi-jinpings-china-319583/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It's customary for a Chinese president to appoint a potential successor on the Standing Committee in his second term.

However, Xi Jinping has not appointed a successor. He has removed presidential term limits and made himself the de facto ruler for life.

An American think tank has come up with this assessment of China’s leadership.&nbsp;According to the assessment, Xi Jinping promoted and elevated his comrades in the Politburo.

The Politburo has 25 members and it runs the affairs of the country. &nbsp;Almost 60 per cent of this team has direct ties to Xi Jinping. Many have worked under him before. Other members include loyal advisers, a childhood friend and even family associates.

Xi made room for them by carrying out the great purge or&nbsp;what he called an anti-corruption campaign. More than one million officials were disciplined in this drive.&nbsp;China hasn’t seen a campaign so vast and ruthless since the days of Mao Zedong.

According to a report in 2017, over 170 ministers and deputy minister-level officials were either sacked or jailed.&nbsp;They were charged with crimes like corruption, misconduct and violation of party discipline.

By 2017, nearly 70 per cent of the party’s central committee was reportedly replaced. China’s centre of power has dramatically been altered and Xi Jinping has surrounded himself with loyalists and "yes men".

Eight years and a massive anti-corruption campaign later, has China defeated corruption?&nbsp;China ranks 80th on a list of 198 countries in terms of transparency.&nbsp;

&nbsp;According to the annual corruption perceptions index of transparency international,&nbsp;China scored 41 out of 100.

Xi Jinping tightened his grip on power by promising a corruption-free China. More than one million officials were sacked and they were Xi Jinping loyalists. In 2017, the Communist Party unveiled its leadership team - the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China.

Xi Jinping tightened his grip on power by promising a corruption-free China. More than one million officials were sacked and they were Xi Jinping loyalists. In 2017, the Communist Party unveiled its leadership team - the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China. It's the highest decision-making body of the Chinese government and at the centre is Xi Jinping. The faces around him have one thing in common --- they pose no challenge to the Chinese president. It's customary for a Chinese president to appoint a potential successor on the Standing Committee in his second term. However, Xi Jinping has not appointed a successor. He has removed presidential term limits and made himself the de facto ruler for life. An American think tank has come up with this assessment of China’s leadership. According to the assessment, Xi Jinping promoted and elevated his comrades in the Politburo. The Politburo has 25 members and it runs the affairs of the country. Almost 60 per cent of this team has direct ties to Xi Jinping. Many have worked under him before. Other members include loyal advisers, a childhood friend and even family associates. Xi made room for them by carrying out the great purge or what he called an anti-corruption campaign. More than one million officials were disciplined in this drive. China hasn’t seen a campaign so vast and ruthless since the days of Mao Zedong. According to a report in 2017, over 170 ministers and deputy minister-level officials were either sacked or jailed. They were charged with crimes like corruption, misconduct and violation of party discipline. By 2017, nearly 70 per cent of the party’s central committee was reportedly replaced. China’s centre of power has dramatically been altered and Xi Jinping has surrounded himself with loyalists and "yes men". Eight years and a massive anti-corruption campaign later, has China defeated corruption? China ranks 80th on a list of 198 countries in terms of transparency. According to the annual corruption perceptions index of transparency international, China scored 41 out of 100.

Xi Jinping tries to secure his throne with anti-corruption drive

US tech giant Apple has reportedly imported clothes -- uniform for staff in stores -- from a company facing US sanctions over forced labour in China’s western Xinjiang region, The Guardian report said quoting shipping records.

US tech giant Apple has reportedly imported clothes -- uniform for staff in stores -- from a company facing US sanctions over forced labour in China’s western Xinjiang region, The Guardian report said quoting shipping records. According to the report, an Apple spokesman said that the company is not sourcing cotton from Xinjiang, but declined to comment on whether they had done so in the past. The US government in July imposed sanctions on Changji Esquel Textile, a unit of the Hong Kong garment group Esquel, along with 10 other Chinese companies for alleged human rights violations in the Xinjiang region, including forced labour. Also read: As Apple eyes shift to India from China, smartphone manufacturing to get major boost The sanctions bar the companies from buying US technology and other goods. However, Esquel has denied allegations. “We absolutely have not, do not, and will never use forced labour anywhere in our company,” it said in a statement. According to the report, a month before the sanctions were announced, Esquel had sent a shipment of women’s cotton and elastane knit shirts to “Apple Retail stores” in California, the database run by the global shipping information provider Panjiva showed. Those records were identified by the Tech Transparency Project. Also read: Apple removes thousands of game apps from China store: Research firm Esquel supplies many major US clothing companies including Patagonia, Nike and Tommy Hilfiger. But Apple’s relationship with the firm has not received much public scrutiny, even though it stretches back years.

Apple imported clothes from Chinese company facing US forced labour sanctions: Report

Chinese artificial intelligence company Shanghai Zhizhen Intelligent Network Technology Co., Ltd., also known as Xiao-i, has filed a lawsuit against Apple Inc, accusing the tech giant of&nbsp;infringing on its patents, according to Reuters.

The company&nbsp;has sought 10 billion yuan ($1.43 billion)in damages and demands that Apple cease "manufacturing, using, promising to sell, selling, and importing" products that infringe on the patent, it said in a social media post.

Xiao-i argued that Apple's voice-recognition technology Siri infringes on a patent that it applied for in 2004 and was granted in 2009.

The lawsuit marks the continuation of a row that has been ongoing for nearly a decade.

Shanghai Zhizhen first sued Apple for patent infringement in 2012 regarding its voice recognition technology. In July, China's Supreme People's court ruled that the patent was valid. 
&nbsp;

Chinese artificial intelligence company Shanghai Zhizhen Intelligent Network Technology Co., Ltd., also known as Xiao-i, has filed a lawsuit against Apple Inc, accusing the tech giant of infringing on its patents, according to Reuters.

Chinese artificial intelligence company Shanghai Zhizhen Intelligent Network Technology Co., Ltd., also known as Xiao-i, has filed a lawsuit against Apple Inc, accusing the tech giant of infringing on its patents, according to Reuters. The company has sought 10 billion yuan ($1.43 billion)in damages and demands that Apple cease "manufacturing, using, promising to sell, selling, and importing" products that infringe on the patent, it said in a social media post. Xiao-i argued that Apple's voice-recognition technology Siri infringes on a patent that it applied for in 2004 and was granted in 2009. The lawsuit marks the continuation of a row that has been ongoing for nearly a decade. Shanghai Zhizhen first sued Apple for patent infringement in 2012 regarding its voice recognition technology. In July, China's Supreme People's court ruled that the patent was valid.

Chinese artificial intelligence company files $1.4 billion lawsuit against Apple

China's Exim bank has asked the Maldives to repay $10 million loan. It is a part of the loan given to former president Yameen's ally- Sun Ahmed Shyam.

The $127 million loan was given in sovereign guarantee and now china is asking the Maldives to cough up an unpaid instalment. The timing couldn't be worse. The Wuhan virus has hit the economy. The tourism sector has come to standstill.

So why is China asking for money now?

It is called blackmail. China is punishing the Maldives for its proximity to India.

The former president of this island country Abdullah Yameen was China's puppet. He ramped up infrastructure projects with Chinese funds.&nbsp;

And in the process, Yameen had cast aside democracy and the rule of law. Take a look at the inflow of money.

China invested 830 million dollars into the island country's airport. China built a 2-km bridge to link the airport island to the male.

It also built a 25-storey apartment complex and hospital in the Maldives. Beijing sent 306,000 tourists to the Maldives in the year 2018

Talk about china's debt-trap diplomacy...

Here's a question. Why the Maldives?

Because it holds strategic importance for Beijing. The Maldives has key shipping lanes.

It is located along china's shipping route to the middle east.

During a visit to the Maldives in 2014, Chinese president Xi Jinping had announced that the Maldives could become a part of the maritime silk road.

In other words, the belt and road initiative.

In August 2018, 3 Chinese naval ships docked in Male.

The Maldives racked up an estimated 1.3 billion dollars of debt to China.

This is more than a quarter of the Maldives' GDP.

The estimates are conflicting.

In 2018, former president Mohamed Nasheed said that China has handed over an invoice of 3.2 billion dollars.

"It was an invoice. It just had a figure, $3.2 billion. It was shocking," said Nasheed. "It wasn’t just a conversation, it was a written note handed over, it was clear, you owe us this much."

In short, China's plan was on track, until the Solih govt took over in September 2018.

Currently, Maldives owes billions of dollars to China.

What happens if it does not repay $10 million to china's Exim bank?

It could impact the credibility of the Maldives.

What happens if Male pays?

It could impact its foreign trade and forex reserves.

India has handed over a cheque of 5.6 million dollars. This is for the implementation of the high-impact grant project. In July, the State Bank of India announced liquidity support of 16.20 million dollars for businesses and deferred loan repayments.

But India may not be able to extend this support to all countries being crushed under Chinese debts.

They can either learn from the Maldives or brace for disaster.

China's Exim bank has asked the Maldives to repay $10 million loan. It is a part of the loan given to former president Yameen's ally- Sun Ahmed Shyam. The $127 million loan was given in sovereign guarantee and now china is asking the Maldives to cough up an unpaid instalment.

China's Exim bank has asked the Maldives to repay $10 million loan. It is a part of the loan given to former president Yameen's ally- Sun Ahmed Shyam. The $127 million loan was given in sovereign guarantee and now china is asking the Maldives to cough up an unpaid instalment. The timing couldn't be worse. The Wuhan virus has hit the economy. The tourism sector has come to standstill. So why is China asking for money now? It is called blackmail. China is punishing the Maldives for its proximity to India. The former president of this island country Abdullah Yameen was China's puppet. He ramped up infrastructure projects with Chinese funds. And in the process, Yameen had cast aside democracy and the rule of law. Take a look at the inflow of money. China invested 830 million dollars into the island country's airport. China built a 2-km bridge to link the airport island to the male. It also built a 25-storey apartment complex and hospital in the Maldives. Beijing sent 306,000 tourists to the Maldives in the year 2018 Talk about china's debt-trap diplomacy... Here's a question. Why the Maldives? Because it holds strategic importance for Beijing. The Maldives has key shipping lanes. It is located along china's shipping route to the middle east. During a visit to the Maldives in 2014, Chinese president Xi Jinping had announced that the Maldives could become a part of the maritime silk road. In other words, the belt and road initiative. In August 2018, 3 Chinese naval ships docked in Male. The Maldives racked up an estimated 1.3 billion dollars of debt to China. This is more than a quarter of the Maldives' GDP. The estimates are conflicting. In 2018, former president Mohamed Nasheed said that China has handed over an invoice of 3.2 billion dollars. "It was an invoice. It just had a figure, $3.2 billion. It was shocking," said Nasheed. "It wasn’t just a conversation, it was a written note handed over, it was clear, you owe us this much." In short, China's plan was on track, until the Solih govt took over in September 2018. Currently, Maldives owes billions of dollars to China. What happens if it does not repay $10 million to china's Exim bank? It could impact the credibility of the Maldives. What happens if Male pays? It could impact its foreign trade and forex reserves. India has handed over a cheque of 5.6 million dollars. This is for the implementation of the high-impact grant project. In July, the State Bank of India announced liquidity support of 16.20 million dollars for businesses and deferred loan repayments. But India may not be able to extend this support to all countries being crushed under Chinese debts. They can either learn from the Maldives or brace for disaster.

Chinese banks asks Maldives to repay $10 million loan

World War II&nbsp;&nbsp;ended with US forces occupying Japan and the country's constitution adopted pacifism.

"The japanese people forever renounce war and the threat or use of force." Today's Japan led by Shinzo Abe wants to change this.

North korea launched two ballistic missiles that fell in Japanese waters last year. Over the last 100 days, Japan had to peacefully watch China send its longest dispatch of vessels to Senkaku Islands in east China sea. Senkaku belong to Japan. Instead of engaging China with military might, Japan went to international media to raise its concerns. Abe believes japan can no longer hide behind the weak shield of pacifism.

North korea's nuclear program and China's military incursions add weight to his arguments. Since his election in 2012, Abe has introduced a series of 'war bills'. The most sweeping changes made to defence laws since the end of world war II. China hasn't been pleased. In 2013, Abe announced a five-year military expansion plan, calling it "Proactive pacifism''. In 2015 -- despite public opposition -- Japanese military legislation was passed. This allowed Japan to participate in foreign conflicts, to help out allies.

Earlier it could go to war only in self-defence. In 2018, Abe activated Japan's marine unit, which had been disbanded after world war. In the same year, they conducted Japan's biggest ever military exercise simulations of air combat, ballistic missile defense and, amphibious landings. All aimed at countering North Korea and China. In 2019, Japan began developing supersonic guide bombs and hypersonic missiles.

Japan is a nuclear state but in 1976, Japan promised not to use a nuclear weapon But, even before his election. Abe said Japan's constitution does not ban possession of nuclear weapons. He wants to keep a minimum set of tactical, nuclear war-heads.

This is the modern Japan. Equipped to the hilt and ready to strike but hesitant due to a gruesome past.

World War II ended with US forces occupying Japan and the country's constitution adopted pacifism. "The japanese people forever renounce war and the threat or use of force.

World War II ended with US forces occupying Japan and the country's constitution adopted pacifism. "The japanese people forever renounce war and the threat or use of force." Today's Japan led by Shinzo Abe wants to change this. North korea launched two ballistic missiles that fell in Japanese waters last year. Over the last 100 days, Japan had to peacefully watch China send its longest dispatch of vessels to Senkaku Islands in east China sea. Senkaku belong to Japan. Instead of engaging China with military might, Japan went to international media to raise its concerns. Abe believes japan can no longer hide behind the weak shield of pacifism. North korea's nuclear program and China's military incursions add weight to his arguments. Since his election in 2012, Abe has introduced a series of 'war bills'. The most sweeping changes made to defence laws since the end of world war II. China hasn't been pleased. In 2013, Abe announced a five-year military expansion plan, calling it "Proactive pacifism''. In 2015 -- despite public opposition -- Japanese military legislation was passed. This allowed Japan to participate in foreign conflicts, to help out allies. Earlier it could go to war only in self-defence. In 2018, Abe activated Japan's marine unit, which had been disbanded after world war. In the same year, they conducted Japan's biggest ever military exercise simulations of air combat, ballistic missile defense and, amphibious landings. All aimed at countering North Korea and China. In 2019, Japan began developing supersonic guide bombs and hypersonic missiles. Japan is a nuclear state but in 1976, Japan promised not to use a nuclear weapon But, even before his election. Abe said Japan's constitution does not ban possession of nuclear weapons. He wants to keep a minimum set of tactical, nuclear war-heads. This is the modern Japan. Equipped to the hilt and ready to strike but hesitant due to a gruesome past.

Japan shifts gear to counter Chinese, North Korea aggression

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Sunday extended his support to Ecuador which accused China of violating the sovereign rights and jurisdiction of coastal states.

"It is time for China to stop its unsustainable fishing practices, rule-breaking, and willful environmental degradation of the oceans. We stand with Ecuador and call on Beijing to stop engaging in illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing," Pompeo tweeted.

According to a press statement released by the US Department of State, "The People`s Republic of China subsidises the world`s largest commercial fishing fleet, which routinely violates the sovereign rights and jurisdiction of coastal states, fishes without permission, and overfishes licensing agreements."

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It is time for China to stop its unsustainable fishing practices, rule-breaking, and willful environmental degradation of the oceans. We stand with Ecuador and call on Beijing to stop engaging in illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
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"The Ecuadorian government has done just that in raising the alarm about the hundreds of PRC-flagged vessels fishing near Ecuador`s important Galapagos marine reserve and harvesting endangered sharks for their fins, along with many other protected species."

"We firmly support Ecuador`s efforts to ensure PRC-flagged vessels do not engage in illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and stand with States whose economies and natural resources are threatened by PRC-flagged vessels` disregard for the rule of law and responsible fishing practices," Pompeo added.

Urging the international community to stand together against China, the US Secretary of State said, "Given this unfortunate record of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, rule-breaking, and willful environmental degradation, it is more important than ever that the international community stands together for the rule of law and insists on better environmental stewardship from Beijing."&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Sunday extended his support to Ecuador which accused China of violating the sovereign rights and jurisdiction of coastal states.

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Sunday extended his support to Ecuador which accused China of violating the sovereign rights and jurisdiction of coastal states. "It is time for China to stop its unsustainable fishing practices, rule-breaking, and willful environmental degradation of the oceans. We stand with Ecuador and call on Beijing to stop engaging in illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing," Pompeo tweeted. According to a press statement released by the US Department of State, "The People`s Republic of China subsidises the world`s largest commercial fishing fleet, which routinely violates the sovereign rights and jurisdiction of coastal states, fishes without permission, and overfishes licensing agreements." It is time for China to stop its unsustainable fishing practices, rule-breaking, and willful environmental degradation of the oceans. We stand with Ecuador and call on Beijing to stop engaging in illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) August 2, 2020 × "The Ecuadorian government has done just that in raising the alarm about the hundreds of PRC-flagged vessels fishing near Ecuador`s important Galapagos marine reserve and harvesting endangered sharks for their fins, along with many other protected species." "We firmly support Ecuador`s efforts to ensure PRC-flagged vessels do not engage in illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and stand with States whose economies and natural resources are threatened by PRC-flagged vessels` disregard for the rule of law and responsible fishing practices," Pompeo added. Urging the international community to stand together against China, the US Secretary of State said, "Given this unfortunate record of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, rule-breaking, and willful environmental degradation, it is more important than ever that the international community stands together for the rule of law and insists on better environmental stewardship from Beijing."

Pompeo slams China for violating 'sovereign rights and jurisdiction of coastal states'

Chinese mission in Islamabad has asked Pakistani authorities to manage negative sentiments domestically when it comes to atrocities against Uighur Muslims which could take a toll on bilateral ties.

Chinese mission in Islamabad has asked Pakistani authorities to manage negative sentiments domestically when it comes to atrocities against Uighur Muslims which could take a toll on bilateral ties. Pakistani authorities had done an internal study to gauge the public mood on the atrocities against Uighurs by Chinese government in the restive western province of Xinjiang. The report found that religious journals in Pakistan have been talking about it vocally and widely covering the situation in the westernmost Chinese province which one journal described as "police state". The main objective of the Pakistani assessment was to manage the reaction and control any activity that may cause embarrassment for both Pakistan and China on the Uighur issue. Journals like Ishraq, Ahl-E-Hadith, Mohaddis, Peyam, Al Burhan, Al Aitisam, Uswah Hasana and Tarjuman Ul Quran have been discussing the matter since November 2019. WION broke the story on Friday. The report was handed over to the Chinese mission, with the mission seeking more feedback on the matter. The Chinese mission in Pakistan is worried about the religious sections of Pakistani society, which are considered not only staunch but uncompromising. It sees the role of mainstream English media such as Dawn who have reported on China's expanding sphere of influence also concerning. While major mainstream media in Pakistan have been focusing on growing cooperation and goodwill between Islamabad and Beijing, "certain English media" gives space to disturbing news from China, the mission has discussed with Pakistani authorities. Feedback on Urdu media has been asked, as religious segments rely on Urdu media for information. When it comes to Urdu media versus English media, the Chinese mission believes the latter caters only to a certain section of the elite and doesn't have a significant role in shaping public opinion. Also read: Pakistan assessment finds seething anger in religious journals over situation of Uighurs Muslims in China What the Chinese mission seeks to understand is if concerns regarding Xinjiang are taking "shape of emotions" and this could be detrimental to the interest of both countries, especially with the mega infrastructure project China Pakistan Economic Corridor or CPEC passing through the South Asian country. Both sides have concurred that "chances of emotions taking shape" may increase as western sources give more reportage to the crisis in Xinjiang but with documentary evidence. The Chinese response to western stories on Xinjiang is not seen as convincing and one that is lacking transparency. For example, while initially, China denied that acknowledge the presence of detention centres, Beijing later adjusted its position to pronounce them as re-education and de-radicalisation centres. Also read: French claims on imprisonment of Uighur are 'lies', says China People to people connectivity is another aspect the Chinese mission has asked feedback on as Pakistanis might be forming personal opinions and getting information first hand. One is the frequent visit of people from Pakistan to Urumqi, Kashgar in Xinjiang with some married to Uighur Muslims and concerned about the safety of their families. Another is increased connect between Pakistani and Turkish nationals at public and official level and that might get expose the former with Uighur right activities. Feedback has also been asked on current questions being raised on the silence of Pakistani nationals over conditions of Uighurs vis a vis being vocal on "other communities such as in Palestine or Kashmir." Pakistani Establishment and Prime Minister Imran Khan have been silent on Uighur issue and when asked have been muted to any criticism against "all-weather" ally China.

Atrocities against Uighurs: China asks Pakistan to manage negative sentiments domestically

Amid worsening ties between US and China, the University of Texas, whose work has contributed to some promising COVID-19 vaccine candidates has been contacted by FBI over allegations that Chinese consulate in Houston had sought to obtain such research, reported South China Morning Post.

The US recently ordered China to close its Consulate General in Houston over allegations of espionage. China retaliated by ordering the US to close its Consulate General in Chengdu.

The University of Texas, as per the report, told faculty and research staff in an email on Monday that it was notified of the investigation by the FBI last week.

FBI agents would contact university researchers about the alleged role of the consulate and "efforts by the Chinese government to illegally procure research from American universities, including coronavirus vaccine research", according to the email, cited by South China Morning Post.

"We want to make you aware of an ongoing and evolving national situation that may affect some members of our research community," read the email.

The US State Department had ordered China last week to close its consulate in Houston, Texas, over accusations that it engaged for years in massive illegal spying and influence operations in the US.

The two countries have sparred over a range of issues in recent times -- China''s move to impose national security law in Hong Kong, its human rights violation in Xinjiang and territorial aggression in the South China Sea -- have all drawn fierce criticism from Washington.

Recently, Texas Congressman Michael McCaul has alleged that China''s Consulate General, which the US has ordered to close, is the epicentre of Beijing''s espionage in terms of stealing the bio-medical research.

"I can tell you it’s really the epicentre of China''s espionage in terms of stealing our bio-medical research. We had three scientists at M.D Anderson that were fired due to allegations of espionage," McCaul had told Fox News.

The Congressman said the Chinese are actively trying to steal the vaccine for COVID-19.

"We also have vaccine research going on at the Texas Medical Centre. We know that they are actively trying to steal that vaccine so that they can claim to the world they have saved them from the very virus they are responsible for," said McCaul.

Amid worsening ties between US and China, the University of Texas, whose work has contributed to some promising COVID-19 vaccine candidates has been contacted by FBI over allegations that Chinese consulate in Houston had sought to obtain such research, reported South China Morning Post.

Amid worsening ties between US and China, the University of Texas, whose work has contributed to some promising COVID-19 vaccine candidates has been contacted by FBI over allegations that Chinese consulate in Houston had sought to obtain such research, reported South China Morning Post. The US recently ordered China to close its Consulate General in Houston over allegations of espionage. China retaliated by ordering the US to close its Consulate General in Chengdu. The University of Texas, as per the report, told faculty and research staff in an email on Monday that it was notified of the investigation by the FBI last week. FBI agents would contact university researchers about the alleged role of the consulate and "efforts by the Chinese government to illegally procure research from American universities, including coronavirus vaccine research", according to the email, cited by South China Morning Post. "We want to make you aware of an ongoing and evolving national situation that may affect some members of our research community," read the email. The US State Department had ordered China last week to close its consulate in Houston, Texas, over accusations that it engaged for years in massive illegal spying and influence operations in the US. The two countries have sparred over a range of issues in recent times -- China''s move to impose national security law in Hong Kong, its human rights violation in Xinjiang and territorial aggression in the South China Sea -- have all drawn fierce criticism from Washington. Recently, Texas Congressman Michael McCaul has alleged that China''s Consulate General, which the US has ordered to close, is the epicentre of Beijing''s espionage in terms of stealing the bio-medical research. "I can tell you it’s really the epicentre of China''s espionage in terms of stealing our bio-medical research. We had three scientists at M.D Anderson that were fired due to allegations of espionage," McCaul had told Fox News. The Congressman said the Chinese are actively trying to steal the vaccine for COVID-19. "We also have vaccine research going on at the Texas Medical Centre. We know that they are actively trying to steal that vaccine so that they can claim to the world they have saved them from the very virus they are responsible for," said McCaul.

China tried to steal vaccine research from US university: Investigators

At least 28 US. States have reported people receiving unsolicited packets of seeds. This includes Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Georgia, Nebraska, Nevada, Texas and several other American states.

At least 28 US. States have reported people receiving unsolicited packets of seeds. This includes Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Georgia, Nebraska, Nevada, Texas and several other American states. Thousands of people in these states have spotted mystery seeds wrapped in envelopes at their doorsteps. Similar cases have been reported in Britain and Canada. Hundreds of gardeners in the UK have received deliveries they didn't pay for, nor asked for. Even Canadians are receiving packages from sources they have never heard of. Officials in the US, Canada and Britain don't know for sure whether they are part of a hoax, a prank, an internet scam or an act of bioterrorism. But what they have agreed upon is the likely source of these seeds. Police officials across the US have reported spotting Chinese characters on these packets of seeds. In Belfast, Ireland, a woman has reported receiving seeds as early as June. She said the envelope she received was marked with Chinese characters but had a return address in the Netherlands in Europe. The packets appear to be Chinese but there's no concrete proof of their source yet. The authorities investigating the matter are yet to establish a direct link to China. Meanwhile, China says it would investigate.

US, Canada citizens receive mysterious packages of seeds from China

China and Vatican expected to hold talks in September regarding the appointment of bishops to the churches of China.

The two sides are expected to renew an agreement that was signed in 2018. But China does not believe in playing fair and, therefore, decided to hack the Vatican.

China targeted the Vatican's computers and the holy see study mission to China which is a group of informal Vatican diplomats based in Hong Kong negotiating the catholic church's status with China.

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The infiltrations began in early May by a state-sponsored Chinese group.

Experts say the modus operandi was very similar to recent Chinese-approved hacking operations. One of the attacks reportedly came in the form of a fake letter.

&nbsp;Beijing has already bought the pope's silence as he does not say a word against China. He does not even exercise the little power he has in the selection of bishops for China.

Experts say China infiltrated the Vatican as it wanted to find out the Vatican's relation to Hong Kong mission. It also wanted to snoop on the group's position on Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement.

China has previously launched cyberattacks on Buddhist Tibetans, Uighur Muslims and Falun Gong practitioners outside China.&nbsp;

When asked about the allegations of hacking the Vatican, China called itself a defender of cybersecurity.&nbsp; 
Meanwhile, to impress China the Vatican has maintained a stoic silence on Uighurs and Hong Kong.&nbsp;

The pope even chose to skip a portion of his Sunday address script just because it referred to the Hong Kong security law.&nbsp;

The world is pulling up Beijing for its hammering of international law, cybersecurity and global health but the Vatican is quiet?

China and Vatican expected to hold talks in September regarding the appointment of bishops to the churches of China. The two sides are expected to renew an agreement that was signed in 2018.

China and Vatican expected to hold talks in September regarding the appointment of bishops to the churches of China. The two sides are expected to renew an agreement that was signed in 2018. But China does not believe in playing fair and, therefore, decided to hack the Vatican. China targeted the Vatican's computers and the holy see study mission to China which is a group of informal Vatican diplomats based in Hong Kong negotiating the catholic church's status with China. × The infiltrations began in early May by a state-sponsored Chinese group. Experts say the modus operandi was very similar to recent Chinese-approved hacking operations. One of the attacks reportedly came in the form of a fake letter. Beijing has already bought the pope's silence as he does not say a word against China. He does not even exercise the little power he has in the selection of bishops for China. Experts say China infiltrated the Vatican as it wanted to find out the Vatican's relation to Hong Kong mission. It also wanted to snoop on the group's position on Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement. China has previously launched cyberattacks on Buddhist Tibetans, Uighur Muslims and Falun Gong practitioners outside China. When asked about the allegations of hacking the Vatican, China called itself a defender of cybersecurity. Meanwhile, to impress China the Vatican has maintained a stoic silence on Uighurs and Hong Kong. The pope even chose to skip a portion of his Sunday address script just because it referred to the Hong Kong security law. The world is pulling up Beijing for its hammering of international law, cybersecurity and global health but the Vatican is quiet?

Pope Francis' silence is puzzling as Chinese hackers infiltrate Vatican

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