If sabotaging vaccine research was not enough, China is now promoting its traditional medicine as a cure for the Wuhan virus. China claims to have cured 92 per cent of the cases using its age-old concoctions.

If sabotaging vaccine research was not enough, China is now promoting its traditional medicine as a cure for the Wuhan virus. China claims to have cured 92 per cent of the cases using its age-old concoctions. But, there is no evidence to prove their effectiveness. China's President Xi Jinping thinks it's his national duty to promote it but there is a strong global pushback. China has released a white paper detailing the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine. It says Chinese herbal formulas and drugs were given to 92 per cent of all confirmed cases especially in Hubei province which is home to Wuhan and the virus. Hubei was the worst-hit province in China and China claims that traditional medicine cured more than 90 per cent of all types of cases __ mild, moderate and severe. However, the world's leading scientific journals and magazines say rigorous trial data is needed to show that these remedies are safe and effective. So far, China has failed to provide any. For them, the subject is more patriotic than scientific. Xi has made TCM his pet project. Of course, there's an economic interest too. In 2016, President Xi passed a national law requiring local governments to promote TCM. By the end of this year, China's domestic sales of TCM are expected to cross 400 billion dollars. Now, Xi Jinping is eyeing a share in the global pie. In November, Xi even managed to get the WHO to give its formal nod to TCM. The WHO added a chapter on TCM to the International Classification of Diseases. The list recognises globally available medical treatments. More than 100 countries rely on this document to determine their medical treatments. China prevailed on the WHO to include their unproven traditional medicines. Global scientific bodies slammed the move. The Federation of European academies of medicine and, the European academies' science advisory council issued a joint statement. They feared China would use this to promote TCM across the world. Why is there such resistance to Traditional Chinese medicine? It has evolved over a thousand years. It includes a range of treatments. Herbal concoctions to acupuncture because most of it is anecdotal. None of this has been proven to be 100 per cent effective. Also, many of these medicines contain toxic compounds, heavy metals, pesticides, and microorganisms. This may cause serious side effects. Chinese medicine also uses animal part. Parts from 36 species of animals. Many of them endangered. Traditional Chinese medicine has pushed several species including tigers, rhinoceroses, sea horses and pangolins to the brink of extinction. The origins of the Wuhan virus are disputed. But many believe it came from a lab or an exotic animal. So, how do we encourage a drug that uses parts of endangered animals? More importantly, parts of the very animals that may have spread the coronavirus? Given the global resistance, China had to rely on its hard power to push this attempt to secure soft power. China has sent traditional medicine to countries like Italy and Iraq along with their healthcare workers as a sign of support. According to a report by global times, TCM has spread to 183 countries and regions with more than 40 signing TCM-related agreements with China. Under the belt and road initiative, China will establish 30 TCM centres in participating countries by the end of this year. China has used its influence to get these medicines registered in Canada, Mozambique, Indonesia, Brazil, and Romania. What about mainland China? How do you force people to accept traditional medicine? China plans to punish people who criticise traditional medicines. It wants to expand the use of TCM in the Chinese healthcare system. For everything from cancer treatment to infectious disease prevention. TCM is seen by the communist party as a source of national pride and an integral part of China's cultural heritage. However, all Chinese citizens agree to it. So, China is introducing a bill. Ban any individual or organisation that criticises TCM. The draft legislation calls for criminal prosecution. The law is likely to be enforced in Beijing. Unfortunately, the victims of the unproven traditional Chinese medicine will be Chinese citizens themselves.

China's traditional medicine: Coronavirus cure or yet another propaganda?

Ahead of the next round of military-level talks scheduled to start this week, Indian and Chinese troops have disengaged on the ground at multiple locations on Line of Actual Control, according to a report.

Quoting government sources an ANI report said that talks between the two armies are going to be held this week at multiple locations including Patroling point 14 (Galwan area), Patrolling point 15, and Hot Springs area.

The Chinese Army has pulled back its troops from the Galwan valley, PP-15 and Hot Springs in Eastern Ladakh area by 2 to 2.5 kilometres ahead of talks in the next few days.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-agreed-to-work-together-to-maintain-peace-in-border-chinas-foreign-ministry-304333">India, China agreed to work together to maintain peace in border: China's foreign ministry</a>

The sources said to reciprocate the Chinese disengagement, the Indian side also brought back some of its troops and vehicles from these areas.

The talks are being held on these points at the battalion commander level and they have had hotline talks with their counterparts.

Indian military teams are already in Chushul to engage the Chinese in talks and are coordinating with the senior officials in this regard.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-border-face-off-exposes-chinas-two-facedness-304316">India-China border face-off exposes China's two-facedness</a>

Hua Chunying, spokesperson of China's Foreign Ministry on Monday said China and India have maintained close communication on resolving border issues through diplomatic and military channels.

Chunying said border areas situation were discussed during the meeting between Chinese and Indian military officials on Jun 6.&nbsp;

''India and China agreed to work together to maintain peace and tranquillity in border areas to create a favourable atmosphere for the stable development of bilateral relations,'' she noted.&nbsp;

Ahead of the next round of military-level talks scheduled to start this week, Indian and Chinese troops have disengaged on the ground at multiple locations on Line of Actual Control, according to a report.

Ahead of the next round of military-level talks scheduled to start this week, Indian and Chinese troops have disengaged on the ground at multiple locations on Line of Actual Control, according to a report. Quoting government sources an ANI report said that talks between the two armies are going to be held this week at multiple locations including Patroling point 14 (Galwan area), Patrolling point 15, and Hot Springs area. The Chinese Army has pulled back its troops from the Galwan valley, PP-15 and Hot Springs in Eastern Ladakh area by 2 to 2.5 kilometres ahead of talks in the next few days. Also read: India, China agreed to work together to maintain peace in border: China's foreign ministry The sources said to reciprocate the Chinese disengagement, the Indian side also brought back some of its troops and vehicles from these areas. The talks are being held on these points at the battalion commander level and they have had hotline talks with their counterparts. Indian military teams are already in Chushul to engage the Chinese in talks and are coordinating with the senior officials in this regard. Also read: India-China border face-off exposes China's two-facedness Hua Chunying, spokesperson of China's Foreign Ministry on Monday said China and India have maintained close communication on resolving border issues through diplomatic and military channels. Chunying said border areas situation were discussed during the meeting between Chinese and Indian military officials on Jun 6. ''India and China agreed to work together to maintain peace and tranquillity in border areas to create a favourable atmosphere for the stable development of bilateral relations,'' she noted.

Indian, Chinese troops disengage on LAC ahead of talks; China troops retreat by 2-2.5 km

China dismissed Harvard Medical School research which stated that novel coronavirus might have been spreading in China as early as August. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, asked about the research at a daily press briefing on Tuesday, dismissed the findings.

China dismissed Harvard Medical School research which stated that novel coronavirus might have been spreading in China as early as August. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, asked about the research at a daily press briefing on Tuesday, dismissed the findings. Also read: Researchers posit coronavirus transmission in Wuhan began in autumn of 2019 by using satellite images "I think it is ridiculous, incredibly ridiculous, to come up with this conclusion based on superficial observations such as traffic volume," she said. The research used satellite imagery of hospital parking lots in Wuhan - where the disease was first identified in late 2019 - and data for symptom-related queries on search engines for things such as "cough" and "diarrhoea". "Increased hospital traffic and symptom search data in Wuhan preceded the documented start of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in December 2019," according to the research. In Pics: What we know about new coronavirus outbreak in Chinese city of Wuhan The analysts used images from October 2018 and counted 171 cars in Tianyou Hospital, one of the largest in Wuhan. However, a year later, there were 285 vehicles parked in the same area, marking an increase of 67%. They also found that there was a 90% influx in traffic at other hospitals in the city. Additionally, China’s search engine Baidu witnessed a lot of search logs regarding infectious diseases. Coronavirus has infected over 7 million people globally, as per data from the Johns Hopkins University. Currently, 7,113,366 people have had the virus, while 406,413 people have lost their lives to the pandemic, which went global six months ago.

China calls Harvard Medical School research on spread of virus in August 'incredibly ridiculous'

Japan has decided not to join the United States, Britain and others in issuing a statement condemning China for imposing a new security law, Kyodo news agency reported on Sunday, citing officials from countries involved.

Japan has decided not to join the United States, Britain and others in issuing a statement condemning China for imposing a new security law, Kyodo news agency reported on Sunday, citing officials from countries involved. According to a Reuters report, the United Kingdom, the US, Australia and Canada condemned China on May 28 for imposing a law that they said would threaten freedom and breach a 1984 Sino-British agreement on the autonomy of the former colony. Tokyo separately issued a statement May 28, the day China's parliament approved the national security legislation, saying the nation was "seriously concerned" about the move, which observers fear could endanger Hong Kong's special autonomy and freedoms. Tokyo is in complicated position amid tension between China and the U.S. over the Hong Kong issue as Japan plans Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit, which was planned for early April but has been postponed because both have agreed to priorities to contain the virus outbreak.

Japan refuses to join US, others in condemning China for new security law in Hong Kong

The United States on Saturday accused China of using the unrest triggered by the death of George Floyd in police custody to justify denying its own people basic human rights.

The United States on Saturday accused China of using the unrest triggered by the death of George Floyd in police custody to justify denying its own people basic human rights. "As with dictatorships throughout history, no lie is too obscene, so long as it serves the Party's lust for power," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement, referring to the Chinese Communist Party. "This laughable propaganda should not fool anyone," Pompeo added. China has repeatedly criticized the US over the Floyd case but it was not immediately clear which of its comments Pompeo was referring to. Beijing has long been infuriated by criticism from Western capitals, especially Washington, over its handling of the pro-democracy protests that shook Hong Kong last year. And as unrest erupted across the United States over racial inequality and police brutality after the May 25 death of Floyd, an unarmed black man, Chinese government spokespeople and official media launched broadsides against American authorities. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian on June 1 seized on the anti-racism protests in the US to accuse the US of hypocrisy, calling racism "a chronic disease of American society." Washington's response to the death of Floyd at the hands of police was a "textbook example of its world-famous double standards," Zhao said. "Why does the US lionize the so-called Hong Kong independence and black violence elements as heroes and activists, while calling people who protest against racism 'rioters'?" Zhao asked. In his statement Saturday, Pompeo said Beijing in recent days had shown "continuing contempt for the truth and scorn for law." "The CCP's propaganda efforts -- seeking to conflate the United States' actions in the wake of the death of George Floyd with the CCP's denial of basic human rights and freedom -- should be seen for the fraud that they are," Pompeo wrote. His remarks came at a low point in US-Chinese relations, with President Donald Trump harshly criticizing Beijing for its handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

US accuses China of using Floyd death for propaganda

Thursday marks 31 years since China suppressed pro-democracy demonstrations in and around central Beijing's Tiananmen Square.

Chinese troops opened fire on their own people -- making the event a taboo topic of discussion in mainland China ever since.

China has never provided a full accounting of the 1989 violence. The death toll given by officials days later was about 300, most of them soldiers, but rights groups and witnesses say the death toll could have run into the thousands.

Though it won't be officially commemorated by the ruling Communist Party or government, Hong Kong plans to -- by lighting candles across the city on Thursday, circumventing a ban on the usual public gathering amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The anniversary strikes an especially sensitive nerve in the semi-autonomous city this year after Beijing's move last month to impose national security legislation in Hong Kong, which critics fear will crush freedoms in the financial hub.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-plans-to-commemorate-fraught-tiananmen-crackdown-by-china-on-thursday-303094">Also read | Hong Kong plans to commemorate fraught Tiananmen crackdown by China on Thursday</a>

Here are some landmark dates leading up to the demonstrations,&nbsp;the crackdown that followed, and the subsequent re-emergence of China:

1988: China slides into economic chaos with panic buying triggered by rising inflation that neared 30%

1989: THE CRACKDOWN

April 15 --&nbsp;A leading reformer and former Communist Party chief Hu Yaobang, dies. His death acts as a catalyst for unhappiness with the slow pace of reform, as well as corruption and income inequality

April 17 --&nbsp;Protests begin at Tiananmen Square, with students calling for democracy and reform. Crowds of up to 100,000 gather, despite official warnings

April 22 --&nbsp;Some 50,000 students gather outside the Great Hall of the People as Hu's memorial service is held. Three students attempt to deliver a petition to the government, outlining their demands, but are ignored. Rioting and looting take place in Xian and Changsha

April 24 --&nbsp;Beijing students begin classroom strike

April 27 --&nbsp;Around 50,000 students defy authorities and march to Tiananmen. Supporting crowds number up to one million

May 2 --&nbsp;In Shanghai, 10,000 protesters march on city government headquarters

May 4 --&nbsp;Further mass protests coinciding with the anniversary of the May 4 Movement of 1919, which was another student and intellectual-led movement for reform. Protests coincide with meeting of Asian Development Bank in Great Hall of the People. Students march in Shanghai and nine other cities

May 13 --&nbsp;Hundreds of students begin a hunger strike on Tiananmen Square

May 15-18 --&nbsp;To China's embarrassment, protests prevent traditional welcome ceremony outside the Great Hall of the People for the state visit of reformist Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. Students welcome Gorbachev as "The Ambassador of Democracy"

May 19 --&nbsp;Party chief Zhao Ziyang visits students on Tiananmen Square, accompanied by the hardline then-premier Li Peng and future premier Wen Jiabao. Zhao pleads with the students protesters to leave, but is ignored. It is the last time Zhao is seen in public. He is later purged

May 20 --&nbsp;Li declares martial law in parts of Beijing. Reviled by many to this day as the "Butcher of Beijing", Li remained premier until 1998

May 23 --&nbsp;Some 100,000 people march in Beijing demanding Li's removal

May 30 --&nbsp;Students unveil the 10-metre (33 ft) high "Goddess of Democracy", modelled on the Statue of Liberty, in Tiananmen Square

May 31 --&nbsp;Government-sponsored counter-demonstration calls students "traitorous bandits"

June 3 --&nbsp;Citizens repel a charge towards Tiananmen by thousands of soldiers. Tear gas and bullets used in running clashes a few hundred metres (yards) from the square. Authorities warn protesters that troops and police have "right to use all methods"

June 4&nbsp;-- In the early hours of the morning tanks and armoured personnel carriers begin their attack on the square itself, clearing it by dawn. About four hours later, troops fire on unarmed civilians regrouping at the edge of the square

June 5 --&nbsp;An unidentified Chinese man stands in front of a tank convoy leaving Tiananmen Square. The image spreads around the world as a symbol of defiance against the crackdown

June 6 --&nbsp;Chinese State Council spokesman Yuan Mu says on television that the known death toll was about 300, most of them soldiers with only 23 students confirmed killed. China has never provided a full death toll, but rights groups and witnesses say the figure could run into the thousands

June 9 --&nbsp;Paramount leader Deng Xiaoping praises military officers, and blames the protests on counter-revolutionaries seeking to overthrow the party

1990: China's economic growth sinks to 3.9% due to international sanctions sparked by the Tiananmen crackdown. The Shanghai Stock Exchange, Communist China's first ever stock market, opens

1992: Paramount leader Deng Xiaoping tours southern China to press for faster economic reforms and quell the influence of Party conservatives opposed to market liberalisation

1994: China devalues the yuan by 33% overnight as part of reforms to embrace a "socialist market economy"

1997: Deng dies in February. British colony of Hong Kong reverts to Chinese rule in July. President Jiang Zemin visits the United States later that year, the first trip by a Chinese head of state in more than a decade and breaking China out of diplomatic isolation in the post-Tiananmen period.

Asian financial crisis breaks out and China wins wide praise for keeping the yuan stable despite pressure to devalue.

1998: US President Bill Clinton visits China. Zhu Rongji takes over as premier, reforming lumbering state-owned enterprises and laying off millions, cracking down on smuggling and revamping the health care system

2001: China joins the World Trade Organisation, paving the way for the country to become a global manufacturing powerhouse

2002: Chinese Communist Party opens its doors to private entrepreneurs to become members. Hu Jintao succeeds Jiang Zemin as Party chief in Communist China's first peaceful transfer of power

2003: Hu replaces Jiang as state president in March. China's first manned space flight blasts off from Gobi desert in October

2005: Zhao Ziyang, who was ousted as Party chief in 1989 for opposing the Tiananmen crackdown, dies after 15 years under house arrest. His opposition to the Party's decision to send in the army had made him a symbol for activists and reformers

2008: Beijing hosts Summer Olympic Games in August, illustrating China's arrival on world stage. But the year is marred by devastating earthquake in Sichuan province in May and riots across Tibetan parts of the country in March.

China unveils a 4 trillion yuan ($562.77 billion)stimulus package to combat the global financial crisis, saddling the economy with a pile of debt and leading to a comeback of state firms at the expense of private firms.

2010: Former Tiananmen student leader and democracy activist Liu Xiaobo is the first Chinese person awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, having been jailed for subversion the year before. He would die while still detained but on medical parole in 2017.

China overtakes Japan as the world's second-largest economy.

2012: Vice President Xi Jinping becomes Communist Party chief. He assumes the less powerful office of state president the following year, and begins a sweeping crackdown on corruption and civil society, including human rights lawyers

2018: China's largely rubber-stamp parliament votes to amend the state constitution to remove term limits for the president, meaning Xi can stay in power for life if he so wishes

2019: China's trade war with United States that began in 2018 escalates, hurting the world's second-largest economy that is already growing at the slowest pace since 1990

2020: The novel coronavirus spreads in China and is soon all over the globe. Tensions increase with the United States over Hong Kong, press freedom, and Beijing's handling of the epidemic. Beijing moves to impose national security legislation on Hong Kong.

June 5 -- Hong Kong plans to commemorate the bloody 1989 crackdown by lighting candles across the city, circumventing a ban on the usual public gathering amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Democratically-ruled and Chinese-claimed Taiwan, where commemorations are planned throughout the day, called on China on Wednesday to apologise, a call dismissed by China's foreign ministry as "nonsense."

(with inputs from Reuters)

Thursday marks 31 years since China suppressed pro-democracy demonstrations in and around central Beijing's Tiananmen Square. Chinese troops opened fire on their own people -- making the event a taboo topic of discussion in mainland China ever since.

Thursday marks 31 years since China suppressed pro-democracy demonstrations in and around central Beijing's Tiananmen Square. Chinese troops opened fire on their own people -- making the event a taboo topic of discussion in mainland China ever since. China has never provided a full accounting of the 1989 violence. The death toll given by officials days later was about 300, most of them soldiers, but rights groups and witnesses say the death toll could have run into the thousands. Though it won't be officially commemorated by the ruling Communist Party or government, Hong Kong plans to -- by lighting candles across the city on Thursday, circumventing a ban on the usual public gathering amid the coronavirus pandemic. The anniversary strikes an especially sensitive nerve in the semi-autonomous city this year after Beijing's move last month to impose national security legislation in Hong Kong, which critics fear will crush freedoms in the financial hub. Also read | Hong Kong plans to commemorate fraught Tiananmen crackdown by China on Thursday Here are some landmark dates leading up to the demonstrations, the crackdown that followed, and the subsequent re-emergence of China: 1988: China slides into economic chaos with panic buying triggered by rising inflation that neared 30% 1989: THE CRACKDOWN April 15 -- A leading reformer and former Communist Party chief Hu Yaobang, dies. His death acts as a catalyst for unhappiness with the slow pace of reform, as well as corruption and income inequality April 17 -- Protests begin at Tiananmen Square, with students calling for democracy and reform. Crowds of up to 100,000 gather, despite official warnings April 22 -- Some 50,000 students gather outside the Great Hall of the People as Hu's memorial service is held. Three students attempt to deliver a petition to the government, outlining their demands, but are ignored. Rioting and looting take place in Xian and Changsha April 24 -- Beijing students begin classroom strike April 27 -- Around 50,000 students defy authorities and march to Tiananmen. Supporting crowds number up to one million May 2 -- In Shanghai, 10,000 protesters march on city government headquarters May 4 -- Further mass protests coinciding with the anniversary of the May 4 Movement of 1919, which was another student and intellectual-led movement for reform. Protests coincide with meeting of Asian Development Bank in Great Hall of the People. Students march in Shanghai and nine other cities May 13 -- Hundreds of students begin a hunger strike on Tiananmen Square May 15-18 -- To China's embarrassment, protests prevent traditional welcome ceremony outside the Great Hall of the People for the state visit of reformist Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. Students welcome Gorbachev as "The Ambassador of Democracy" May 19 -- Party chief Zhao Ziyang visits students on Tiananmen Square, accompanied by the hardline then-premier Li Peng and future premier Wen Jiabao. Zhao pleads with the students protesters to leave, but is ignored. It is the last time Zhao is seen in public. He is later purged May 20 -- Li declares martial law in parts of Beijing. Reviled by many to this day as the "Butcher of Beijing", Li remained premier until 1998 May 23 -- Some 100,000 people march in Beijing demanding Li's removal May 30 -- Students unveil the 10-metre (33 ft) high "Goddess of Democracy", modelled on the Statue of Liberty, in Tiananmen Square May 31 -- Government-sponsored counter-demonstration calls students "traitorous bandits" June 3 -- Citizens repel a charge towards Tiananmen by thousands of soldiers. Tear gas and bullets used in running clashes a few hundred metres (yards) from the square. Authorities warn protesters that troops and police have "right to use all methods" June 4 -- In the early hours of the morning tanks and armoured personnel carriers begin their attack on the square itself, clearing it by dawn. About four hours later, troops fire on unarmed civilians regrouping at the edge of the square June 5 -- An unidentified Chinese man stands in front of a tank convoy leaving Tiananmen Square. The image spreads around the world as a symbol of defiance against the crackdown June 6 -- Chinese State Council spokesman Yuan Mu says on television that the known death toll was about 300, most of them soldiers with only 23 students confirmed killed. China has never provided a full death toll, but rights groups and witnesses say the figure could run into the thousands June 9 -- Paramount leader Deng Xiaoping praises military officers, and blames the protests on counter-revolutionaries seeking to overthrow the party 1990: China's economic growth sinks to 3.9% due to international sanctions sparked by the Tiananmen crackdown. The Shanghai Stock Exchange, Communist China's first ever stock market, opens 1992: Paramount leader Deng Xiaoping tours southern China to press for faster economic reforms and quell the influence of Party conservatives opposed to market liberalisation 1994: China devalues the yuan by 33% overnight as part of reforms to embrace a "socialist market economy" 1997: Deng dies in February. British colony of Hong Kong reverts to Chinese rule in July. President Jiang Zemin visits the United States later that year, the first trip by a Chinese head of state in more than a decade and breaking China out of diplomatic isolation in the post-Tiananmen period. Asian financial crisis breaks out and China wins wide praise for keeping the yuan stable despite pressure to devalue. 1998: US President Bill Clinton visits China. Zhu Rongji takes over as premier, reforming lumbering state-owned enterprises and laying off millions, cracking down on smuggling and revamping the health care system 2001: China joins the World Trade Organisation, paving the way for the country to become a global manufacturing powerhouse 2002: Chinese Communist Party opens its doors to private entrepreneurs to become members. Hu Jintao succeeds Jiang Zemin as Party chief in Communist China's first peaceful transfer of power 2003: Hu replaces Jiang as state president in March. China's first manned space flight blasts off from Gobi desert in October 2005: Zhao Ziyang, who was ousted as Party chief in 1989 for opposing the Tiananmen crackdown, dies after 15 years under house arrest. His opposition to the Party's decision to send in the army had made him a symbol for activists and reformers 2008: Beijing hosts Summer Olympic Games in August, illustrating China's arrival on world stage. But the year is marred by devastating earthquake in Sichuan province in May and riots across Tibetan parts of the country in March. China unveils a 4 trillion yuan ($562.77 billion)stimulus package to combat the global financial crisis, saddling the economy with a pile of debt and leading to a comeback of state firms at the expense of private firms. 2010: Former Tiananmen student leader and democracy activist Liu Xiaobo is the first Chinese person awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, having been jailed for subversion the year before. He would die while still detained but on medical parole in 2017. China overtakes Japan as the world's second-largest economy. 2012: Vice President Xi Jinping becomes Communist Party chief. He assumes the less powerful office of state president the following year, and begins a sweeping crackdown on corruption and civil society, including human rights lawyers 2018: China's largely rubber-stamp parliament votes to amend the state constitution to remove term limits for the president, meaning Xi can stay in power for life if he so wishes 2019: China's trade war with United States that began in 2018 escalates, hurting the world's second-largest economy that is already growing at the slowest pace since 1990 2020: The novel coronavirus spreads in China and is soon all over the globe. Tensions increase with the United States over Hong Kong, press freedom, and Beijing's handling of the epidemic. Beijing moves to impose national security legislation on Hong Kong. June 5 -- Hong Kong plans to commemorate the bloody 1989 crackdown by lighting candles across the city, circumventing a ban on the usual public gathering amid the coronavirus pandemic. Democratically-ruled and Chinese-claimed Taiwan, where commemorations are planned throughout the day, called on China on Wednesday to apologise, a call dismissed by China's foreign ministry as "nonsense." (with inputs from Reuters)

From brutal Tiananmen crackdown to China's re-emergence: A timeline of events

Hong Kong&nbsp;passed the National Anthem bill on Thursday despite protests by pro-democracy lawmakers in the legislative council. Many critics view the&nbsp;bill as China's way to increase its&nbsp;grip on the semi-autonomous city.&nbsp;

The bill will criminalise any form of disrespect hurled on the Chinese national anthem, many international human rights groups, as well as the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and Canada, have said that this bill could take away freedom from the Hong Kongers.&nbsp;

This bill also orders primary and secondary school children in Hong Kong to be taught to sing the "March of the Volunteers" (China's national anthem), along with history and etiquette.&nbsp;

Anyone who disrespects the national anthem in Hong Kong will now be sentenced up to three years in jail along with a fine up to HK$50,000 ($6,450).&nbsp;

The national anthem has been booed during the football matches and people have instead sung "Glory to Hong Kong".&nbsp;

During the council discussion, police and firefighters entered the city's legislature after two pro-democracy lawmakers threw foul-smelling liquid to protest against the "murderous" crackdown by Chinese troops in and around Beijing's Tiananmen Square 31 years ago.

The disruption in the legislature came after pro-establishment lawmakers vetoed most amendments to the anthem bill proposed by pro-democracy lawmakers.

Lawmakers Eddie Chu and Ray Chan rushed to the front of the chamber and threw the reeking liquid as guards engaged with them. Police and firefighters later arrived on the scene.

"A murderous state stinks forever. What we did today is to remind the world that we should never forgive the Chinese Communist Party for killing its people 31 years ago," Chu said later before he and Chan were removed from the chamber.

(Inputs from Reuters)

Hong Kong passed the National Anthem bill on Thursday despite protests by pro-democracy lawmakers in the legislative council. Many critics view the bill as China's way to increase its grip on the semi-autonomous city.

Hong Kong passed the National Anthem bill on Thursday despite protests by pro-democracy lawmakers in the legislative council. Many critics view the bill as China's way to increase its grip on the semi-autonomous city. The bill will criminalise any form of disrespect hurled on the Chinese national anthem, many international human rights groups, as well as the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and Canada, have said that this bill could take away freedom from the Hong Kongers. This bill also orders primary and secondary school children in Hong Kong to be taught to sing the "March of the Volunteers" (China's national anthem), along with history and etiquette. Anyone who disrespects the national anthem in Hong Kong will now be sentenced up to three years in jail along with a fine up to HK$50,000 ($6,450). The national anthem has been booed during the football matches and people have instead sung "Glory to Hong Kong". During the council discussion, police and firefighters entered the city's legislature after two pro-democracy lawmakers threw foul-smelling liquid to protest against the "murderous" crackdown by Chinese troops in and around Beijing's Tiananmen Square 31 years ago. The disruption in the legislature came after pro-establishment lawmakers vetoed most amendments to the anthem bill proposed by pro-democracy lawmakers. Lawmakers Eddie Chu and Ray Chan rushed to the front of the chamber and threw the reeking liquid as guards engaged with them. Police and firefighters later arrived on the scene. "A murderous state stinks forever. What we did today is to remind the world that we should never forgive the Chinese Communist Party for killing its people 31 years ago," Chu said later before he and Chan were removed from the chamber. (Inputs from Reuters)

Hong Kong passes China national anthem bill amid protests by pro-democracy lawmakers

US House Committee on Foreign Affairs on Monday told China to use diplomacy and existing mechanisms to resolve its border issues with India.

"I am extremely concerned by the ongoing Chinese aggression along the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-not-in-a-good-mood-trump-says-about-indo-china-border-dispute-301676">Line of Actual Control </a>on the India-China border. China is demonstrating once again that it is willing to bully its neighbours rather than resolve conflicts according to international law," Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

"Countries must all abide by the same set of rules so that we don`t live in a world where "might makes right."&nbsp;

''I strongly urge China to respect norms and use diplomacy and existing mechanisms to resolve its border questions with India," Engel added.

China on Monday said both diplomatic and military communication channels are open between the two countries on the border issue and expressed the belief that the two sides can resolve the issue through dialogue.

"Currently the overall situation along the China-India border is stable and controllable. Both diplomatic and military communication channels between China and India on the border issue are open," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said at a press briefing.

"We believe that the two sides can properly resolve the issue <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-recent-conversation-between-pm-narendra-modi-and-president-trump-sources-301704">through dialogue</a> and consultations," he added.

Tensions have escalated along the LAC in the last few weeks following skirmishes between Indian and Chinese troops.&nbsp;

There was a face-off in Sikkim and the troops of two countries are in a stand-off in Eastern Ladakh.&nbsp;

India has said that its troops fully abide by the alignment of the Line of Actual Control in the India-China border and it is the Chinese side that has undertaken activity hindering India`s normal patrolling patterns.

US President Donald Trump had offered to mediate between the two countries on the "raging border dispute". India has said that it is engaged in talks with China to resolve the border issue.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

US House Committee on Foreign Affairs on Monday told China to use diplomacy and existing mechanisms to resolve its border issues with India. "I am extremely concerned by the ongoing Chinese aggression along the Line of Actual Control on the India-China border.

US House Committee on Foreign Affairs on Monday told China to use diplomacy and existing mechanisms to resolve its border issues with India. "I am extremely concerned by the ongoing Chinese aggression along the Line of Actual Control on the India-China border. China is demonstrating once again that it is willing to bully its neighbours rather than resolve conflicts according to international law," Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs said in a statement. "Countries must all abide by the same set of rules so that we don`t live in a world where "might makes right." ''I strongly urge China to respect norms and use diplomacy and existing mechanisms to resolve its border questions with India," Engel added. China on Monday said both diplomatic and military communication channels are open between the two countries on the border issue and expressed the belief that the two sides can resolve the issue through dialogue. "Currently the overall situation along the China-India border is stable and controllable. Both diplomatic and military communication channels between China and India on the border issue are open," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said at a press briefing. "We believe that the two sides can properly resolve the issue through dialogue and consultations," he added. Tensions have escalated along the LAC in the last few weeks following skirmishes between Indian and Chinese troops. There was a face-off in Sikkim and the troops of two countries are in a stand-off in Eastern Ladakh. India has said that its troops fully abide by the alignment of the Line of Actual Control in the India-China border and it is the Chinese side that has undertaken activity hindering India`s normal patrolling patterns. US President Donald Trump had offered to mediate between the two countries on the "raging border dispute". India has said that it is engaged in talks with China to resolve the border issue. (With inputs from agencies)

Use diplomacy to resolve border issues with India: US House Committee tells China

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Sunday said that the United States can partner with several countries across the globe, including India, considering the threat posed by Chinese military capabilities.

"With respect to the Chinese Communist Party's military advances, they are real. General Secretary Xi is intent to build his military capabilities. Our Department of Defence is doing everything it can to make sure it understands this threat. And I am confident that under President Trump our Department of Defense, our military, our national security establishment will keep us in a position where we can protect the American people, and indeed we can be good partners with our allies from India, from Australia, from South Korea, from Japan, from Brazil, from Europe, all around the world," Pompeo told Fox News.

"We can be good partners alongside them and ensure that the next century remains a Western one modelled on the freedoms that we have here in the United States," he added.

Answering a question on recent border stand-off between India and China, Pompeo said, "the Chinese Communist Party has been on this effort, on this march, for an awfully long time. They'll certainly use a tactical situation on the ground to their advantage. But each of the problems that you identified there is threats that they have been making for an awfully long time."

Pompeo added, "For the first time, we have an administration that's prepared to actually respond to say this is unacceptable and to take responses that are measured, appropriate, but reflect the seriousness with which we take the obligation to protect the American people from these Chinese Communist Party efforts."

On 60 impending bills in US Congress relating to China, Pompeo responded, "I don't know which of those 60 will make it to the President's desk. I'm counting on the people of Congress. Your point about 60 is important. Many of these are bipartisan bills."

"...Last week there was one that had to do with the Uighurs in China. I would encourage the members of Congress to continue to study this issue, to work to help this administration do the things it needs to do to prevent the Chinese Communist Party from its advances and to keep the American people safe."

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Sunday said that the United States can partner with several countries across the globe, including India, considering the threat posed by Chinese military capabilities.

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Sunday said that the United States can partner with several countries across the globe, including India, considering the threat posed by Chinese military capabilities. "With respect to the Chinese Communist Party's military advances, they are real. General Secretary Xi is intent to build his military capabilities. Our Department of Defence is doing everything it can to make sure it understands this threat. And I am confident that under President Trump our Department of Defense, our military, our national security establishment will keep us in a position where we can protect the American people, and indeed we can be good partners with our allies from India, from Australia, from South Korea, from Japan, from Brazil, from Europe, all around the world," Pompeo told Fox News. "We can be good partners alongside them and ensure that the next century remains a Western one modelled on the freedoms that we have here in the United States," he added. Answering a question on recent border stand-off between India and China, Pompeo said, "the Chinese Communist Party has been on this effort, on this march, for an awfully long time. They'll certainly use a tactical situation on the ground to their advantage. But each of the problems that you identified there is threats that they have been making for an awfully long time." Pompeo added, "For the first time, we have an administration that's prepared to actually respond to say this is unacceptable and to take responses that are measured, appropriate, but reflect the seriousness with which we take the obligation to protect the American people from these Chinese Communist Party efforts." On 60 impending bills in US Congress relating to China, Pompeo responded, "I don't know which of those 60 will make it to the President's desk. I'm counting on the people of Congress. Your point about 60 is important. Many of these are bipartisan bills." "...Last week there was one that had to do with the Uighurs in China. I would encourage the members of Congress to continue to study this issue, to work to help this administration do the things it needs to do to prevent the Chinese Communist Party from its advances and to keep the American people safe." (With inputs from agencies)

US can partner with several countries including India in view of threat posed by China: Pompeo

The Chinese government and the media have seized on the ongoing protest in the US and compared it with the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong and accused Washington of hypocrisy.

Floyd, 46, died on recently after video showed a white Minneapolis police officer kneeling on his neck for nearly nine minutes. It touched off outrage that has swept across a politically and racially divided nation in the midst of a polarizing presidential campaign and recently released from strict stay-at-home orders during the coronavirus pandemic that threw millions out of work.

The US protest follows months of often violent protests in Hong Kong, &nbsp;particularly since Beijing’s declaration it would impose national security laws on the semi-autonomous region. Trump administration has been very vocal about its support for Hong Kong.&nbsp;

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"I can't breathe." <a href="https://t.co/UXHgXMT0lk">pic.twitter.com/UXHgXMT0lk</a>
— Hua Chunying 华春莹 (@SpokespersonCHN) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpokespersonCHN/status/1266741986096107520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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After days of chaotic scenes in the US, on Sunday China’s foreign ministry spokeswoman, Hua Chunying posted “I can’t breathe” – Floyd’s last words – to Twitter, with a screenshot of her American counterpart criticising China’s crackdown on Hong Kong.

Fellow ministry spokesman, Lijian Zhao retweeted numerous comments and reports on the protests, including from Russia’s deputy representative to the UN, accusing the US of double standards. “Why US denies China’s right to restore peace and order in HK while brutally dispersing crowds at home?” said Dmitry Polyanskiy.

State media has also revelled in the scenes of unrest unfolding in the US.

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I highly suspect that Hong Kong rioters have infiltrated American states. Attacking police stations, smashing shops,blocking roads, breaking public facilities, these are all routine in their protests. Vicious HK rioters obviously are mastermind of violent protests across the US😡
— Hu Xijin 胡锡进 (@HuXijin_GT) <a href="https://twitter.com/HuXijin_GT/status/1267018071207669760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
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“US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi once called the violent protests in&nbsp;Hong Kong&nbsp;‘a beautiful sight to behold.’… US politicians now can enjoy this sight from their own windows,” Hu Xijin, editor-in-chief of nationalist tabloid Global Times, wrote on Saturday.

The Chinese government and the media have seized on the ongoing protest in the US and compared it with the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong and accused Washington of hypocrisy.

The Chinese government and the media have seized on the ongoing protest in the US and compared it with the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong and accused Washington of hypocrisy. Floyd, 46, died on recently after video showed a white Minneapolis police officer kneeling on his neck for nearly nine minutes. It touched off outrage that has swept across a politically and racially divided nation in the midst of a polarizing presidential campaign and recently released from strict stay-at-home orders during the coronavirus pandemic that threw millions out of work. The US protest follows months of often violent protests in Hong Kong, particularly since Beijing’s declaration it would impose national security laws on the semi-autonomous region. Trump administration has been very vocal about its support for Hong Kong. "I can't breathe." pic.twitter.com/UXHgXMT0lk — Hua Chunying 华春莹 (@SpokespersonCHN) May 30, 2020 × After days of chaotic scenes in the US, on Sunday China’s foreign ministry spokeswoman, Hua Chunying posted “I can’t breathe” – Floyd’s last words – to Twitter, with a screenshot of her American counterpart criticising China’s crackdown on Hong Kong. Fellow ministry spokesman, Lijian Zhao retweeted numerous comments and reports on the protests, including from Russia’s deputy representative to the UN, accusing the US of double standards. “Why US denies China’s right to restore peace and order in HK while brutally dispersing crowds at home?” said Dmitry Polyanskiy. State media has also revelled in the scenes of unrest unfolding in the US. I highly suspect that Hong Kong rioters have infiltrated American states. Attacking police stations, smashing shops,blocking roads, breaking public facilities, these are all routine in their protests. Vicious HK rioters obviously are mastermind of violent protests across the US😡 — Hu Xijin 胡锡进 (@HuXijin_GT) May 31, 2020 × “US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi once called the violent protests in Hong Kong ‘a beautiful sight to behold.’… US politicians now can enjoy this sight from their own windows,” Hu Xijin, editor-in-chief of nationalist tabloid Global Times, wrote on Saturday.

'Hong Kong rioters have infiltrated American states': China hits out at US over George Floyd protests

The United States is terminating its relationship with the World Health Organization over the body's handling of the coronavirus pandemic, US President Donald Trump said on Friday, accusing the UN agency of becoming a puppet of China.

The United States is terminating its relationship with the World Health Organization over the body's handling of the coronavirus pandemic, US President Donald Trump said on Friday, accusing the UN agency of becoming a puppet of China. The move to quit the Geneva-based body, which the United States formally joined in 1948, comes amid growing tensions between Washington and Beijing over the coronavirus outbreak. The virus first emerged in China's Wuhan city late last year. Speaking in the White House Rose Garden, Trump said Chinese officials "ignored their reporting obligations" to the WHO about the virus - that has killed hundreds of thousands of people globally - and pressured the agency to "mislead the world." Trump alleged that China had total control over WHO despite paying only $40 million a year. "China has total control over WHO despite only paying $40 million a year compared to what the US has been paying which is approx $450 million a year. Because they have failed to make requested and needed reforms today we will be terminating our relationship with WHO," Trump said. China's cover-up of the Wuhan virus allowed the disease to spread all over the world, instigating a global pandemic that has caused over 100000 American lives and over a million lives worldwide, he said. Trump also accused Chinese officials of ignoring their reporting obligations to the WHO.

US is terminating its relationship with the WHO: Trump

US President Donald Trump on Friday said that he has directed his administration to begin the process of eliminating policy exemptions that give Hong Kong different and special treatment, in response to a new security law pushed by Beijing.

US President Donald Trump on Friday said that he has directed his administration to begin the process of eliminating policy exemptions that give Hong Kong different and special treatment, in response to a new security law pushed by Beijing. ''China has replaced its promise of one country, two systems with one country, one system. Therefore, I am directing my administration to begin the process of eliminating policy exemptions that give Hong Kong different and special treatment,'' Trump said. Chinese government's move against Hong Kong is the latest in a series of measures that are diminishing the city's longstanding and very proud status. This is a tragedy for the people of Hong Kong, people of China & indeed the people of the world: US President Donald Trump Accusing China of conducting illicit espionage to steal America's industrial secrets, Trump announced the suspension of entry of certain foreign nationals from China, identified as potential security risks. ''For years government of China has conducted illicit espionage to steal our industrial secrets. Today I'll issue a proclamation to better secure our nation's vital university research and suspend entry of certain foreign nationals from China, identified as potential security risks,'' Trump said. Trump further said that the US would be revising the State Department's travel advisory for Hong Kong to reflect the increased danger of surveillance and punishment by the Chinese state security apparatus.

Trump orders elimination of special treatment for Hong Kong to punish China

North Korea on Saturday said that it supports China's decision to impose new national security laws in Hong Kong, calling it a "legitimate step" to safeguard the state security.

"Since Hong Kong issue is an issue pertaining thoroughly to the internal affairs of China, any country or force has no rights to say this or that about the issue," North Korea's KCNA state news agency cited a representative of North Korea’s foreign ministry as saying.

"We categorically oppose and reject the outside interference detrimental to the security and the social and economic development of Hong Kong."

North Korea's comments come after Beijing this week imposed a new national security law on Hong Kong that some say could restrict freedoms in the former British colony, and as US President Donald Trump intensified his confrontation with China by announcing a slew of measures to end the territory's special trade status with the US.

North Korea has previously supported Beijing over the protests in Hong Kong and over China's "one country and two systems" policy. 
&nbsp;

North Korea on Saturday said that it supports China's decision to impose new national security laws in Hong Kong, calling it a "legitimate step" to safeguard the state security.

North Korea on Saturday said that it supports China's decision to impose new national security laws in Hong Kong, calling it a "legitimate step" to safeguard the state security. "Since Hong Kong issue is an issue pertaining thoroughly to the internal affairs of China, any country or force has no rights to say this or that about the issue," North Korea's KCNA state news agency cited a representative of North Korea’s foreign ministry as saying. "We categorically oppose and reject the outside interference detrimental to the security and the social and economic development of Hong Kong." North Korea's comments come after Beijing this week imposed a new national security law on Hong Kong that some say could restrict freedoms in the former British colony, and as US President Donald Trump intensified his confrontation with China by announcing a slew of measures to end the territory's special trade status with the US. North Korea has previously supported Beijing over the protests in Hong Kong and over China's "one country and two systems" policy.

North Korea says it supports China's decision to impose new security law in Hong Kong

Indian government sources have dismissed reports of Indian patrol being detailed by the Chinese at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh calling them "inaccurate" The Ministry of external affairs last week said the Chinese side "hindering India’s normal patrolling patterns" after China alleged that Indian side had tried to build a structure in Galwan valley.

Indian government sources have dismissed reports of Indian patrol being detailed by the Chinese at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh calling them "inaccurate" The Ministry of external affairs last week said the Chinese side "hindering India’s normal patrolling patterns" after China alleged that Indian side had tried to build a structure in Galwan valley. The location of present India China face-off is in Galwan Valley in China occupied Ladakh. The MEA explained, "Any suggestion that Indian troops had undertaken activity across the LAC in the Western Sector or the Sikkim sector is not accurate" and the "Indian troops are fully familiar with the alignment of the Line of Actual Control in the India-China border areas and abide by it scrupulously. " Earlier this month speaking to WION, Army chief Gen MM Naravane on India China Faceoffs in Ladakh and Sikkim said, "I would rather say it is face-offs and these faces-offs have been happening in the past also, nothing new about it." "Different perceptions on where the Line of Actual Control(LAC) runs in these areas, we patrol up to where we believe LAC is, PLA comes were they think LAC comes. When we come face-to-face, when we come at the same place at the same time, that is when such face-offs occur, " he added.

Indian patrol being detained by China is inaccurate, says government sources

Chinese plans to impose national security laws on Hong Kong could see mainland intelligence agencies set up bases there, raising fears of direct law enforcement and what the United States branded a "death knell" for the city's autonomy.

Chinese plans to impose national security laws on Hong Kong could see mainland intelligence agencies set up bases there, raising fears of direct law enforcement and what the United States branded a "death knell" for the city's autonomy. Communist Party rulers in Beijing on Friday unveiled details of the legislation that critics see as a turning point for the former British colony, which enjoys many freedoms, including an independent legal system and right to protest, not allowed on the mainland. Pro-democracy activists and politicians have for years opposed such legislation, arguing it could erode its autonomy, guaranteed under the "one country, two systems" agreement under which Britain returned Hong Kong to China in 1997. "Beijing is attempting to silence Hong Kongers’ critical voices with force and fear," activist Joshua Wong, one of the leaders of pro-democracy street protests in 2014, tweeted. Hong Kong activists called for people to rise up against the proposal, aimed at tackling secession, subversion, terrorism, and foreign interference, that has sent shockwaves across the business and diplomatic communities. Foreign diplomats fear establishing new Beijing agencies in Hong Kong could give mainland security and intelligence officers enforcement powers. "This is a great moment to reboot the protest," said university student Kay, 24, who took part in last year's often violent anti-government and anti-Beijing unrest, with protesters angry at perceived meddling by China with Hong Kong's freedoms, a charge Beijing denies. The security law plan hit financial markets on concerns the city's status as a financial hub is at risk. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index closed down 5.6%, its largest daily percentage drop since July 2015. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said her government will "fully cooperate" with the Chinese parliament to safeguard national security, which she said would not affect rights, freedoms or judicial independence. The proposals have heightened tensions between Beijing and Washington, whose relationship is already frayed by trade disputes and reciprocal accusations over handling of the pandemic. U.S. President Donald Trump warned Washington would react "very strongly" if Beijing went ahead with the security law. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the "disastrous proposal" would be the "death knell" for Hong Kong's autonomy and that the United States stood with the people of Hong Kong. "The United States strongly urges Beijing to reconsider its disastrous proposal, abide by its international obligations, and respect Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy, democratic institutions, and civil liberties, which are key to preserving its special status under U.S. law," he said. 'YOU CAN'T TRUST CHINA' Hong Kong's last colonial governor, Chris Patten, told Channel 4 television that party rulers in Beijing were a "frightened lot of bullies". “You cannot trust (President) Xi Jinping’s China. That’s different from previous administrations. He tightened up as a dictator. He cannot abide anyone who disagrees with him and the Chinese government.” Britain expects China to respect the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong, Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman said. In his annual report to parliament, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said China would establish a "sound" legal system and enforcement mechanisms to ensure national security in Hong Kong and Macau, a former Portuguese colony that returned to China in 1999. The proposed move will see China's parliament endorse, then annex the laws into Hong Kong's mini-constitution, the Basic Law, without any local legislative scrutiny, according to a draft seen by Reuters. The document said the laws will safeguard the central government's "overall jurisdiction" as well as Hong Kong's "high autonomy" given Hong Kong's "increasingly notable national security risks". "When needed, relevant national security organs of the Central People's Government will set up agencies" in Hong Kong to safeguard national security, the draft said. Hong Kong's judiciary, along with the government and legislature, must "effectively prevent, stop and punish acts endangering national security", it states. The reference to Hong Kong's staunchly independent legal system has rattled some Hong Kong lawyers. A previous attempt to adopt similar legislation in 2003 was met with a protest that drew around half a million people on to the streets and was eventually shelved. "It is essentially declaring directly that 'one country, two systems' is null and a failure," said Eric Cheung, principal lecturer at Hong Kong University's department of law, of the legislation. Beijing said the legislation would strengthen the "two systems" formula and was in Hong Kong's interest. Beijing's move is expected to lead to the flight of capital and talent, bankers and headhunters said. The U.S. State Department warned a high degree of autonomy and respect for human rights were key to preserving the territory's special status in U.S. law, which has helped it maintain its position as a world financial centre.

China's planned security agencies for Hong Kong a 'death knell' for autonomy: Pompeo

China recorded no new confirmed COVID-19 cases on the mainland for May 22, down from four the previous day, news agency Reuters report said quoting a statement from National Health Commission (NHC) on Saturday.

This was the first time China had seen no daily rise in the number of cases since the pandemic began in the central city of Wuhan late last year, according to the report.

The number of new asymptomatic cases of the coronavirus fell to 28 from 35 a day earlier, the NHC said.

The number of confirmed cases in the mainland stands at 82,971 and the death toll remained unchanged at 4,634

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

China recorded no new confirmed COVID-19 cases on the mainland for May 22, down from four the previous day, news agency Reuters report said quoting a statement from National Health Commission (NHC) on Saturday.

China recorded no new confirmed COVID-19 cases on the mainland for May 22, down from four the previous day, news agency Reuters report said quoting a statement from National Health Commission (NHC) on Saturday. This was the first time China had seen no daily rise in the number of cases since the pandemic began in the central city of Wuhan late last year, according to the report. The number of new asymptomatic cases of the coronavirus fell to 28 from 35 a day earlier, the NHC said. The number of confirmed cases in the mainland stands at 82,971 and the death toll remained unchanged at 4,634 (With inputs from Reuters)

China reports no new coronavirus cases on May 22, first time since pandemic began

China's foreign ministry said on Monday it was premature to immediately launch an investigation into the origins and spread of the coronavirus that has killed more than 300,000 people globally.

China's foreign ministry said on Monday it was premature to immediately launch an investigation into the origins and spread of the coronavirus that has killed more than 300,000 people globally. Spokesman Zhao Lijian told reporters during a daily briefing that the vast majority of countries in the world believe the pandemic is not yet over. The ministry said in a separate statement that President Xi Jinping will give a video speech for the opening ceremony of the World Health Assembly later on Monday. The Chinese reaction comes as 62 countries including India have moved a draft resolution demanding evaluation of the World Health Organisation (WHO)`s response towards the novel coronavirus pandemic. The European Union-led draft resolution on global COVID-19 response is set to be tabled at the upcoming World Health Assembly on Monday. The draft resolution demands initiation "at the earliest appropriate moment to review experience gained and lessons learned from the WHO-coordinated international health response to COVID-19".

China says premature to begin virus origin probe immediately

United States President Donald Trump has said he does not want to talk to his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping "right now" -- in an apparent extension to his displeasure at Beijing's handling of the coronavirus outbreak.&nbsp;

The novel coronavirus -- which broke out in China's Wuhan in December last year -- has claimed 3,07,666 lives and infected more than 4.5 million people globally, according to Johns Hopkins University data.

The US is the worst affected country with 87,530 deaths and over 1.4 million infections reported so far.&nbsp;

To this end, Trump on Thursday threatened to "cut off the whole relationship" with China.

The president has been pressing China to agree for an inquiry into the origin of the virus, including the allegation that it emerged from a lab in Wuhan.

"Just don't want to talk to him right now. We will see what happens over the next little while," Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday.

Earlier in the day, Trump said he did not want to talk about the trade deal with China.

China, as per the trade deal inked earlier this year, is buying a lot more of American goods than last year.

"They are spending a lot on the trade deal, but the trade deal I don't know somehow I lost a little flavour for it, you can understand," Trump said.

"Each country that's affected is the same thing. Russia now is badly affected. France is badly affected. You look at each country and you can say 'affected' or you can say 'infected', either way you want to put it," he said.

White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters that President Trump was frustrated with China.

"We know that this disease came from China, and why that information was not shared, some of the information I just suggested is really unacceptable. So he's frustrated at this point, and I'll leave it to him," McEnany said.

China has so far denied America's accusation of covering up the extent of its coronavirus outbreak and accused the US of attempting to divert the public attention by insinuating that the virus originated from a virology laboratory in Wuhan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;

United States President Donald Trump has said he does not want to talk to his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping "right now" -- in an apparent extension to his displeasure at Beijing's handling of the coronavirus outbreak.

United States President Donald Trump has said he does not want to talk to his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping "right now" -- in an apparent extension to his displeasure at Beijing's handling of the coronavirus outbreak. The novel coronavirus -- which broke out in China's Wuhan in December last year -- has claimed 3,07,666 lives and infected more than 4.5 million people globally, according to Johns Hopkins University data. The US is the worst affected country with 87,530 deaths and over 1.4 million infections reported so far. To this end, Trump on Thursday threatened to "cut off the whole relationship" with China. The president has been pressing China to agree for an inquiry into the origin of the virus, including the allegation that it emerged from a lab in Wuhan. "Just don't want to talk to him right now. We will see what happens over the next little while," Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday. Earlier in the day, Trump said he did not want to talk about the trade deal with China. China, as per the trade deal inked earlier this year, is buying a lot more of American goods than last year. "They are spending a lot on the trade deal, but the trade deal I don't know somehow I lost a little flavour for it, you can understand," Trump said. "Each country that's affected is the same thing. Russia now is badly affected. France is badly affected. You look at each country and you can say 'affected' or you can say 'infected', either way you want to put it," he said. White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters that President Trump was frustrated with China. "We know that this disease came from China, and why that information was not shared, some of the information I just suggested is really unacceptable. So he's frustrated at this point, and I'll leave it to him," McEnany said. China has so far denied America's accusation of covering up the extent of its coronavirus outbreak and accused the US of attempting to divert the public attention by insinuating that the virus originated from a virology laboratory in Wuhan.

Trump doesn't want to talk to China President Xi Jinping right now!

Gold coins marking the Taiwan presidential inauguration have hit record high prices.

This comes as the central bank unveiled two new commemorative coins to mark the inauguration of President Tsai Ing-wen and vice president-elect William Lai.

A total of 10,000 gold coins and 50,000 silver coins will be sold by the bank of Taiwan on the inauguration day.

More than 3,000 pre-orders have already been placed for the commemorative gold coin--which is priced at a record $1,873.

The silver coins, on the other hand, are priced at a little more than $53 each.

Besides the pre-orders--the rest of the coins will be available for sale at some bank of Taiwan branches.

The central bank began issuing these coins in 1996 which was the first time Taiwan had a direct presidential election.&nbsp;

The gold coin released in 2016 to mark Tsai's election was priced at around $1600.

This year's inauguration ceremony will also be streamed online amid the pandemic.

Instead of multiple public events--this year's ceremony will be a simple and solemn one according to the presidential office.

Gold coins marking the Taiwan presidential inauguration have hit record high prices. This comes as the central bank unveiled two new commemorative coins to mark the inauguration of President Tsai Ing-wen and vice president-elect William Lai.

Gold coins marking the Taiwan presidential inauguration have hit record high prices. This comes as the central bank unveiled two new commemorative coins to mark the inauguration of President Tsai Ing-wen and vice president-elect William Lai. A total of 10,000 gold coins and 50,000 silver coins will be sold by the bank of Taiwan on the inauguration day. More than 3,000 pre-orders have already been placed for the commemorative gold coin--which is priced at a record $1,873. The silver coins, on the other hand, are priced at a little more than $53 each. Besides the pre-orders--the rest of the coins will be available for sale at some bank of Taiwan branches. The central bank began issuing these coins in 1996 which was the first time Taiwan had a direct presidential election. The gold coin released in 2016 to mark Tsai's election was priced at around $1600. This year's inauguration ceremony will also be streamed online amid the pandemic. Instead of multiple public events--this year's ceremony will be a simple and solemn one according to the presidential office.

Gold coins marking the Taiwan presidential inauguration hit record high prices

Nobel laureate Abhijit Banerjee has said that there is no certainty that India will gain from shifting of businesses from China in the wake of coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking to a Bengali news channel ABP Ananda on Monday evening, Banerjee said that everyone is blaming China for the COVID-19 outbreak as it has origin there.

"China is being blamed now for the coronavirus outbreak. Even people are saying that India stands to benefit as businesses will shift from China and come to India. But that may not be true," the economist said.

Banerjee, who is also a member of Global Advisory Board formed by the West Bengal government to prepare a roadmap for COVID-19 response in the state, said, "What happens if China depreciates its currency. In that case, Chinese products will be cheaper and people will continue to buy their products".

Talking about the proportion of gross domestic product (GDP) planned to be spent by the Centre for a relief package, Banerjee said countries like the US, UK and Japan are spending a high share of their respective GDPs.

"India plans to spend less than one per cent of its GDP at Rs 1.70 lakh crore. We should spend much increased proportion of GDP," he said.

The Centre had announced a more than Rs 1.70-lakh crore package to alleviate the hardship of the poor hit by economic disruption due to coronavirus outbreak.

The Economics Nobel Prize winner said main problem is that people of the country do not have high purchasing power.

"The poor people now do not have the money and they hardly have any purchasing power. There is no demand as well. The government should give money in the hands of the common people because they run the economy, not the rich," he said.

Money should be given in the hands of poor people in phases over a period of three to six months, the economist said, adding that if they do not spend that, there is no problem.

Banerjee felt that it is the responsibility of the Centre to look after the migrant workers.

"We have not thought of their problems that they will face. They have no shelter and money in their pockets," he said.

There is a need to issue emergency ration cards to all for a period of three or six months, he said.

"It is the responsibility of the Centre as the migrant workers pass through various states to reach their homes," Banerjee noted.

He said the central government has taken some steps to provide relief to the people, of which extending moratorium on loan repayment is one.

"There is need for taking other steps as well. But the problem is where is the demand," he said.

The MIT professor said there is no dearth of work in India.

"Workers in Delhi and Bangalore are being asked not to leave the states as there are works," he pointed out.

Talking about the nationwide lockdown imposed to contain coronavirus outbreak, he said it has been extended in phases and people were made aware of social distancing and asked to wear masks.

"But that stage is not reached about how to run the economy by maintaining social distancing," he said, adding that it is easier said than done.

Regarding testing of samples, he said India is a big country and the quantum of test should have been more from the beginning.

"We do not know the extent of the coronavirus outbreak as there was no population testing done," he said, adding that more testing should be conducted before lifting the lockdown.

He further said, "More the test, lesser will be the death rates. In West Bengal, the number of tests has increased now. So, the incremental death rate is gradually falling".

On increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the country, he said, "It is rising linearly, not exponentially".&nbsp;

Nobel laureate Abhijit Banerjee has said that there is no certainty that India will gain from shifting of businesses from China in the wake of coronavirus pandemic.

Nobel laureate Abhijit Banerjee has said that there is no certainty that India will gain from shifting of businesses from China in the wake of coronavirus pandemic. Speaking to a Bengali news channel ABP Ananda on Monday evening, Banerjee said that everyone is blaming China for the COVID-19 outbreak as it has origin there. "China is being blamed now for the coronavirus outbreak. Even people are saying that India stands to benefit as businesses will shift from China and come to India. But that may not be true," the economist said. Banerjee, who is also a member of Global Advisory Board formed by the West Bengal government to prepare a roadmap for COVID-19 response in the state, said, "What happens if China depreciates its currency. In that case, Chinese products will be cheaper and people will continue to buy their products". Talking about the proportion of gross domestic product (GDP) planned to be spent by the Centre for a relief package, Banerjee said countries like the US, UK and Japan are spending a high share of their respective GDPs. "India plans to spend less than one per cent of its GDP at Rs 1.70 lakh crore. We should spend much increased proportion of GDP," he said. The Centre had announced a more than Rs 1.70-lakh crore package to alleviate the hardship of the poor hit by economic disruption due to coronavirus outbreak. The Economics Nobel Prize winner said main problem is that people of the country do not have high purchasing power. "The poor people now do not have the money and they hardly have any purchasing power. There is no demand as well. The government should give money in the hands of the common people because they run the economy, not the rich," he said. Money should be given in the hands of poor people in phases over a period of three to six months, the economist said, adding that if they do not spend that, there is no problem. Banerjee felt that it is the responsibility of the Centre to look after the migrant workers. "We have not thought of their problems that they will face. They have no shelter and money in their pockets," he said. There is a need to issue emergency ration cards to all for a period of three or six months, he said. "It is the responsibility of the Centre as the migrant workers pass through various states to reach their homes," Banerjee noted. He said the central government has taken some steps to provide relief to the people, of which extending moratorium on loan repayment is one. "There is need for taking other steps as well. But the problem is where is the demand," he said. The MIT professor said there is no dearth of work in India. "Workers in Delhi and Bangalore are being asked not to leave the states as there are works," he pointed out. Talking about the nationwide lockdown imposed to contain coronavirus outbreak, he said it has been extended in phases and people were made aware of social distancing and asked to wear masks. "But that stage is not reached about how to run the economy by maintaining social distancing," he said, adding that it is easier said than done. Regarding testing of samples, he said India is a big country and the quantum of test should have been more from the beginning. "We do not know the extent of the coronavirus outbreak as there was no population testing done," he said, adding that more testing should be conducted before lifting the lockdown. He further said, "More the test, lesser will be the death rates. In West Bengal, the number of tests has increased now. So, the incremental death rate is gradually falling". On increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the country, he said, "It is rising linearly, not exponentially".

Not sure whether India will gain if businesses shift from China due to COVID-19: Abhijit Banerjee

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-brazil-records-10627-deaths-155939-confirmed-cases-297712" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Brazil records 10,627 deaths, 155,939 confirmed cases</a>

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Sao Paulo, a state in southeastern Brazil with almost 46 million inhabitants, has seen more than 3,600 deaths and more than 44,400 cases. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-brazil-records-10627-deaths-155939-confirmed-cases-297712">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-vladimir-putin-urges-citizens-to-unite-amid-toned-down-victory-day-celebration-297718" hreflang="en">Russian President Vladimir Putin urges citizens to 'unite' amid toned down Victory Day celebration</a>

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Putin's speech sent a message of "unity" as Russia fights coronavirus. The country has surpassed France and Germany to become the fifth worst-hit nation in terms of coronavirus outbreak. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-vladimir-putin-urges-citizens-to-unite-amid-toned-down-victory-day-celebration-297718">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/obama-describes-trump-handling-of-virus-as-chaotic-in-a-leaked-call-297714" hreflang="en">Obama describes Trump handling of virus as chaotic in a leaked call</a>

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Obama said the election "is so important because what we're going to be battling is not just a particular individual or a political party." <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/obama-describes-trump-handling-of-virus-as-chaotic-in-a-leaked-call-297714">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-releases-five-notable-labour-rights-activists-after-year-long-imprisonment-297713" hreflang="en">China releases five notable labour rights activists after year-long imprisonment</a>

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All five of them have been released on April 24 followed by a 14-day quarantine before they return home.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-releases-five-notable-labour-rights-activists-after-year-long-imprisonment-297713">READ MORE</a>

WATCH|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/3-children-have-died-in-new-york-from-a-mysterious-disease-297715" hreflang="en">3 children have died in New York from a mysterious disease</a>

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COVID-19: Brazil records 10,627 deaths, 155,939 confirmed cases Sao Paulo, a state in southeastern Brazil with almost 46 million inhabitants, has seen more than 3,600 deaths and more than 44,400 cases.

COVID-19: Brazil records 10,627 deaths, 155,939 confirmed cases Sao Paulo, a state in southeastern Brazil with almost 46 million inhabitants, has seen more than 3,600 deaths and more than 44,400 cases. READ MORE Russian President Vladimir Putin urges citizens to 'unite' amid toned down Victory Day celebration Putin's speech sent a message of "unity" as Russia fights coronavirus. The country has surpassed France and Germany to become the fifth worst-hit nation in terms of coronavirus outbreak. READ MORE Obama describes Trump handling of virus as chaotic in a leaked call Obama said the election "is so important because what we're going to be battling is not just a particular individual or a political party." READ MORE China releases five notable labour rights activists after year-long imprisonment All five of them have been released on April 24 followed by a 14-day quarantine before they return home. READ MORE WATCH| 3 children have died in New York from a mysterious disease ×

Morning News Brief: Brazil witnesses spike in COVID cases, Russia celebrates Victory Day and more

Citing the need for the broadest effort possible to fight the coronavirus pandemic, leaders of US congressional foreign affairs committees wrote to nearly 60 countries on Friday asking them to support Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization.

Citing the need for the broadest effort possible to fight the coronavirus pandemic, leaders of US congressional foreign affairs committees wrote to nearly 60 countries on Friday asking them to support Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization. Taiwan, which is not a member of the United Nations, has been excluded from the UN agency WHO, due to objections from China. "As the world works to combat the spread of the COVID-19, a novel coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, China, it has never been more important to ensure all countries prioritize global health and safety over politics," the lawmakers said in their letter, sent on Friday. It was signed by Representatives Eliot Engel, Democratic chairman of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, and Michael McCaul, the panel's ranking Republican member, as well as Senators Jim Risch, the Republican Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman, and Bob Menendez, the panel's ranking Democratic member. The letter was sent to "like-minded" countries, large and small, seen as friends and allies of Taiwan, including Canada, Thailand, Japan, Germany, Britain, Saudi Arabia and Australia. Taiwan has been seeking to join a ministerial meeting this month of the WHO's decision-making body, the World Health Assembly (WHA), with backing from Washington and several US allies. But China, which considers Taiwan a breakaway province under its "one China" policy, said Taiwan's effort to join the meeting will fail, insisting its efforts are based on politics, not health concerns.

US lawmakers write to 'like-minded' countries, urge support for Taiwan at WHO

The world is fighting the coronavirus, scrambling to save lives. But the US is thinking out of the box. Also read: Amid coronavirus pandemic, China eyes moon trip with successful rocket launch It is busy trying to mine the moon.

The world is fighting the coronavirus, scrambling to save lives. But the US is thinking out of the box. Also read: Amid coronavirus pandemic, China eyes moon trip with successful rocket launch It is busy trying to mine the moon. The White House is preparing the Artemis accords. In other words, a blueprint for mining the moon. Trump wants to divide the moon among countries and firms and allow them to mine the moon and use whatever resources they find. Is this even legal? No. International laws do not allow territorial claims on the moon. But the United States does not seem to care. In 2015, it granted companies the right to resources they mine in outer space. And now--- in middle of the pandemic-- the Trump administration is finishing some hush-hush paperwork. The Artemis accords is named after NASA's new Artemis space program. One which calls for putting humans on the moon by 2024 and this is the plan of action. US officials plan to negotiate the accords in the coming months. On the negotiating table will be some 'like-minded' countries. Canada, Japan, the UAE will be among them and Russia has been kept out. Why? Because the Pentagon says Moscow is making threatening satellite manoeuvres. Surprising-- given Russia is one of NASA's major partners! Why should the world care about these accords? One, because the moon is increasingly being viewed as a strategic asset. Two, the moon is extremely valuable for scientific research. Three, the moon is critical for all mars-missions. Four, space is the new warzone. And the moon is no one's land to sell, lease or rent. China is not happy with the Artemis accords! This is the colonisation of the moon, they say. Washington is claiming sovereignty over the moon. Too bad, China thought it was the only country exploiting the pandemic.

Trump led United States to secretly draft 'Artemis Accords' pact for moon mining

China's President Xi Jinping was quoted as saying that coronavirus prevention and control still faced great uncertainty.

Xi's remarks came even as the cabinet plans more measures to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-battle-against-coronavirus-major-strategic-achievement-president-xi-jinping-295746">alleviate firms' tax burdens</a> and boost credit support.

In a separate cabinet meeting led by Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday, the government said it will support banks to issue more unsecured loans while extending loan and interest <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-lashes-out-at-pompeo-calls-his-coronavirus-origin-theory-insane-296778">payment forbearance</a> for firms who keep staff, state television reported.

China's President Xi Jinping was quoted as saying that coronavirus prevention and control still faced great uncertainty. Xi's remarks came even as the cabinet plans more measures to alleviate firms' tax burdens and boost credit support.

China's President Xi Jinping was quoted as saying that coronavirus prevention and control still faced great uncertainty. Xi's remarks came even as the cabinet plans more measures to alleviate firms' tax burdens and boost credit support. In a separate cabinet meeting led by Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday, the government said it will support banks to issue more unsecured loans while extending loan and interest payment forbearance for firms who keep staff, state television reported.

Coronavirus prevention and control still faces great uncertainty: President Xi

Is the pandemic over in China? The answer is yes and the proof is that people in china are travelling. The people of China made at least 23 million domestic trips on May Day. The trips contributed 9.7 billion yuan to tourism revenue which is around 1.38 billion dollars. 50 million trips were made by the end of day 2. By the end of day 4, the tourism coffers collected 43.23 billion yuan. That's a little more than 6 billion US. Dollars.

The govt expects that by the end of the holiday, the people of China would have made at least 90 million trips, according to the Chinese ministry of culture and tourism. In 2019,195 million trips were made during the May Day holidays. This was a 13.7% year-on-year increase and the&nbsp;travellers contributed 117.67 billion yuan to the tourism revenue which is around 17.5 billion dollars.

The world is still battling the coronavirus and China is fresh out of the pandemic web. How has the dragon managed to encourage tourism in such large numbers?

China has opened 70% of its tourist spots. Nearly 8500 a-level spots had opened their gates by the 1st of May. The idea was to attract tourism and boost consumption and the local governments have left no stone unturned to ensure this.

China also rolled out attractive electronic vouchers and discount coupons. A 150 million yuan fund was allocated to boost consumption.

Over 85 per cent of hotels across china have resumed operation. Is china compromising social distancing in order to boost its economy?

China says no. Authorities say they have placed a cap on the number of tourists in every location. 30 per cent of the total capacity.

All tourists are also required to take temperature checks. Hotels too have ushered in new social distancing rules. Beijing's economy has taken a hit and the communist party is banking on tourism to start filling its coffers.

Is the pandemic over in China? The answer is yes and the proof is that people in china are travelling. The people of China made at least 23 million domestic trips on May Day.

Is the pandemic over in China? The answer is yes and the proof is that people in china are travelling. The people of China made at least 23 million domestic trips on May Day. The trips contributed 9.7 billion yuan to tourism revenue which is around 1.38 billion dollars. 50 million trips were made by the end of day 2. By the end of day 4, the tourism coffers collected 43.23 billion yuan. That's a little more than 6 billion US. Dollars. The govt expects that by the end of the holiday, the people of China would have made at least 90 million trips, according to the Chinese ministry of culture and tourism. In 2019,195 million trips were made during the May Day holidays. This was a 13.7% year-on-year increase and the travellers contributed 117.67 billion yuan to the tourism revenue which is around 17.5 billion dollars. The world is still battling the coronavirus and China is fresh out of the pandemic web. How has the dragon managed to encourage tourism in such large numbers? China has opened 70% of its tourist spots. Nearly 8500 a-level spots had opened their gates by the 1st of May. The idea was to attract tourism and boost consumption and the local governments have left no stone unturned to ensure this. China also rolled out attractive electronic vouchers and discount coupons. A 150 million yuan fund was allocated to boost consumption. Over 85 per cent of hotels across china have resumed operation. Is china compromising social distancing in order to boost its economy? China says no. Authorities say they have placed a cap on the number of tourists in every location. 30 per cent of the total capacity. All tourists are also required to take temperature checks. Hotels too have ushered in new social distancing rules. Beijing's economy has taken a hit and the communist party is banking on tourism to start filling its coffers.

China is banking on tourism to fill its coffers as normalcy returns following pandemic

Because the world is increasingly becoming less-reliant on china be it for test kits, cures, for products, investments or land, China is slowly but steadily being replaced.

India is emerging to be the most sought-after replacement __ at least in some quarters as it&nbsp;has similar things to offer and unlike China, they come with a guarantee. India is now putting these sought-after assets to use starting with one of its most prized possessions __ land.

India is offering land to foreign investors who wish to reduce their reliance on China. The land&nbsp;had been one of the biggest obstacles for companies looking to invest in India. Not anymore.

India is developing a land pool nearly double the size of Luxembourg&nbsp; --&nbsp;a small European nation -- is spread across 2 lakh 43,000 hectares. India is offering land that can fit two Luxembourg. Over&nbsp;4,61,589 hectares land spread across India. This includes 115,131 hectares of existing industrial land in the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh...

Several other relevant areas have been identified across the country. Most of it is unused land available in special economic zones. These are zones with power, water and road access. Areas that will easily attract new investments for the Indian economy.&nbsp;According to reports, 10 sectors have been hand-picked by the Indian government. They are: Electrical, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, electronics, heavy engineering, solar&nbsp;equipment, food processing, chemicals and textiles.

These are sectors that will promote manufacturing in India.

Reports say that India has received inquiries from Japan, United States, South Korea and few others.&nbsp;They have expressed interest in relocating certain factories to India. The Centre is taking the state governments along and the states have been&nbsp;'urged' to evolve their own programs for bringing foreign investments. The Indian Prime Minister&nbsp;already chaired a meeting to discuss steps to fast-track strategies and woo investors.

Andhra Pradesh, a state in southern India is already in touch with companies from Japan and South Korea while Uttar Pradesh is developing an online system for land allotment. The world has begun financial distancing from China while India is turning out to be a hotspot for new investments.

China's loss could be India's gain.

Because the world is increasingly becoming less-reliant on china be it for test kits, cures, for products, investments or land, China is slowly but steadily being replaced.

Because the world is increasingly becoming less-reliant on china be it for test kits, cures, for products, investments or land, China is slowly but steadily being replaced. India is emerging to be the most sought-after replacement __ at least in some quarters as it has similar things to offer and unlike China, they come with a guarantee. India is now putting these sought-after assets to use starting with one of its most prized possessions __ land. India is offering land to foreign investors who wish to reduce their reliance on China. The land had been one of the biggest obstacles for companies looking to invest in India. Not anymore. India is developing a land pool nearly double the size of Luxembourg -- a small European nation -- is spread across 2 lakh 43,000 hectares. India is offering land that can fit two Luxembourg. Over 4,61,589 hectares land spread across India. This includes 115,131 hectares of existing industrial land in the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh... Several other relevant areas have been identified across the country. Most of it is unused land available in special economic zones. These are zones with power, water and road access. Areas that will easily attract new investments for the Indian economy. According to reports, 10 sectors have been hand-picked by the Indian government. They are: Electrical, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, electronics, heavy engineering, solar equipment, food processing, chemicals and textiles. These are sectors that will promote manufacturing in India. Reports say that India has received inquiries from Japan, United States, South Korea and few others. They have expressed interest in relocating certain factories to India. The Centre is taking the state governments along and the states have been 'urged' to evolve their own programs for bringing foreign investments. The Indian Prime Minister already chaired a meeting to discuss steps to fast-track strategies and woo investors. Andhra Pradesh, a state in southern India is already in touch with companies from Japan and South Korea while Uttar Pradesh is developing an online system for land allotment. The world has begun financial distancing from China while India is turning out to be a hotspot for new investments. China's loss could be India's gain.

India offers land to foreign investors who wish to reduce their reliance on China

There's no doubt that this virus came from China. The question that should be asked now is this--- was the outbreak deliberate or by accident? Was it an act of war or an outcome of Chinese incompetence?

A leaked intelligence dossier categorically states that China's secrecy amounts to a cover-up. It mentions a long list of crimes by the Chinese regime.

The dossier says that one of the estimated 50 virus samples at the Wuhan Institute of Virology has a 96 per cent genetic match to COVID-19. The genetic sequence of the COVID-19 matches almost completely with a virus sample at the Wuhan lab.

The dossier also talks about work done by Wuhan-based scientists to 'synthesise' sars-like coronaviruses. It means that they were creating this virus. Chinese scientists were altering parts of the virus to see if it could be transmitted from bats to other species. The dossier talks about the 'suppression of evidence'. It raises questions about why wildlife markets were bleached and the disappearance of some doctors.

The dossier states that China censored news of the virus on search engines and deleted coronavirus-related terms from social media.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;It raises a very pertinent question. Despite evidence of human-to-human transmission in early December, why did the Chinese regime deny it till the 20th of January?

The dossier concludes that China intentionally hid evidence of the coronavirus pandemic. The dossier is indeed damning of china's constant denials about the outbreak.

There's no doubt that this virus came from China. The question that should be asked now is this--- was the outbreak deliberate or by accident? Was it an act of war or an outcome of Chinese incompetence?

There's no doubt that this virus came from China. The question that should be asked now is this--- was the outbreak deliberate or by accident? Was it an act of war or an outcome of Chinese incompetence? A leaked intelligence dossier categorically states that China's secrecy amounts to a cover-up. It mentions a long list of crimes by the Chinese regime. The dossier says that one of the estimated 50 virus samples at the Wuhan Institute of Virology has a 96 per cent genetic match to COVID-19. The genetic sequence of the COVID-19 matches almost completely with a virus sample at the Wuhan lab. The dossier also talks about work done by Wuhan-based scientists to 'synthesise' sars-like coronaviruses. It means that they were creating this virus. Chinese scientists were altering parts of the virus to see if it could be transmitted from bats to other species. The dossier talks about the 'suppression of evidence'. It raises questions about why wildlife markets were bleached and the disappearance of some doctors. The dossier states that China censored news of the virus on search engines and deleted coronavirus-related terms from social media. It raises a very pertinent question. Despite evidence of human-to-human transmission in early December, why did the Chinese regime deny it till the 20th of January? The dossier concludes that China intentionally hid evidence of the coronavirus pandemic. The dossier is indeed damning of china's constant denials about the outbreak.

COVID-19: Intelligence dossier says China's secrecy amounts to cover-up

Britain said on Monday that China has questions to answer over the information it shared about the novel coronavirus outbreak, even as the United States has scaled up its rhetoric over Chinese culpability for the novel coronavirus in recent days, with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo saying on Sunday there was evidence the disease emerged from a Chinese lab.

Britain has, however, refused to comment on reports that a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-secretary-of-state-pompeo-says-enormous-evidence-virus-came-from-wuhan-lab-296446">US-led intelligence</a> consortium had an accused Beijing of a cover-up.

US intelligence agencies have concluded the virus was not man-made or genetically modified.

Washington has so far presented no evidence publicly that the virus came from a lab, which Beijing strongly denies.

The Australian Telegraph reported the US-led Five Eyes intelligence consortium had in a 15-page research dossier said that China had deliberately suppressed or destroyed evidence of the coronavirus outbreak in an "assault on international transparency" that cost tens of thousands of lives.

The Five Eyes groups US, British, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand intelligence services.

British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: "Every day I get intelligence bulletins from our agencies around the world. I don't comment on individual bulletins, what I have and haven't seen. That would be wrong."

Asked if China had questions to answer over how quickly it made the world aware of the extent of the crisis, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: "I think it does."

"China needs to be open and transparent about what it leant, it's shortcomings but also it's successes," Wallace said, adding that the time for a post mortem was after the outbreak.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said on Thursday he was confident the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/wuhan-virus-outbreak-is-china-covering-up-scale-of-crisis-275800">coronavirus originated </a>in a Chinese virology lab.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

Britain said on Monday that China has questions to answer over the information it shared about the novel coronavirus outbreak, even as the United States has scaled up its rhetoric over Chinese culpability for the novel coronavirus in recent days, with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo saying on Sunday there was evidence the disease emerged from a Chinese lab.

Britain said on Monday that China has questions to answer over the information it shared about the novel coronavirus outbreak, even as the United States has scaled up its rhetoric over Chinese culpability for the novel coronavirus in recent days, with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo saying on Sunday there was evidence the disease emerged from a Chinese lab. Britain has, however, refused to comment on reports that a US-led intelligence consortium had an accused Beijing of a cover-up. US intelligence agencies have concluded the virus was not man-made or genetically modified. Washington has so far presented no evidence publicly that the virus came from a lab, which Beijing strongly denies. The Australian Telegraph reported the US-led Five Eyes intelligence consortium had in a 15-page research dossier said that China had deliberately suppressed or destroyed evidence of the coronavirus outbreak in an "assault on international transparency" that cost tens of thousands of lives. The Five Eyes groups US, British, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand intelligence services. British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: "Every day I get intelligence bulletins from our agencies around the world. I don't comment on individual bulletins, what I have and haven't seen. That would be wrong." Asked if China had questions to answer over how quickly it made the world aware of the extent of the crisis, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: "I think it does." "China needs to be open and transparent about what it leant, it's shortcomings but also it's successes," Wallace said, adding that the time for a post mortem was after the outbreak. US President Donald Trump said on Thursday he was confident the coronavirus originated in a Chinese virology lab. (With inputs from Reuters)

China has questions to answer over coronavirus outbreak, says UK

China has published a short animation titled "Once Upon a Virus" mocking the U.S. response to the new coronavirus using Lego-like figures to represent the two countries.

Washington and Beijing are locked in a war of words over the origins of the disease, which emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan and has grown into a global pandemic.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday he was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/target-beijing-biden-trump-strategy-to-stay-in-white-house-296175">confident the coronavirus</a> may have originated in a Chinese virology lab, but declined to describe the evidence.

In the animation posted online by China's official Xinhua news agency, red curtains open to reveal a stage featuring Lego-like figures in the form of a terracotta warrior wearing a face mask and the Statue of Liberty.

"We discovered a new virus," says the warrior.

"So what?" replies the Statue of Liberty. "It's only a flu."

As the warrior issues warnings about the virus and counts off the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-global-death-toll-passes-230000-confirmed-recoveries-hit-1-million-295999">grim milestones</a> in China's outbreak, the Statue of Liberty replies dismissively with echoes of Trump's press conferences in which he played down the severity of the illness.

"Are you listening to yourselves?" asks the warrior as the statue begins to turn red with fever and gets hooked up to an intravenous drip.

"We are always correct, even though we contradict ourselves," the statue replies.

"That's what I love about you Americans, your consistency," says the warrior.

The United States and other countries have accused China of misleading the world about the severity of the outbreak, and there are growing calls for an international inquiry into the origins of the virus.

In an interview with Reuters, Trump said he believes China’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic is proof that Beijing “will do anything they can” to make him lose his re-election bid in November.

China has published a short animation titled "Once Upon a Virus" mocking the U.S. response to the new coronavirus using Lego-like figures to represent the two countries.

China has published a short animation titled "Once Upon a Virus" mocking the U.S. response to the new coronavirus using Lego-like figures to represent the two countries. Washington and Beijing are locked in a war of words over the origins of the disease, which emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan and has grown into a global pandemic. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday he was confident the coronavirus may have originated in a Chinese virology lab, but declined to describe the evidence. In the animation posted online by China's official Xinhua news agency, red curtains open to reveal a stage featuring Lego-like figures in the form of a terracotta warrior wearing a face mask and the Statue of Liberty. "We discovered a new virus," says the warrior. "So what?" replies the Statue of Liberty. "It's only a flu." As the warrior issues warnings about the virus and counts off the grim milestones in China's outbreak, the Statue of Liberty replies dismissively with echoes of Trump's press conferences in which he played down the severity of the illness. "Are you listening to yourselves?" asks the warrior as the statue begins to turn red with fever and gets hooked up to an intravenous drip. "We are always correct, even though we contradict ourselves," the statue replies. "That's what I love about you Americans, your consistency," says the warrior. The United States and other countries have accused China of misleading the world about the severity of the outbreak, and there are growing calls for an international inquiry into the origins of the virus. In an interview with Reuters, Trump said he believes China’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic is proof that Beijing “will do anything they can” to make him lose his re-election bid in November.

'Once Upon a Virus': China mocks US coronavirus response in Lego-like animation

Chinese propaganda song to conceal its bullying in the South China Sea and to brand&nbsp;Filipinos involved in the song as traitors did not go well with the Filipinos.&nbsp;

The song released by China’s embassy with the title “Iisang Dagat,” or “One Sea” in the Philippine language, was posted last week on YouTube with the hashtag #CNPHHealAsOne. The video received&nbsp;149,000 dislikes compared with 2,100 likes, while a Change.org petition demanding the video be taken down had more than 8,000 respondents. 
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“We have to stop the evil of China spreading,” wrote one, Leonard Anthony Arcilla. “We do not unify with China,” said Elna Lynda Acuerdo, while Venus Liwanag said the video was “slapping the faces of each Filipino.” 
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The song is dedicated to frontline health workers of both countries. 
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The lyrics include lines like “because of your love that flows like waves hand in hand, we move to a bright future, you and I are in one sea.” 
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The Philippine response is another indication of China’s coronavirus diplomacy struggling against a history of disputes and mistrust, particularly in Southeast Asia, where its assertive maritime presence and building of islands and military installations&nbsp;has unnerved neighbours. 
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The Philippines last week filed diplomatic protests accusing China of locking radar on a Philippine navy boat and rejecting its formation of an administrative unit in disputed areas, following a similar move by Vietnam.

Chinese propaganda song to conceal its bullying in the South China Sea and to brand Filipinos involved in the song as traitors did not go well with the Filipinos.

Chinese propaganda song to conceal its bullying in the South China Sea and to brand Filipinos involved in the song as traitors did not go well with the Filipinos. The song released by China’s embassy with the title “Iisang Dagat,” or “One Sea” in the Philippine language, was posted last week on YouTube with the hashtag #CNPHHealAsOne. The video received 149,000 dislikes compared with 2,100 likes, while a Change.org petition demanding the video be taken down had more than 8,000 respondents. “We have to stop the evil of China spreading,” wrote one, Leonard Anthony Arcilla. “We do not unify with China,” said Elna Lynda Acuerdo, while Venus Liwanag said the video was “slapping the faces of each Filipino.” The song is dedicated to frontline health workers of both countries. The lyrics include lines like “because of your love that flows like waves hand in hand, we move to a bright future, you and I are in one sea.” The Philippine response is another indication of China’s coronavirus diplomacy struggling against a history of disputes and mistrust, particularly in Southeast Asia, where its assertive maritime presence and building of islands and military installations has unnerved neighbours. The Philippines last week filed diplomatic protests accusing China of locking radar on a Philippine navy boat and rejecting its formation of an administrative unit in disputed areas, following a similar move by Vietnam.

Now, China's 'virus diplomacy' backfires, leaves Filipinos angry

There's intense speculation over the health of&nbsp;North Korean leader Kim Jong-un over the past few days.&nbsp;

He has not been seen in public since April 11. He also missed the celebrations of his grandfather's birth anniversary. There are rumours that Kim is dead or in a vegetative state.

Some say it's a heart surgery gone wrong while others say it's the coronavirus.&nbsp;Several others believe that the North Korean leader is alive and healthy but nobody is saying where he is. China says it has no information

Meanwhile, South Korea has rubbished reports of Kim's death.

US Senator Lindsey Graham said he would be shocked if Kim is not dead or incapacitated.

Meanwhile, North Korea state TV relayed a message from Kim Jong-un&nbsp; which said: "Respected supreme leader Kim Jong-un has sent his thanks to the workers and officials at the construction site of the Wonsan-Kalma tourist resort."

Kim did not show up for his grandfather's birth anniversary, the&nbsp;biggest event in the North Korean calendar but he took time out to thank construction workers?

The coverup is poor. Adding to the speculation are two reports featuring&nbsp;Kim's train spotted at the North Korean resort town of Wonsan. And the second is about a Chinese medical team visiting North Korea. If all is well with Kim, then what are the Chinese doctors doing in North Korea?

The mystery around Kim is not surprising. North Korea is among one of the world's most secretive societies. There are no confirmed reports on Kim's age or how many children he has. The cult of personality is a carefully crafted one, pushed by the constant good press.

Every image, every visual, every news story involving Kim is infused with messaging and glazed with propaganda. The man defines mystery and unpredictability. No one knows where he is right now or in what state.&nbsp;

There's intense speculation over the health of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un over the past few days. He has not been seen in public since April 11. He also missed the celebrations of his grandfather's birth anniversary.

There's intense speculation over the health of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un over the past few days. He has not been seen in public since April 11. He also missed the celebrations of his grandfather's birth anniversary. There are rumours that Kim is dead or in a vegetative state. Some say it's a heart surgery gone wrong while others say it's the coronavirus. Several others believe that the North Korean leader is alive and healthy but nobody is saying where he is. China says it has no information Meanwhile, South Korea has rubbished reports of Kim's death. US Senator Lindsey Graham said he would be shocked if Kim is not dead or incapacitated. Meanwhile, North Korea state TV relayed a message from Kim Jong-un which said: "Respected supreme leader Kim Jong-un has sent his thanks to the workers and officials at the construction site of the Wonsan-Kalma tourist resort." Kim did not show up for his grandfather's birth anniversary, the biggest event in the North Korean calendar but he took time out to thank construction workers? The coverup is poor. Adding to the speculation are two reports featuring Kim's train spotted at the North Korean resort town of Wonsan. And the second is about a Chinese medical team visiting North Korea. If all is well with Kim, then what are the Chinese doctors doing in North Korea? The mystery around Kim is not surprising. North Korea is among one of the world's most secretive societies. There are no confirmed reports on Kim's age or how many children he has. The cult of personality is a carefully crafted one, pushed by the constant good press. Every image, every visual, every news story involving Kim is infused with messaging and glazed with propaganda. The man defines mystery and unpredictability. No one knows where he is right now or in what state.

Mystery shrouds over North korean dictator Kim Jong-un's no show

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