<p>In a huge embarrassment, United Nations meet on religious minorities has slammed Pakistan and China&nbsp;for discrimination against religious minorities.</p>

<p>Representatives from US, UK and Canada spoke in a united voice asking the two countries to take corrective action.</p>

<p>Speaking at the meet,&nbsp;Sam Brownback, US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom urged the Chinese government to respect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of everyone in that nation.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sam Brownback, US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, at UN meet on Safety of Religious Minorities, in New York: We urge the Chinese government to respect the human rights &amp; fundamental freedoms of everyone in that nation. <a href="https://t.co/XR8ZmPgiqE">https://t.co/XR8ZmPgiqE</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1164728073243299843?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>''We remain deeply concerned about the Chinese government escalating widespread and undue restrictions on religious freedom in China,'' he said.</p>

<p>Coming down heavily on Pakistan, Brownback said ''In Pakistan, religious minorities continue to suffer from prosecution either at hands of non-state elements or through discriminatory laws&amp;practices.''</p>

<p>Lord Ahmad, PM's Special Envoy on Freedom of Religion or Belief, UK also raised similar concern.</p>

<p>Ahmad&nbsp;said he had spoken up for rights of religious communities and minorities across the world from Uyghurs in China, Christians and Ahmadis in Pakistan.</p>


In a huge embarrassment, United Nations meet on religious minorities has slammed Pakistan and China for discrimination against religious minorities. Representatives from US, UK and Canada spoke in a united voice asking the two countries to take corrective action.

In a huge embarrassment, United Nations meet on religious minorities has slammed Pakistan and China for discrimination against religious minorities. Representatives from US, UK and Canada spoke in a united voice asking the two countries to take corrective action. Speaking at the meet, Sam Brownback, US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom urged the Chinese government to respect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of everyone in that nation. Sam Brownback, US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, at UN meet on Safety of Religious Minorities, in New York: We urge the Chinese government to respect the human rights & fundamental freedoms of everyone in that nation. https://t.co/XR8ZmPgiqE — ANI (@ANI) August 23, 2019 × ''We remain deeply concerned about the Chinese government escalating widespread and undue restrictions on religious freedom in China,'' he said. Coming down heavily on Pakistan, Brownback said ''In Pakistan, religious minorities continue to suffer from prosecution either at hands of non-state elements or through discriminatory laws&practices.'' Lord Ahmad, PM's Special Envoy on Freedom of Religion or Belief, UK also raised similar concern. Ahmad said he had spoken up for rights of religious communities and minorities across the world from Uyghurs in China, Christians and Ahmadis in Pakistan.

UN body berates Pakistan, China for discrimination against religious minorities

<p>Austrian jewellery company Swarovski apologised Tuesday for "hurting the feelings" of Chinese people after calling Hong Kong a separate country on its website, becoming the latest luxury brand to come under fire in China.<br />
<br />
The apology from the jewellery brand came a day after several other luxury retailers apologised for mistakes in their labelling of the semi-autonomous cities of Hong Kong and Macau as well as the self-ruled island of Taiwan.<br />
<br />
Hong Kong has become a particularly sensitive subject for Beijing with the financial hub plunged into months of pro-democracy protests, and international brands have been caught in the crossfire.<br />
<br />
"We are extremely sorry for the Chinese people whose feelings have been hurt," the jewellery firm said in a statement on Tuesday.<br />
"Swarovski thanks the supervision of people from all walks of life and is willing to continue to build a harmonious society with the Chinese people."</p>

<p>The company also lost the support of their brand ambassador, Chinese actress Jiang Shuying, as the row deepened.<br />
<br />
Her agency said in a statement that they had sent a notice to Swarovski to terminate their cooperation as soon as possible.<br />
<br />
We "uphold the one-China principle and believe that our national sovereignty and territory integrity cannot be violated", the agency said.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1FPzRABoGy/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Considering the recent happenings in China, Swarovski takes full responsibility and sincerely apologizes to the people of China, as well as to our collaborative partners and Brand Ambassador, Ms Jiang Shuying, who have been deeply disappointed due to misleading communication on China’s National Sovereignty. We have strengthened our global brand awareness and we will continue to review all our digital platforms globally to correct any inaccuracies. We abide by our commitment to act as a responsible corporate citizen, which has been embedded in the way we do business since the foundation of our company in 1895. In keeping with this tradition, Swarovski has always firmly respected China’s National Sovereignty and territorial integrity, providing the Chinese market with unified worldwide services and products. Swarovski will continue to support a harmonious society, together with the Chinese people.</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/swarovski/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> SWAROVSKI</a> (@swarovski) on <time datetime="2019-08-12T23:14:24+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Aug 12, 2019 at 4:14pm PDT</time></p>
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<p>Swarovski also faced anger online -- despite promising to "try our best to correct mistakes in the shortest time".<br />
<br />
"I won't buy it anymore. There's no personal preference in front of national sovereignty," one user wrote on the Twitter-like Weibo platform.<br />
<br />
"These foreign brands always say they firmly uphold China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. If you really mean it, such a thing would never occur," wrote another.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/luxury-brands-versace-coach-face-severe-backlash-in-china-for-their-t-shirts-242386">Versace, Coach,</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/coach-givenchy-in-hot-water-over-china-t-shirt-row-242581">Givenchy </a>all apologised this week for making perceived affronts to China's national sovereignty with T-shirts listing Hong Kong and Taiwan as separate countries.<br />
<br />
The row also cost them the support of their Chinese brand ambassadors as the companies scrambled to minimise any potential damage in the lucrative market.<br />
<br />
Versace's representative, actress Yang Mi, said she would stop collaborating with the fashion house, while Coach's ambassador, model Liu Wen, said she was terminating her work with the brand over its blunder.<br />
<br />
"I love my motherland, and resolutely defend China's national sovereignty!" she wrote on her official Weibo account.<br />
<br />
Jackson Yee, a hugely popular singer in boyband TFBoys, also pulled the plug on collaborating with Givenchy.</p>


Austrian jewellery company Swarovski apologised Tuesday for "hurting the feelings" of Chinese people after calling Hong Kong a separate country on its website, becoming the latest luxury brand to come under fire in China.

Austrian jewellery company Swarovski apologised Tuesday for "hurting the feelings" of Chinese people after calling Hong Kong a separate country on its website, becoming the latest luxury brand to come under fire in China. The apology from the jewellery brand came a day after several other luxury retailers apologised for mistakes in their labelling of the semi-autonomous cities of Hong Kong and Macau as well as the self-ruled island of Taiwan. Hong Kong has become a particularly sensitive subject for Beijing with the financial hub plunged into months of pro-democracy protests, and international brands have been caught in the crossfire. "We are extremely sorry for the Chinese people whose feelings have been hurt," the jewellery firm said in a statement on Tuesday. "Swarovski thanks the supervision of people from all walks of life and is willing to continue to build a harmonious society with the Chinese people." The company also lost the support of their brand ambassador, Chinese actress Jiang Shuying, as the row deepened. Her agency said in a statement that they had sent a notice to Swarovski to terminate their cooperation as soon as possible. We "uphold the one-China principle and believe that our national sovereignty and territory integrity cannot be violated", the agency said. View this post on Instagram Considering the recent happenings in China, Swarovski takes full responsibility and sincerely apologizes to the people of China, as well as to our collaborative partners and Brand Ambassador, Ms Jiang Shuying, who have been deeply disappointed due to misleading communication on China’s National Sovereignty. We have strengthened our global brand awareness and we will continue to review all our digital platforms globally to correct any inaccuracies. We abide by our commitment to act as a responsible corporate citizen, which has been embedded in the way we do business since the foundation of our company in 1895. In keeping with this tradition, Swarovski has always firmly respected China’s National Sovereignty and territorial integrity, providing the Chinese market with unified worldwide services and products. Swarovski will continue to support a harmonious society, together with the Chinese people. A post shared by SWAROVSKI (@swarovski) on Aug 12, 2019 at 4:14pm PDT × Swarovski also faced anger online -- despite promising to "try our best to correct mistakes in the shortest time". "I won't buy it anymore. There's no personal preference in front of national sovereignty," one user wrote on the Twitter-like Weibo platform. "These foreign brands always say they firmly uphold China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. If you really mean it, such a thing would never occur," wrote another. Versace, Coach, and Givenchy all apologised this week for making perceived affronts to China's national sovereignty with T-shirts listing Hong Kong and Taiwan as separate countries. The row also cost them the support of their Chinese brand ambassadors as the companies scrambled to minimise any potential damage in the lucrative market. Versace's representative, actress Yang Mi, said she would stop collaborating with the fashion house, while Coach's ambassador, model Liu Wen, said she was terminating her work with the brand over its blunder. "I love my motherland, and resolutely defend China's national sovereignty!" she wrote on her official Weibo account. Jackson Yee, a hugely popular singer in boyband TFBoys, also pulled the plug on collaborating with Givenchy.

Swarovski latest luxury brand to apologise to China

<p>Luxury fashion brand Versace and Coach have found themselves in the middle of political controversy in China.&nbsp;A day after Versace issued a public apology over its T-shirts that defied 'One China Policy', American fashion label Coach is now facing backlash from its Chinese customers for a similar issue.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Pictures have been circulated online of a T-shirt allegedly sold by Coach that suggests Hong Kong and Taiwan are countries, rather than cities. The photo has irked consumers in China with Coach's brand ambassador, Chinese supermodel Liu Wen, even threatening to terminate her relationship with the brand for “seriously hurting the Chinese people’s feelings”.<br />
<br />
On Sunday, Versace apologised in an official Weibo post for a “wrong design”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Its T-shirts had listed Hong Kong and Macau as countries, while both are special administrative regions of China and not separate countries.<br />
<br />
After the brand received severe criticism, the T-shirts were taken off shelves on July 24 and were destroyed, Versace stated.&nbsp;<br />
The brands have faced ire at a time when clashes between China and Hong Kong have intensified with anti-Beijing protests entering its 10th week in Hong Kong. This weekend, demonstrations spilled over from city streets to a sit-in at the airport, the world’s third-busiest in terms of international passengers.<br />
<br />
Versace’s Chinese brand ambassador Yang Mi, said Sunday that she has ended her relationship with the Italian fashion house because it has harmed China’s sovereign and territorial integrity.<br />
<br />
Versace designer Donatella Versace apologized in a post on Instagram on Sunday for an “unfortunate error.“</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1BM54AiL7D/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">“I am deeply sorry for the unfortunate recent error that was made by our Company and that is being currently discussed on various social media channels. Never have I wanted to disrespect China’s National Sovereignty and this is why I wanted to personally apologize for such inaccuracy and for any distress that it might have caused.” @donatella_versace The Company apologizes for the design of its product and a recall of the t-shirt has been implemented in July. The brand accepts accountability and is exploring actions to improve how we operate day-to-day to become more conscientious and aware.</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/versace/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Versace</a> (@versace) on <time datetime="2019-08-11T09:32:08+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Aug 11, 2019 at 2:32am PDT</time></p>
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<p>Coach, on Monday, shared a long post stating that the brand stands by China's sovereign and territorial integrity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In May 2018, we found a serious inaccuracy in the design of a few T-shirts. We immediately pulled those products from all channels globally. We also reviewed our entire assortment to ensure compliance, and have strengthened our internal product development process to avoid the occurrence of a similar issue in the future. We are fully aware of the severity of this error and deeply regret it.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1DNXmVgzGF/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Coach respects and supports China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In May 2018, we found a serious inaccuracy in the design of a few T-shirts. We immediately pulled those products from all channels globally. We also reviewed our entire assortment to ensure compliance, and have strengthened our internal product development process to avoid the occurrence of a similar issue in the future. We are fully aware of the severity of this error and deeply regret it. We have also taken immediate action to review and correct relevant website content. Coach is dedicated to long-term development in China, and we respect the feelings of the Chinese people. We will continue to strive to provide exceptional products and service to Chinese customers.</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coach/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Coach</a> (@coach) on <time datetime="2019-08-12T04:14:40+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Aug 11, 2019 at 9:14pm PDT</time></p>
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<p>We have also taken immediate action to review and correct relevant website content. Coach is dedicated to long-term development in China, and we respect the feelings of the Chinese people. We will continue to strive to provide exceptional products and service to Chinese customers,” the statement read.&nbsp;</p>


Luxury fashion brand Versace and Coach have found themselves in the middle of political controversy in China. A day after Versace issued a public apology over its T-shirts that defied 'One China Policy', American fashion label Coach is now facing backlash from its Chinese customers for a similar issue.

Luxury fashion brand Versace and Coach have found themselves in the middle of political controversy in China. A day after Versace issued a public apology over its T-shirts that defied 'One China Policy', American fashion label Coach is now facing backlash from its Chinese customers for a similar issue. Pictures have been circulated online of a T-shirt allegedly sold by Coach that suggests Hong Kong and Taiwan are countries, rather than cities. The photo has irked consumers in China with Coach's brand ambassador, Chinese supermodel Liu Wen, even threatening to terminate her relationship with the brand for “seriously hurting the Chinese people’s feelings”. On Sunday, Versace apologised in an official Weibo post for a “wrong design”. Its T-shirts had listed Hong Kong and Macau as countries, while both are special administrative regions of China and not separate countries. After the brand received severe criticism, the T-shirts were taken off shelves on July 24 and were destroyed, Versace stated. The brands have faced ire at a time when clashes between China and Hong Kong have intensified with anti-Beijing protests entering its 10th week in Hong Kong. This weekend, demonstrations spilled over from city streets to a sit-in at the airport, the world’s third-busiest in terms of international passengers. Versace’s Chinese brand ambassador Yang Mi, said Sunday that she has ended her relationship with the Italian fashion house because it has harmed China’s sovereign and territorial integrity. Versace designer Donatella Versace apologized in a post on Instagram on Sunday for an “unfortunate error.“ View this post on Instagram “I am deeply sorry for the unfortunate recent error that was made by our Company and that is being currently discussed on various social media channels. Never have I wanted to disrespect China’s National Sovereignty and this is why I wanted to personally apologize for such inaccuracy and for any distress that it might have caused.” @donatella_versace The Company apologizes for the design of its product and a recall of the t-shirt has been implemented in July. The brand accepts accountability and is exploring actions to improve how we operate day-to-day to become more conscientious and aware. A post shared by Versace (@versace) on Aug 11, 2019 at 2:32am PDT × Coach, on Monday, shared a long post stating that the brand stands by China's sovereign and territorial integrity. "In May 2018, we found a serious inaccuracy in the design of a few T-shirts. We immediately pulled those products from all channels globally. We also reviewed our entire assortment to ensure compliance, and have strengthened our internal product development process to avoid the occurrence of a similar issue in the future. We are fully aware of the severity of this error and deeply regret it. View this post on Instagram Coach respects and supports China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In May 2018, we found a serious inaccuracy in the design of a few T-shirts. We immediately pulled those products from all channels globally. We also reviewed our entire assortment to ensure compliance, and have strengthened our internal product development process to avoid the occurrence of a similar issue in the future. We are fully aware of the severity of this error and deeply regret it. We have also taken immediate action to review and correct relevant website content. Coach is dedicated to long-term development in China, and we respect the feelings of the Chinese people. We will continue to strive to provide exceptional products and service to Chinese customers. A post shared by Coach (@coach) on Aug 11, 2019 at 9:14pm PDT × We have also taken immediate action to review and correct relevant website content. Coach is dedicated to long-term development in China, and we respect the feelings of the Chinese people. We will continue to strive to provide exceptional products and service to Chinese customers,” the statement read.

Luxury brands Versace, Coach face severe backlash in China for their T-shirts

<p>China's aviation regulator on Friday demanded Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways suspend personnel who have engaged in illegal protests in the city from staffing flights into its airspace from August 10.</p>

<p>Hong Kong has been embroiled in increasingly violent anti-government street protests for the past two months, which a top Chinese official described this week as the greatest crisis since its return from British to Chinese rule in 1997.</p>

<p>Last week, a Cathay pilot was among over 40 people charged with rioting for allegedly taking part in violent clashes with the police near Beijing's main representative office in the city.</p>

<p>On Friday night, the Civil Aviation Administration of China said that Cathay crew who have engaged in the protests pose a threat to aviation safety in mainland China, according to a statement on its website.</p>

<p>The aviation authority ordered Cathay to provide identification information for its crew on mainland-bound flights.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Crew members that have not gained the authority's&nbsp;approval will not be allowed into its airspace, including on flights bound for other destinations.</p>

<p>The airline has also been ordered to draw up proposals to strengthen safety and security, said the statement.</p>

<p>In response, a Cathay Pacific spokesperson said: "We have received the directive and are studying it very carefully. We are treating it seriously and are following up accordingly."</p>

<p>"The safety of our passengers is always the top priority of Cathay Pacific. There is zero tolerance for any inappropriate and unprofessional behavior that may affect aviation safety. We deal with these incidents very seriously."</p>

<p>Cathay said on Thursday it respects "everyone`s right to express themselves in a peaceful and respectful manner," while insisting it "recognizes that Hong Kong SAR is a part of China".</p>

<p>"We do not condone any activities that jeopardize the stability of Hong Kong," it said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Monday aviation workers joined a strike that gridlocked Hong Kong, forcing airlines, including Cathay, to cancel hundreds of flights.</p>

<p>Responding to a question on the protests at a press conference earlier this week, Cathay chairman John Slosar said the company respects its staff`s opinions.</p>

<p>"We certainly wouldn't dream of telling them what they have to think about something. They're all adults, they're&nbsp;all service professionals. We respect them greatly," he said.</p>

<p>Global Times, published by the Communist Party`s official People`s Daily, ran news stories this week highlighting Cathay employees` participation in the ongoing protests.</p>

<p>Embattled Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam on Friday urged an end to the violence, claiming that the protests are dragging on the city`s economy.</p>

<p>Hong Kong-listed Cathay is 45% owned by Swire Pacific and 22.7% held by Air China, according to Refinitiv Eikon.</p>

<p>The airline has been Hong Kong`s flag carrier since the colonial era. Swire Pacific's parent, John Swire &amp; Sons Ltd, is a UK-based conglomerate with businesses ranging from property to transportation.</p>


China's aviation regulator on Friday demanded Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways suspend personnel who have engaged in illegal protests in the city from staffing flights into its airspace from August 10.

China's aviation regulator on Friday demanded Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways suspend personnel who have engaged in illegal protests in the city from staffing flights into its airspace from August 10. Hong Kong has been embroiled in increasingly violent anti-government street protests for the past two months, which a top Chinese official described this week as the greatest crisis since its return from British to Chinese rule in 1997. Last week, a Cathay pilot was among over 40 people charged with rioting for allegedly taking part in violent clashes with the police near Beijing's main representative office in the city. On Friday night, the Civil Aviation Administration of China said that Cathay crew who have engaged in the protests pose a threat to aviation safety in mainland China, according to a statement on its website. The aviation authority ordered Cathay to provide identification information for its crew on mainland-bound flights. Crew members that have not gained the authority's approval will not be allowed into its airspace, including on flights bound for other destinations. The airline has also been ordered to draw up proposals to strengthen safety and security, said the statement. In response, a Cathay Pacific spokesperson said: "We have received the directive and are studying it very carefully. We are treating it seriously and are following up accordingly." "The safety of our passengers is always the top priority of Cathay Pacific. There is zero tolerance for any inappropriate and unprofessional behavior that may affect aviation safety. We deal with these incidents very seriously." Cathay said on Thursday it respects "everyone`s right to express themselves in a peaceful and respectful manner," while insisting it "recognizes that Hong Kong SAR is a part of China". "We do not condone any activities that jeopardize the stability of Hong Kong," it said. On Monday aviation workers joined a strike that gridlocked Hong Kong, forcing airlines, including Cathay, to cancel hundreds of flights. Responding to a question on the protests at a press conference earlier this week, Cathay chairman John Slosar said the company respects its staff`s opinions. "We certainly wouldn't dream of telling them what they have to think about something. They're all adults, they're all service professionals. We respect them greatly," he said. Global Times, published by the Communist Party`s official People`s Daily, ran news stories this week highlighting Cathay employees` participation in the ongoing protests. Embattled Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam on Friday urged an end to the violence, claiming that the protests are dragging on the city`s economy. Hong Kong-listed Cathay is 45% owned by Swire Pacific and 22.7% held by Air China, according to Refinitiv Eikon. The airline has been Hong Kong`s flag carrier since the colonial era. Swire Pacific's parent, John Swire & Sons Ltd, is a UK-based conglomerate with businesses ranging from property to transportation.

China orders Cathay Pacific to suspend staff backing Hong Kong protests

<p>Minister of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Tuesday in a sharp rebuke to China said that India doesn't comment on internal affairs of other countries and similarly expects other countries to do likewise.</p>

<p>In a strongly-worded statement in response to Chinese reaction to abrogation of article 370,&nbsp;the MEA spokesperson said: Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill 2019, is an internal matter concerning the territory of India. India doesn't comment on the internal affairs of other countries and similarly expects other countries to do likewise.</p>

<p>Speaking on the boundary dispute with China, the MEA spokesperson said two sides have agreed to a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable settlement of boundary question.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">MEA: So far as India-China Boundary Question is concerned, the 2 sides have agreed to a fair, reasonable&amp;mutually acceptable settlement of boundary question on the basis of Political Parameters &amp; Guiding Principles for Settlement of India-China Boundary Question. <a href="https://t.co/92lpq606LC">https://t.co/92lpq606LC</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1158721199230324736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>So far as India-China boundary question is concerned, the two sides have agreed to a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable settlement of boundary question on the basis of political parameters and guiding principles for the settlement of India-China boundary question, the foreign office spokesperson said and added pending such a settlement, "both sides have agreed to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas".</p>

<p>China on Tuesday voiced "serious concern" over the situation in Kashmir and expressed its opposition to India's move to create a separate Union Territory of Ladakh.</p>

<p>The Indian government on Monday revoked Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and proposed that the state be bifurcated into two union territories, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.</p>

<p>In the aftermath of the Doklam crisis of 2017 which led to a 2 month long standoff between Chinese and Indian forces over Bhutanese territory, both India and China have been making concerted efforts to improve ties starting with the famous informal summit in Wuhan in April 2018.</p>

<p>Both leaders have met four times in 2018, starting with Informal&nbsp;Wuhan&nbsp;summit in April followed by bilateral meetings on the sidelines of SCO, BRICS and G20.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the&nbsp;sidelines of SCO summit in Kyrgyzstan.&nbsp;The Chinese president will be coming to India later this year for the second informal summit.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Minister of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Tuesday in a sharp rebuke to China said that India doesn't comment on internal affairs of other countries and similarly expects other countries to do likewise.

Minister of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Tuesday in a sharp rebuke to China said that India doesn't comment on internal affairs of other countries and similarly expects other countries to do likewise. In a strongly-worded statement in response to Chinese reaction to abrogation of article 370, the MEA spokesperson said: Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill 2019, is an internal matter concerning the territory of India. India doesn't comment on the internal affairs of other countries and similarly expects other countries to do likewise. Speaking on the boundary dispute with China, the MEA spokesperson said two sides have agreed to a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable settlement of boundary question. MEA: So far as India-China Boundary Question is concerned, the 2 sides have agreed to a fair, reasonable&mutually acceptable settlement of boundary question on the basis of Political Parameters & Guiding Principles for Settlement of India-China Boundary Question. https://t.co/92lpq606LC — ANI (@ANI) August 6, 2019 × So far as India-China boundary question is concerned, the two sides have agreed to a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable settlement of boundary question on the basis of political parameters and guiding principles for the settlement of India-China boundary question, the foreign office spokesperson said and added pending such a settlement, "both sides have agreed to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas". China on Tuesday voiced "serious concern" over the situation in Kashmir and expressed its opposition to India's move to create a separate Union Territory of Ladakh. The Indian government on Monday revoked Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and proposed that the state be bifurcated into two union territories, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. In the aftermath of the Doklam crisis of 2017 which led to a 2 month long standoff between Chinese and Indian forces over Bhutanese territory, both India and China have been making concerted efforts to improve ties starting with the famous informal summit in Wuhan in April 2018. Both leaders have met four times in 2018, starting with Informal Wuhan summit in April followed by bilateral meetings on the sidelines of SCO, BRICS and G20. Earlier this year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of SCO summit in Kyrgyzstan. The Chinese president will be coming to India later this year for the second informal summit.

'We don't comment on internal affairs of other countries': India's sharp rebuke to China   

<p>America's top diplomat Mike Pompeo on Friday implored <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-asking-asean-allies-to-choose-between-us-and-china-mike-pompeo-239944">Southeast Asian nations to trust in US values</a>, delivering a withering takedown of China's leadership of a region it considers its backyard.</p>

<p>The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/external-affairs-minister-s-jaishankar-to-meet-pompeo-today-240045">US Secretary of State</a> said decades of US alliances and investment had helped Asia walk from poverty to prosperity, as he aired the Trump administration's "Indo-Pacific" strategy in Bangkok.</p>

<p>From supporting state-led enterprises to disputes over contested territories, Pompeo took aim at China's actions and motivations in Southeast Asia, rowing back on comments on Thursday in which he told regional diplomats they were not expected to "choose" sides between the superpowers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our investments don't serve a government.... (they) don't serve a political party," he said of the Chinese Communist Party.</p>

<p>Beijing considers Southeast Asia as its "neighbourhood" where its economic, political and military might has given it primacy, with massive infrastructure and investment schemes striating the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But smaller powers also accuse China of loading on debt as well as aggression in the disputed South China Sea where a military build-up threatens the claims of several nations to strategically crucial waters. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The US wants the South China Sea, one of the world's most important shipping lanes, to remain open.</p>

<p>Serving up a sharp rebuke on China's drive into Southeast Asia, Pompeo said: "We're not building roads to pave over your national sovereignty... We don't fund bridges to close gaps of loyalty."&nbsp;</p>

<p>His speech came hours after President Donald Trump promised to slap 10 per cent of new tariffs on $300 billion of Chinese goods in a sharp escalation of the trade war between the two superpowers.</p>

<p>In short panel comments after his speech, Pompeo accused China of "protectionism" and "predatory tactics" to give its companies an advantage in global markets.</p>

<p>"China has taken advantage of trade... It's time for that to stop," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">"I think that's what you saw this morning," he added, referencing Trump's latest barrage of tariffs on Chinese goods.</div>

<p>He also stuck to Washington's position of non-interference on the massive anti-government protests engulfing Hong Kong, a Chinese territory.</p>

<p>"I hope that the way things will proceed in Hong Kong... will be non-violent."</p>

<p>Asked what the US response would be in the event of Chinese military intervention in the financial hub, he said: "One thing this administration has been really good about is not tipping our hand to what we will or won't do. And I'm going to do that here this morning."</p>

<p>Pompeo is in Bangkok to attend the Association of Southeast Asian nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers meeting.</p>


America's top diplomat Mike Pompeo on Friday implored Southeast Asian nations to trust in US values, delivering a withering takedown of China's leadership of a region it considers its backyard.

America's top diplomat Mike Pompeo on Friday implored Southeast Asian nations to trust in US values, delivering a withering takedown of China's leadership of a region it considers its backyard. The US Secretary of State said decades of US alliances and investment had helped Asia walk from poverty to prosperity, as he aired the Trump administration's "Indo-Pacific" strategy in Bangkok. From supporting state-led enterprises to disputes over contested territories, Pompeo took aim at China's actions and motivations in Southeast Asia, rowing back on comments on Thursday in which he told regional diplomats they were not expected to "choose" sides between the superpowers. "Our investments don't serve a government.... (they) don't serve a political party," he said of the Chinese Communist Party. Beijing considers Southeast Asia as its "neighbourhood" where its economic, political and military might has given it primacy, with massive infrastructure and investment schemes striating the region. But smaller powers also accuse China of loading on debt as well as aggression in the disputed South China Sea where a military build-up threatens the claims of several nations to strategically crucial waters. The US wants the South China Sea, one of the world's most important shipping lanes, to remain open. Serving up a sharp rebuke on China's drive into Southeast Asia, Pompeo said: "We're not building roads to pave over your national sovereignty... We don't fund bridges to close gaps of loyalty." His speech came hours after President Donald Trump promised to slap 10 per cent of new tariffs on $300 billion of Chinese goods in a sharp escalation of the trade war between the two superpowers. In short panel comments after his speech, Pompeo accused China of "protectionism" and "predatory tactics" to give its companies an advantage in global markets. "China has taken advantage of trade... It's time for that to stop," he said. "I think that's what you saw this morning," he added, referencing Trump's latest barrage of tariffs on Chinese goods. He also stuck to Washington's position of non-interference on the massive anti-government protests engulfing Hong Kong, a Chinese territory. "I hope that the way things will proceed in Hong Kong... will be non-violent." Asked what the US response would be in the event of Chinese military intervention in the financial hub, he said: "One thing this administration has been really good about is not tipping our hand to what we will or won't do. And I'm going to do that here this morning." Pompeo is in Bangkok to attend the Association of Southeast Asian nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers meeting.

China has taken advantage of trade, time for it to stop: Pompeo at foreign ministers meeting in Bangkok

Chandrayaan-2: What Lander 'Vikram' & Rover 'Pragyan' plan to find on the Moon

<p>'Tomb Raider' star Simon Yam was stabbed in the stomach while on stage at a presentation in Zhongshan, Guangdong province in southern China on Saturday.<br />
<br />
He was stabbed at the opening of a branch of the Beijing Easyhome building materials company where he was invited as a guest.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
A man rushed on to the stage and stabbed the 64-year-old actor. He was stabbed on one arm, his manager Lester Mo Gee-man said.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
"The knife wound to his abdominal area caused minor damage to his internal organs which has been repaired," Mo said in a statement."The injuries to his right hand have also been treated. He is resting and in a stable condition," the statement read further.<br />
<br />
However, it is unclear when Yam might be discharged from the hospital or return to Hong Kong.<br />
<br />
The police have not identified the attacker yet. Nor have they indicated his motivation. Yam is known in the West for his role in `Lara Croft: Tomb Raider -- The Cradle of Life`.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
He is one of the most versatile and busiest actors in Asia. His credits include `Election`, `Exiled`, `SPL- Sha Po Lang` and Korean thriller `The Thieves`.</p>


'Tomb Raider' star Simon Yam was stabbed in the stomach while on stage at a presentation in Zhongshan, Guangdong province in southern China on Saturday. He was stabbed at the opening of a branch of the Beijing Easyhome building materials company where he was invited as a guest.

'Tomb Raider' star Simon Yam was stabbed in the stomach while on stage at a presentation in Zhongshan, Guangdong province in southern China on Saturday. He was stabbed at the opening of a branch of the Beijing Easyhome building materials company where he was invited as a guest. A man rushed on to the stage and stabbed the 64-year-old actor. He was stabbed on one arm, his manager Lester Mo Gee-man said. "The knife wound to his abdominal area caused minor damage to his internal organs which has been repaired," Mo said in a statement."The injuries to his right hand have also been treated. He is resting and in a stable condition," the statement read further. However, it is unclear when Yam might be discharged from the hospital or return to Hong Kong. The police have not identified the attacker yet. Nor have they indicated his motivation. Yam is known in the West for his role in `Lara Croft: Tomb Raider -- The Cradle of Life`. He is one of the most versatile and busiest actors in Asia. His credits include `Election`, `Exiled`, `SPL- Sha Po Lang` and Korean thriller `The Thieves`.

'Tomb Raider' star Simon Yam stabbed onstage in China

<p>Canberra on Friday said it was "deeply disappointed" with the criminal detention of an Australian-Chinese writer in China, demanding Beijing release him if he is being held for "his political views".</p>

<p>Foreign Minister Marise Payne said Australia had received confirmation Friday that Yang Henjun, held by Chinese authorities since January, had been transferred to criminal detention, apparently on national security grounds.</p>

<p>In a strongly-worded statement, Payne said the government had raised Yang's case repeatedly with Beijing at senior levels and written twice to China's foreign minister requesting a "fair and transparent" resolution, as well as access to his lawyer.</p>

<p>"This has not occurred," Payne said.</p>

<p>"The government has expressed concern about Dr Yang’s welfare and the conditions under which he is held," she added.</p>

<p>Payne said she had still not received clarification as to why Yang, also known as Yang Jun, was being held.</p>

<p>"If he is being detained for his political views, then he should be released," she said.</p>

<p>The author and democracy advocate was detained had been held in a secret location since being detained in January shortly after making a rare return to China from his current residence in the United States.</p>

<p>The foreign ministry in Beijing said then he was suspected of endangering "China's national security" -- which often implies espionage allegations.</p>

<p>Until this week he was being held under "residential surveillance at a designated location" (RSDL), a form of detention that allows authorities to hold people for serious crimes.</p>

<p>Payne confirmed Friday that he had been transferred to a criminal detention centre.</p>


Canberra on Friday said it was "deeply disappointed" with the criminal detention of an Australian-Chinese writer in China, demanding Beijing release him if he is being held for "his political views".

Canberra on Friday said it was "deeply disappointed" with the criminal detention of an Australian-Chinese writer in China, demanding Beijing release him if he is being held for "his political views". Foreign Minister Marise Payne said Australia had received confirmation Friday that Yang Henjun, held by Chinese authorities since January, had been transferred to criminal detention, apparently on national security grounds. In a strongly-worded statement, Payne said the government had raised Yang's case repeatedly with Beijing at senior levels and written twice to China's foreign minister requesting a "fair and transparent" resolution, as well as access to his lawyer. "This has not occurred," Payne said. "The government has expressed concern about Dr Yang’s welfare and the conditions under which he is held," she added. Payne said she had still not received clarification as to why Yang, also known as Yang Jun, was being held. "If he is being detained for his political views, then he should be released," she said. The author and democracy advocate was detained had been held in a secret location since being detained in January shortly after making a rare return to China from his current residence in the United States. The foreign ministry in Beijing said then he was suspected of endangering "China's national security" -- which often implies espionage allegations. Until this week he was being held under "residential surveillance at a designated location" (RSDL), a form of detention that allows authorities to hold people for serious crimes. Payne confirmed Friday that he had been transferred to a criminal detention centre.

Australia 'deeply disappointed' by detention of citizen in China

<p>The US Secretary of State&nbsp;Mike&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;on Thursday called China's treatment of its Uighur Muslim minority the "stain of the century", reported news agency Reuters</p>

<p>"China is home to one of the worst human rights crises of our time; it is truly the stain of the century,"&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;told the final day of the international conference in Washington.</p>

<p>He also accused Beijing of pressuring countries not to attend a US-hosted conference on religious freedom.</p>

<p>Pompeo&nbsp;said Chinese government officials had sought to discourage countries from attending the three-day event he has hosted, attended by 106 countries.</p>

<p>"Is that consistent with the guarantee of religious belief that is found directly in the Chinese constitution?" he asked.</p>

<p>Congratulating countries which had defied Chinese pressure, he said: "If you have declined to attend for the same reason, we take note."</p>

<p>Pompeo&nbsp;did not name any of the countries and a State Department spokesman could not provide a figure.</p>

<p>"We know the Chinese government called countries specifically to discourage participation. We cannot prove the exact number they successfully impacted," he said.</p>

<p>Pompeo's remarks came a day after US President Donald Trump met at the White House with victims of religious persecution from countries including China, Turkey, North Korea, Iran and Myanmar.</p>

<p>The Chinese government on Thursday rejected any suggestion that it abuses religious and human rights.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from Reuters)</em></p>


The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday called China's treatment of its Uighur Muslim minority the "stain of the century", reported news agency Reuters "China is home to one of the worst human rights crises of our time; it is truly the stain of the century," Pompeo told the final day of the international conference in Washington.

The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday called China's treatment of its Uighur Muslim minority the "stain of the century", reported news agency Reuters "China is home to one of the worst human rights crises of our time; it is truly the stain of the century," Pompeo told the final day of the international conference in Washington. He also accused Beijing of pressuring countries not to attend a US-hosted conference on religious freedom. Pompeo said Chinese government officials had sought to discourage countries from attending the three-day event he has hosted, attended by 106 countries. "Is that consistent with the guarantee of religious belief that is found directly in the Chinese constitution?" he asked. Congratulating countries which had defied Chinese pressure, he said: "If you have declined to attend for the same reason, we take note." Pompeo did not name any of the countries and a State Department spokesman could not provide a figure. "We know the Chinese government called countries specifically to discourage participation. We cannot prove the exact number they successfully impacted," he said. Pompeo's remarks came a day after US President Donald Trump met at the White House with victims of religious persecution from countries including China, Turkey, North Korea, Iran and Myanmar. The Chinese government on Thursday rejected any suggestion that it abuses religious and human rights. (With inputs from Reuters)

Pompeo calls China's treatment of Uighurs 'stain of the century'

<p>Pakistan, which supported Afghanistan's former Taliban regime, on Friday joined the United States, Russia and China in a call on the insurgents to agree to a ceasefire and negotiations with Kabul.</p>

<p>Pakistan joined the three powers in talks in Beijing that come as the United States moves closer to an agreement with the Taliban to pull troops from Afghanistan and end its longest-ever war.</p>

<p>The four countries "encouraged all parties to take steps to reduce violence leading to a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire that starts with intra-Afghan negotiations," said a joint statement issued by the United States.</p>

<p>They called for direct negotiations involving the Taliban, President Ashraf Ghani's government and other Afghans to "produce a peace framework as soon as possible."</p>

<p>Members of the Taliban and government met earlier this week in Qatar, a breakthrough even though participants were said to be there in a personal capacity.</p>

<p>The Taliban, believing they have an upper hand as they seek a US troop withdrawal, have refused to negotiate with the internationally recognized government or to halt its deadly campaign of attacks.</p>

<p>Pakistan, whose relations with the United States have been rocky over its handling of extremists, has sought to use its influence with the Taliban to help reach a deal.</p>

<p>Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is set to come to Washington on July 22 to meet with President Donald Trump, who is impatient to end the war launched after the September 11, 2001 attacks.</p>

<p>US negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad has sought understandings with Russia and China despite the two powers' rivalries with the United States.</p>

<p>The Soviet Union fought US-backed Islamic guerrillas in a disastrous intervention in the 1980s, while China is keen to prevent any spread of extremism.</p>


Pakistan, which supported Afghanistan's former Taliban regime, on Friday joined the United States, Russia and China in a call on the insurgents to agree to a ceasefire and negotiations with Kabul.

Pakistan, which supported Afghanistan's former Taliban regime, on Friday joined the United States, Russia and China in a call on the insurgents to agree to a ceasefire and negotiations with Kabul. Pakistan joined the three powers in talks in Beijing that come as the United States moves closer to an agreement with the Taliban to pull troops from Afghanistan and end its longest-ever war. The four countries "encouraged all parties to take steps to reduce violence leading to a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire that starts with intra-Afghan negotiations," said a joint statement issued by the United States. They called for direct negotiations involving the Taliban, President Ashraf Ghani's government and other Afghans to "produce a peace framework as soon as possible." Members of the Taliban and government met earlier this week in Qatar, a breakthrough even though participants were said to be there in a personal capacity. The Taliban, believing they have an upper hand as they seek a US troop withdrawal, have refused to negotiate with the internationally recognized government or to halt its deadly campaign of attacks. Pakistan, whose relations with the United States have been rocky over its handling of extremists, has sought to use its influence with the Taliban to help reach a deal. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is set to come to Washington on July 22 to meet with President Donald Trump, who is impatient to end the war launched after the September 11, 2001 attacks. US negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad has sought understandings with Russia and China despite the two powers' rivalries with the United States. The Soviet Union fought US-backed Islamic guerrillas in a disastrous intervention in the 1980s, while China is keen to prevent any spread of extremism.

Pakistan joins US-led call for Afghan ceasefire, talks

<p>China has objected to Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama's birthday celebration in Ladakh while demanding all activities that may be for "splitting Tibet" be banned.</p>

<p>Army sources told ANI on Friday that Chinese Army personnel, wearing civilian clothes, came in a civilian vehicle and stationed themselves on their side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Demchok area in Ladakh when the villagers were organising the birthday of the Tibetan leader Dalai Lama on July 5-6.</p>

<p>Chinese from their side of the LAC said that all activities that may be for&nbsp;splitting Tibet must be banned, said army sources.</p>

<p>A few years ago, China has objected to Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh In retaliation to his visit to the state, China had renamed six places in Arunachal Pradesh.</p>

<p>Army sources also refuted reports claiming that PLA had infiltrated several km inside the Indian territory in Ladakh on July 5-6.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


China has objected to Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama's birthday celebration in Ladakh while demanding all activities that may be for "splitting Tibet" be banned.

China has objected to Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama's birthday celebration in Ladakh while demanding all activities that may be for "splitting Tibet" be banned. Army sources told ANI on Friday that Chinese Army personnel, wearing civilian clothes, came in a civilian vehicle and stationed themselves on their side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Demchok area in Ladakh when the villagers were organising the birthday of the Tibetan leader Dalai Lama on July 5-6. Chinese from their side of the LAC said that all activities that may be for splitting Tibet must be banned, said army sources. A few years ago, China has objected to Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh In retaliation to his visit to the state, China had renamed six places in Arunachal Pradesh. Army sources also refuted reports claiming that PLA had infiltrated several km inside the Indian territory in Ladakh on July 5-6.

Chinese object to Dalai Lama's birthday celebration from their side of LAC

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-response-to-norway-mediation-will-resume-talks-with-maduro-government-in-barbados-guaido-233875">Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro</a> said Monday he was "optimistic" after dialogue between his government and the opposition resumed in Barbados.</p>

<p>The South American nation was plunged into political turmoil in January when National Assembly speaker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/news-brief-big-stories-of-the-day-233881">Juan Guaido</a> declared himself acting president in a direct challenge to Maduro's authority.</p>

<p>The opposition leader is recognized by the United States and more than 50 other countries but has been unable to dislodge Venezuela's socialist leader, who is backed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/what-is-behind-georgias-anti-russia-protests-233898">Russia</a>, China, and Cuba.</p>

<p>Delegations from both sides arrived in Barbados Monday morning to revive discussions after a previous round in Norway petered out.</p>

<p>"I am very optimistic... Today they had a five-hour session, and I think that step by step, with strategic patience, we can find a path to peace," Maduro said in a broadcast on the state television channel VTV.</p>

<p>Without giving details, he said that a six-point agenda was being discussed with "the whole country in mind."</p>

<p>"If you work with goodwill and there is no American interventionism, I am sure that we will reach an agreement," said Maduro, who blames the United States for fanning the crisis.</p>

<p>The Barbados talks will be the third round since the Oslo talks in May, although Guaido had originally said last Tuesday there were no plans to re-open talks with Maduro's "murderous dictatorship" following the death of an officer in custody over an alleged coup plot.</p>

<p>The suspicious death of retired naval officer Rafael Acosta Arevalo had sparked international condemnation.</p>

<p>Guido said Sunday he wants the talks to lead them towards Maduro's departure from the presidency he has held since 2013 to a transitional government, and then "free elections with international observers".</p>

<p><strong>Ravaged by crises</strong></p>

<p>Some members of the opposition oppose the Barbados talks, fearing they may reinvigorate Maduro, but Enrique Marquez, vice president of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rule-of-law-in-venezuela-eroded-un-rights-chief-233251">Venezuela</a>'s opposition-controlled National Assembly, said they are the best option.</p>

<p>"A violent solution... could generate a loss of governance even for a new government," he told AFP.</p>

<p>Along with the negotiations in Barbados, Guaido had a closed-door meeting on Monday in the capital Caracas with Enrique Iglesias, the European Union's special advisor for Venezuela.</p>

<p>Afterwards, Iglesias met with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez.</p>

<p>"Iglesias has confirmed his commitment to the dialogue process," Rodriguez said on Twitter.</p>

<p>Oil-rich Venezuela has been ravaged by five years of recession marked by shortages of food, medicine, and other necessities, and the economic woes have been exacerbated by the political crisis.</p>

<p>Delegations representing the Venezuelan rivals met face-to-face in Oslo for the first time in late May, in a process begun two weeks earlier under Norwegian auspices to find a solution to the nation's multiple crises.</p>

<p>Maduro has repeatedly said that the dialogue will continue with the opposition "for peace in Venezuela."</p>

<p>Guido has called Maduro a "usurper" for staying in power after a 2018 election widely dismissed as a sham.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Panamanian President Laurentino Cortizo stressed in a TV interview that military intervention is not the solution to the Venezuelan crisis, and offered his country's assistance in reaching a negotiated solution.</p>


Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro said Monday he was "optimistic" after dialogue between his government and the opposition resumed in Barbados. The South American nation was plunged into political turmoil in January when National Assembly speaker Juan Guaido declared himself acting president in a direct challenge to Maduro's authority.

Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro said Monday he was "optimistic" after dialogue between his government and the opposition resumed in Barbados. The South American nation was plunged into political turmoil in January when National Assembly speaker Juan Guaido declared himself acting president in a direct challenge to Maduro's authority. The opposition leader is recognized by the United States and more than 50 other countries but has been unable to dislodge Venezuela's socialist leader, who is backed by Russia, China, and Cuba. Delegations from both sides arrived in Barbados Monday morning to revive discussions after a previous round in Norway petered out. "I am very optimistic... Today they had a five-hour session, and I think that step by step, with strategic patience, we can find a path to peace," Maduro said in a broadcast on the state television channel VTV. Without giving details, he said that a six-point agenda was being discussed with "the whole country in mind." "If you work with goodwill and there is no American interventionism, I am sure that we will reach an agreement," said Maduro, who blames the United States for fanning the crisis. The Barbados talks will be the third round since the Oslo talks in May, although Guaido had originally said last Tuesday there were no plans to re-open talks with Maduro's "murderous dictatorship" following the death of an officer in custody over an alleged coup plot. The suspicious death of retired naval officer Rafael Acosta Arevalo had sparked international condemnation. Guido said Sunday he wants the talks to lead them towards Maduro's departure from the presidency he has held since 2013 to a transitional government, and then "free elections with international observers". Ravaged by crises Some members of the opposition oppose the Barbados talks, fearing they may reinvigorate Maduro, but Enrique Marquez, vice president of Venezuela's opposition-controlled National Assembly, said they are the best option. "A violent solution... could generate a loss of governance even for a new government," he told AFP. Along with the negotiations in Barbados, Guaido had a closed-door meeting on Monday in the capital Caracas with Enrique Iglesias, the European Union's special advisor for Venezuela. Afterwards, Iglesias met with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez. "Iglesias has confirmed his commitment to the dialogue process," Rodriguez said on Twitter. Oil-rich Venezuela has been ravaged by five years of recession marked by shortages of food, medicine, and other necessities, and the economic woes have been exacerbated by the political crisis. Delegations representing the Venezuelan rivals met face-to-face in Oslo for the first time in late May, in a process begun two weeks earlier under Norwegian auspices to find a solution to the nation's multiple crises. Maduro has repeatedly said that the dialogue will continue with the opposition "for peace in Venezuela." Guido has called Maduro a "usurper" for staying in power after a 2018 election widely dismissed as a sham. Meanwhile, Panamanian President Laurentino Cortizo stressed in a TV interview that military intervention is not the solution to the Venezuelan crisis, and offered his country's assistance in reaching a negotiated solution.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro 'optimistic' after opposition talks resume in Barbados

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/78-dead-200-badly-hurt-in-heavy-floods-in-eastern-china-1029">A tornado swept through</a> the northeastern Chinese province of Liaoning on Wednesday, killing six and injuring 190, the state broadcaster said, amid a series of "extreme" weather events that government forecasters have linked to climate change.</p>

<p>The tornado damaged nearly 3,600 homes and affected more than 9,900 residents in Kaiyuan, a city of around half-a-million people, according to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-warns-china-of-serious-consequences-if-hong-kong-rights-not-honoured-232315">China </a>Central Television.</p>

<p>Footage posted by CCTV on its official Weibo account shows dozens of flattened buildings in an economic development zone in Kaiyuan.</p>

<p>China's Global Times newspaper said that tornadoes were rarely seen in the area.</p>

<p>The country's weather bureau on Tuesday said that climate change could cause more extreme weather events, following floods, drought and extremely high temperatures in some regions this year.</p>

<p>It said rainfall had broken records in some areas and that as many as 40 weather stations had this year registered their hottest temperatures ever.</p>

<p>The northern Chinese province of Hebei issued an extreme heat 'red alert' on Thursday, with temperatures set to soar beyond 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in its major cities and putting the area's corn crop at risk, the local government said.</p>

<p>The government of Hebei said on its official website that the cities of Baoding, Shijiazhuang, Hengshui, Cangzhou, Xingtai and Handan were all expected to see temperatures above 40C on Thursday.</p>

<p>The local weather bureau also warned that the extreme heat and drought in the province were likely to affect its corn crop. Hebei, which surrounds the capital Beijing, is among China's biggest producers of the grain.</p>

<p>Rainfall in the province has declined 23.9% compared to the average in the second quarter of 2019, the local Hebei Daily reported.</p>

<p>Cities in Hebei have been deploying sprinklers mounted on trucks to try to keep temperatures down, putting further pressure on water supplies.</p>

<p>A heat wave that has swept across northern China, including the capital Beijing, is expected to last until next week, the Hebei Daily said, citing the local weather bureau.</p>

<p>In a joint statement with France and the United Nations released on Saturday, China promised to show the "highest possible ambition" when it comes to fighting global warming, with higher targets to cut carbon emissions expected next year.</p>


A tornado swept through the northeastern Chinese province of Liaoning on Wednesday, killing six and injuring 190, the state broadcaster said, amid a series of "extreme" weather events that government forecasters have linked to climate change.

A tornado swept through the northeastern Chinese province of Liaoning on Wednesday, killing six and injuring 190, the state broadcaster said, amid a series of "extreme" weather events that government forecasters have linked to climate change. The tornado damaged nearly 3,600 homes and affected more than 9,900 residents in Kaiyuan, a city of around half-a-million people, according to China Central Television. Footage posted by CCTV on its official Weibo account shows dozens of flattened buildings in an economic development zone in Kaiyuan. China's Global Times newspaper said that tornadoes were rarely seen in the area. The country's weather bureau on Tuesday said that climate change could cause more extreme weather events, following floods, drought and extremely high temperatures in some regions this year. It said rainfall had broken records in some areas and that as many as 40 weather stations had this year registered their hottest temperatures ever. The northern Chinese province of Hebei issued an extreme heat 'red alert' on Thursday, with temperatures set to soar beyond 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in its major cities and putting the area's corn crop at risk, the local government said. The government of Hebei said on its official website that the cities of Baoding, Shijiazhuang, Hengshui, Cangzhou, Xingtai and Handan were all expected to see temperatures above 40C on Thursday. The local weather bureau also warned that the extreme heat and drought in the province were likely to affect its corn crop. Hebei, which surrounds the capital Beijing, is among China's biggest producers of the grain. Rainfall in the province has declined 23.9% compared to the average in the second quarter of 2019, the local Hebei Daily reported. Cities in Hebei have been deploying sprinklers mounted on trucks to try to keep temperatures down, putting further pressure on water supplies. A heat wave that has swept across northern China, including the capital Beijing, is expected to last until next week, the Hebei Daily said, citing the local weather bureau. In a joint statement with France and the United Nations released on Saturday, China promised to show the "highest possible ambition" when it comes to fighting global warming, with higher targets to cut carbon emissions expected next year.

Tornado hits northeast China; six killed, several injured

<p>US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that a trade deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping was possible this weekend but he is prepared to impose US&nbsp;tariffs on virtually all remaining Chinese imports if the two countries continue to disagree.</p>

<p>Trump, who departed for the G20 leaders summit in Osaka, Japan, on Wednesday, also raised the possibility that he may impose a lower, 10% duty on a $300 billion list of Chinese imports, instead of the proposed 25% rate.</p>

<p>Trump is expected to meet with Xi on Saturday in Osaka, a conversation that could revive stalled negotiations between the world's two biggest economies or launch a much deeper, costlier trade war that would drag down global growth and roil financial markets.</p>

<p>"It's absolutely possible. ... We have to get a good deal," Trump said in an interview with Fox Business Network. "It's possible that we'll make a deal, but I'm also very happy where we are now."</p>

<p>Relations between Washington and Beijing have spiraled downward since talks collapsed in May, when the United States accused China of reneging on pledges to reform its economy.</p>

<p>Trump said Chinese leaders "want to make a deal. They want to make a deal more than I do."</p>

<p>US&nbsp;Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin are due to meet with Chinese Vice Premier Liu He ahead of the Trump-Xi meeting. US&nbsp;Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross also was added to the U.S. delegation at the last minute at Trump's request, a senior U.S. official said at a Washington event where Ross had been scheduled to speak.</p>

<p>Some Chinese officials who were not previously part of China's delegation were also applying for Japanese visas, an industry source briefed on the matter said, adding that this was a possible sign of momentum for the Trump-Xi meeting.</p>

<p>Shortly after Trump returns from the Osaka summit, he will be in a position to impose a 25% tariff on $300 billion worth of Chinese consumer goods from cellphones, laptop and tablet computers to tube socks and baby carriers.</p>

<p>A public comment period on the tariffs ends on July 2 following seven days of public hearings in which US&nbsp;companies large and small begged to be spared from the tariffs and warned of hardships in shifting production out of China..</p>

<p>"I would do additional tariffs, very substantial additional tariffs, if that doesn't work, if we don't make a deal," Trump said on Wednesday. But he added that he could consider lowering the duty to 10% from the proposed 25%.</p>

<p>Administration officials have said that a 10 percent tariff is more easily offset by Chinese companies absorbing the added costs and by declines in the value of China's yuan currency.</p>

<p>China and the United States have already imposed tariffs of up to 25% on hundreds of billions of dollars of each other's goods in a trade war that has lasted nearly a year.</p>

<p>More than half of Chinese consumers have recently avoided U.S.-made products in support of their country, according to a new poll conducted by London-based advisory firm Brunswick. The poll of 1,000 Chinese and 1,000 American consumers showed that 68 percent of Chinese respondents said their opinions of American firms had become more negative, while 59 percent of Americans had an unfavorable opinion of China-based companies.</p>

<p>Global trade tensions contributed to a 2.1% drop in the April US&nbsp;trade deficit to $50.8 billion as both imports and exports fell, the Commerce Department reported on Wednesday. But the April U.S. trade deficit with China jumped nearly 30% to $26.9 billion, while the trade gap with Mexico fell sharply.</p>

<p>Fitch Ratings on Wednesday forecast that imposing a 25% tariff on the $300 billion in Chinese goods would chop 0.4 percent from world economic output. The International Monetary Fund has forecast a 0.5 percent reduction, equivalent to erasing South Africa's economy.</p>

<p>Trump said China knows what the United States needs for a trade deal, and pushed for China to return to the negotiating table with the same concessions they had made before talks abruptly ended in May.</p>

<p>The two sides could agree not to impose new tariffs as a goodwill gesture to get negotiations going, a US&nbsp;official said on Tuesday.</p>

<p><strong>'Drive by tariffs'</strong></p>

<p>Trump has bipartisan support on taking a tough stance on China, although not for his use of tariffs as a tool to exert pressure on Beijing.</p>

<p>A senior Democrat said on Wednesday he hoped the standoff with China would result in lasting changes.</p>

<p>"We’ve gone this far - we ought to be working to try and have some of the structural changes, some of the advantages, some of the (intellectual property) protections, and China living up to its obligations under the (World Trade Organization)," said US&nbsp;Representative Earl Blumenauer.</p>

<p>Blumenauer, who chairs the House of Representatives' Ways and Means trade subcommittee, said he disagreed with what he called Trump's "drive-by tariffs" and hoped the president would not accept a deal that simply involved selling more goods to China rather than changing bilateral terms of trade.</p>

<p>Trump said if Washington was unable to reach a deal, his plan was to reduce business with China. Asked about companies relocating production from China to Vietnam, he said Vietnam treated the United States even worse than China.</p>

<p>The United States is cracking down on companies that have used countries such as Vietnam and Cambodia as staging posts to ship goods from China to the United States without paying tariffs.</p>


US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that a trade deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping was possible this weekend but he is prepared to impose US tariffs on virtually all remaining Chinese imports if the two countries continue to disagree.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that a trade deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping was possible this weekend but he is prepared to impose US tariffs on virtually all remaining Chinese imports if the two countries continue to disagree. Trump, who departed for the G20 leaders summit in Osaka, Japan, on Wednesday, also raised the possibility that he may impose a lower, 10% duty on a $300 billion list of Chinese imports, instead of the proposed 25% rate. Trump is expected to meet with Xi on Saturday in Osaka, a conversation that could revive stalled negotiations between the world's two biggest economies or launch a much deeper, costlier trade war that would drag down global growth and roil financial markets. "It's absolutely possible. ... We have to get a good deal," Trump said in an interview with Fox Business Network. "It's possible that we'll make a deal, but I'm also very happy where we are now." Relations between Washington and Beijing have spiraled downward since talks collapsed in May, when the United States accused China of reneging on pledges to reform its economy. Trump said Chinese leaders "want to make a deal. They want to make a deal more than I do." US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin are due to meet with Chinese Vice Premier Liu He ahead of the Trump-Xi meeting. US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross also was added to the U.S. delegation at the last minute at Trump's request, a senior U.S. official said at a Washington event where Ross had been scheduled to speak. Some Chinese officials who were not previously part of China's delegation were also applying for Japanese visas, an industry source briefed on the matter said, adding that this was a possible sign of momentum for the Trump-Xi meeting. Shortly after Trump returns from the Osaka summit, he will be in a position to impose a 25% tariff on $300 billion worth of Chinese consumer goods from cellphones, laptop and tablet computers to tube socks and baby carriers. A public comment period on the tariffs ends on July 2 following seven days of public hearings in which US companies large and small begged to be spared from the tariffs and warned of hardships in shifting production out of China.. "I would do additional tariffs, very substantial additional tariffs, if that doesn't work, if we don't make a deal," Trump said on Wednesday. But he added that he could consider lowering the duty to 10% from the proposed 25%. Administration officials have said that a 10 percent tariff is more easily offset by Chinese companies absorbing the added costs and by declines in the value of China's yuan currency. China and the United States have already imposed tariffs of up to 25% on hundreds of billions of dollars of each other's goods in a trade war that has lasted nearly a year. More than half of Chinese consumers have recently avoided U.S.-made products in support of their country, according to a new poll conducted by London-based advisory firm Brunswick. The poll of 1,000 Chinese and 1,000 American consumers showed that 68 percent of Chinese respondents said their opinions of American firms had become more negative, while 59 percent of Americans had an unfavorable opinion of China-based companies. Global trade tensions contributed to a 2.1% drop in the April US trade deficit to $50.8 billion as both imports and exports fell, the Commerce Department reported on Wednesday. But the April U.S. trade deficit with China jumped nearly 30% to $26.9 billion, while the trade gap with Mexico fell sharply. Fitch Ratings on Wednesday forecast that imposing a 25% tariff on the $300 billion in Chinese goods would chop 0.4 percent from world economic output. The International Monetary Fund has forecast a 0.5 percent reduction, equivalent to erasing South Africa's economy. Trump said China knows what the United States needs for a trade deal, and pushed for China to return to the negotiating table with the same concessions they had made before talks abruptly ended in May. The two sides could agree not to impose new tariffs as a goodwill gesture to get negotiations going, a US official said on Tuesday. 'Drive by tariffs' Trump has bipartisan support on taking a tough stance on China, although not for his use of tariffs as a tool to exert pressure on Beijing. A senior Democrat said on Wednesday he hoped the standoff with China would result in lasting changes. "We’ve gone this far - we ought to be working to try and have some of the structural changes, some of the advantages, some of the (intellectual property) protections, and China living up to its obligations under the (World Trade Organization)," said US Representative Earl Blumenauer. Blumenauer, who chairs the House of Representatives' Ways and Means trade subcommittee, said he disagreed with what he called Trump's "drive-by tariffs" and hoped the president would not accept a deal that simply involved selling more goods to China rather than changing bilateral terms of trade. Trump said if Washington was unable to reach a deal, his plan was to reduce business with China. Asked about companies relocating production from China to Vietnam, he said Vietnam treated the United States even worse than China. The United States is cracking down on companies that have used countries such as Vietnam and Cambodia as staging posts to ship goods from China to the United States without paying tariffs.

Trump says trade deal 'possible' with China's Xi, tariffs could be lower

<p>The top leaders of China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) watched a large group callisthenics and art performance with their wives at the May Day Stadium in Pyongyang on Thursday evening.</p>

<p>When General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan went to the rostrum of the stadium with Chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK Kim Jong-un and his wife Ri Sol Ju, the audience of ten thousand people stood up and greeted them with thunderous cheers.</p>

<p>Starting with a grand firework show, the performance was specially designed for Xi's visit and presented achievements in the development of the DPRK’s socialist undertakings. It expressed the DPRK people’s longing for a better life, their earnest aspiration to carry on the China-DPRK friendship and their warm welcome to Xi’s visit.</p>

<p>The performance ended when Xi and Kim, together with the audience, burst into long-lasting applause for the excellent show put up by the artists.</p>

<p>The Chinese side presented flower baskets to the DPRK side to congratulate the successful performance.</p>

<p>Xi and his wife Peng, together with Kim and his wife Ri, stepped onto the stage to thank the DPRK artists and people, and had a group photo taken with them.</p>

<p>Xi arrived in Pyongyang earlier Thursday for a state visit to the DPRK. The visit, Xi's first as the top CPC leader and Chinese head of state and also the first of its kind in 14 years, came as the two neighboring countries are celebrating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relationship.</p>


The top leaders of China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) watched a large group callisthenics and art performance with their wives at the May Day Stadium in Pyongyang on Thursday evening.

The top leaders of China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) watched a large group callisthenics and art performance with their wives at the May Day Stadium in Pyongyang on Thursday evening. When General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan went to the rostrum of the stadium with Chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK Kim Jong-un and his wife Ri Sol Ju, the audience of ten thousand people stood up and greeted them with thunderous cheers. Starting with a grand firework show, the performance was specially designed for Xi's visit and presented achievements in the development of the DPRK’s socialist undertakings. It expressed the DPRK people’s longing for a better life, their earnest aspiration to carry on the China-DPRK friendship and their warm welcome to Xi’s visit. The performance ended when Xi and Kim, together with the audience, burst into long-lasting applause for the excellent show put up by the artists. The Chinese side presented flower baskets to the DPRK side to congratulate the successful performance. Xi and his wife Peng, together with Kim and his wife Ri, stepped onto the stage to thank the DPRK artists and people, and had a group photo taken with them. Xi arrived in Pyongyang earlier Thursday for a state visit to the DPRK. The visit, Xi's first as the top CPC leader and Chinese head of state and also the first of its kind in 14 years, came as the two neighboring countries are celebrating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relationship.

Top leaders of China, North Korea watch grand performance

<p>India on Friday refused to endorse China's flagship connectivity programme--Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with the Bishkek declaration of SCO's head of state council only mentioning names of six countries backing it.</p>

<p>The declaration said, "The Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, &nbsp;the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan reaffirm their support for China’s Belt and Road Initiative and praise the results of the &nbsp;Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (Beijing, 26 April 2019)."</p>

<p>The six countries also note the ongoing work to implement BRI initiative together, including efforts to align the Eurasian Economic Union projects with those under the Belt and Road initiative.</p>

<p>India has raised concern over BRI since part of it -- China Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC) passes through Pakistan&nbsp;occupied Kashmir (PoK). At the SCO summit, Indian PM Modi said connectivity projects should be "transparent", "inclusive" and respect the "territorial integrity" of countries, a message that will not go unnoticed in Beijing.</p>

<p>But the SCO members --India, Pakistan, Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan agreed to "expand the practice of using national currencies in transactions" between themselves which will be seen as challenging the dominance of Dollar.</p>

<p>These were convergence on terrorism with the declaration saying "member States, stressing that acts of terrorism and extremism cannot be justified, believe it important to take comprehensive measures to intensify efforts against &nbsp;terrorism and its ideology"</p>

<p>It called for passage of Indian proposal Comprehensive Convention on &nbsp;International Terrorism or CCIT that calls for common definition on terrorism.</p>

<p>Along with India, other SCO members such as Afghanistan strongly raised the issue of terror.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani highlighted the link between terror and narcotics and said they "threaten both our wellbeing and the security of CSO members and observers."</p>

<p>Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said, "Terrorism, in its different types, extremism, unilateralism and interference of extra-regional countries in the affairs of other regions and interference in the internal affairs of other countries have put the international community in a grave situation".&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


India on Friday refused to endorse China's flagship connectivity programme--Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with the Bishkek declaration of SCO's head of state council only mentioning names of six countries backing it.

India on Friday refused to endorse China's flagship connectivity programme--Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with the Bishkek declaration of SCO's head of state council only mentioning names of six countries backing it. The declaration said, "The Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan reaffirm their support for China’s Belt and Road Initiative and praise the results of the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (Beijing, 26 April 2019)." The six countries also note the ongoing work to implement BRI initiative together, including efforts to align the Eurasian Economic Union projects with those under the Belt and Road initiative. India has raised concern over BRI since part of it -- China Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC) passes through Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). At the SCO summit, Indian PM Modi said connectivity projects should be "transparent", "inclusive" and respect the "territorial integrity" of countries, a message that will not go unnoticed in Beijing. But the SCO members --India, Pakistan, Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan agreed to "expand the practice of using national currencies in transactions" between themselves which will be seen as challenging the dominance of Dollar. These were convergence on terrorism with the declaration saying "member States, stressing that acts of terrorism and extremism cannot be justified, believe it important to take comprehensive measures to intensify efforts against terrorism and its ideology" It called for passage of Indian proposal Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism or CCIT that calls for common definition on terrorism. Along with India, other SCO members such as Afghanistan strongly raised the issue of terror. Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani highlighted the link between terror and narcotics and said they "threaten both our wellbeing and the security of CSO members and observers." Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said, "Terrorism, in its different types, extremism, unilateralism and interference of extra-regional countries in the affairs of other regions and interference in the internal affairs of other countries have put the international community in a grave situation".

PM Modi refuses to endorse China's BRI at SCO, says connectivity projects must respect 'territorial integrity'

<p>Hong Kong social media lit up on Friday when protesters noticed Google's translation software was briefly churning out a rather odd suggestion during a week that has seen the worst political violence to hit the city in decades.</p>

<p>Eagle-eyed Google users discovered that when people entered the phrase "I am sad to see Hong Kong become part of China" the suggested translation in both Simplified and Traditional Chinese converted the word "sad" to "happy".</p>

<p>"Oh my god, I can't believe my eyes," one Facebook user commented under one of the many screen grabs of the false translation that went viral on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The app intentionally mistranslates the English to 'so happy/content' instead of 'so sad'," added student Rachel Wong on Twitter. "I hope Google fixes this."</p>

<p>When AFP entered the sentence "I am sad to see Hong Kong become part of China" on Friday morning it did show the wrong translation, replacing sad with happy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Searches involving some other combinations of countries or territories also reproduced the error.</p>

<p>An hour later, a correct translation was showing.</p>

<p>The company's hugely popular software tool uses complex algorithms and deep learning, as well as allowing users to make suggested translations to&nbsp;<br />
improve accuracy.</p>

<p>"Google Translate is an automatic translator, using patterns from millions of existing translations to help decide on the best translation for you," a spokesman for Google told.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"These automatic systems can sometimes make unintentional mistakes like translating a negative to a positive."</p>

<p>The international finance hub has been rocked this week by political violence as protesters opposed to a proposed China extradition law clashed with police.</p>

<p>On Thursday, the popular encrypted messaging app telegram, which is being used by protesters to coordinate, announced it had suffered a major cyber-attack that originated from China.</p>


Hong Kong social media lit up on Friday when protesters noticed Google's translation software was briefly churning out a rather odd suggestion during a week that has seen the worst political violence to hit the city in decades.

Hong Kong social media lit up on Friday when protesters noticed Google's translation software was briefly churning out a rather odd suggestion during a week that has seen the worst political violence to hit the city in decades. Eagle-eyed Google users discovered that when people entered the phrase "I am sad to see Hong Kong become part of China" the suggested translation in both Simplified and Traditional Chinese converted the word "sad" to "happy". "Oh my god, I can't believe my eyes," one Facebook user commented under one of the many screen grabs of the false translation that went viral on Friday. "The app intentionally mistranslates the English to 'so happy/content' instead of 'so sad'," added student Rachel Wong on Twitter. "I hope Google fixes this." When AFP entered the sentence "I am sad to see Hong Kong become part of China" on Friday morning it did show the wrong translation, replacing sad with happy. Searches involving some other combinations of countries or territories also reproduced the error. An hour later, a correct translation was showing. The company's hugely popular software tool uses complex algorithms and deep learning, as well as allowing users to make suggested translations to improve accuracy. "Google Translate is an automatic translator, using patterns from millions of existing translations to help decide on the best translation for you," a spokesman for Google told. "These automatic systems can sometimes make unintentional mistakes like translating a negative to a positive." The international finance hub has been rocked this week by political violence as protesters opposed to a proposed China extradition law clashed with police. On Thursday, the popular encrypted messaging app telegram, which is being used by protesters to coordinate, announced it had suffered a major cyber-attack that originated from China.

Hong Kongers alarmed by Google translation gaffe

<p>Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale on Thursday briefed media on the bilateral meeting that took place between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wuhan-provided-stability-and-momentum-to-india-china-ties-pm-modi-to-xi-226895">PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Bishkek</a>, Kyrgyzstan on the sidelines of 19th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The foreign secretary informed that India reiterated its position on Pakistan.&nbsp;"We have a consistent position on Pakistan and look for a peaceful resolution," Gokhale said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gokhale said that the prime minister informed president Jinping that all efforts with Pakistan "have been derailed".&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM Modi on Pak to Chinese Prez: we have made efforts and these have been derailed. Pak needs to create an atmosphere free of terrorism and did not see anything of this sort happening. <a href="https://t.co/CCvkNYlALd">https://t.co/CCvkNYlALd</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1139149245016158208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<p>Gokhale noted that the prime minister, during his talks with the Chinese President, said, "Pakistan needs to create an atmosphere free of terrorism, India expects Pakistan to take concrete action".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch: PM Modi meets Xi Jinping for first bilateral meeting</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/19th-sco-summit-pm-modi-meets-xi-jinping-for-first-bilateral-meeting-226904/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>PM noted what had improved between the two sides is strategic communication and in that context, we have been able to resolve long pending issues like the opening of Bank of China branch in India and the issue related to the listing of Masood Azhar, Gokhale stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gokhale informed that Jinping has confirmed a visit to India later this year and that PM Modi has proposed to hold 70 significant events - 35 each in China and India - next year to mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of India-China bilateral ties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"External Affairs Ministers of both the countries have been tasked to discuss and develop the course of the same,"&nbsp;Gokhale added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He informed that both the leaders held a brief discussion on the boundary dispute and maintained that special representatives of India and China will meet on the issue and carry out a solution that would be "fair and mutually acceptable".</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are slated to meet again at the G20 Summit, the BRICS Summit and during an informal summit that is slated to take place later in the year. &nbsp;</p>

<p>On Friday, PM Modi will participate at the SCO meet in the morning and will have a bilateral meeting with Iran's President Hassan Rouhani and Kyrgyzstan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov. He will also have many pull-aside meeting with leaders of several countries but none with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is expected.&nbsp;</p>


Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale on Thursday briefed media on the bilateral meeting that took place between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on the sidelines of 19th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale on Thursday briefed media on the bilateral meeting that took place between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on the sidelines of 19th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. The foreign secretary informed that India reiterated its position on Pakistan. "We have a consistent position on Pakistan and look for a peaceful resolution," Gokhale said. Gokhale said that the prime minister informed president Jinping that all efforts with Pakistan "have been derailed". PM Modi on Pak to Chinese Prez: we have made efforts and these have been derailed. Pak needs to create an atmosphere free of terrorism and did not see anything of this sort happening. https://t.co/CCvkNYlALd — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) June 13, 2019 × Gokhale noted that the prime minister, during his talks with the Chinese President, said, "Pakistan needs to create an atmosphere free of terrorism, India expects Pakistan to take concrete action". Watch: PM Modi meets Xi Jinping for first bilateral meeting PM noted what had improved between the two sides is strategic communication and in that context, we have been able to resolve long pending issues like the opening of Bank of China branch in India and the issue related to the listing of Masood Azhar, Gokhale stated. Gokhale informed that Jinping has confirmed a visit to India later this year and that PM Modi has proposed to hold 70 significant events - 35 each in China and India - next year to mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of India-China bilateral ties. "External Affairs Ministers of both the countries have been tasked to discuss and develop the course of the same," Gokhale added. He informed that both the leaders held a brief discussion on the boundary dispute and maintained that special representatives of India and China will meet on the issue and carry out a solution that would be "fair and mutually acceptable". Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are slated to meet again at the G20 Summit, the BRICS Summit and during an informal summit that is slated to take place later in the year. On Friday, PM Modi will participate at the SCO meet in the morning and will have a bilateral meeting with Iran's President Hassan Rouhani and Kyrgyzstan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov. He will also have many pull-aside meeting with leaders of several countries but none with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is expected.

In bilateral meeting, PM Modi and Xi Jinping discuss Pakistan, terror and boundary dispute

<p>Britain said Thursday that resetting ties with Russia depended on Moscow changing behaviour, hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin said it was time to "turn the page" on the difficult relationship.</p>

<p>"We can only have a different relationship if Russia changes its behaviour," a spokeswoman for Prime Minister Theresa May said, noting that the 2018 poisoning of a former Russian spy in Britain, blamed on Moscow, was a "despicable act".</p>

<p>"We have been clear that Russia's pattern of aggression and destabilising behaviour undermines its claim to be a responsible international partner," the spokeswoman added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We will continue to engage with Russia on matters of international security as this is in the UK's national interest."</p>

<p>Britain has accused Russia of orchestrating the March 2018 nerve agent attack against former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the English cathedral city of Salisbury, which Moscow has furiously denied.</p>

<p>The incident sparked dozens of tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions by Western allies and Russia, plunging relations to a new post-Cold War low.</p>

<p>However, Putin told heads of global news agencies at an economic forum in Saint Petersburg on Thursday that there was now "a need to finally turn this page -- linked to spies and assassination attempts".</p>

<p>The British government said in its response that it continued to have "ongoing engagement with Russia on official channels across a number of areas".</p>

<p>But May's spokesman added: "I think their behaviour undermines their claims to be a responsible international partner."</p>


Britain said Thursday that resetting ties with Russia depended on Moscow changing behaviour, hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin said it was time to "turn the page" on the difficult relationship.

Britain said Thursday that resetting ties with Russia depended on Moscow changing behaviour, hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin said it was time to "turn the page" on the difficult relationship. "We can only have a different relationship if Russia changes its behaviour," a spokeswoman for Prime Minister Theresa May said, noting that the 2018 poisoning of a former Russian spy in Britain, blamed on Moscow, was a "despicable act". "We have been clear that Russia's pattern of aggression and destabilising behaviour undermines its claim to be a responsible international partner," the spokeswoman added. "We will continue to engage with Russia on matters of international security as this is in the UK's national interest." Britain has accused Russia of orchestrating the March 2018 nerve agent attack against former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the English cathedral city of Salisbury, which Moscow has furiously denied. The incident sparked dozens of tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions by Western allies and Russia, plunging relations to a new post-Cold War low. However, Putin told heads of global news agencies at an economic forum in Saint Petersburg on Thursday that there was now "a need to finally turn this page -- linked to spies and assassination attempts". The British government said in its response that it continued to have "ongoing engagement with Russia on official channels across a number of areas". But May's spokesman added: "I think their behaviour undermines their claims to be a responsible international partner."

UK says new ties possible only if Russia 'changes behaviour'

<p>Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin praised their countries' ties during a meeting in the Kremlin on Wednesday, as Beijing and Moscow seek to shore up cooperation amid tensions with the US.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin said the visit was a "key event" in relations between the two neighbours.</p>

<p>"Our relationship will be better and better," said Xi, who was received with full honours when he arrived at Moscow's Vnukovo airport in the afternoon.</p>

<p>The trip comes five years after Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula led to a serious rift with its Western partners and subsequent turn toward its neighbour to the east.</p>

<p>"In recent years, thanks to your direct participation, the relationship between Russia and China has reached an unprecedentedly high level," the Russian president said.</p>

<p>Following the talks and a visit to the Bolshoi Theatre late Wednesday, Xi is set to travel to Russia's former imperial capital Saint Petersburg.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There he will attend an economic forum hosted by Putin on Thursday and Friday.</p>

<p>China and Russia "have strong political mutual trust, and support each other firmly on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns," Xi said during an interview with Russian media ahead of the visit.</p>

<p>Putin's foreign policy aide, Yury Ushakov, earlier said Xi and Putin would sign a new declaration on their "global partnership and strategic cooperation, which are entering a new era".</p>

<p>The Chinese delegation brought two pandas as gifts, bound for the Moscow Zoo. "The animal is a symbol of China and the gesture is very important to our partners," Ushakov said.<br />
T<br />
he partnership is yielding increasing trade, which has increased by 25 per cent in 2018 to hit a record $108 billion (96 billion euros), he added, calling China "Russia's most important economic partner".</p>

<p><strong>Russia's 'pivot' paying off&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Russia may have had unrealistic expectations from its pivot to the east following Western sanctions over Ukraine, said Alexander Gabuev, who heads the Asia programme at the Carnegie Moscow Center.</p>

<p>Nevertheless, China's share in Russian foreign trade has nearly doubled since then, he added.</p>

<p>"The pivot really is happening," he said.</p>

<p>"Despite all the difficulties, China became a significant creditor and rather significant investor" in Russia at a time when many other investors preferred to pack their bags.</p>

<p>Cooperation with China is seen by Moscow as "the lesser of two evils" to stimulate economic growth, Gabuev said -- the alternative being deep internal reforms and reconciliation with the West.</p>

<p>Politically, the two countries seem consistently aligned and often vote in unison as permanent members of the UN Security Council.</p>

<p>Presidential advisor Ushakov said "the positions of Russia and China are very close or coincide completely on most international issues," including the North Korean nuclear programme, the Venezuelan crisis and the Iran nuclear deal.</p>

<p>All these issues would be discussed during the leaders' meeting, he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The countries would also discuss their relationship with the "great Western powers, including the United States", he said.</p>

<p>Moscow's relations with Washington have been at a post-Cold War low for some time, and Beijing is locked in a trade war with the US.</p>

<p>After Washington criticised its rights record, Beijing issued a travel warning to Chinese nationals Tuesday about crime and police harassment in the United States.</p>


Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin praised their countries' ties during a meeting in the Kremlin on Wednesday, as Beijing and Moscow seek to shore up cooperation amid tensions with the US.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin praised their countries' ties during a meeting in the Kremlin on Wednesday, as Beijing and Moscow seek to shore up cooperation amid tensions with the US. Putin said the visit was a "key event" in relations between the two neighbours. "Our relationship will be better and better," said Xi, who was received with full honours when he arrived at Moscow's Vnukovo airport in the afternoon. The trip comes five years after Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula led to a serious rift with its Western partners and subsequent turn toward its neighbour to the east. "In recent years, thanks to your direct participation, the relationship between Russia and China has reached an unprecedentedly high level," the Russian president said. Following the talks and a visit to the Bolshoi Theatre late Wednesday, Xi is set to travel to Russia's former imperial capital Saint Petersburg. There he will attend an economic forum hosted by Putin on Thursday and Friday. China and Russia "have strong political mutual trust, and support each other firmly on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns," Xi said during an interview with Russian media ahead of the visit. Putin's foreign policy aide, Yury Ushakov, earlier said Xi and Putin would sign a new declaration on their "global partnership and strategic cooperation, which are entering a new era". The Chinese delegation brought two pandas as gifts, bound for the Moscow Zoo. "The animal is a symbol of China and the gesture is very important to our partners," Ushakov said. T he partnership is yielding increasing trade, which has increased by 25 per cent in 2018 to hit a record $108 billion (96 billion euros), he added, calling China "Russia's most important economic partner". Russia's 'pivot' paying off Russia may have had unrealistic expectations from its pivot to the east following Western sanctions over Ukraine, said Alexander Gabuev, who heads the Asia programme at the Carnegie Moscow Center. Nevertheless, China's share in Russian foreign trade has nearly doubled since then, he added. "The pivot really is happening," he said. "Despite all the difficulties, China became a significant creditor and rather significant investor" in Russia at a time when many other investors preferred to pack their bags. Cooperation with China is seen by Moscow as "the lesser of two evils" to stimulate economic growth, Gabuev said -- the alternative being deep internal reforms and reconciliation with the West. Politically, the two countries seem consistently aligned and often vote in unison as permanent members of the UN Security Council. Presidential advisor Ushakov said "the positions of Russia and China are very close or coincide completely on most international issues," including the North Korean nuclear programme, the Venezuelan crisis and the Iran nuclear deal. All these issues would be discussed during the leaders' meeting, he added. The countries would also discuss their relationship with the "great Western powers, including the United States", he said. Moscow's relations with Washington have been at a post-Cold War low for some time, and Beijing is locked in a trade war with the US. After Washington criticised its rights record, Beijing issued a travel warning to Chinese nationals Tuesday about crime and police harassment in the United States.

China's Xi in Russia to boost cooperation amid US tensions

<p>Australians enjoying a sunny winter morning were surprised by the sight of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-us-actions-on-taiwan-south-china-sea-threaten-stability-223372"> three Chinese warships</a> steaming into to Sydney Harbour Monday, forcing the prime minister to reassure jittery residents.</p>

<p>Amid heightened concern about Beijing's growing clout and military muscle flexing, the appearance of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warships-preble-chung-hoon-sail-near-spratly-islands-in-south-china-sea-216283">Chinese flagged task group</a> and around 700 sailors came as a surprise.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It may have been a surprise to others, but it certainly wasn't a surprise to the government," said Prime Minister Scott Morrison, trying to dampen concerns.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have known about that for some time," he said of the visit during a trip to the Solomon Islands.</p>

<p>Morrison described it as a "reciprocal visit because Australian naval vessels have visited China."</p>

<p>"They were returning after a counter drug trafficking operation in the Middle East."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The vessels appeared to be the Kunlun Shan, a Yuzhao class landing ship; the Luoma Lake replenishment ship and Xuchang, a modern frigate that is believed to be fitted with surface-to-air and anti-submarine missile systems.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The timing of their visit has also been questioned.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It comes on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the violent suppression of Tiananmen protests.</p>

<p>Then, the regime gunned down hundreds of its own citizens and jailed thousands for demanding political change and an end to state corruption.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The sailing also comes just days after it was revealed that a Chinese warship had recently confronted an Australian vessel in the South China Sea and Aussie helicopter pilots had been targeted with lasers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I think any reading into timing could be subject to a bit of overanalysis," said Morrison.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since coming to power, President Xi Jinping has invested heavily in the People's Liberation Army Navy -- in a bid to project Chinese influence across the Pacific and beyond.</p>

<p>"Chinese naval visits to Australia have more typically been a lone frigate, not a task group with an amphibious assault ship and 700 personnel," Rory Medcalf, head of the National Security College at Australian National University, tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Sydney is hardly a convenient stopover on their way home from the Gulf of Aden. What's the story here?"&nbsp;</p>


Australians enjoying a sunny winter morning were surprised by the sight of three Chinese warships steaming into to Sydney Harbour Monday, forcing the prime minister to reassure jittery residents.

Australians enjoying a sunny winter morning were surprised by the sight of three Chinese warships steaming into to Sydney Harbour Monday, forcing the prime minister to reassure jittery residents. Amid heightened concern about Beijing's growing clout and military muscle flexing, the appearance of a Chinese flagged task group and around 700 sailors came as a surprise. "It may have been a surprise to others, but it certainly wasn't a surprise to the government," said Prime Minister Scott Morrison, trying to dampen concerns. "We have known about that for some time," he said of the visit during a trip to the Solomon Islands. Morrison described it as a "reciprocal visit because Australian naval vessels have visited China." "They were returning after a counter drug trafficking operation in the Middle East." The vessels appeared to be the Kunlun Shan, a Yuzhao class landing ship; the Luoma Lake replenishment ship and Xuchang, a modern frigate that is believed to be fitted with surface-to-air and anti-submarine missile systems. The timing of their visit has also been questioned. It comes on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the violent suppression of Tiananmen protests. Then, the regime gunned down hundreds of its own citizens and jailed thousands for demanding political change and an end to state corruption. The sailing also comes just days after it was revealed that a Chinese warship had recently confronted an Australian vessel in the South China Sea and Aussie helicopter pilots had been targeted with lasers. "I think any reading into timing could be subject to a bit of overanalysis," said Morrison. Since coming to power, President Xi Jinping has invested heavily in the People's Liberation Army Navy -- in a bid to project Chinese influence across the Pacific and beyond. "Chinese naval visits to Australia have more typically been a lone frigate, not a task group with an amphibious assault ship and 700 personnel," Rory Medcalf, head of the National Security College at Australian National University, tweeted. "Sydney is hardly a convenient stopover on their way home from the Gulf of Aden. What's the story here?"

Chinese warships cause surprise in Sydney harbour

<p>Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe said that India-China border is stable and forces of both the countries are in close communication with each other.</p>

<p>"Both sides have close communication with each other and the border area is generally stable. The common interest of China and India far outway our differences," Fenghe said while addressing Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.</p>

<p>On the resolution of the boundary dispute, he said, "The Chinese side is ready to work with India to properly handle the boundary question. At the moment management of the boundary, question is sound."&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2017, the Doklam crisis saw over a two-month-long standoff between Indian and Chinese forces after Bejing tried to build a road on Bhutanese territory.</p>

<p>Calling the relationship between the two countries "sound", General Fenghe recalled the informal Wuhan summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and China President Xi Jinping and said both the leaders provided "guidance for the relationship and the comprehensive strategic partnership has enjoyed sound growth and our consensus is that two militaries need to work together to contribute to the overall relationship between China and India."</p>

<p>Chinese President Xi and PM Modi met four times in 2018 starting with Wuhan informal summit followed by meetings on the sidelines of Shanghai cooperation organisation (SCO), BRICS &amp; G20 Summit. Xi will be visiting India this year for the second Informal Summit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wei Fenghe had visited India last year and met officials including the then defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman.</p>

<p>Fenghe was quite optimistic about the ties and said, "Both sides committed for a cooperative and stable relationship between the two sides. The momentum of a relationship, it is getting better and better and we are making active efforts to further grow this bilateral relationship."</p>

<p>India and China held a Joint Exercise “Hand-in-Hand” in Pujiang, China from 10 to 23 December 2018 in which 130 personnel from each side participated.</p>


Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe said that India-China border is stable and forces of both the countries are in close communication with each other. "Both sides have close communication with each other and the border area is generally stable.

Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe said that India-China border is stable and forces of both the countries are in close communication with each other. "Both sides have close communication with each other and the border area is generally stable. The common interest of China and India far outway our differences," Fenghe said while addressing Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. On the resolution of the boundary dispute, he said, "The Chinese side is ready to work with India to properly handle the boundary question. At the moment management of the boundary, question is sound." In 2017, the Doklam crisis saw over a two-month-long standoff between Indian and Chinese forces after Bejing tried to build a road on Bhutanese territory. Calling the relationship between the two countries "sound", General Fenghe recalled the informal Wuhan summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and China President Xi Jinping and said both the leaders provided "guidance for the relationship and the comprehensive strategic partnership has enjoyed sound growth and our consensus is that two militaries need to work together to contribute to the overall relationship between China and India." Chinese President Xi and PM Modi met four times in 2018 starting with Wuhan informal summit followed by meetings on the sidelines of Shanghai cooperation organisation (SCO), BRICS & G20 Summit. Xi will be visiting India this year for the second Informal Summit. Wei Fenghe had visited India last year and met officials including the then defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Fenghe was quite optimistic about the ties and said, "Both sides committed for a cooperative and stable relationship between the two sides. The momentum of a relationship, it is getting better and better and we are making active efforts to further grow this bilateral relationship." India and China held a Joint Exercise “Hand-in-Hand” in Pujiang, China from 10 to 23 December 2018 in which 130 personnel from each side participated.

India-China border stable, forces of 2 countries in close communication: China defence minister 

<p>The United States warned China on Saturday against threatening its neighbours' sovereignty and said Washington was investing in new military technology in the next five years to keep Asia stable.</p>

<p>Washington and Beijing have been vying for influence in the region, which hosts potential flashpoints such as the South China Sea, the Korean Peninsula and the Taiwan Strait.</p>

<p>Ties between the two powers are once again taking centre stage at the weekend Singapore conference known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, which gathers defence ministers and top military officials from around the world.</p>

<p>While the forum is purely on security, the discussions are also being held against a backdrop of Sino-US trade tensions and high-tech rivalry.</p>

<p>"China can and should have a cooperative relationship with the rest of the region ... But behaviour that erodes other nations' sovereignty and sows distrust of China's intentions must end," acting US Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan told the forum.</p>

<p>"Until it does, we stand against a myopic, narrow, and parochial vision of the future, and we stand for the free and open order that has benefitted us all, including China."</p>

<p>Washington has been pushing back against Beijing's militarisation of the South China Sea, where China has built installations to enforce blanket sovereignty, pitting it against partial claims by Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.</p>

<p>Beijing is also regularly angered by US warships transiting through the Taiwan Strait, which it considers part of its territorial waters.</p>

<p>For the first time since 2011, China has sent its defence minister, General Wei Fenghe, to the Singapore gathering. Wei is scheduled to speak on Sunday during which he is expected to respond to Shanahan's remarks.</p>

<p>'Indo-Pacific is our priority'&nbsp;<br />
Shanahan said the United States was investing heavily in the Indo-Pacific region to maintain its military superiority and capability to defend its Asian allies.</p>

<p>"North Korea remains an extraordinary threat and requires continued vigilance," Shanahan said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Indo-Pacific is our priority theatre. We are where we belong. We are investing in the region," he added.</p>

<p>"When we talk about preparedness, we mean having the right capabilities in the right places to respond to crises, and to compete with and deter high-end adversaries," the Pentagon chief said.</p>

<p>While the United States does not seek conflict, it knows that having the capability to win wars is the best deterrence.</p>

<p>"We want to ensure no adversary believes it can successfully achieve political objectives through military force," he said.</p>

<p>He said the Pentagon has requested $104 billion globally -- its most ever -- for research and development in the next fiscal year and $125 billion in operational readiness.</p>

<p>On Friday, Beijing warned that the US should not underestimate China's military during a meeting between Shanahan and Wei on the sidelines of the conference.</p>

<p>Chinese defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian said both had "reached some consensus" on issues of common concern, adding that Wei "particularly emphasised the Taiwan issue".</p>

<p>China sees Taiwan as part of its territory to be reunified, despite the two sides having been ruled separately since the end of a civil war on the mainland in 1949.</p>

<p>"He (Defence minister Wei) pointed out that the US has recently had a series of negative words and actions on this issue", Wu said, adding that Beijing was "firmly opposed" to this.</p>

<p>"On the issue of safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, the US should not underestimate the determination, will and ability of the Chinese military."&nbsp;</p>


The United States warned China on Saturday against threatening its neighbours' sovereignty and said Washington was investing in new military technology in the next five years to keep Asia stable.

The United States warned China on Saturday against threatening its neighbours' sovereignty and said Washington was investing in new military technology in the next five years to keep Asia stable. Washington and Beijing have been vying for influence in the region, which hosts potential flashpoints such as the South China Sea, the Korean Peninsula and the Taiwan Strait. Ties between the two powers are once again taking centre stage at the weekend Singapore conference known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, which gathers defence ministers and top military officials from around the world. While the forum is purely on security, the discussions are also being held against a backdrop of Sino-US trade tensions and high-tech rivalry. "China can and should have a cooperative relationship with the rest of the region ... But behaviour that erodes other nations' sovereignty and sows distrust of China's intentions must end," acting US Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan told the forum. "Until it does, we stand against a myopic, narrow, and parochial vision of the future, and we stand for the free and open order that has benefitted us all, including China." Washington has been pushing back against Beijing's militarisation of the South China Sea, where China has built installations to enforce blanket sovereignty, pitting it against partial claims by Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. Beijing is also regularly angered by US warships transiting through the Taiwan Strait, which it considers part of its territorial waters. For the first time since 2011, China has sent its defence minister, General Wei Fenghe, to the Singapore gathering. Wei is scheduled to speak on Sunday during which he is expected to respond to Shanahan's remarks. 'Indo-Pacific is our priority' Shanahan said the United States was investing heavily in the Indo-Pacific region to maintain its military superiority and capability to defend its Asian allies. "North Korea remains an extraordinary threat and requires continued vigilance," Shanahan said. "Indo-Pacific is our priority theatre. We are where we belong. We are investing in the region," he added. "When we talk about preparedness, we mean having the right capabilities in the right places to respond to crises, and to compete with and deter high-end adversaries," the Pentagon chief said. While the United States does not seek conflict, it knows that having the capability to win wars is the best deterrence. "We want to ensure no adversary believes it can successfully achieve political objectives through military force," he said. He said the Pentagon has requested $104 billion globally -- its most ever -- for research and development in the next fiscal year and $125 billion in operational readiness. On Friday, Beijing warned that the US should not underestimate China's military during a meeting between Shanahan and Wei on the sidelines of the conference. Chinese defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian said both had "reached some consensus" on issues of common concern, adding that Wei "particularly emphasised the Taiwan issue". China sees Taiwan as part of its territory to be reunified, despite the two sides having been ruled separately since the end of a civil war on the mainland in 1949. "He (Defence minister Wei) pointed out that the US has recently had a series of negative words and actions on this issue", Wu said, adding that Beijing was "firmly opposed" to this. "On the issue of safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, the US should not underestimate the determination, will and ability of the Chinese military."

China must stop eroding neighbours' sovereignty: US

Who pays Trump's tariffs? China, US customers or companies

<p>China must prepare for difficult times as the international situation is increasingly complex, President Xi Jinping said in comments carried by state media on Wednesday, as the country faces increased tariffs in a bitter trade war with Washington.</p>

<p>The two countries are locked in tit-for-tat tariff increases on each other's imports, after talks broke down to resolve their dispute.</p>

<p>Acrimony has intensified since Washington last week blacklisted Chinese telecom equipment company Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, a potentially devastating blow for the company that has rattled technology supply chains and investors.</p>

<p>During a three-day trip this week to the southern province of Jiangxi, one of the cradles of China's Communist revolution, Xi urged people to learn the lessons of hardship of the past.</p>

<p>"Today, on the new Long March, we must overcome various major risks and challenges from home and abroad and win new victories for socialism with Chinese characteristics," state news agency Xinhua paraphrased Xi as saying.</p>

<p>"Our country is still in a period of important strategic opportunities for development, but the international situation is increasingly complicated," he added.</p>

<p>"We must be conscious of the long-term and complex nature of various unfavourable factors at home and abroad, and appropriately prepare for various difficult situations."</p>

<p>The report did not elaborate on those difficulties, and nor was there a direct mention of the trade war or of the United States.</p>

<p>Xi also talked about the importance of technology, and "emphasised that technology innovation is the lifeblood of companies".</p>

<p>"Only by having indigenous intellectual property and core technology can products possessing core competitiveness be produced, and only then can an invincible position be attained amid fierce competition."</p>

<p>China must master more core technologies and seize the "high ground" in industrial development, he added.</p>

<p>Xi visited a rare earths firm too, sparking speculation the sector could be the next front in the Sino-US trade war.</p>

<p>Xi learned in detail about China's rare earth resource situation, exploitation techniques, applications, and environmental protection measures, Xinhua said.</p>

<p>"Rare earths are important strategic resources, and are non-renewable resources."</p>


China must prepare for difficult times as the international situation is increasingly complex, President Xi Jinping said in comments carried by state media on Wednesday, as the country faces increased tariffs in a bitter trade war with Washington.

China must prepare for difficult times as the international situation is increasingly complex, President Xi Jinping said in comments carried by state media on Wednesday, as the country faces increased tariffs in a bitter trade war with Washington. The two countries are locked in tit-for-tat tariff increases on each other's imports, after talks broke down to resolve their dispute. Acrimony has intensified since Washington last week blacklisted Chinese telecom equipment company Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, a potentially devastating blow for the company that has rattled technology supply chains and investors. During a three-day trip this week to the southern province of Jiangxi, one of the cradles of China's Communist revolution, Xi urged people to learn the lessons of hardship of the past. "Today, on the new Long March, we must overcome various major risks and challenges from home and abroad and win new victories for socialism with Chinese characteristics," state news agency Xinhua paraphrased Xi as saying. "Our country is still in a period of important strategic opportunities for development, but the international situation is increasingly complicated," he added. "We must be conscious of the long-term and complex nature of various unfavourable factors at home and abroad, and appropriately prepare for various difficult situations." The report did not elaborate on those difficulties, and nor was there a direct mention of the trade war or of the United States. Xi also talked about the importance of technology, and "emphasised that technology innovation is the lifeblood of companies". "Only by having indigenous intellectual property and core technology can products possessing core competitiveness be produced, and only then can an invincible position be attained amid fierce competition." China must master more core technologies and seize the "high ground" in industrial development, he added. Xi visited a rare earths firm too, sparking speculation the sector could be the next front in the Sino-US trade war. Xi learned in detail about China's rare earth resource situation, exploitation techniques, applications, and environmental protection measures, Xinhua said. "Rare earths are important strategic resources, and are non-renewable resources."

Get ready for difficult times, China's Xi warns during trade war

<p>China and Pakistan have agreed to enhance communication and cooperation for "greater progress" in their all-weather strategic ties as the two countries celebrated 68 years of diplomatic relations.</p>

<p>"Both sides are satisfied with our bilateral relations," Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a media briefing in Beijing in response to a question on both the countries celebrating the 68th year of establishment of their diplomatic relations.</p>

<p>He said both the countries have "agreed to enhance our communication and cooperation for greater progress in our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership for a close community of shared future for us."</p>

<p>Pakistan, a close ally of China, established diplomatic ties with Beijing in 1951, a year after India recognised the Communist nation 1950.&nbsp;</p>


China and Pakistan have agreed to enhance communication and cooperation for "greater progress" in their all-weather strategic ties as the two countries celebrated 68 years of diplomatic relations.

China and Pakistan have agreed to enhance communication and cooperation for "greater progress" in their all-weather strategic ties as the two countries celebrated 68 years of diplomatic relations. "Both sides are satisfied with our bilateral relations," Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a media briefing in Beijing in response to a question on both the countries celebrating the 68th year of establishment of their diplomatic relations. He said both the countries have "agreed to enhance our communication and cooperation for greater progress in our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership for a close community of shared future for us." Pakistan, a close ally of China, established diplomatic ties with Beijing in 1951, a year after India recognised the Communist nation 1950.

China, Pakistan agree to enhance communication and cooperation for 'greater progress'

<p>Asian shares suffered a fresh bout of the shakes on Friday as tough words on trade from China's media drowned out upbeat news on the US economy and corporate earnings.</p>

<p>Shanghai stocks led the way into the red amid the growing fallout from President Donald Trump's move to block China's Huawei Technologies from buying vital American technology.</p>

<p>The sense of foreboding grew as the Communist Party's People's Daily used a frontpage commentary to evoke the patriotic spirit of past wars, saying the trade war would never bring China down.</p>

<p>"It is hard to get too excited as the news flows in the trade front points to an escalation rather than ease in tensions," said Rodrigo Catril, senior FX strategist at National Australia Bank.</p>

<p>"Many commentators are suggesting the decision on Huawei and other Chinese telecos effectively means the President has taken the 'nuclear option' and it has now moved towards a 'fully-fledged' tech war with China."</p>

<p>Shanghai blue chips fell 2.1 per cent, while the offshore yuan eased past 6.9400 per dollar for the first time since November, 2018.</p>

<p>MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan lost early gains to fall 0.7 per cent, leaving it at 15-week lows and down 2.6 per cent for the week.</p>

<p>Japan's Nikkei did manage to bounce 0.9 per cent, while the main Australian index climbed to an 11-year peak as higher commodity prices boosted miners.</p>

<p>But E-Mini futures for the S&amp;P 500 shed 0.36% and European stock futures pointed to opening losses.</p>

<p>Sentiment had been briefly soothed overnight by better US economic news, with US housing starts surprisingly strong and a welcome pickup in the Philadelphia Federal Reserve's manufacturing survey.</p>

<p>Upbeat results from Walmart burnished the outlook for retail spending, though the giant chain also warned that tariffs would raise prices for US consumers.</p>

<p>As the earnings season winds down, of the 457 S&amp;P 500 companies reporting about 75% have beaten profit expectations, according to Refinitiv data.</p>

<p>The Dow ended Thursday with gains of 0.84 per cent, while the S&amp;P 500 added 0.89 per cent and the Nasdaq 0.97 per cent.</p>

<p>Pound ground down</p>

<p>The chillier tone in Asia helped Treasuries recoup early losses as the session wore on, with the 10-year futures contract firming 7 ticks.</p>

<p>The US dollar lost a little of its shine on the safe-haven yen to stand at 109.64 from a top of 110.03. Against a basket of currencies, it was a shade softer at 96.824.</p>

<p>Yet the euro could make no ground and held at $1.1173, down 0.5% for the week so far.</p>

<p>Sterling was one of the worst performers as Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May battled to keep her Brexit deal, and her premiership, intact amid growing fears of a disorderly departure from the European Union. [GBP/]</p>

<p>The pound touched a three-month low of $1.2783 and was down a hefty 1.6% for the week so far.</p>

<p>Also under pressure was the Australian dollar, losing 1.5 per cent&nbsp;for the week to $0.6890 as investors piled into bets that interest rates would be cut in June.</p>

<p>The main mover in Asia was cyber currency Bitcoin which tumbled over 20 per cent&nbsp;at one stage for no discernible reason. It was last down 7 per cent.</p>

<p>In commodity markets, spot gold steadied at $1,287.34 per ounce as risk sentiment soured.</p>

<p>Oil futures firmed into a fourth session as rising tensions in the Middle East stoked fears of potential supply disruptions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>US&nbsp;crude was last up 14 cents at $63.01 a barrel, while Brent crude futures rose 12 cents to $72.74.</p>


Asian shares suffered a fresh bout of the shakes on Friday as tough words on trade from China's media drowned out upbeat news on the US economy and corporate earnings.

Asian shares suffered a fresh bout of the shakes on Friday as tough words on trade from China's media drowned out upbeat news on the US economy and corporate earnings. Shanghai stocks led the way into the red amid the growing fallout from President Donald Trump's move to block China's Huawei Technologies from buying vital American technology. The sense of foreboding grew as the Communist Party's People's Daily used a frontpage commentary to evoke the patriotic spirit of past wars, saying the trade war would never bring China down. "It is hard to get too excited as the news flows in the trade front points to an escalation rather than ease in tensions," said Rodrigo Catril, senior FX strategist at National Australia Bank. "Many commentators are suggesting the decision on Huawei and other Chinese telecos effectively means the President has taken the 'nuclear option' and it has now moved towards a 'fully-fledged' tech war with China." Shanghai blue chips fell 2.1 per cent, while the offshore yuan eased past 6.9400 per dollar for the first time since November, 2018. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan lost early gains to fall 0.7 per cent, leaving it at 15-week lows and down 2.6 per cent for the week. Japan's Nikkei did manage to bounce 0.9 per cent, while the main Australian index climbed to an 11-year peak as higher commodity prices boosted miners. But E-Mini futures for the S&P 500 shed 0.36% and European stock futures pointed to opening losses. Sentiment had been briefly soothed overnight by better US economic news, with US housing starts surprisingly strong and a welcome pickup in the Philadelphia Federal Reserve's manufacturing survey. Upbeat results from Walmart burnished the outlook for retail spending, though the giant chain also warned that tariffs would raise prices for US consumers. As the earnings season winds down, of the 457 S&P 500 companies reporting about 75% have beaten profit expectations, according to Refinitiv data. The Dow ended Thursday with gains of 0.84 per cent, while the S&P 500 added 0.89 per cent and the Nasdaq 0.97 per cent. Pound ground down The chillier tone in Asia helped Treasuries recoup early losses as the session wore on, with the 10-year futures contract firming 7 ticks. The US dollar lost a little of its shine on the safe-haven yen to stand at 109.64 from a top of 110.03. Against a basket of currencies, it was a shade softer at 96.824. Yet the euro could make no ground and held at $1.1173, down 0.5% for the week so far. Sterling was one of the worst performers as Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May battled to keep her Brexit deal, and her premiership, intact amid growing fears of a disorderly departure from the European Union. [GBP/] The pound touched a three-month low of $1.2783 and was down a hefty 1.6% for the week so far. Also under pressure was the Australian dollar, losing 1.5 per cent for the week to $0.6890 as investors piled into bets that interest rates would be cut in June. The main mover in Asia was cyber currency Bitcoin which tumbled over 20 per cent at one stage for no discernible reason. It was last down 7 per cent. In commodity markets, spot gold steadied at $1,287.34 per ounce as risk sentiment soured. Oil futures firmed into a fourth session as rising tensions in the Middle East stoked fears of potential supply disruptions. US crude was last up 14 cents at $63.01 a barrel, while Brent crude futures rose 12 cents to $72.74.

Global Markets: Asia shares shudder as Beijing talks tough

<p>China has formally arrested two Canadians who have been detained for months on national security grounds, a Canadian newspaper reported on Thursday, in a case that has inflamed tensions between Ottawa and Beijing.</p>

<p>A Canadian government source told The Globe and Mail that neither <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-cfo-arrest-fallout-after-ex-diplomat-another-canadian-national-goes-missing-after-questioning-by-chinese-authorities-183587">Michael Kovrig</a>, a former diplomat, nor Michael Spavor, a China-based businessman who organised trips to North Korea, have been formally charged.</p>

<p>"Canada strongly condemns their arbitrary arrest as we condemned their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/central-asia/two-canadians-being-investigated-for-threatening-national-security-china-183709">arbitrary detention </a>on December&nbsp;10," the Canadian foreign ministry said in a statement to the newspaper.</p>

<p>Though no link has been officially made, the detention of Spavor and Kovrig is thought to be in retaliation for Canada's December 1 detention on a US extradition request for Meng Wanzhou, a top executive of Chinese telecom giant Huawei who is accused of violating Iran sanctions.</p>

<p>The men were first accused of activities that "endanger China's security" -- a phrase often used by Beijing when alleging espionage.</p>

<p>China later announced it suspected Kovrig of spying and stealing state secrets and alleged that Spavor had provided him with intelligence.</p>

<p>Two other Canadians convicted of drug trafficking, meanwhile, have been sentenced to death. And Beijing recently blocked Canadian shipments of canola and pork worth billions of dollars.</p>

<p>Meng -- who is currently fighting extradition to the US -- is allowed to live in her Vancouver mansion, although her mobility is limited.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, a group of Canadian parliamentarians had earlier complained to Chinese officials that Kovrig and Spavor have been denied access to lawyers, and remain in "completely unacceptable" detention conditions.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


China has formally arrested two Canadians who have been detained for months on national security grounds, a Canadian newspaper reported on Thursday, in a case that has inflamed tensions between Ottawa and Beijing.

China has formally arrested two Canadians who have been detained for months on national security grounds, a Canadian newspaper reported on Thursday, in a case that has inflamed tensions between Ottawa and Beijing. A Canadian government source told The Globe and Mail that neither Michael Kovrig, a former diplomat, nor Michael Spavor, a China-based businessman who organised trips to North Korea, have been formally charged. "Canada strongly condemns their arbitrary arrest as we condemned their arbitrary detention on December 10," the Canadian foreign ministry said in a statement to the newspaper. Though no link has been officially made, the detention of Spavor and Kovrig is thought to be in retaliation for Canada's December 1 detention on a US extradition request for Meng Wanzhou, a top executive of Chinese telecom giant Huawei who is accused of violating Iran sanctions. The men were first accused of activities that "endanger China's security" -- a phrase often used by Beijing when alleging espionage. China later announced it suspected Kovrig of spying and stealing state secrets and alleged that Spavor had provided him with intelligence. Two other Canadians convicted of drug trafficking, meanwhile, have been sentenced to death. And Beijing recently blocked Canadian shipments of canola and pork worth billions of dollars. Meng -- who is currently fighting extradition to the US -- is allowed to live in her Vancouver mansion, although her mobility is limited. Meanwhile, a group of Canadian parliamentarians had earlier complained to Chinese officials that Kovrig and Spavor have been denied access to lawyers, and remain in "completely unacceptable" detention conditions.

China formally arrests two Canadians detained for months on national security grounds

<p>Amidst raging controversy over <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-airspace-to-remain-shut-for-indian-flights-till-may-30-218987&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiQhLe2xZ3iAhWIuY8KHfh8BVwQFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0td7be3lwPxyHAm1626auJ">Pakistani</a>&nbsp;girls being trafficked to <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/victory-awaits-in-china-trade-war-trump-tells-farmers-218859&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjmofvexZ3iAhWKPo8KHXM5D4sQFjAIegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3CLgepXRQWoOa8FdUFmXJP">China </a>after fake marriages, the Chinese embassy here has withheld visas of 90 Pakistani brides, according to a media report.</p>

<p>China's Deputy Chief of Mission in Pakistan Lijian Zhao said on Tuesday that 140 applications have been received this year from Chinese nationals, seeking visas for their Pakistani brides.</p>

<p>Only 50 visas were granted, while the remaining requests were withheld, he said, adding that the embassy had received 142 such applications in 2018, The Express Tribune reported.</p>

<p>The <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-media-and-people-scared-of-speaking-against-cpec-us-lawmakers-told-218824&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiQhLe2xZ3iAhWIuY8KHfh8BVwQFjAEegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0nDcAww-aw1Kr09qrf3O3F">Pakistan </a>Government has recently ordered the Federal Investigating Agency (FIA) to take action against the gangs involved in smuggling of Pakistani girls to China on the pretext of contracting marriage.</p>

<p>According to the local media reports, poor Christians girls, are lured, with money and promises of 'good life', by the illegal matchmaking centres to marry Chinese men who are either visiting or working in Pakistan.</p>

<p>These centres produce fake documents of Chinese men showing them either as Christians or Muslims.</p>

<p>Most of the girls reportedly became victims of human trafficking and are forced into prostitution.</p>

<p>''This sudden spike in the number of transnational marriages alerted the officials and we approached our Pakistani counterparts who have launched an investigation into the matter'',&nbsp;a Chinese diplomat said.</p>

<p>However, Zhao said that the media reports twisted the facts as there was no evidence to prove that the women were forced into prostitution and subjected to the heinous crime of organ harvesting.</p>

<p>The diplomat denied that all marriages were fake, saying the Chinese nationals, who applied for visas of their Pakistani spouses last year, have completed all the legal formalities before moving the application, the report said.</p>

<p>He said that there were few complaints of Pakistani women being tortured by their husbands in China, which would be addressed accordingly.</p>

<p>He asked the Pakistani authorities to review the on-arrival visa policy for Chinese businessmen as some marriage bureaus in Pakistan were misusing it.</p>

<p>The FIA has already launched a crackdown against fake marriages and human trafficking operations by the Chinese.</p>

<p>The FIA Lahore Zone-I busted a Chinese gang from Johar Town in Punjab province and arrested 11 Chinese nationals and their two Pakistani facilitators.</p>

<p>China on Friday said its ministry of public security had sent a task force to Pakistan to cooperate in the crackdown.</p>


Amidst raging controversy over Pakistani girls being trafficked to China after fake marriages, the Chinese embassy here has withheld visas of 90 Pakistani brides, according to a media report.

Amidst raging controversy over Pakistani girls being trafficked to China after fake marriages, the Chinese embassy here has withheld visas of 90 Pakistani brides, according to a media report. China's Deputy Chief of Mission in Pakistan Lijian Zhao said on Tuesday that 140 applications have been received this year from Chinese nationals, seeking visas for their Pakistani brides. Only 50 visas were granted, while the remaining requests were withheld, he said, adding that the embassy had received 142 such applications in 2018, The Express Tribune reported. The Pakistan Government has recently ordered the Federal Investigating Agency (FIA) to take action against the gangs involved in smuggling of Pakistani girls to China on the pretext of contracting marriage. According to the local media reports, poor Christians girls, are lured, with money and promises of 'good life', by the illegal matchmaking centres to marry Chinese men who are either visiting or working in Pakistan. These centres produce fake documents of Chinese men showing them either as Christians or Muslims. Most of the girls reportedly became victims of human trafficking and are forced into prostitution. ''This sudden spike in the number of transnational marriages alerted the officials and we approached our Pakistani counterparts who have launched an investigation into the matter'', a Chinese diplomat said. However, Zhao said that the media reports twisted the facts as there was no evidence to prove that the women were forced into prostitution and subjected to the heinous crime of organ harvesting. The diplomat denied that all marriages were fake, saying the Chinese nationals, who applied for visas of their Pakistani spouses last year, have completed all the legal formalities before moving the application, the report said. He said that there were few complaints of Pakistani women being tortured by their husbands in China, which would be addressed accordingly. He asked the Pakistani authorities to review the on-arrival visa policy for Chinese businessmen as some marriage bureaus in Pakistan were misusing it. The FIA has already launched a crackdown against fake marriages and human trafficking operations by the Chinese. The FIA Lahore Zone-I busted a Chinese gang from Johar Town in Punjab province and arrested 11 Chinese nationals and their two Pakistani facilitators. China on Friday said its ministry of public security had sent a task force to Pakistan to cooperate in the crackdown.

China withholds 90 Pakistani brides' visa over trafficking fears

<p>About 200 American companies are seeking to move their manufacturing base from China to India post the general elections, a top US-based advocacy group has said, observing that there is a fantastic opportunity with firms looking at alternatives to the Communist giant.</p>

<p>The US-India Strategic and Partnership Forum's (USISPF) President Mukesh Aghi said that the companies are talking to them about how to set up an alternative to China by investing in India.</p>

<p>Aghi said that USISPF's recommendation to the new government would be to accelerate the reforms and bring transparency in the decision-making process.</p>

<p>I think that's critical. We would advise to bring more transparency in the process and to make it more consultative because in the last 12 to 18 months, we are seeing US companies look at some of the decisions being made, either e-commerce or data localisation, as more domestic-oriented than global, he told PTI in an interview.</p>

<p>In his reply to what the agenda of the new Indian government should be to attract investment, Aghi suggested that New Delhi needs to accelerate reforms, be more transparent in the process and engage more.</p>

<p>We need to understand how we can attract those companies. And that means all the way from land issues to customs issues to being part of the global supply chain.</p>

<p>Those are critical issues. There's a whole plethora of reforms that need to go further down, and I think that is also going to create a lot of jobs, he said.</p>

<p>He said that Mark Linscott, the former Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asian Affairs, is working with USISPF member companies to come up with a recommendation as to what India needs to do to enhance its exports and work up from that perspective.</p>

<p>One recommendation, which I strongly believe is going to help India is that we should now start thinking of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the US," Aghi said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I think if India is concerned about cheap goods coming from China, an FTA will eliminate that need. You can put barriers to Chinese goods and still have the US Providing access to the Indian market and Indian companies having more access to the US market, and issues like GSP would diminish, he said.</p>

<p>Aghi said that they have formed a high-level manufacturing council within the member companies, led by John Kern, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain Operations at Cisco who are putting a document together detailing what India needs to do to turn it into a manufacturing hub.</p>

<p>"We plan to have the document ready by the time elections are over as part of recommendation," he said.</p>

<p>What they're saying is we want a backup strategy to start manufacturing in India. There are small-small issues, which can slow them down. And at the moment most of them are waiting for elections to be over.</p>

<p>But there's a large deluge of companies keen to not only manufacture in India but also who want to go after the domestic market, he said.</p>

<p>On the amount of investment these companies would bring to India, he said the number in question is substantial.</p>

<p>If you look at, our member companies in the last four years have invested over $ 50 billion, he added.</p>


About 200 American companies are seeking to move their manufacturing base from China to India post the general elections, a top US-based advocacy group has said, observing that there is a fantastic opportunity with firms looking at alternatives to the Communist giant.

About 200 American companies are seeking to move their manufacturing base from China to India post the general elections, a top US-based advocacy group has said, observing that there is a fantastic opportunity with firms looking at alternatives to the Communist giant. The US-India Strategic and Partnership Forum's (USISPF) President Mukesh Aghi said that the companies are talking to them about how to set up an alternative to China by investing in India. Aghi said that USISPF's recommendation to the new government would be to accelerate the reforms and bring transparency in the decision-making process. I think that's critical. We would advise to bring more transparency in the process and to make it more consultative because in the last 12 to 18 months, we are seeing US companies look at some of the decisions being made, either e-commerce or data localisation, as more domestic-oriented than global, he told PTI in an interview. In his reply to what the agenda of the new Indian government should be to attract investment, Aghi suggested that New Delhi needs to accelerate reforms, be more transparent in the process and engage more. We need to understand how we can attract those companies. And that means all the way from land issues to customs issues to being part of the global supply chain. Those are critical issues. There's a whole plethora of reforms that need to go further down, and I think that is also going to create a lot of jobs, he said. He said that Mark Linscott, the former Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asian Affairs, is working with USISPF member companies to come up with a recommendation as to what India needs to do to enhance its exports and work up from that perspective. One recommendation, which I strongly believe is going to help India is that we should now start thinking of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the US," Aghi said. "I think if India is concerned about cheap goods coming from China, an FTA will eliminate that need. You can put barriers to Chinese goods and still have the US Providing access to the Indian market and Indian companies having more access to the US market, and issues like GSP would diminish, he said. Aghi said that they have formed a high-level manufacturing council within the member companies, led by John Kern, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain Operations at Cisco who are putting a document together detailing what India needs to do to turn it into a manufacturing hub. "We plan to have the document ready by the time elections are over as part of recommendation," he said. What they're saying is we want a backup strategy to start manufacturing in India. There are small-small issues, which can slow them down. And at the moment most of them are waiting for elections to be over. But there's a large deluge of companies keen to not only manufacture in India but also who want to go after the domestic market, he said. On the amount of investment these companies would bring to India, he said the number in question is substantial. If you look at, our member companies in the last four years have invested over $ 50 billion, he added.

About 200 US companies seeking to move manufacturing base from China to India: USISPF

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