All you need to know about China's Belt and Road Initiative

Indian, Australian warships arrive in China for naval parade

China on Monday hailed its all-weather ally Pakistan for announcing new guidelines for implementing the UNSC sanctions targeting proscribed individuals and entities operating in the country and urged the international community to back Islamabad's "great efforts" in combatting terrorism. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Amid intense global pressure to rein in terror outfits, Pakistan on Friday launched guidelines for implementing the UNSC sanctions targeting UN-proscribed individuals and entities in the country.

The guidelines were prepared by the National Committee for overseeing implementation of sanctions against individuals and entities designated by the UN Security Council 1267 Al Qaida/Da'esh Sanctions regime and Security Council 1988 (Taliban Sanctions regime).&nbsp;

"The newly released guidelines are Pakistan's latest measure to implement the National Action Plan. I think it shows Pakistan's position and resolve to fight terrorism and to firmly implement the relevant UN resolutions.&nbsp;

"China highly applauds that. Pakistan is an important participant in the international counter-terrorism campaign," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told media briefing here replying to a question on the recently released guidelines by Pakistan's Foreign Ministry for the federal and provincial governments to further implement the relevant UN sanctions on individuals and terrorist organisations.

"The international community should enhance support to Islamabad," the spokesperson said, adding that Pakistan has "long been making great efforts and sacrifices towards this goal".

He also said that China supports Pakistan in advancing the counter-terrorism efforts based on its own national conditions, and "we hope the international community can enhance cooperation and jointly uphold the regional peace and stability."

Pakistan is under intense global pressure to rein in terrorist outfits operating from its soil after the Pulwama attack, carried out by a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), that killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on&nbsp; 
February 14.

Pakistan also came under intense pressure from the international community to crackdown on terror outfits and leaders after the Paris-based international terror financing watchdog, Financial Action Task Force (FATF), in June last year, placed it on the "grey list" of countries whose domestic laws are considered weak to tackle the challenges of money laundering and terrorism financing.

The FATF, which recently reviewed steps taken by Pakistan, has asked Islamabad to implement a new set of constraints in its crackdown against terror financing, including documenting and regulating all gold markets.

The new list of recommendations from the FATF which requires Pakistan to document all gold markets and purchase and sale of gold in the country, ensure restriction on supply of gold and jewellery to banned outfits and terrorist organisations.

The FATF has asked Pakistan to collect data of all trusts operating across the country as well as their bank accounts on the district level, and ensure regulation of thousands of registered trust organisations.

The compliance report would be taken up by the FATF review group in its meeting scheduled in May.&nbsp;

China on Monday hailed its all-weather ally Pakistan for announcing new guidelines for implementing the UNSC sanctions targeting proscribed individuals and entities operating in the country and urged the international community to back Islamabad's "great efforts" in combatting terrorism.

China on Monday hailed its all-weather ally Pakistan for announcing new guidelines for implementing the UNSC sanctions targeting proscribed individuals and entities operating in the country and urged the international community to back Islamabad's "great efforts" in combatting terrorism. Amid intense global pressure to rein in terror outfits, Pakistan on Friday launched guidelines for implementing the UNSC sanctions targeting UN-proscribed individuals and entities in the country. The guidelines were prepared by the National Committee for overseeing implementation of sanctions against individuals and entities designated by the UN Security Council 1267 Al Qaida/Da'esh Sanctions regime and Security Council 1988 (Taliban Sanctions regime). "The newly released guidelines are Pakistan's latest measure to implement the National Action Plan. I think it shows Pakistan's position and resolve to fight terrorism and to firmly implement the relevant UN resolutions. "China highly applauds that. Pakistan is an important participant in the international counter-terrorism campaign," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told media briefing here replying to a question on the recently released guidelines by Pakistan's Foreign Ministry for the federal and provincial governments to further implement the relevant UN sanctions on individuals and terrorist organisations. "The international community should enhance support to Islamabad," the spokesperson said, adding that Pakistan has "long been making great efforts and sacrifices towards this goal". He also said that China supports Pakistan in advancing the counter-terrorism efforts based on its own national conditions, and "we hope the international community can enhance cooperation and jointly uphold the regional peace and stability." Pakistan is under intense global pressure to rein in terrorist outfits operating from its soil after the Pulwama attack, carried out by a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), that killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14. Pakistan also came under intense pressure from the international community to crackdown on terror outfits and leaders after the Paris-based international terror financing watchdog, Financial Action Task Force (FATF), in June last year, placed it on the "grey list" of countries whose domestic laws are considered weak to tackle the challenges of money laundering and terrorism financing. The FATF, which recently reviewed steps taken by Pakistan, has asked Islamabad to implement a new set of constraints in its crackdown against terror financing, including documenting and regulating all gold markets. The new list of recommendations from the FATF which requires Pakistan to document all gold markets and purchase and sale of gold in the country, ensure restriction on supply of gold and jewellery to banned outfits and terrorist organisations. The FATF has asked Pakistan to collect data of all trusts operating across the country as well as their bank accounts on the district level, and ensure regulation of thousands of registered trust organisations. The compliance report would be taken up by the FATF review group in its meeting scheduled in May.

China hails Pakistan's action plan to implement UN resolutions to fight terrorism

The world's rarest turtle has moved a step closer to extinction after a female specimen died in a Chinese zoo, leaving behind just three known members of the species.

The Yangtze giant softshell turtle, believed to be above 90 years of age, died in Suzhou Zoo on Saturday, according to the Suzhou Daily.

The female's death came a day after zoo officials made a last-ditch effort at artificial insemination using semen from the Suzhou Zoo male, an animal estimated to be more than 100 years old, the newspaper said.

The zoo had tried unsuccessfully for several years to get the pair to mate and reproduce naturally. It will now conduct an autopsy to determine what caused the animal's death, the newspaper reported.

Besides the Suzhou Zoo male, there are only two other known members of the species left, both living in the wild in Vietnam and of unknown gender, according to conservationists.

The Yangtze giant softshell turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in the world, growing to 100 cm (39 inches) long and weighing up to 100kg (220 pounds).

Its main habitat was the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/china-approves-large-new-upstream-dam-project-on-yangtze-river-190428&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiKmvil8dHhAhVf8XMBHY6PA1UQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2c61eEnm0UUL2MW9P0OLF0">Yangtze River</a> and other inland China waterways.&nbsp;

But aquatic life in China's rivers has suffered severely from centuries of hunting and, more recently, decades of pollution, shipping traffic and ecological disruption wrought by hydroelectric dams.

The world's rarest turtle has moved a step closer to extinction after a female specimen died in a Chinese zoo, leaving behind just three known members of the species.

The world's rarest turtle has moved a step closer to extinction after a female specimen died in a Chinese zoo, leaving behind just three known members of the species. The Yangtze giant softshell turtle, believed to be above 90 years of age, died in Suzhou Zoo on Saturday, according to the Suzhou Daily. The female's death came a day after zoo officials made a last-ditch effort at artificial insemination using semen from the Suzhou Zoo male, an animal estimated to be more than 100 years old, the newspaper said. The zoo had tried unsuccessfully for several years to get the pair to mate and reproduce naturally. It will now conduct an autopsy to determine what caused the animal's death, the newspaper reported. Besides the Suzhou Zoo male, there are only two other known members of the species left, both living in the wild in Vietnam and of unknown gender, according to conservationists. The Yangtze giant softshell turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in the world, growing to 100 cm (39 inches) long and weighing up to 100kg (220 pounds). Its main habitat was the Yangtze River and other inland China waterways. But aquatic life in China's rivers has suffered severely from centuries of hunting and, more recently, decades of pollution, shipping traffic and ecological disruption wrought by hydroelectric dams.

Death in China zoo puts rarest turtle on cusp of oblivion

US Secretary of State <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-says-trump-resort-arrest-shows-chinas-threat-208259&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiB1-SP4s7hAhUX3Y8KHVscBYwQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0FExGDZDzqoKhD9gUwfp72">Mike Pompeo</a> landed in Peru on Saturday on the third leg of a four-nation tour of Latin American allies focusing heavily on Venezuela and countering China's economic reach.

Pompeo held talks with President Martin Vizcarra and Foreign Minister Nestor Popolizio before attending a dinner for business leaders.

He paid tribute to Peru's welcome for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan refugees and Vizcarra's fight against corruption, which has embroiled the previous four Peruvian presidents.

But he became irritated when a reporter asked if that contradicted the US President Donald Trump's harsh immigration policy at home.

"Our objective is to allow people to stay in their home countries, this is President Trump's desire, we want to create conditions in these countries where they can stay in their own country," he told the press conference with Popolizio.

Pompeo also spoke by telephone with Brazil's Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo, the State Department announced late Saturday.

"They reaffirmed the close friendship between the United States and Brazil and pledged to continue working together to address the... crises in Venezuela, their effects on Venezuela's neighbours, and the need for outside actors, including Cuba, Russia, and China, to stop propping up Nicolas Maduro," spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement.

Visit Paraguay

Earlier Pompeo had become the first US secretary of state to visit Paraguay, formerly ruled as a dictatorship, since 1965, paying tribute to the country's transition to democracy as an inspiration to the region.

The top US diplomat arrived in Asuncion late Friday after talks with Chile's President Sebastian Pinera in Santiago that focused heavily on his country's developing trade relationship with China.

The highlight of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-protecting-violent-islamic-terror-groups-from-un-sanctions-mike-pompeo-206163">Pompeo</a>'s trip will be a brief visit Sunday to the Colombian city of Cucuta on the Venezuelan border, where he will meet refugees.&nbsp;

All four countries on his itinerary are led by right-wing or centre-right leaders favourable to Washington's uncompromising approach to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

In Asuncion, Pompeo had praised Paraguay's support for US-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido in Venezuela, and its role in the Lima Group of mostly Latin American nations seeking a solution to the Venezuela crisis.&nbsp;

"Paraguay is a leader in defending democracy and calling Maduro as he is, a tyrant who has ruined his country," Pompeo said.

Foreign Minister Luis Castiglioni said Paraguay's position on Venezuela remained strongly aligned with that of the United States.

"We have always said: with dictators, with tyrants, there is no dialogue. You fight them. We must fight them until liberties are restored so that the Venezuelan people can return to live with dignity," he told reporters.

Asked by a US journalist if Paraguay would back military intervention in Venezuela, he said: "We are convinced that all the diplomatic efforts that are being made to isolate this regime will have results in a short time."

Transnational crime&nbsp;

The two officials also discussed Paraguay's commitments on combatting threats of terrorism, drug trafficking and transnational crime in what is known as the tri-border area, the border region Paraguay shares with Argentina and Brazil.

"Paraguay has declared all-out war against transnational crime," said Castiglioni.

"This battle that we are fighting is a battle of no return until we win. We have assured the Secretary of State that Paraguay wants to cooperate very closely with the US government since we are on the same path."

The US official said before his arrival in Chile on Friday that the current US administration had "spent a lot of time" in Latin America seeking to improve trade in a region which has turned its back in recent years on a slew of leftist governments.

"This is a historic opportunity," he told reporters, referring to "a handful of countries that are truly market driven, democratic in ways that we haven’t had in South America for decades. And we think it creates real opportunity."

Asked about China's influence at a press conference following a working lunch with his Chilean counterpart Roberto Ampuero, Pompeo said: "I think the Chilean government and the United States government both share the same concerns."

"China's trade activities often are deeply connected to their national security mission, their technological goals, their desire to steal intellectual property, to have forced technology transfer, to engage in activity that is not economic," he said.&nbsp;

He iterated his concerns Saturday in Peru.

"Too often we see China's predatory lending and debt diplomacy reverse positive advances in this area," he said.&nbsp;

"Our shared goal would be to resist Chinese overtures and promote transparency."

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo landed in Peru on Saturday on the third leg of a four-nation tour of Latin American allies focusing heavily on Venezuela and countering China's economic reach.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo landed in Peru on Saturday on the third leg of a four-nation tour of Latin American allies focusing heavily on Venezuela and countering China's economic reach. Pompeo held talks with President Martin Vizcarra and Foreign Minister Nestor Popolizio before attending a dinner for business leaders. He paid tribute to Peru's welcome for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan refugees and Vizcarra's fight against corruption, which has embroiled the previous four Peruvian presidents. But he became irritated when a reporter asked if that contradicted the US President Donald Trump's harsh immigration policy at home. "Our objective is to allow people to stay in their home countries, this is President Trump's desire, we want to create conditions in these countries where they can stay in their own country," he told the press conference with Popolizio. Pompeo also spoke by telephone with Brazil's Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo, the State Department announced late Saturday. "They reaffirmed the close friendship between the United States and Brazil and pledged to continue working together to address the... crises in Venezuela, their effects on Venezuela's neighbours, and the need for outside actors, including Cuba, Russia, and China, to stop propping up Nicolas Maduro," spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement. Visit Paraguay Earlier Pompeo had become the first US secretary of state to visit Paraguay, formerly ruled as a dictatorship, since 1965, paying tribute to the country's transition to democracy as an inspiration to the region. The top US diplomat arrived in Asuncion late Friday after talks with Chile's President Sebastian Pinera in Santiago that focused heavily on his country's developing trade relationship with China. The highlight of Pompeo's trip will be a brief visit Sunday to the Colombian city of Cucuta on the Venezuelan border, where he will meet refugees. All four countries on his itinerary are led by right-wing or centre-right leaders favourable to Washington's uncompromising approach to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. In Asuncion, Pompeo had praised Paraguay's support for US-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido in Venezuela, and its role in the Lima Group of mostly Latin American nations seeking a solution to the Venezuela crisis. "Paraguay is a leader in defending democracy and calling Maduro as he is, a tyrant who has ruined his country," Pompeo said. Foreign Minister Luis Castiglioni said Paraguay's position on Venezuela remained strongly aligned with that of the United States. "We have always said: with dictators, with tyrants, there is no dialogue. You fight them. We must fight them until liberties are restored so that the Venezuelan people can return to live with dignity," he told reporters. Asked by a US journalist if Paraguay would back military intervention in Venezuela, he said: "We are convinced that all the diplomatic efforts that are being made to isolate this regime will have results in a short time." Transnational crime The two officials also discussed Paraguay's commitments on combatting threats of terrorism, drug trafficking and transnational crime in what is known as the tri-border area, the border region Paraguay shares with Argentina and Brazil. "Paraguay has declared all-out war against transnational crime," said Castiglioni. "This battle that we are fighting is a battle of no return until we win. We have assured the Secretary of State that Paraguay wants to cooperate very closely with the US government since we are on the same path." The US official said before his arrival in Chile on Friday that the current US administration had "spent a lot of time" in Latin America seeking to improve trade in a region which has turned its back in recent years on a slew of leftist governments. "This is a historic opportunity," he told reporters, referring to "a handful of countries that are truly market driven, democratic in ways that we haven’t had in South America for decades. And we think it creates real opportunity." Asked about China's influence at a press conference following a working lunch with his Chilean counterpart Roberto Ampuero, Pompeo said: "I think the Chilean government and the United States government both share the same concerns." "China's trade activities often are deeply connected to their national security mission, their technological goals, their desire to steal intellectual property, to have forced technology transfer, to engage in activity that is not economic," he said. He iterated his concerns Saturday in Peru. "Too often we see China's predatory lending and debt diplomacy reverse positive advances in this area," he said. "Our shared goal would be to resist Chinese overtures and promote transparency."

Pompeo in Peru to maintain regional pressure on Venezuela's Maduro

Beijing agents pressured two Chinese-Australian authors to provide information about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-says-no-legal-case-against-australia-for-now-201969">a secret Canberra inquiry</a> into Chinese meddling in domestic politics, local media reported Monday.

Yang Jun, a novelist and democracy advocate, and Feng Chongyi, a Sydney-based university professor and former newspaper publisher, were reportedly interrogated over the classified probe.

The pair are both friends of John Garnaut, a former journalist who was heading up the inquiry.

Relations between the two nations have been fraught in recent times over fears of Chinese interference, and as Beijing flexes its muscle in the Pacific islands which Canberra views as its backyard.

A joint investigation published Monday by The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and national broadcaster ABC found China had waged an intelligence operation to gain details of the probe ordered in 2016 by then-Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.&nbsp;

Yang, an Australian citizen whose pen name is Yang Hengjun, has been detained in China since travelling there in January, accused of endangering state security.

Monday's report coincided with a plea from his wife for Australia to do more to secure his release.

Australian media have reported that Yang was a former Chinese diplomat, although that has been denied by Beijing.

The ABC report said Chinese agents had previously intercepted and questioned Yang in Sydney in 2018 when he was on his way to meet with Garnaut.

Garnaut told the ABC that a Chinese official asked Yang "about me... what I was doing, what I was working on".

Yang's wife, Xiaoliang Yuan, has been banned from leaving China but she spoke to the ABC from Shanghai to urge Australia to help free her husband.

"I think at least the Australian government officials should care for its citizens' wellbeing when they are overseas, should show their concern," she was quoted as saying.

Feng, a permanent Australian resident, told the ABC he was questioned about Garnaut when he was detained for several days during a trip to China in 2017.

"They knew a lot about him (Garnaut). During the interrogation, they did not hide that they were angry with him," Feng said.

Andrew Hastie -- who chairs Canberra's intelligence and security committee -- told the ABC the government has had "multiple briefings" from domestic intelligence agency ASIO and other agencies that "foreign interference is being conducted in Australia at an unprecedented level".

"There are several authoritarian states who are involved in foreign influence across the globe. But in Australia the Chinese Communist Party is probably the most active," he added.

"China is seeking to influence our elites, particularly our political and business elites, in order to achieve their strategic objectives."

The inquiry led Australia to pass sweeping reforms to espionage and foreign interference laws, with China singled out as a focus of concern.

Beijing agents pressured two Chinese-Australian authors to provide information about a secret Canberra inquiry into Chinese meddling in domestic politics, local media reported Monday.

Beijing agents pressured two Chinese-Australian authors to provide information about a secret Canberra inquiry into Chinese meddling in domestic politics, local media reported Monday. Yang Jun, a novelist and democracy advocate, and Feng Chongyi, a Sydney-based university professor and former newspaper publisher, were reportedly interrogated over the classified probe. The pair are both friends of John Garnaut, a former journalist who was heading up the inquiry. Relations between the two nations have been fraught in recent times over fears of Chinese interference, and as Beijing flexes its muscle in the Pacific islands which Canberra views as its backyard. A joint investigation published Monday by The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and national broadcaster ABC found China had waged an intelligence operation to gain details of the probe ordered in 2016 by then-Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Yang, an Australian citizen whose pen name is Yang Hengjun, has been detained in China since travelling there in January, accused of endangering state security. Monday's report coincided with a plea from his wife for Australia to do more to secure his release. Australian media have reported that Yang was a former Chinese diplomat, although that has been denied by Beijing. The ABC report said Chinese agents had previously intercepted and questioned Yang in Sydney in 2018 when he was on his way to meet with Garnaut. Garnaut told the ABC that a Chinese official asked Yang "about me... what I was doing, what I was working on". Yang's wife, Xiaoliang Yuan, has been banned from leaving China but she spoke to the ABC from Shanghai to urge Australia to help free her husband. "I think at least the Australian government officials should care for its citizens' wellbeing when they are overseas, should show their concern," she was quoted as saying. Feng, a permanent Australian resident, told the ABC he was questioned about Garnaut when he was detained for several days during a trip to China in 2017. "They knew a lot about him (Garnaut). During the interrogation, they did not hide that they were angry with him," Feng said. Andrew Hastie -- who chairs Canberra's intelligence and security committee -- told the ABC the government has had "multiple briefings" from domestic intelligence agency ASIO and other agencies that "foreign interference is being conducted in Australia at an unprecedented level". "There are several authoritarian states who are involved in foreign influence across the globe. But in Australia the Chinese Communist Party is probably the most active," he added. "China is seeking to influence our elites, particularly our political and business elites, in order to achieve their strategic objectives." The inquiry led Australia to pass sweeping reforms to espionage and foreign interference laws, with China singled out as a focus of concern.

China targeted writers over Australia inquiry into domestic meddling: Report

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that trade talks with China were going very well, but cautioned that he would not accept anything less than a "great deal" after top US and Chinese trade officials wrapped up two days of negotiations in Beijing.

Both sides reported progress in the talks and China also approved majority-owned brokerage joint ventures for US bank JP Morgan Chase and Japan's Nomura, a step toward meeting US demands for more access to China's financial services market.

"The trade deal is going very well," Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.

"It is a very comprehensive, very detailed enlisting of problems that we've had with China over the years," Trump said of the talks. "And it's going to have to be a great deal. If it's not a great deal, we can't do it."

In an earlier statement, the White House said the two sides "continued to make progress during candid and constructive discussions on the negotiations and important next steps," but did not elaborate on the nature of the progress.

The talks are set to resume next week in Washington with a Chinese delegation led by Vice Premier Liu He.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer were in the Chinese capital for the first face-to-face meetings between the two sides since Trump delayed a scheduled March 2 increase in tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods.

China's state news agency Xinhua said the two sides discussed "relevant agreement documents" and made new progress in their talks, but did not elaborate in a brief report.

US Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley told in Malvern, Iowa, that he has been told the Trump administration is planning to complete a deal with China by the end of April.

However, Trump administration officials, including White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow, have said the negotiations are "not time-dependent" and could take weeks or even months to complete.

"We’ve made great progress on intellectual property, on trade secrets, on their government not forcing our business to give them our technologies and on currency manipulation, among several other things," Grassley said at a farm event.

But the Iowa Republican, whose state has been hit hard by China's retaliation against US tariffs, added that without an effective enforcement mechanism to hold China to its promises, "none of this other stuff matters."

Trump imposed tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese imports beginning last July in a move to force China to change the way it does business with the rest of the world and to pry open more of its economy to US companies.

Though his blunt-force use of tariffs has angered many, Trump's push to change what are widely viewed as China's market-distorting trade and subsidy practices has drawn broad support.

Lobbyists, company executives and US lawmakers from both parties have urged Trump not to settle simply for Beijing's offers to make big-ticket purchases from the United States to help reduce a record trade gap.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that trade talks with China were going very well, but cautioned that he would not accept anything less than a "great deal" after top US and Chinese trade officials wrapped up two days of negotiations in Beijing.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that trade talks with China were going very well, but cautioned that he would not accept anything less than a "great deal" after top US and Chinese trade officials wrapped up two days of negotiations in Beijing. Both sides reported progress in the talks and China also approved majority-owned brokerage joint ventures for US bank JP Morgan Chase and Japan's Nomura, a step toward meeting US demands for more access to China's financial services market. "The trade deal is going very well," Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. "It is a very comprehensive, very detailed enlisting of problems that we've had with China over the years," Trump said of the talks. "And it's going to have to be a great deal. If it's not a great deal, we can't do it." In an earlier statement, the White House said the two sides "continued to make progress during candid and constructive discussions on the negotiations and important next steps," but did not elaborate on the nature of the progress. The talks are set to resume next week in Washington with a Chinese delegation led by Vice Premier Liu He. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer were in the Chinese capital for the first face-to-face meetings between the two sides since Trump delayed a scheduled March 2 increase in tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods. China's state news agency Xinhua said the two sides discussed "relevant agreement documents" and made new progress in their talks, but did not elaborate in a brief report. US Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley told in Malvern, Iowa, that he has been told the Trump administration is planning to complete a deal with China by the end of April. However, Trump administration officials, including White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow, have said the negotiations are "not time-dependent" and could take weeks or even months to complete. "We’ve made great progress on intellectual property, on trade secrets, on their government not forcing our business to give them our technologies and on currency manipulation, among several other things," Grassley said at a farm event. But the Iowa Republican, whose state has been hit hard by China's retaliation against US tariffs, added that without an effective enforcement mechanism to hold China to its promises, "none of this other stuff matters." Trump imposed tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese imports beginning last July in a move to force China to change the way it does business with the rest of the world and to pry open more of its economy to US companies. Though his blunt-force use of tariffs has angered many, Trump's push to change what are widely viewed as China's market-distorting trade and subsidy practices has drawn broad support. Lobbyists, company executives and US lawmakers from both parties have urged Trump not to settle simply for Beijing's offers to make big-ticket purchases from the United States to help reduce a record trade gap.

US, China report progress in Beijing trade talks

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Friday he had a "productive working dinner" the previous night in Beijing, as he headed to a state guest house to begin a day of trade talks.

Mnuchin, along with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, is in Beijing for the next round of discussions as the two countries seek to end a bitter trade war.

"We had a very productive working dinner last night, and we are looking forward to meeting today," Mnuchin told reporters as he left his hotel. He did not elaborate and it was not immediately clear with whom he had eaten on Thursday night.

US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese imports last year in a move to force China to change the way it does business with the rest of the world and to pry open more of China's economy to U.S. companies.

Among Trump's demands are for Beijing to end practices that Washington alleges result in the systematic theft of US intellectual property and the forced transfer of American technology to Chinese companies.

US companies say they are often pressured into handing over the technological know-how behind their products to Chinese joint venture partners, local officials or regulators as a condition for doing business in China.

The US government says that technology is often subsequently transferred to and used by Chinese competitors.

The issue has proved a tough one for negotiators as US officials say China has previously refused to acknowledge the problem exists to the extent alleged by the United States, making discussing a resolution difficult.

China says it has no technology transfer requirements enshrined in its laws and any such transfers are a result of legitimate transactions

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Friday he had a "productive working dinner" the previous night in Beijing, as he headed to a state guest house to begin a day of trade talks.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Friday he had a "productive working dinner" the previous night in Beijing, as he headed to a state guest house to begin a day of trade talks. Mnuchin, along with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, is in Beijing for the next round of discussions as the two countries seek to end a bitter trade war. "We had a very productive working dinner last night, and we are looking forward to meeting today," Mnuchin told reporters as he left his hotel. He did not elaborate and it was not immediately clear with whom he had eaten on Thursday night. US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese imports last year in a move to force China to change the way it does business with the rest of the world and to pry open more of China's economy to U.S. companies. Among Trump's demands are for Beijing to end practices that Washington alleges result in the systematic theft of US intellectual property and the forced transfer of American technology to Chinese companies. US companies say they are often pressured into handing over the technological know-how behind their products to Chinese joint venture partners, local officials or regulators as a condition for doing business in China. The US government says that technology is often subsequently transferred to and used by Chinese competitors. The issue has proved a tough one for negotiators as US officials say China has previously refused to acknowledge the problem exists to the extent alleged by the United States, making discussing a resolution difficult. China says it has no technology transfer requirements enshrined in its laws and any such transfers are a result of legitimate transactions

US Treasury Secretary Mnuchin says had 'productive working dinner' in China

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said India is the fourth country to have used an anti-satellite weapon after the United States, Russia and China.

Speaking to the nation in a televised address, Modi said India had shot down a live satellite in space on Wednesday with an anti-satellite missile, hailing the test as a major breakthrough in its space programme.

Mission Shakti, which was led by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, was aimed at strengthening India's overall security, Modi&nbsp;said

The prime minister earlier tweeted about his address to the nation, calling it an important message.&nbsp;

"Do watch the address on television, radio or social media," he said, setting off speculation across the country on what the topic was likely to be.

Earlier in the day, the Cabinet Committee on Security had met at the prime minister's residence.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said India is the fourth country to have used an anti-satellite weapon after the United States, Russia and China. Speaking to the nation in a televised address, Modi said India had shot down a live satellite in space on Wednesday with an anti-satellite missile, hailing the test as a major breakthrough in its space programme.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said India is the fourth country to have used an anti-satellite weapon after the United States, Russia and China. Speaking to the nation in a televised address, Modi said India had shot down a live satellite in space on Wednesday with an anti-satellite missile, hailing the test as a major breakthrough in its space programme. Mission Shakti, which was led by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, was aimed at strengthening India's overall security, Modi said The prime minister earlier tweeted about his address to the nation, calling it an important message. "Do watch the address on television, radio or social media," he said, setting off speculation across the country on what the topic was likely to be. Earlier in the day, the Cabinet Committee on Security had met at the prime minister's residence. (With inputs from agencies)

Mission Shakti: India fourth country to have used anti-satellite weapon after US, Russia, China, says Modi

Italy signed a preliminary accord with China on Saturday that makes it the first country of the Group of Seven industrialised nation to join the Chinese Belt and Road infrastructure project.

Around 30 parallel deals were signed on the sidelines of the visit to Rome by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-giuseppe-conte-hold-talks-on-elevating-china-italy-ties-into-new-era-205190">Chinese President Xi Jinping</a>, including 10 with Italian companies and others with ministries and public bodies.

Italian Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio said the deals were worth an initial 2.5 billion euros but had a potential value of 20 billion.

Here are details of some of the accords.

CDP, BANK OF CHINA

Italy's state lender Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP) signed an agreement with Bank of China to let it sell "Panda" bonds - debt sold by foreign entities to investors in mainland China.

CDP said it will issue bonds worth $744.5 million. CDP and Bank of China will also co-finance Italian companies for 4 billion renminbi. A CDP official told Reuters on Friday that the first tranche of Panda bonds will be issued in the coming weeks.

CDP, SNAM

CDP and Italian gas company Snam have signed a memorandum of understanding with the Chinese Silk Road fund (SRF) for cooperation on international investments in China and in the about 120 countries that have already signed up for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Snam and SRF said they will consider possible cooperation in the natural gas sector -- pipelines, storage facilities, LNG infrastructure and biomethane plants.

DANIELI

Italian metals company Danieli has signed a deal to build part of a steel plant in China that will then be transferred to Azerbaijan.

TRIESTE AND GENOA PORTS 

China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) has signed two cooperation agreements with the authorities of Trieste's port and with the commissioner supervising the reconstruction of the bridge of Genoa that collapsed last year.

ANSALDO ENERGIA

Ansaldo Energia said it signed a deal with China United Gas Turbine Company (UGTC) for technology cooperation in the field of heavy duty gas turbines.

Ansaldo Energia has also been awarded a contract worth approximately 25 million euros to supply a AE94.2K gas turbine and syngas compressor train for Bengang combined cycle power plant, located in Benxi in northeast China.

SUNING

China's e-commerce group Suning, top shareholder of Italian Serie A soccer team Inter Milan, announced a deal with the Italian Trade Agency to boost Made-in-Italy exports to China.

INTESA SANPAOLO

Intesa Sanpaolo has signed a MoU with the Chinese city of Chindao to develop wealth management services for local clients through a wholly-owned company called Yi Tsai. Intesa aimed to sell its own financial products in Chindao in the near future, Intesa CEO Carlo Messina said.

ENI

Italian energy giant Eni has signed a MoU with Bank of China to secure a credit line.

FERROVIE DELLO STATO, AEROPORTI DI ROMA

Italy's railways group Ferrovie dello Stato, Atlantia's airport operator Aeroporti di Roma and the museums of sports car maker Ferrari have signed a commercial deal with China's biggest online travel agency Ctrip to develop Chinese tourism in Italy.

Italy signed a preliminary accord with China on Saturday that makes it the first country of the Group of Seven industrialised nation to join the Chinese Belt and Road infrastructure project.

Italy signed a preliminary accord with China on Saturday that makes it the first country of the Group of Seven industrialised nation to join the Chinese Belt and Road infrastructure project. Around 30 parallel deals were signed on the sidelines of the visit to Rome by Chinese President Xi Jinping, including 10 with Italian companies and others with ministries and public bodies. Italian Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio said the deals were worth an initial 2.5 billion euros but had a potential value of 20 billion. Here are details of some of the accords. CDP, BANK OF CHINA Italy's state lender Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP) signed an agreement with Bank of China to let it sell "Panda" bonds - debt sold by foreign entities to investors in mainland China. CDP said it will issue bonds worth $744.5 million. CDP and Bank of China will also co-finance Italian companies for 4 billion renminbi. A CDP official told Reuters on Friday that the first tranche of Panda bonds will be issued in the coming weeks. CDP, SNAM CDP and Italian gas company Snam have signed a memorandum of understanding with the Chinese Silk Road fund (SRF) for cooperation on international investments in China and in the about 120 countries that have already signed up for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Snam and SRF said they will consider possible cooperation in the natural gas sector -- pipelines, storage facilities, LNG infrastructure and biomethane plants. DANIELI Italian metals company Danieli has signed a deal to build part of a steel plant in China that will then be transferred to Azerbaijan. TRIESTE AND GENOA PORTS China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) has signed two cooperation agreements with the authorities of Trieste's port and with the commissioner supervising the reconstruction of the bridge of Genoa that collapsed last year. ANSALDO ENERGIA Ansaldo Energia said it signed a deal with China United Gas Turbine Company (UGTC) for technology cooperation in the field of heavy duty gas turbines. Ansaldo Energia has also been awarded a contract worth approximately 25 million euros to supply a AE94.2K gas turbine and syngas compressor train for Bengang combined cycle power plant, located in Benxi in northeast China. SUNING China's e-commerce group Suning, top shareholder of Italian Serie A soccer team Inter Milan, announced a deal with the Italian Trade Agency to boost Made-in-Italy exports to China. INTESA SANPAOLO Intesa Sanpaolo has signed a MoU with the Chinese city of Chindao to develop wealth management services for local clients through a wholly-owned company called Yi Tsai. Intesa aimed to sell its own financial products in Chindao in the near future, Intesa CEO Carlo Messina said. ENI Italian energy giant Eni has signed a MoU with Bank of China to secure a credit line. FERROVIE DELLO STATO, AEROPORTI DI ROMA Italy's railways group Ferrovie dello Stato, Atlantia's airport operator Aeroporti di Roma and the museums of sports car maker Ferrari have signed a commercial deal with China's biggest online travel agency Ctrip to develop Chinese tourism in Italy.

Italy signs deals worth 2.5 billion euros with China

Despite a warning by the United States, Italy on Saturday joined China`s signature foreign policy Belt and Road initiative (BRI), making it the first G7 country to officially do so reports Xinhua.

Addressing a press conference, Italian president Sergio Mattarella said, "Italy and China were at the two ends of the ancient Silk Road which had been a bond closely linking the two countries.&nbsp;

Italy supports Xi`s initiative on jointly building the Belt and Road and believes that it will be conducive to Eurasian connectivity and common development, as well as to reviving the ancient Silk Road in modern times."

"Italy supports Xi`s initiative on jointly building the Belt and Road and believes that it will be conducive to Eurasian connectivity and common development, as well as to reviving the ancient Silk Road in modern times," he added.

China and Italy on Saturday signed a Memorandum of Understanding in this regard.&nbsp;

Already, China has signed BRI cooperation agreements with over 40 countries.

Notably, this might upset Italy`s other partners including the US and other European countries as it would mean China economic domination in the reason.&nbsp;

The US had also urged Italy not to "lend legitimacy" to China`s "infrastructure vanity project" while referring to the One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative.

Facing the third recession in a decade, Italy has defended its action saying that Chinese investment is good for their country. The Chinese President arrived in Rome on Thursday for a state visit and he will later head to Monaco and France.&nbsp;

Despite a warning by the United States, Italy on Saturday joined China`s signature foreign policy Belt and Road initiative (BRI), making it the first G7 country to officially do so reports Xinhua.

Despite a warning by the United States, Italy on Saturday joined China`s signature foreign policy Belt and Road initiative (BRI), making it the first G7 country to officially do so reports Xinhua. Addressing a press conference, Italian president Sergio Mattarella said, "Italy and China were at the two ends of the ancient Silk Road which had been a bond closely linking the two countries. Italy supports Xi`s initiative on jointly building the Belt and Road and believes that it will be conducive to Eurasian connectivity and common development, as well as to reviving the ancient Silk Road in modern times." "Italy supports Xi`s initiative on jointly building the Belt and Road and believes that it will be conducive to Eurasian connectivity and common development, as well as to reviving the ancient Silk Road in modern times," he added. China and Italy on Saturday signed a Memorandum of Understanding in this regard. Already, China has signed BRI cooperation agreements with over 40 countries. Notably, this might upset Italy`s other partners including the US and other European countries as it would mean China economic domination in the reason. The US had also urged Italy not to "lend legitimacy" to China`s "infrastructure vanity project" while referring to the One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative. Facing the third recession in a decade, Italy has defended its action saying that Chinese investment is good for their country. The Chinese President arrived in Rome on Thursday for a state visit and he will later head to Monaco and France.

Italy becomes the first G7 nation to join China's Belt and Road initiative 

India to China: Will not accept projects that hurt our sovereignty

China on Thursday said it is "not narrow-minded" to oppose the Indian investments in Sri Lanka, as it reacted guardedly to reports of USD 3.85 billion joint venture between India's Accord Group and Oman's oil ministry to build a refinery in the island nation.

Sri Lanka's Deputy Minister of Development strategies and International Trade Nalin Bandara was quoted as saying by the local media that the Oman Oil Ministry and a Singapore investment vehicle owned by India's Accord Group have agreed to construct an oil refinery in the country, the biggest foreign direct investment in Lanka.

China has acquired Hambantota port for 99-year lease as a debt swap.

Asked for his reaction to the oil refinery in Lanka and whether China is concerned about the Indian investments there, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told the media here that Beijing has an "open attitude" regarding India's investments in the island nation.

"I don't have relevant information as of now. But I want to say China and Sri Lanka have cooperation in many areas that yielded concrete outcomes. As far as the port (Hambantota) you mentioned, (it is) another example of our fruitful cooperation," Geng said.

"We have an open attitude towards Indian investment in Sri Lanka. While we make our contribution to the development of Sri Lanka, China is not as narrow-minded as you thought," he said.

Chinese investments over the years in Sri Lanka amounted to over USD eight billion adding pressure to Colombo's external debt burden. 
China's acquisition of Hambantota port as a debt swap has raised concerns about Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which the US has cautioned as debt trap, especially for smaller countries.&nbsp;

The Belt and Road Initiative is a multi-billion-dollar initiative launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping when he came to power in 2013. It aims to link Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Gulf region, Africa and Europe with a network of land and sea route.&nbsp;

China on Thursday said it is "not narrow-minded" to oppose the Indian investments in Sri Lanka, as it reacted guardedly to reports of USD 3.85 billion joint venture between India's Accord Group and Oman's oil ministry to build a refinery in the island nation.

China on Thursday said it is "not narrow-minded" to oppose the Indian investments in Sri Lanka, as it reacted guardedly to reports of USD 3.85 billion joint venture between India's Accord Group and Oman's oil ministry to build a refinery in the island nation. Sri Lanka's Deputy Minister of Development strategies and International Trade Nalin Bandara was quoted as saying by the local media that the Oman Oil Ministry and a Singapore investment vehicle owned by India's Accord Group have agreed to construct an oil refinery in the country, the biggest foreign direct investment in Lanka. China has acquired Hambantota port for 99-year lease as a debt swap. Asked for his reaction to the oil refinery in Lanka and whether China is concerned about the Indian investments there, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told the media here that Beijing has an "open attitude" regarding India's investments in the island nation. "I don't have relevant information as of now. But I want to say China and Sri Lanka have cooperation in many areas that yielded concrete outcomes. As far as the port (Hambantota) you mentioned, (it is) another example of our fruitful cooperation," Geng said. "We have an open attitude towards Indian investment in Sri Lanka. While we make our contribution to the development of Sri Lanka, China is not as narrow-minded as you thought," he said. Chinese investments over the years in Sri Lanka amounted to over USD eight billion adding pressure to Colombo's external debt burden. China's acquisition of Hambantota port as a debt swap has raised concerns about Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which the US has cautioned as debt trap, especially for smaller countries. The Belt and Road Initiative is a multi-billion-dollar initiative launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping when he came to power in 2013. It aims to link Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Gulf region, Africa and Europe with a network of land and sea route.

China 'not narrow-minded' to oppose Indian investments in Lanka: Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang

The problem with history is that it is often nuanced. Therefore, Rahul Gandhi’s colourful barb at NaMo’s China diplomacy in the Masood Azhar episode case might resonate with those bashing PM Narendra Modi, but betrays deep historical ignorance.

Such ignorance adds up because graver implications of past mistakes cannot be undone.&nbsp;

It is a fact that India was a founding member of the United Nations, whereas mainland China was excluded from that body until the early 1970s.

Nehru campaigned for China’s entry in the UN, and for making it a member of the UN Security Council (UNSC) at the expense of India’s chance of becoming a member of that apex body.&nbsp;

Even though never requested by China, India voluntarily and vigorously advocated Peoples Republic of China (PRC) for the permanent membership of the UNSC in lieu of Taiwan, lobbying with all nations for the UN membership and UNSC permanent seat - not for itself, but for China.&nbsp;

Both the US and the USSR were willing to accommodate India as a permanent member of the UNSC in 1955, in lieu of Taiwan, or as a sixth member, after amending the UN charter.&nbsp;

Nehru wanted the seat to be given to China, as he did not want them to be marginalised, a gesture reciprocated by China in kind seven years later in 1962.&nbsp;

That the lesson was completely lost on Nehru is evident from the fact that Nehru’s sister Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit — the first woman president of the United Nations General Assembly — advocated China’s case even in 1963.

Shashi Tharoor in his book ‘Nehru: The Invention of India’ recalls that when the US offered support for an “Indian Monroe Doctrine” in southern Asia in 1953, Nehru turned John Foster Dulles down with scorn.

“Indian diplomats who have seen the files swear that at about the same time Jawaharlal also declined a US offer to take the permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, then held, with scant credibility, by Taiwan, urging that it be offered to Beijing instead”.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in his speech in Parliament in August 1959, recalled how the Chinese occupation of Tibet in October 1950 notwithstanding, India had decided to raise the question of China’s admission into the United Nations in September 1959 at Nehru’s bidding.&nbsp;

On November 18, 1950, the representative of El Salvador moved the United Nations formally and asked the General Assembly to create a special committee to ‘study’ what measures should be adopted by the United Nations General Assembly to shield Tibet against ‘unprovoked’ Chinese aggression.&nbsp;

But when the Steering Committee of the United Nations met, the Indian representative asked the committee to drop the whole matter. When Vajpayee had moved a resolution in Parliament that simultaneously India should also raise the Tibetan issue in the United Nations, Nehru was unresponsive.&nbsp;

KM Panikkar, the Indian Ambassador in Beijing, stated that to protest the Chinese invasion of Tibet would be an act of interference vis a vis India’s efforts on behalf of China in the UN and destroy PRC’s prospects of entry into the UN.

Vallabhbhai Patel did try to draw the attention of Nehru to the threat expansionist China, warning against pursuing its entry into the UN, without quid-pro-quo, but Nehru seemed to be living in his own world, so far as China was concerned.

Patel advise came “in view of the rebuff which China has given us and the method which it has followed in dealing with Tibet”.

“There would probably be a threat in the UNO virtually to outlaw China, in view of its active participation in the Korean War”, Patel warned in his letter to Nehru, “We must determine our attitude on this question also.”

Nehru went ahead with his bull-headed stubbornness, his miscalculations driven by his inexplicably adamant and unreasonable approach, which ended up creating and complicating India-China border problem and allowed it to drift into an unfortunate war.&nbsp;

He bungled Kashmir in 1947-48 by refusing the military advice of its generals to clear the state of invaders, and internationalised the issue by sending it to the UN.&nbsp;

The Panchsheel in 1954 and the Indus Water Treaty in 1960, with zero reciprocity, amounted to massive giveaways.&nbsp;

After signing the Panchsheel agreement with China in 1954 and helping Chou Enlai to emerge into the limelight in Bandung in 1955, Nehru’s starry-eyed phase of “Hindi-Chini bhai-bhai” blissfully glossed over the real divergence of interests between the two countries at that time.&nbsp;

India exploded a bomb in 1974, but instead of declaring weapons status, it declared its intent to stay non-nuclear and left itself vulnerable to external pressures to disarm.

Nehru’s idealistic shenanigans were fatal, to say the least. Patel was strongly against the reference of Kashmir to the UN and preferred ‘timely action’ on the ground.&nbsp;

Because of this reference, the issue no longer remained an internal affair, but snowballed into an international issue in the UNSC, enabling Pakistan to rake it up every now and then.&nbsp;

If the grand old party is willing to own up the role of Indian National Congress in liberating India from the British rule all to itself, it must also be willing to accept that many of the pathogens still afflicting India are bequeathed to India by Nehru. Cosying up to China is one of them.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-cosying-up-to-the-dragon-2730407">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

 
 
&nbsp;

The problem with history is that it is often nuanced. Therefore, Rahul Gandhi’s colourful barb at NaMo’s China diplomacy in the Masood Azhar episode case might resonate with those bashing PM Narendra Modi, but betrays deep historical ignorance.

The problem with history is that it is often nuanced. Therefore, Rahul Gandhi’s colourful barb at NaMo’s China diplomacy in the Masood Azhar episode case might resonate with those bashing PM Narendra Modi, but betrays deep historical ignorance. Such ignorance adds up because graver implications of past mistakes cannot be undone. It is a fact that India was a founding member of the United Nations, whereas mainland China was excluded from that body until the early 1970s. Nehru campaigned for China’s entry in the UN, and for making it a member of the UN Security Council (UNSC) at the expense of India’s chance of becoming a member of that apex body. Even though never requested by China, India voluntarily and vigorously advocated Peoples Republic of China (PRC) for the permanent membership of the UNSC in lieu of Taiwan, lobbying with all nations for the UN membership and UNSC permanent seat - not for itself, but for China. Both the US and the USSR were willing to accommodate India as a permanent member of the UNSC in 1955, in lieu of Taiwan, or as a sixth member, after amending the UN charter. Nehru wanted the seat to be given to China, as he did not want them to be marginalised, a gesture reciprocated by China in kind seven years later in 1962. That the lesson was completely lost on Nehru is evident from the fact that Nehru’s sister Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit — the first woman president of the United Nations General Assembly — advocated China’s case even in 1963. Shashi Tharoor in his book ‘Nehru: The Invention of India’ recalls that when the US offered support for an “Indian Monroe Doctrine” in southern Asia in 1953, Nehru turned John Foster Dulles down with scorn. “Indian diplomats who have seen the files swear that at about the same time Jawaharlal also declined a US offer to take the permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, then held, with scant credibility, by Taiwan, urging that it be offered to Beijing instead”. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in his speech in Parliament in August 1959, recalled how the Chinese occupation of Tibet in October 1950 notwithstanding, India had decided to raise the question of China’s admission into the United Nations in September 1959 at Nehru’s bidding. On November 18, 1950, the representative of El Salvador moved the United Nations formally and asked the General Assembly to create a special committee to ‘study’ what measures should be adopted by the United Nations General Assembly to shield Tibet against ‘unprovoked’ Chinese aggression. But when the Steering Committee of the United Nations met, the Indian representative asked the committee to drop the whole matter. When Vajpayee had moved a resolution in Parliament that simultaneously India should also raise the Tibetan issue in the United Nations, Nehru was unresponsive. KM Panikkar, the Indian Ambassador in Beijing, stated that to protest the Chinese invasion of Tibet would be an act of interference vis a vis India’s efforts on behalf of China in the UN and destroy PRC’s prospects of entry into the UN. Vallabhbhai Patel did try to draw the attention of Nehru to the threat expansionist China, warning against pursuing its entry into the UN, without quid-pro-quo, but Nehru seemed to be living in his own world, so far as China was concerned. Patel advise came “in view of the rebuff which China has given us and the method which it has followed in dealing with Tibet”. “There would probably be a threat in the UNO virtually to outlaw China, in view of its active participation in the Korean War”, Patel warned in his letter to Nehru, “We must determine our attitude on this question also.” Nehru went ahead with his bull-headed stubbornness, his miscalculations driven by his inexplicably adamant and unreasonable approach, which ended up creating and complicating India-China border problem and allowed it to drift into an unfortunate war. He bungled Kashmir in 1947-48 by refusing the military advice of its generals to clear the state of invaders, and internationalised the issue by sending it to the UN. The Panchsheel in 1954 and the Indus Water Treaty in 1960, with zero reciprocity, amounted to massive giveaways. After signing the Panchsheel agreement with China in 1954 and helping Chou Enlai to emerge into the limelight in Bandung in 1955, Nehru’s starry-eyed phase of “Hindi-Chini bhai-bhai” blissfully glossed over the real divergence of interests between the two countries at that time. India exploded a bomb in 1974, but instead of declaring weapons status, it declared its intent to stay non-nuclear and left itself vulnerable to external pressures to disarm. Nehru’s idealistic shenanigans were fatal, to say the least. Patel was strongly against the reference of Kashmir to the UN and preferred ‘timely action’ on the ground. Because of this reference, the issue no longer remained an internal affair, but snowballed into an international issue in the UNSC, enabling Pakistan to rake it up every now and then. If the grand old party is willing to own up the role of Indian National Congress in liberating India from the British rule all to itself, it must also be willing to accept that many of the pathogens still afflicting India are bequeathed to India by Nehru. Cosying up to China is one of them. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Congress's barb at Narendra Modi government's China diplomacy shows historical ignorance

India has said that it is cautiously confident that eventually Masood Azhar, the chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror outfit, will be listed as a global terrorist. India continues to work with members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) regarding his blacklisting under the United Nations.

Three days after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-defends-move-to-block-ban-on-jem-chief-masood-azhar-says-needs-time-to-conduct-thorough-probe-203277">China placed a "technical hold"</a> at the United Nations on the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist, India has expressed optimism stating that it will continue to push for Azhar's blacklisting for "as long as it takes".&nbsp;

India is encouraged by the fact that 14 out of 15 members of the UNSC backed the proposal which was introduced by US, UK and France in February end which shows Islamabad's isolation and its indictment on the issue of terror.

New Delhi has also clarified it will not be cutting any deal regarding Azhar's listing with any country as terror is a non-negotiable issue.&nbsp;

China has been blocking the listing of Azhar as a terrorist since 2009 and last week put a hold on his listing again for the fourth time. The hold continues for 9 months before which a decision on the JeM chief's blacklisting has to be made.

WION has learnt that New Delhi is willing to give more time to Beijing and is in touch with it. New Delhi said that China understands that terror remains a major challenge and that there are a number of terror groups located in Pakistan.

A government source told WION that India will wait patiently and will not rest until Azhar is listed, adding that New Delhi is prepared for a long haul.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the United States continues to support New Delhi. India's foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale was in Washington last week and met US secretary of state Mike Pompeo and US national security advisor John Bolton. India raised the issue of cross border terror emanating&nbsp;from Pakistan and its use of F16s in an offensive action against India on February 27.&nbsp;

The US has taken note of India's concerns and agreed to seriously look into the matter. New Delhi hopes the US will soon go public with Pakistan's use of F16s and AMRAAM missiles against India. The US pointed out that the weapon system was given to Pakistan at an earlier period in their ties.

The US appreciated the fact that India kept them informed in real time during New Delhi's counter-terror efforts and Pakistan's launch of military strikes.

Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/willing-to-hold-more-talks-with-india-on-blacklisting-masood-azhar-china-203655">China said on Friday it was willing to have more discussions</a> with all parties concerned including India on blacklisting the head of Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), which claimed responsibility for the attack on a CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama in February.

India has said that it is cautiously confident that eventually Masood Azhar, the chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror outfit, will be listed as a global terrorist.

India has said that it is cautiously confident that eventually Masood Azhar, the chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror outfit, will be listed as a global terrorist. India continues to work with members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) regarding his blacklisting under the United Nations. Three days after China placed a "technical hold" at the United Nations on the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist, India has expressed optimism stating that it will continue to push for Azhar's blacklisting for "as long as it takes". India is encouraged by the fact that 14 out of 15 members of the UNSC backed the proposal which was introduced by US, UK and France in February end which shows Islamabad's isolation and its indictment on the issue of terror. New Delhi has also clarified it will not be cutting any deal regarding Azhar's listing with any country as terror is a non-negotiable issue. China has been blocking the listing of Azhar as a terrorist since 2009 and last week put a hold on his listing again for the fourth time. The hold continues for 9 months before which a decision on the JeM chief's blacklisting has to be made. WION has learnt that New Delhi is willing to give more time to Beijing and is in touch with it. New Delhi said that China understands that terror remains a major challenge and that there are a number of terror groups located in Pakistan. A government source told WION that India will wait patiently and will not rest until Azhar is listed, adding that New Delhi is prepared for a long haul. Meanwhile, the United States continues to support New Delhi. India's foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale was in Washington last week and met US secretary of state Mike Pompeo and US national security advisor John Bolton. India raised the issue of cross border terror emanating from Pakistan and its use of F16s in an offensive action against India on February 27. The US has taken note of India's concerns and agreed to seriously look into the matter. New Delhi hopes the US will soon go public with Pakistan's use of F16s and AMRAAM missiles against India. The US pointed out that the weapon system was given to Pakistan at an earlier period in their ties. The US appreciated the fact that India kept them informed in real time during New Delhi's counter-terror efforts and Pakistan's launch of military strikes. Meanwhile, China said on Friday it was willing to have more discussions with all parties concerned including India on blacklisting the head of Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), which claimed responsibility for the attack on a CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama in February.

Will show patience with China 'as long as it takes': India on blacklisting Masood Azhar

A day after China blocked the listing of Pakistan Masood Azhar from United Nations terror list, it's clear that global geopolitics in play with Beijing backing Pakistan due to its high stakes in the country especially the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) connectivity project.

Masood Azhar is the chief of Pakistan based UN-listed terror group Jaish-e- Mohammad (JeM), the group responsible for the Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Chinese foreign spokesperson replying to a question on the rationale of Beijing stand said the country needs more time to study the case.

Lu Kang, spokesperson for Chinese Foreign Ministry said, "China conducted a comprehensive and in-depth evaluation on the listing applications submitted by the countries concerned in the 1267 Committee. We still need more time and thus put forward a technical hold, which is in full compliance with the rules of procedure of the 1267 Committee of the Security Council."

Reiterating what Beijing said on Wednesday, the deadline for listing Masood Azhar, Kang said, "We sincerely hope that the relevant actions of the 1267 Committee can help the countries concerned to resolve the issue through dialogue and avoid adding complex factors that endanger peace and stability of the region."

India has already expressed its disappointment on China's "hold" to Azhar's listing.

The United States embassy in Delhi in a statement expressed regret and said: "With respect to China, the United States and China share a mutual interest in achieving regional stability and peace, and a failure to designate Azhar runs counter to this goal."

The US had already made it clear that Masood Azhar is the founder and leader of and "clearly meets the criteria for the designation" by the United Nations.&nbsp;

JeM has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks including the 2001 Parliament attack, Pathankote attack and the Pulwama terror attack.

During foreign secretary, Vijay Gokhale's meet with US National security Advisor John Bolton terrorism emanating from Pakistan was discussed.&nbsp;

In a tweet, Bolton said, "Met with Indian FS Gokhale to advance progress on the US-India strategic partnership &amp; our shared vision for the Indo-Pacific, as well as reiterate that the U.S. stands shoulder-to-shoulder with India in the fight against terrorism."

A statement from Indian embassy in Washington said, both India and US "underlined the importance of Pakistan taking tangible and irreversible action against terrorist groups based in territories under its control and denial of safe haven for these groups to launch cross - border attacks."

NSA Bolton has spoken to Indian National security Advisor Ajit Doval three times since the Pulwama attack and supported Indian action on terrorism.

Meanwhile, a United Nations Security Council diplomat speaking on anonymity to News Agency PTI said, "If China continues to block this designation, responsible member states may be forced to pursue other actions at the Security Council. It shouldn’t have to come to that.”

“Pakistan has quite often depended on China to protect it from the listing of Pakistan-based terrorist groups and individuals in the UN 1267 sanctions committee. The case for designating Masood Azhar – the leader of a group the UN already calls an Al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist organization – is undeniable," he added.

The Chinese move comes even as New Delhi and Beijing saw "resetting" of ties after the famous informal Wuhan Summit. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met four times in 2018 and the latter will be coming to India in 2019 for the second informal summit. 
&nbsp;

A day after China blocked the listing of Pakistan Masood Azhar from United Nations terror list, it's clear that global geopolitics in play with Beijing backing Pakistan due to its high stakes in the country especially the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) connectivity project.

A day after China blocked the listing of Pakistan Masood Azhar from United Nations terror list, it's clear that global geopolitics in play with Beijing backing Pakistan due to its high stakes in the country especially the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) connectivity project. Masood Azhar is the chief of Pakistan based UN-listed terror group Jaish-e- Mohammad (JeM), the group responsible for the Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir. The Chinese foreign spokesperson replying to a question on the rationale of Beijing stand said the country needs more time to study the case. Lu Kang, spokesperson for Chinese Foreign Ministry said, "China conducted a comprehensive and in-depth evaluation on the listing applications submitted by the countries concerned in the 1267 Committee. We still need more time and thus put forward a technical hold, which is in full compliance with the rules of procedure of the 1267 Committee of the Security Council." Reiterating what Beijing said on Wednesday, the deadline for listing Masood Azhar, Kang said, "We sincerely hope that the relevant actions of the 1267 Committee can help the countries concerned to resolve the issue through dialogue and avoid adding complex factors that endanger peace and stability of the region." India has already expressed its disappointment on China's "hold" to Azhar's listing. The United States embassy in Delhi in a statement expressed regret and said: "With respect to China, the United States and China share a mutual interest in achieving regional stability and peace, and a failure to designate Azhar runs counter to this goal." The US had already made it clear that Masood Azhar is the founder and leader of and "clearly meets the criteria for the designation" by the United Nations. JeM has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks including the 2001 Parliament attack, Pathankote attack and the Pulwama terror attack. During foreign secretary, Vijay Gokhale's meet with US National security Advisor John Bolton terrorism emanating from Pakistan was discussed. In a tweet, Bolton said, "Met with Indian FS Gokhale to advance progress on the US-India strategic partnership & our shared vision for the Indo-Pacific, as well as reiterate that the U.S. stands shoulder-to-shoulder with India in the fight against terrorism." A statement from Indian embassy in Washington said, both India and US "underlined the importance of Pakistan taking tangible and irreversible action against terrorist groups based in territories under its control and denial of safe haven for these groups to launch cross - border attacks." NSA Bolton has spoken to Indian National security Advisor Ajit Doval three times since the Pulwama attack and supported Indian action on terrorism. Meanwhile, a United Nations Security Council diplomat speaking on anonymity to News Agency PTI said, "If China continues to block this designation, responsible member states may be forced to pursue other actions at the Security Council. It shouldn’t have to come to that.” “Pakistan has quite often depended on China to protect it from the listing of Pakistan-based terrorist groups and individuals in the UN 1267 sanctions committee. The case for designating Masood Azhar – the leader of a group the UN already calls an Al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist organization – is undeniable," he added. The Chinese move comes even as New Delhi and Beijing saw "resetting" of ties after the famous informal Wuhan Summit. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met four times in 2018 and the latter will be coming to India in 2019 for the second informal summit.

Day After China played chequers in UN, Beijing says need more time, US fumes

A prominent Chinese human rights lawyer has reappeared two days after going missing following his release from a jail sentence for state subversion, his wife said Sunday.

Jiang Tianyong -- who took on high-profile cases including those of Falun Gong practitioners and Tibetan protesters -- was one of more than 200 lawyers and activists detained in a 2015 clampdown on courtroom critics of Communist authorities.

The 47-year-old had disappeared Thursday after completing his two-year jail sentence before he finally reappeared in his hometown of Xinyang, Henan province, said his US-based wife.

Supporters had said police outside the jail he was released from told them he had been "taken away" but did not specify by whom.

"After not seeing each other for six years, we were finally able to talk and video chat," Jin Bianling told AFP.

But even though Jiang has been released from jail, "he is still not free", she added.

"He is living at his parents' home now, but there are police stationed outside. Wherever he goes, the police follow him," said Jin.&nbsp;

"I am also worried that he could disappear at any time, so I hope he can come to the US as soon as possible to reunite with us."

It is not uncommon for human rights activists and dissidents in China to remain under surveillance or face ongoing restrictions after they serve their prison sentences.

Hu Jia, a Beijing-based activist who served a three-year jail sentence in 2008, says he has been under intermittent house arrest since 2004.&nbsp;

The disappearance of Jiang, who was charged with "inciting subversion" in 2017, also comes as China continues to clamp down on human rights activists and lawyers in the country.

In January, Wang Quanzhang, another well-known Chinese lawyer swept up in the 2015 crackdown, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison for "subverting state power".&nbsp;

Wang, who defended political activists and victims of land seizures, was part of a now-defunct law firm called Beijing Fengrui.

The law firm, which specialised in cases involving farmers' land rights, labour camps and criminal rights saw at least five lawyers detained in 2015.

A prominent Chinese human rights lawyer has reappeared two days after going missing following his release from a jail sentence for state subversion, his wife said Sunday.

A prominent Chinese human rights lawyer has reappeared two days after going missing following his release from a jail sentence for state subversion, his wife said Sunday. Jiang Tianyong -- who took on high-profile cases including those of Falun Gong practitioners and Tibetan protesters -- was one of more than 200 lawyers and activists detained in a 2015 clampdown on courtroom critics of Communist authorities. The 47-year-old had disappeared Thursday after completing his two-year jail sentence before he finally reappeared in his hometown of Xinyang, Henan province, said his US-based wife. Supporters had said police outside the jail he was released from told them he had been "taken away" but did not specify by whom. "After not seeing each other for six years, we were finally able to talk and video chat," Jin Bianling told AFP. But even though Jiang has been released from jail, "he is still not free", she added. "He is living at his parents' home now, but there are police stationed outside. Wherever he goes, the police follow him," said Jin. "I am also worried that he could disappear at any time, so I hope he can come to the US as soon as possible to reunite with us." It is not uncommon for human rights activists and dissidents in China to remain under surveillance or face ongoing restrictions after they serve their prison sentences. Hu Jia, a Beijing-based activist who served a three-year jail sentence in 2008, says he has been under intermittent house arrest since 2004. The disappearance of Jiang, who was charged with "inciting subversion" in 2017, also comes as China continues to clamp down on human rights activists and lawyers in the country. In January, Wang Quanzhang, another well-known Chinese lawyer swept up in the 2015 crackdown, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison for "subverting state power". Wang, who defended political activists and victims of land seizures, was part of a now-defunct law firm called Beijing Fengrui. The law firm, which specialised in cases involving farmers' land rights, labour camps and criminal rights saw at least five lawyers detained in 2015.

Missing Chinese rights lawyer returns home but 'still not free', says wife

The first trilateral meeting between Afghanistan, India and China took place in Kabul on Saturday.&nbsp;

The meeting was headed by Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister for political affairs Idrees Zaman. Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar and Chinese Ambassador to Afghanistan Liu Jinsong also participated.

Calling China and India as, "old friends and good neighbours" of Afghanistan, Idrees Zaman said his country counts on both.&nbsp;

Zaman said, "that the three countries should further focus on training civil and military personnel, mining, increased energy production, agriculture and transportation development, regional connectivity, establishing a joint chamber of commerce between the three countries, and areas of mutual economic interest."

According to a statement from Afghan foreign ministry, Indian and Chinese ambassadors appreciated their contribution in holding the meeting and added both New Delhi and Bejing "are ready for necessary cooperation in the mentioned areas."

The meet is significant since India, China are increasing there cooperation for Afghanistan's development.&nbsp;

After the informal Wuhan Summit, last year in April between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, both New Delhi and Beijing jointly agreed to train Afghan diplomats.

The first trilateral meeting between Afghanistan, India and China took place in Kabul on Saturday. The meeting was headed by Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister for political affairs Idrees Zaman.

The first trilateral meeting between Afghanistan, India and China took place in Kabul on Saturday. The meeting was headed by Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister for political affairs Idrees Zaman. Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar and Chinese Ambassador to Afghanistan Liu Jinsong also participated. Calling China and India as, "old friends and good neighbours" of Afghanistan, Idrees Zaman said his country counts on both. Zaman said, "that the three countries should further focus on training civil and military personnel, mining, increased energy production, agriculture and transportation development, regional connectivity, establishing a joint chamber of commerce between the three countries, and areas of mutual economic interest." According to a statement from Afghan foreign ministry, Indian and Chinese ambassadors appreciated their contribution in holding the meeting and added both New Delhi and Bejing "are ready for necessary cooperation in the mentioned areas." The meet is significant since India, China are increasing there cooperation for Afghanistan's development. After the informal Wuhan Summit, last year in April between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, both New Delhi and Beijing jointly agreed to train Afghan diplomats.

Afghanistan refers to India, China as 'old friends & good neighbours' at first trilateral meeting

India on Wednesday said that it doesn't wish to see further escalation of current <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-raises-pulwama-terror-attack-with-her-chinese-counterpart-report-199940">tension&nbsp;with Islamabad</a> and added that airstrike on Pakistani territory was carried out as it refused to act on terrorist camps on its soil.&nbsp;

Speaking at the RIC or Russia, India, China foreign ministers meet in Wuzhen, China, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, "Limited objective of pre-emptive strike was to act decisively against the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/blow-by-blow-account-how-mirage-2000-jets-destroyed-targets-inside-pakistan-199915">terrorist infrastructure </a>of JeM in order to pre-emptive another terror attack in India. India does not wish to see further escalation of the situation. india will continue to act with responsibility and restraint."

JeM or Jaish-e-Mohammad is a Pakistan based terror group which owned up responsibility for Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 of India's paramilitary security personnel.&nbsp;

Explaining the rationale behind India's stand, EAM said, "In the light of the continued refusal of Pakistan to acknowledge and act against terror groups on its territory and based on credible information that JeM is planning other attacks in various parts of India, Government of India decided to take pre-emptive action."

"The&nbsp;target was selected in order to avoid civilian casualties. This was not a military operation, no military installations were targeted," she added

The meet is chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and EAM Sushma Swaraj in attendance.&nbsp;

She said," Following the Pulwama terrorist attack instead of acting against JeM and other terror groups based in Pakistan, it&nbsp;denied any knowledge of it and outrightly dismissed claims by JeM."

The visit by EAM to China comes a day after Indian strikes and New Delhi will be keen that Beijing pressure Islamabad to act on terror. China so far has been shielding listing of Masood Azhar, JeM's chief as an international terrorist under the UNSC 1267 committee.&nbsp;

India has been trying to list Azhar as an international terrorist but China has thwarted Indian attempts citing lack of consensus.&nbsp;

France will again propose listing of Azhar and is being backed by the United Kingdom.&nbsp;

This is the first meeting between the Chinese and Indian ministers this year. Last year Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met 4 times.

Speaking on Sino-India ties at the RIC meet, EAM said, "channel of strategic communication between two of us and between the senior official of two sides should always remain open"

This year Chinese President will visit India for the 2nd informal summit between both the countries. The first happened last year in April in Wuhan.

The last RIC Foreign Ministerial Meeting took place in New Delhi on 11 December 2017 in the backdrop of Doklam crisis when Chinese forces tried to build a road on Bhutanese territory and the attempt was thwarted by Indian forces but led to a 2-month long standoff, the worst in many decades.

Informal RIC meet at the leaders level — Prime Minister Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping took place on 30 November last year on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina. The meet took place after a gap of 12 years.

India on Wednesday said that it doesn't wish to see further escalation of current tension with Islamabad and added that airstrike on Pakistani territory was carried out as it refused to act on terrorist camps on its soil.

India on Wednesday said that it doesn't wish to see further escalation of current tension with Islamabad and added that airstrike on Pakistani territory was carried out as it refused to act on terrorist camps on its soil. Speaking at the RIC or Russia, India, China foreign ministers meet in Wuzhen, China, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, "Limited objective of pre-emptive strike was to act decisively against the terrorist infrastructure of JeM in order to pre-emptive another terror attack in India. India does not wish to see further escalation of the situation. india will continue to act with responsibility and restraint." JeM or Jaish-e-Mohammad is a Pakistan based terror group which owned up responsibility for Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 of India's paramilitary security personnel. Explaining the rationale behind India's stand, EAM said, "In the light of the continued refusal of Pakistan to acknowledge and act against terror groups on its territory and based on credible information that JeM is planning other attacks in various parts of India, Government of India decided to take pre-emptive action." "The target was selected in order to avoid civilian casualties. This was not a military operation, no military installations were targeted," she added The meet is chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and EAM Sushma Swaraj in attendance. She said," Following the Pulwama terrorist attack instead of acting against JeM and other terror groups based in Pakistan, it denied any knowledge of it and outrightly dismissed claims by JeM." The visit by EAM to China comes a day after Indian strikes and New Delhi will be keen that Beijing pressure Islamabad to act on terror. China so far has been shielding listing of Masood Azhar, JeM's chief as an international terrorist under the UNSC 1267 committee. India has been trying to list Azhar as an international terrorist but China has thwarted Indian attempts citing lack of consensus. France will again propose listing of Azhar and is being backed by the United Kingdom. This is the first meeting between the Chinese and Indian ministers this year. Last year Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met 4 times. Speaking on Sino-India ties at the RIC meet, EAM said, "channel of strategic communication between two of us and between the senior official of two sides should always remain open" This year Chinese President will visit India for the 2nd informal summit between both the countries. The first happened last year in April in Wuhan. The last RIC Foreign Ministerial Meeting took place in New Delhi on 11 December 2017 in the backdrop of Doklam crisis when Chinese forces tried to build a road on Bhutanese territory and the attempt was thwarted by Indian forces but led to a 2-month long standoff, the worst in many decades. Informal RIC meet at the leaders level — Prime Minister Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping took place on 30 November last year on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina. The meet took place after a gap of 12 years.

Don't want to see further escalation, says India at RIC meet in China

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-speaks-on-pulwama-attack-says-very-dangerous-situation-between-india-pakistan-199055">US President Donald Trump</a> said on Friday that the United States has developed a "much better" relationship recently with Pakistan, which has long been at odds with the United States over the war in Afghanistan.

Trump, speaking at a White House event on trade negotiations with China, noted that relations had improved over the "last short period of time" and added that the United States may set up some meetings with Pakistan.

US envoys say Pakistan has an important role to play in Afghan peace talks, given its links to the Taliban.

Taliban representatives are due to meet US special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad in Qatar on February 25 in the next round of talks. The Taliban has refused to allow the participation of the Afghan government, which it regards as a US puppet.

Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry summoned the Pakistani ambassador on Wednesday over remarks that Afghan peace talks could be affected if India resorted to violence after last week's deadly attack on Indian paramilitary police in the disputed Kashmir region, for which Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad militant group claimed responsibility.

The Taliban had earlier announced that its team would meet US negotiators this week in Islamabad. The meetings did not take place for reasons that remain unclear.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that the United States has developed a "much better" relationship recently with Pakistan, which has long been at odds with the United States over the war in Afghanistan.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that the United States has developed a "much better" relationship recently with Pakistan, which has long been at odds with the United States over the war in Afghanistan. Trump, speaking at a White House event on trade negotiations with China, noted that relations had improved over the "last short period of time" and added that the United States may set up some meetings with Pakistan. US envoys say Pakistan has an important role to play in Afghan peace talks, given its links to the Taliban. Taliban representatives are due to meet US special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad in Qatar on February 25 in the next round of talks. The Taliban has refused to allow the participation of the Afghan government, which it regards as a US puppet. Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry summoned the Pakistani ambassador on Wednesday over remarks that Afghan peace talks could be affected if India resorted to violence after last week's deadly attack on Indian paramilitary police in the disputed Kashmir region, for which Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad militant group claimed responsibility. The Taliban had earlier announced that its team would meet US negotiators this week in Islamabad. The meetings did not take place for reasons that remain unclear.

US has developed 'much better' relations with Pakistan recently: Trump

The 16th Russia, India, China or RIC foreign minister meet will take place on 27th in Wuzhen, Zhejiang. The meet will be chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and will be attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj.

Announcing the meet, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said, "During this meeting, the foreign ministers of the three countries will take the implementation of the important consensus of the leaders as the main thrust, focus on the current international landscape, exchange in-depth views on major regional and international issues of mutual interest and deepen third-party cooperation. We believe that the concerted efforts of the three parties will deliver positive outcomes."

RIC meet at the leaders level — Prime Minister Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping took place on 30 November last year on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina. The meet took place after a gap of 12 years.

The meeting comes in the backdrop of the Pulwama terror attack whose responsibility was claimed by Pakistan based terror group Jaish e Mohammad(JEM). India has been trying to declare the chief of JEM Masood Azhar as an international terrorist under the 1267 committee of the United Nation Security Council but has been blocked many times China.

Asked about listing of Azhar, the spokesperson said China will engage in relevant discussions in a "constructive and responsible manner" and "keep close communication and coordination with India and other parties concerned."

France will soon come up with a new proposal to list Masood Azhar as an international terrorist.

The 16th Russia, India, China or RIC foreign minister meet will take place on 27th in Wuzhen, Zhejiang. The meet will be chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and will be attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj.

The 16th Russia, India, China or RIC foreign minister meet will take place on 27th in Wuzhen, Zhejiang. The meet will be chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and will be attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj. Announcing the meet, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said, "During this meeting, the foreign ministers of the three countries will take the implementation of the important consensus of the leaders as the main thrust, focus on the current international landscape, exchange in-depth views on major regional and international issues of mutual interest and deepen third-party cooperation. We believe that the concerted efforts of the three parties will deliver positive outcomes." RIC meet at the leaders level — Prime Minister Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping took place on 30 November last year on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina. The meet took place after a gap of 12 years. The meeting comes in the backdrop of the Pulwama terror attack whose responsibility was claimed by Pakistan based terror group Jaish e Mohammad(JEM). India has been trying to declare the chief of JEM Masood Azhar as an international terrorist under the 1267 committee of the United Nation Security Council but has been blocked many times China. Asked about listing of Azhar, the spokesperson said China will engage in relevant discussions in a "constructive and responsible manner" and "keep close communication and coordination with India and other parties concerned." France will soon come up with a new proposal to list Masood Azhar as an international terrorist.

Russia, India and China foreign ministers meet on February 27

China's first science fiction blockbuster, "The Wandering Earth", has raked in 3 billion yuan ($443 million) in ticket sales in less than 10 days, putting it on track to become the country's highest-grossing film.

Based on a story by author Liu Cixin, the movie about a group of Chinese astronauts trying to save the world from the orbit of an unstable sun premiered on Feb. 5, the first day of the Lunar New Year holiday.

"It's a genre that most Chinese people have never seen, and it really touched people," said Wu Jian, a Beijing-based film analyst with Alibaba Pictures, adding that the film drew families into cinemas during the traditional reunion period.

Figures posted on Thursday on the film's official account on China's Twitter-like Weibo show the sales were reached in 9 days and 16 hours, which analysts and media said broke a record of 10 days and 15 hours set by "Wolf Warrior 2".

The patriotic Rambo-style "Wolf Warrior 2" is China's highest-grossing movie, hitting 5.7 billion yuan in box office sales last year.

Analysts forecast ticket sales of "The Wandering Earth" could hit 5 billion yuan or more, with Wu saying it had grabbed eyeballs from comedies such as Ning Hao's "Crazy Alien", Stephen Chow's "The New King of Comedy", and Han Han's "Pegasus".

The film also figured in China's foreign ministry briefing this week.

"I know the hottest movie now is 'The Wandering Earth', I don't know if you have watched or not, I'd recommend it," spokeswoman Hua Chunying said, while replying to a query about a film whose premiere was cancelled.

Movie box office revenue in China rose 9 percent last year to 61 billion yuan, a slower pace than the year before, as the government cracked down on tax evasion in the industry and tightened rules on content.

China's first science fiction blockbuster, "The Wandering Earth", has raked in 3 billion yuan ($443 million) in ticket sales in less than 10 days, putting it on track to become the country's highest-grossing film.

China's first science fiction blockbuster, "The Wandering Earth", has raked in 3 billion yuan ($443 million) in ticket sales in less than 10 days, putting it on track to become the country's highest-grossing film. Based on a story by author Liu Cixin, the movie about a group of Chinese astronauts trying to save the world from the orbit of an unstable sun premiered on Feb. 5, the first day of the Lunar New Year holiday. "It's a genre that most Chinese people have never seen, and it really touched people," said Wu Jian, a Beijing-based film analyst with Alibaba Pictures, adding that the film drew families into cinemas during the traditional reunion period. Figures posted on Thursday on the film's official account on China's Twitter-like Weibo show the sales were reached in 9 days and 16 hours, which analysts and media said broke a record of 10 days and 15 hours set by "Wolf Warrior 2". The patriotic Rambo-style "Wolf Warrior 2" is China's highest-grossing movie, hitting 5.7 billion yuan in box office sales last year. Analysts forecast ticket sales of "The Wandering Earth" could hit 5 billion yuan or more, with Wu saying it had grabbed eyeballs from comedies such as Ning Hao's "Crazy Alien", Stephen Chow's "The New King of Comedy", and Han Han's "Pegasus". The film also figured in China's foreign ministry briefing this week. "I know the hottest movie now is 'The Wandering Earth', I don't know if you have watched or not, I'd recommend it," spokeswoman Hua Chunying said, while replying to a query about a film whose premiere was cancelled. Movie box office revenue in China rose 9 percent last year to 61 billion yuan, a slower pace than the year before, as the government cracked down on tax evasion in the industry and tightened rules on content.

Chinese sci-fi movie 'The Wandering Earth' pulls in $440 million in 10 days

China plans to build four nuclear-powered aircraft carriers by 2035 and develop new carrier-based fighter jets as Beijing tries to boost its naval prowess and catch up with the powerful US Navy, a media report Wednesday quoted Chinese military experts as saying.&nbsp;

China currently has one aircraft carrier in service the Liaoning, commissioned in 2012 and the Type 001A, the first carrier built in the country, which is still being tested.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also the head of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has ordered the military to modernise by 2035 and become a top-ranked fighting force by 2050.&nbsp;

Four of at least six aircraft battle groups China plans to have in the water by 2035 will be nuclear-powered, as the Asian giant tries to equal the US in naval strength, the South China Morning Post reported.

The experts said that after decades of trying to close the gap, the PLA Navy's hardware might by then be closer to matching the world's leading superpower in aircraft carrier technology but it would still lag in real combat experience.

All of China's new carriers were expected to be equipped with electromagnetic catapults similar to those used by the United States, the experts said.&nbsp;

The US' electromagnetic aircraft launch system, known as EMALS, can launch more aircraft more rapidly than the older diesel systems.

"China's nuclear-powered aircraft carriers with [EMALS-like systems] are expected to join the navy by 2035, bringing the total number of carriers to at least six although only four will work at the front line," Wang Yunfei, a naval expert and retired PLA destroyer naval officer, said.

"The country needs to keep developing until it is at the same level as the United States," Wang was quoted as saying by the Hong Kong-based newspaper.

The US seeks to keep its place as the dominant naval power across the Indo-Pacific, where Washington and its allies believe Beijing is trying to rewrite international rules and military alliances in place since World War II.

But Beijing is keen to expand its aircraft carrier battle groups to fulfil its global naval ambitions and defend its growing overseas interests.&nbsp;

Construction of its next conventional diesel-powered aircraft carrier, the Type 002 the first equipped with the electromagnetic launchers began last year.

Wang said the budget for the carrier projects would not be cut despite an economic slowdown and a trade war with the US.

"Even if the economic downturn has an effect, we can adjust proportions in total military expenditure to make sure naval modernisation keeps going," he said.&nbsp;

Song Zhongping, a television military commentator in Hong Kong, said China's fleet of aircraft carriers would expand to reflect its global standing.

With the PLA planning to have four nuclear-powered carrier battle groups on the front line by 2035, the Type 001A and its next-generation carrier Type 002 would become temporary battleships, Song said.

Both Wang and Song said the Liaoning would be replaced by the Type 001A by 2035, by which time the Liaoning would be obsolete. The Liaoning was refitted from a half-built Soviet hull bought from Ukraine in 1998 and is used to train carrier crews.

The PLA Navy will develop one of its fighter jets for use on its aircraft carriers, with debate ongoing over whether that will be the FC-31 or J-20. China has just one type of carrier-based fighter jet, the J-15, whereas the US has two.

Wang said Chinese engineers were developing a next-generation carrier-based fighter, describing it as a variant of the FC-31 stealth fighter, whose fighting capability may be "a little bit behind the US' F-35C".

Song said China's overall strength would remain limited by a lack of combat experience.

"China's aircraft carrier technology and its carrier-based fighter jets will be developed to match the same generation of their American counterparts, but hardware build-up is only part of the picture," he said.&nbsp;

China plans to build four nuclear-powered aircraft carriers by 2035 and develop new carrier-based fighter jets as Beijing tries to boost its naval prowess and catch up with the powerful US Navy, a media report Wednesday quoted Chinese military experts as saying.

China plans to build four nuclear-powered aircraft carriers by 2035 and develop new carrier-based fighter jets as Beijing tries to boost its naval prowess and catch up with the powerful US Navy, a media report Wednesday quoted Chinese military experts as saying. China currently has one aircraft carrier in service the Liaoning, commissioned in 2012 and the Type 001A, the first carrier built in the country, which is still being tested. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also the head of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has ordered the military to modernise by 2035 and become a top-ranked fighting force by 2050. Four of at least six aircraft battle groups China plans to have in the water by 2035 will be nuclear-powered, as the Asian giant tries to equal the US in naval strength, the South China Morning Post reported. The experts said that after decades of trying to close the gap, the PLA Navy's hardware might by then be closer to matching the world's leading superpower in aircraft carrier technology but it would still lag in real combat experience. All of China's new carriers were expected to be equipped with electromagnetic catapults similar to those used by the United States, the experts said. The US' electromagnetic aircraft launch system, known as EMALS, can launch more aircraft more rapidly than the older diesel systems. "China's nuclear-powered aircraft carriers with [EMALS-like systems] are expected to join the navy by 2035, bringing the total number of carriers to at least six although only four will work at the front line," Wang Yunfei, a naval expert and retired PLA destroyer naval officer, said. "The country needs to keep developing until it is at the same level as the United States," Wang was quoted as saying by the Hong Kong-based newspaper. The US seeks to keep its place as the dominant naval power across the Indo-Pacific, where Washington and its allies believe Beijing is trying to rewrite international rules and military alliances in place since World War II. But Beijing is keen to expand its aircraft carrier battle groups to fulfil its global naval ambitions and defend its growing overseas interests. Construction of its next conventional diesel-powered aircraft carrier, the Type 002 the first equipped with the electromagnetic launchers began last year. Wang said the budget for the carrier projects would not be cut despite an economic slowdown and a trade war with the US. "Even if the economic downturn has an effect, we can adjust proportions in total military expenditure to make sure naval modernisation keeps going," he said. Song Zhongping, a television military commentator in Hong Kong, said China's fleet of aircraft carriers would expand to reflect its global standing. With the PLA planning to have four nuclear-powered carrier battle groups on the front line by 2035, the Type 001A and its next-generation carrier Type 002 would become temporary battleships, Song said. Both Wang and Song said the Liaoning would be replaced by the Type 001A by 2035, by which time the Liaoning would be obsolete. The Liaoning was refitted from a half-built Soviet hull bought from Ukraine in 1998 and is used to train carrier crews. The PLA Navy will develop one of its fighter jets for use on its aircraft carriers, with debate ongoing over whether that will be the FC-31 or J-20. China has just one type of carrier-based fighter jet, the J-15, whereas the US has two. Wang said Chinese engineers were developing a next-generation carrier-based fighter, describing it as a variant of the FC-31 stealth fighter, whose fighting capability may be "a little bit behind the US' F-35C". Song said China's overall strength would remain limited by a lack of combat experience. "China's aircraft carrier technology and its carrier-based fighter jets will be developed to match the same generation of their American counterparts, but hardware build-up is only part of the picture," he said.

China to build four nuclear aircraft carriers to catch up with US Navy: Report

The United States called for more transparency Wednesday as it accused Russia and China of not fully reporting their nuclear programmes amid US threats to withdraw from a key arms control treaty.

A senior US official made the remarks as the five permanent members of the UN Security Council -- all of them nuclear-armed powers -- met in Beijing for talks on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.

Andrea Thompson, US undersecretary for arms control and international security, said there were "uneven results" in efforts to advance transparency under the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.

"We previously agreed to set (a) format for reporting, but the gap between the reports of the United States on the one hand, and Russia and China on the other, is great," Thompson said in her opening remarks.

"I cannot overemphasise the value of transparency," she said.

"We look forward to discussing how we can enhance transparency with a view to reassuring others of the very real steps we are taking to ensure full and verifiable compliance with our arms control non-proliferation and disarmament commitments and obligations."

Officials from Russia, China, France and Britain -- countries under the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) treaty -- also attended the meeting, which will continue on Thursday.

The talks come after months of raging tensions between Moscow and Washington over the fate of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) signed in 1987 by then US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.

US President Donald Trump has promised to walk away from the agreement while President Vladimir Putin has threatened a new arms race, saying Europe would be its main victim.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, talks in Geneva between senior diplomats from both countries fell through as Washington and Moscow blamed each other for pushing the INF treaty to the brink of collapse.&nbsp;

Last week, Russia unveiled its missile system in a bid to reassure foreign officials that its weapon was in compliance with the INF treaty.

But Washington has said the missile system should be destroyed in a verifiable manner if Moscow wants to keep the INF alive.

At Wednesday's conference in Beijing, deputy Russian foreign minister Sergey Ryabkov pointed at "the spread of unilateral attitudes" as a threat to nuclear non-proliferation.

"Many issues continue to be unsettled due to the lack of political will," he added, and said that there is an "evident lack of mutual trust" between the five NPT states.

"This (NPT) regime is being loosened, which is fraught with serious and negative impacts for nuclear non-proliferation," he said. 
&nbsp;

The United States called for more transparency Wednesday as it accused Russia and China of not fully reporting their nuclear programmes amid US threats to withdraw from a key arms control treaty.

The United States called for more transparency Wednesday as it accused Russia and China of not fully reporting their nuclear programmes amid US threats to withdraw from a key arms control treaty. A senior US official made the remarks as the five permanent members of the UN Security Council -- all of them nuclear-armed powers -- met in Beijing for talks on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. Andrea Thompson, US undersecretary for arms control and international security, said there were "uneven results" in efforts to advance transparency under the nuclear non-proliferation treaty. "We previously agreed to set (a) format for reporting, but the gap between the reports of the United States on the one hand, and Russia and China on the other, is great," Thompson said in her opening remarks. "I cannot overemphasise the value of transparency," she said. "We look forward to discussing how we can enhance transparency with a view to reassuring others of the very real steps we are taking to ensure full and verifiable compliance with our arms control non-proliferation and disarmament commitments and obligations." Officials from Russia, China, France and Britain -- countries under the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) treaty -- also attended the meeting, which will continue on Thursday. The talks come after months of raging tensions between Moscow and Washington over the fate of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) signed in 1987 by then US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. US President Donald Trump has promised to walk away from the agreement while President Vladimir Putin has threatened a new arms race, saying Europe would be its main victim. Earlier this month, talks in Geneva between senior diplomats from both countries fell through as Washington and Moscow blamed each other for pushing the INF treaty to the brink of collapse. Last week, Russia unveiled its missile system in a bid to reassure foreign officials that its weapon was in compliance with the INF treaty. But Washington has said the missile system should be destroyed in a verifiable manner if Moscow wants to keep the INF alive. At Wednesday's conference in Beijing, deputy Russian foreign minister Sergey Ryabkov pointed at "the spread of unilateral attitudes" as a threat to nuclear non-proliferation. "Many issues continue to be unsettled due to the lack of political will," he added, and said that there is an "evident lack of mutual trust" between the five NPT states. "This (NPT) regime is being loosened, which is fraught with serious and negative impacts for nuclear non-proliferation," he said.

US calls for Russian, Chinese nuclear transparency

The United States should bear responsibility for the consequences of its <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-goes-after-venezuelas-oil-to-hit-maduro-193555">sanctions on Venezuela</a>, China said on Tuesday, after Washington imposed sweeping restrictions on Venezuelan state-owned oil firm PDVSA.

The latest US sanctions announced on Monday appear to be aimed at pressuring President Nicolas Maduro to step down and to build on the momentum that has mounted in recent weeks against him at home and abroad.

Juan Guaido, the Venezuelan opposition leader who proclaimed himself interim president last week with US backing, and who is supported by most Western countries, says Maduro stole his re-election and must resign to allow new, fair polls.

China has said it opposes unilateral sanctions.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said historical experience showed foreign interference "only makes situations more complicated".

"The relevant country's sanctions on Venezuela will lead to the deterioration of conditions of people's lives," Geng told a regular news briefing in Beijing, referring to the United States.

"They should bear responsibility for the serious consequences from this," he said.

China has lent more than $50 billion to Venezuela through oil-for-loan agreements over the past decade, securing energy supplies for its fast-growing economy.

But the financing dried up as the South American country's economy began spiralling downward in 2015, pressured by plummeting oil prices.

The Trump administration had long held off targeting Venezuela's oil sector for fear that it would hurt US refiners and raise oil prices for Americans. White House officials had also expressed concern about inflicting further hardship on the Venezuelan people.

The United States should bear responsibility for the consequences of its sanctions on Venezuela, China said on Tuesday, after Washington imposed sweeping restrictions on Venezuelan state-owned oil firm PDVSA.

The United States should bear responsibility for the consequences of its sanctions on Venezuela, China said on Tuesday, after Washington imposed sweeping restrictions on Venezuelan state-owned oil firm PDVSA. The latest US sanctions announced on Monday appear to be aimed at pressuring President Nicolas Maduro to step down and to build on the momentum that has mounted in recent weeks against him at home and abroad. Juan Guaido, the Venezuelan opposition leader who proclaimed himself interim president last week with US backing, and who is supported by most Western countries, says Maduro stole his re-election and must resign to allow new, fair polls. China has said it opposes unilateral sanctions. Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said historical experience showed foreign interference "only makes situations more complicated". "The relevant country's sanctions on Venezuela will lead to the deterioration of conditions of people's lives," Geng told a regular news briefing in Beijing, referring to the United States. "They should bear responsibility for the serious consequences from this," he said. China has lent more than $50 billion to Venezuela through oil-for-loan agreements over the past decade, securing energy supplies for its fast-growing economy. But the financing dried up as the South American country's economy began spiralling downward in 2015, pressured by plummeting oil prices. The Trump administration had long held off targeting Venezuela's oil sector for fear that it would hurt US refiners and raise oil prices for Americans. White House officials had also expressed concern about inflicting further hardship on the Venezuelan people.

US should bear consequences of Venezuela sanctions: China

China on Friday skirted a direct response if it would provide a bailout loan to its all-weather ally Pakistan to tide over the&nbsp;present balance of payment of crisis.&nbsp;

Pakistan's Finance Minister Asad Umar on Thursday told reporters in Islamabad that after the support from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, an economic support package had been finalised with China and the government was expecting financial assistance from Beijing within next few days.&nbsp;

When asked for her reaction to Asad's comments, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing that she has no specific information on the loan.

"As you know, China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners. China has always provided support and assistance to Pakistan's economic and social development within its capacity. We support Pakistan in taking active measures to cope with and tide over the immediate and temporary difficulties," she said.

"As for the specific issues you mentioned, I don't have the relevant information," Hua said.

Pakistan has received $1 billion each from Saudi Arabia and the UAE as part of the bailout package by the two Gulf nations to help shore up Islamabad's dwindling foreign currency reserves.

The kingdom has already deposited $2 billion, in two tranche, in the State Bank of Pakistan.

Earlier, reports said that China has agreed to provide $2 billion after prolonged talks between the two countries.

Pakistan is nearly broke with the drying up of foreign cash reserves and mounting external debt.

To stave off the crisis, Islamabad has turned to Saudi Arabia and its greatest ally China. Prime Minister Imran Khan last year travelled to Riyadh and Beijing to seek loans. While Khan managed to secure a loan of $6 billion from Riyadh, it is not known if China has made any commitment to Pakistan after publicly vowing to help the country "tide over" the crisis.

Beijing on earlier occasions had issue loans to Pakistan, a scenario, experts fear, might compromise Islamabad's sovereignty.

According to the SBP, Pakistan's foreign currency reserves dropped to a 57-month low of $6.63 billion as of January 18, 2019. With these reserves, Pakistan can hardly cover one-and-a-half-month of imports. The reserves have continued to drop for the last two years due to the country's high foreign expenditure and low income, which is better known as the current account deficit.

The deficit was recorded at $8 billion in the first half (July-December) of the current fiscal year 2018-19, which was slightly lower than $8.4 billion in the same period of previous year.

This assistance has improved Pakistan's position in terms of import payments and debt repayment in the short term.

Pakistan has also sought a bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which wants Islamabad to disclose the financial details of the Beijing-funded China-Pakistan Economic Corridor for providing the assistance.

Experts say that the Chinese have pushed Pakistan into heavy debt through the CPEC, a charge denied by Beijing.

Umar earlier said that Pakistan faced a total of USD 27 billion deficit which include USD nine billion debt repayment for this year.&nbsp;

China on Friday skirted a direct response if it would provide a bailout loan to its all-weather ally Pakistan to tide over the present balance of payment of crisis.

China on Friday skirted a direct response if it would provide a bailout loan to its all-weather ally Pakistan to tide over the present balance of payment of crisis. Pakistan's Finance Minister Asad Umar on Thursday told reporters in Islamabad that after the support from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, an economic support package had been finalised with China and the government was expecting financial assistance from Beijing within next few days. When asked for her reaction to Asad's comments, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing that she has no specific information on the loan. "As you know, China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners. China has always provided support and assistance to Pakistan's economic and social development within its capacity. We support Pakistan in taking active measures to cope with and tide over the immediate and temporary difficulties," she said. "As for the specific issues you mentioned, I don't have the relevant information," Hua said. Pakistan has received $1 billion each from Saudi Arabia and the UAE as part of the bailout package by the two Gulf nations to help shore up Islamabad's dwindling foreign currency reserves. The kingdom has already deposited $2 billion, in two tranche, in the State Bank of Pakistan. Earlier, reports said that China has agreed to provide $2 billion after prolonged talks between the two countries. Pakistan is nearly broke with the drying up of foreign cash reserves and mounting external debt. To stave off the crisis, Islamabad has turned to Saudi Arabia and its greatest ally China. Prime Minister Imran Khan last year travelled to Riyadh and Beijing to seek loans. While Khan managed to secure a loan of $6 billion from Riyadh, it is not known if China has made any commitment to Pakistan after publicly vowing to help the country "tide over" the crisis. Beijing on earlier occasions had issue loans to Pakistan, a scenario, experts fear, might compromise Islamabad's sovereignty. According to the SBP, Pakistan's foreign currency reserves dropped to a 57-month low of $6.63 billion as of January 18, 2019. With these reserves, Pakistan can hardly cover one-and-a-half-month of imports. The reserves have continued to drop for the last two years due to the country's high foreign expenditure and low income, which is better known as the current account deficit. The deficit was recorded at $8 billion in the first half (July-December) of the current fiscal year 2018-19, which was slightly lower than $8.4 billion in the same period of previous year. This assistance has improved Pakistan's position in terms of import payments and debt repayment in the short term. Pakistan has also sought a bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which wants Islamabad to disclose the financial details of the Beijing-funded China-Pakistan Economic Corridor for providing the assistance. Experts say that the Chinese have pushed Pakistan into heavy debt through the CPEC, a charge denied by Beijing. Umar earlier said that Pakistan faced a total of USD 27 billion deficit which include USD nine billion debt repayment for this year.

China evades direct response on loan to Pakistan

China and Germany Wednesday defended global cooperation against the temptation of populism at the Davos forum of the world's business elite, but a Swedish teenager emerged as the unlikely star after her urgent calls for climate action inspired schoolchildren around the world.

Reactions against a longer-running style of populism also reared up at the annual World Economic Forum (WEF), as Brazil and other regional countries joined the United States in recognising the head of Venezuela's opposition-controlled parliament as interim president, in defiance of firebrand leftist Nicolas Maduro.

President Donald Trump's more recent brand of on-the-edge politics dominated last year's WEF when he came to Davos.

Since then, he has launched a trade war against China and other allies that has rocked the financial markets and sparked fears of a slowdown in the global economy.

Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan hit back in an address to the audience of movers and shakers, which includes some of the world's top chief executives.

"The Chinese and US economies are mutually indispensable, so their relations must be mutually beneficial and win-win," said Wang, who is tasked with negotiating a truce in the trade war.

"This is the reality: neither side can do without the other side," he said.&nbsp;

The annual conference in the Alpine ski resort was originally expected to be an outlet for talks between the US and China, with a 90-day truce set to end March 1.

But Trump cancelled a return trip to Davos due to the government shutdown in Washington, and the absence of the usually hefty US delegation has been felt in the WEF hallways.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel also defended cooperation among nations, speaking a day after Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro made his first international speech after sweeping to power on a firmly populist line.

"There is (in the world) a current that says I will first look after my own interests, and in the end everyone will be fine," said Merkel, a Davos regular who is preparing to step down by 2020.

"I highly doubt it," she added.

Trump has pulled out of the Paris accord on climate change and assailed international institutions such as NATO, the European Union and World Trade Organization.&nbsp;

But Merkel, who grew up under communist rule in the former East Germany, said: "I stand before you as someone who cherishes multilateral institutions."

For his part, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Europe, Japan and the United States should "join forces" to review the rules of free trade.

"I call on everyone to rebuild confidence in the international trading system," he said at the forum.

European leaders as a whole came to Davos under the cloud of Brexit, with Britain's plan to divorce from the European Union blocked in parliament.

Prime Minister Theresa May pulled out of the conference to handle Brexit as did the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier, both eager to avoid a "no deal" exit on March 29.

But May's international trade secretary, Liam Fox, made the trip to reassure investors about Britain's post-Brexit future.

Shrugging off announcements that Sony and Dyson are relocating premises abroad, Fox told AFP in Davos that "clearly the UK is open for business and is an attractive destination".

But it was teenage climate crusader Greta Thunberg who drew the most interest, swamped by camera crews as she arrived in Davos after a 32-hour train trip from her home in Sweden.

The 16-year-old grabbed the headlines with a fiery speech before world leaders at last month's UN climate talks in Poland. She has galvanised protests by high-schoolers around the world demanding stronger government action to fight global warming.

Thunberg told AFP that she was under no illusion that all of the audience in Davos would voluntarily heed her call to action.

"They have known exactly what priceless values they have been sacrificing to continue making unimaginable amounts of money," she said, insisting it was time for young people "to get angry" and demand that adults clean up the mess they have made.

U2 frontman Bono, a Davos regular, meanwhile provided his usual dose of rock-n-roll rebellion to the forum's jet set.

"Capitalism is not immoral, it's amoral," the singer told a panel.&nbsp;

"It's a wild beast and if not tamed, it can chew up a lot of people along the way," he said.

China and Germany Wednesday defended global cooperation against the temptation of populism at the Davos forum of the world's business elite, but a Swedish teenager emerged as the unlikely star after her urgent calls for climate action inspired schoolchildren around the world.

China and Germany Wednesday defended global cooperation against the temptation of populism at the Davos forum of the world's business elite, but a Swedish teenager emerged as the unlikely star after her urgent calls for climate action inspired schoolchildren around the world. Reactions against a longer-running style of populism also reared up at the annual World Economic Forum (WEF), as Brazil and other regional countries joined the United States in recognising the head of Venezuela's opposition-controlled parliament as interim president, in defiance of firebrand leftist Nicolas Maduro. President Donald Trump's more recent brand of on-the-edge politics dominated last year's WEF when he came to Davos. Since then, he has launched a trade war against China and other allies that has rocked the financial markets and sparked fears of a slowdown in the global economy. Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan hit back in an address to the audience of movers and shakers, which includes some of the world's top chief executives. "The Chinese and US economies are mutually indispensable, so their relations must be mutually beneficial and win-win," said Wang, who is tasked with negotiating a truce in the trade war. "This is the reality: neither side can do without the other side," he said. The annual conference in the Alpine ski resort was originally expected to be an outlet for talks between the US and China, with a 90-day truce set to end March 1. But Trump cancelled a return trip to Davos due to the government shutdown in Washington, and the absence of the usually hefty US delegation has been felt in the WEF hallways. German Chancellor Angela Merkel also defended cooperation among nations, speaking a day after Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro made his first international speech after sweeping to power on a firmly populist line. "There is (in the world) a current that says I will first look after my own interests, and in the end everyone will be fine," said Merkel, a Davos regular who is preparing to step down by 2020. "I highly doubt it," she added. Trump has pulled out of the Paris accord on climate change and assailed international institutions such as NATO, the European Union and World Trade Organization. But Merkel, who grew up under communist rule in the former East Germany, said: "I stand before you as someone who cherishes multilateral institutions." For his part, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Europe, Japan and the United States should "join forces" to review the rules of free trade. "I call on everyone to rebuild confidence in the international trading system," he said at the forum. European leaders as a whole came to Davos under the cloud of Brexit, with Britain's plan to divorce from the European Union blocked in parliament. Prime Minister Theresa May pulled out of the conference to handle Brexit as did the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier, both eager to avoid a "no deal" exit on March 29. But May's international trade secretary, Liam Fox, made the trip to reassure investors about Britain's post-Brexit future. Shrugging off announcements that Sony and Dyson are relocating premises abroad, Fox told AFP in Davos that "clearly the UK is open for business and is an attractive destination". But it was teenage climate crusader Greta Thunberg who drew the most interest, swamped by camera crews as she arrived in Davos after a 32-hour train trip from her home in Sweden. The 16-year-old grabbed the headlines with a fiery speech before world leaders at last month's UN climate talks in Poland. She has galvanised protests by high-schoolers around the world demanding stronger government action to fight global warming. Thunberg told AFP that she was under no illusion that all of the audience in Davos would voluntarily heed her call to action. "They have known exactly what priceless values they have been sacrificing to continue making unimaginable amounts of money," she said, insisting it was time for young people "to get angry" and demand that adults clean up the mess they have made. U2 frontman Bono, a Davos regular, meanwhile provided his usual dose of rock-n-roll rebellion to the forum's jet set. "Capitalism is not immoral, it's amoral," the singer told a panel. "It's a wild beast and if not tamed, it can chew up a lot of people along the way," he said.

At Davos, China and Germany tout openness as teenager plugs climate fight

The United States sent two warships through the Taiwan Strait on Thursday in the first such operation this year, the Taiwanese government said, as it increases the frequency of transits through the strategic waterway amid tensions with China.

The voyage risks further heightening tensions with China, which considers Taiwan its own and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the self-ruled island under its control.

Taiwan's defence ministry said in a statement late on Thursday the ships were moving in a northerly direction and that their voyage was in accordance with regulations.

It said Taiwan closely monitored the operation to "ensure the security of the seas and regional stability".

The move will likely be viewed in Taiwan as a sign of support from US President Donald Trump's government amid growing friction between Taipei and Beijing.

China has stepped up pressure on Taiwan since President Tsai Ing-wen, from the pro-independence ruling party, took office in 2016. It has regularly sent military aircraft and ships to circle the island on drills in the past few years.

Beijing sent several bombers and aircraft through the Bashi Channel, which separates Taiwan from the Philippines, earlier on Thursday, Taiwan's defence ministry said in a separate statement.

A similar Chinese operation was conducted on Tuesday, the ministry said, and both were monitored closely.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said in early January China reserves the right to use force to bring Taiwan under its control. In response, Tsai vowed to defend the island's democracy and called for international support to protect Taiwan's way of life.

Trump recently signed into law the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act reaffirming the US commitment to Taiwan, including arms sales.

Washington has no formal ties with Taiwan but is bound by law to help it defend itself and is its main source of arms.

The United States sent two warships through the Taiwan Strait on Thursday in the first such operation this year, the Taiwanese government said, as it increases the frequency of transits through the strategic waterway amid tensions with China.

The United States sent two warships through the Taiwan Strait on Thursday in the first such operation this year, the Taiwanese government said, as it increases the frequency of transits through the strategic waterway amid tensions with China. The voyage risks further heightening tensions with China, which considers Taiwan its own and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the self-ruled island under its control. Taiwan's defence ministry said in a statement late on Thursday the ships were moving in a northerly direction and that their voyage was in accordance with regulations. It said Taiwan closely monitored the operation to "ensure the security of the seas and regional stability". The move will likely be viewed in Taiwan as a sign of support from US President Donald Trump's government amid growing friction between Taipei and Beijing. China has stepped up pressure on Taiwan since President Tsai Ing-wen, from the pro-independence ruling party, took office in 2016. It has regularly sent military aircraft and ships to circle the island on drills in the past few years. Beijing sent several bombers and aircraft through the Bashi Channel, which separates Taiwan from the Philippines, earlier on Thursday, Taiwan's defence ministry said in a separate statement. A similar Chinese operation was conducted on Tuesday, the ministry said, and both were monitored closely. Chinese President Xi Jinping said in early January China reserves the right to use force to bring Taiwan under its control. In response, Tsai vowed to defend the island's democracy and called for international support to protect Taiwan's way of life. Trump recently signed into law the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act reaffirming the US commitment to Taiwan, including arms sales. Washington has no formal ties with Taiwan but is bound by law to help it defend itself and is its main source of arms.

US warships pass through Taiwan Strait amid China tensions

The United States and China are playing Eurasia’s 21st-century 'Great Game' from different but equally skewed maps. While the US map appears to be outdated, the Chinese map portrays a reality that is imagined.

If the skewed realities of both China and the United States have one thing in common, it is in strategist Parag Khanna’s mind the fact that neither realises that the Great Game’s prize, a new world order, has already been determined.

“We are living – for the first time ever -- in a truly multipolar and multicivilisational order in which North America, Europe and Asia each represents a major share of power,” Khanna says in his just-published book, The Future is Asian.

While the United States sees the great game as an open-ended battle for influence in Europe and Asia and looks at Russia as a European rather than a Eurasian power, China overestimates what its future position, aided by its $1 trillion infrastructure and energy-driven Belt and Road initiative, is likely to be.

The skewed perceptions of both the United States and China create spaces for multiple other powers like Russia and various Middle Eastern states to carve out positions of their own.

China, nonetheless, alongside Russia has one advantage. In contrast, to the United States, it adopts the notion put forward by former Portuguese Europe minister Bruno Macias that the number of the world’s continents is shrinking from seven to six. Increasingly, Europe and Asia no longer see their common landmass as two separate continents and are gravitating towards what Macias calls a “supercontinent.”&nbsp;

Khanna implicitly acknowledges Macias’ notion by concluding that contrary to perceived Chinese expectations “ultimately, China’s position will be not of an Asian or global hegemon but rather of the eastern anchor of the Asian – and Eurasian – mega-system.”

China’s perceived other advantage, its economic and financial muscle, in the juggling for position on the new supercontinent is also proving to be its Achilles Heel.

The belief that the driver of the Belt and Road is geopolitics rather than economics is bolstered by predictions that none of China’s Indian Ocean port projects has much hope of financial success.

A Financial Times study last year concluded that 78 countries targeted by China for project development are among the world’s most risky economies. On a scale of one to seven, the highest level of country risk, Belt and Road countries ranked 5.2, a significantly higher risk than the 3.5 average for emerging markets. They had a median rating by Moody’s, the credit rating agency, that was the equivalent of non-investment junk investment grade.

The risk was reflected on the balance sheets of major Chinese state-owned companies that build, operate and invest in many Belt and Road projects. The study reported that China’s top internationally active construction and engineering contractors were almost four times more highly leveraged than their non-Chinese competitors.

In a bid to avert a financial crisis, the government has ordered state-owned companies to reduce their debt burden, in part by attributing greater importance to the viability of overseas projects.

The risk to China is not purely economic. It is also geopolitical and reputational. Increasingly, China is forced to focus short term less on the Great Game itself and more on countering the negative effect of a growing perception that China’s projection of the Belt and Road as a mutually beneficial proposition is more fantasy than fact.

A growing number of countries, like Pakistan, Malaysia, Myanmar and Nepal, question the benefits of Belt and Road projects and are resisting China’s often onerous commercial and funding terms.

Ironically, China’s immediate rivals in efforts to maintain its status and ensure that it does not lose hard-won ground are not the United States, India or Japan but its newly assertive, geopolitically ambitious friends in the Gulf, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as well as Iran.

That is nowhere truer than in Pakistan, a Belt and Road crown jewel, where Saudi Arabia and the UAE have exploited to their advantage Chinese irritation with Pakistani demands to shift the emphasis of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) from infrastructure and energy to agriculture, job creation and the enabling of third-party investment, primarily from countries in the Gulf.

Chinese chagrin has been evident in China’s hesitancy to respond to Pakistani requests for help in averting a financial crisis.

Filling the gap, massive Saudi and UAE aid and investment to the tune of $30 billion in balance of payment support, deferred oil import payments and investment in the troubled Pakistani province of Balochistan that borders Iran has helped the government of Imran Khan avoid asking the International Monetary Fund (IMF) cap in hand to bail it out.

China fears that Pakistan’s mounting dependence on Saudi Arabia and the UAE coupled with a US campaign intended to curb Iran’s regional projection potentially complicates the security of its massive $45 billion-plus investment that to a large extent targets Balochistan.

The United States and Saudi Arabia see Balochistan as a possible launching pad for possible efforts to destabilise the Islamic republic by stirring unrest among its Baloch population and other ethnic minorities.

Increased Saudi and UAE influence in Balochistan could, moreover, suck China into the escalating maelstrom of the two countries’ rivalry with Iran.

Ironically, Saudi and UAE investment has at the same time shielded China from potentially embarrassing disclosure of the financial terms of CPEC-related projects that the IMF was demanding as part of any bailout. Media reports said that Pakistan had informally told the IMF that it would be paying China $40 billion over 20 years for $26.5 billion in Chinese funding of CPEC-related projects.

The impact of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, like much of the rest of the Middle East, goes far beyond Balochistan. It also puts its mark elsewhere on the Eurasian supercontinent. In the words of analyst Galip Dalay, the Middle East or West Asia will, for better or for worse, shape each other.

&nbsp;“The contemporary Middle East is no longer the geopolitically US-centric space that the Europeans once knew. Europe can respond in several ways: proceed with its largely ad-hoc, incoherent and crisis-driven policies of recent years; continue to be incorporated into someone else's game plan, as with the French-German involvement in the Russian-led Astana (peace) process for Syria; or craft a more coherent policy towards the region, with a strong emphasis on democratisation, reform, good governance, inclusion and reconciliation… If Europe doesn’t engage and invest in the transformation of the Middle East, regional developments will dramatically transform it, whether through radicalism, refugees, terrorism, xenophobia or populism. Interactions between Europe and the Middle East will be transformative, for better or for worse.,” Dalay said.

The Middle East is similarly crucial to the success of China’s Belt and Road with Iran and Turkey representing key nodes that further the rise of Eurasia through Chinese-funded rails that link the Atlantic coast of Europe to the People’s Republic.

The Middle East’s impact is one facet of a bigger game in which world and regional powers are competing for the position in Khanna’s multipolar and multicivilisational order.

Robert Malley, a former Obama National Security Council official and head of the International Crisis Group argues that autocratic and authoritarian leaders are testing the limits of the 'Great Game' as the power of Western nations erodes and embattled concepts of multilateralism no longer serve to constrain them.

“As the era of largely uncontested US primacy fades, the international order has been thrown into turmoil. More leaders are tempted more often to test limits, jostle for power, and seek to bolster their influence—or diminish that of their rivals—by meddling in foreign conflicts… Having annexed parts of Georgia and Crimea and stoked separatist violence in Ukraine’s Donbass region, Russia is now throwing its weight around in the Sea of Azov, poisoning dissidents in the United Kingdom, and subverting Western democracies with cyberwarfare. China obstructs freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and arbitrarily detains Canadian citizens… Saudi Arabia has pushed the envelope with the war in Yemen, the kidnapping of a Lebanese prime minister, and the gruesome murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi in its consulate in Istanbul. Iran plots attacks against dissidents on European soil. Israel feels emboldened to undermine ever more systematically the foundations of a possible two-state solution” to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Malley said.

By implication, Malley was suggesting that efforts to push the envelope were enabled by the US’ failure to recognise that Europe and Asia were becoming one supercontinent.

That failure was mirrored in the US National Security Strategy published in 2017 by the White House and a study by Rand Corporation in 2018 designed to conceptualise current geopolitics as an era of intensifying international competition.

Rather than recognising an increasingly evident divergence of interests between the United States and Europe, the study suggested that the US would continue to have the opportunity if it chooses, to lead a predominant coalition of value-sharing democracies and other largely status quo states to help preserve stability.”

The study appeared to downplay any divergence by reducing differences to “identity-fuelled nationalism” that aims to recapture (countries’) “rightful place” in world politics,” a reference to Russia, China, Iran and North Korea as well as European nations grappling with the rise of nationalist, populist and far-right forces and a Middle East that is shaping Europe through highly emotive issues such as migration, political violence and religious identity.

The US focus on Russia as a European rather than a regional power with global ambitions also means that it underestimates Moscow’s play in the Middle East despite its military intervention in Syria.

Russia national security scholar Stephen Blank argues that President Vladimir Putin’s strategy in the region is rooted in the thinking of Yevgeny Primakov, a Middle East expert and linguist and former spymaster, foreign minister and deputy prime minister, who like Khanna envisioned the emergence of a multi-polar, multi-civilisational world with Eurasia at its centre.

Primakov saw the Middle East as a key arena for countering the United States that would enable Russia, weakened by the demise of the Soviet Union and a subsequent economic crisis, to regain its status as a global and regional power and ensure that it would be one pole in a multi-polar world.

By identifying the region as a preferred battleground, Russia benefitted in the words of historian Niall Ferguson from the fact that its significant oil reserves made it “the only power that has no vested interest in stability in the Middle East.”

Blank argued that “in order to reassert Russia’s greatness, Primakov and Putin aimed ultimately at strategic denial, denying Washington sole possession of a dominant role in the Middle East from where US influence could expand to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS),” a regional grouping of post-Soviet nations.

They believed that if Russia succeeded it would force the United States to concede multi-polarity and grant Russia the recognition it deserves. That, in turn, would allow Putin to demonstrate to the Russian elite his ability to restore Russia to great power status.

Syria offered Russia the opportunity to display its military prowess without the United States challenging the move. At the same time, Russia leveraged its political and economic clout to forge an alliance with Turkey and partner with Iran. The approach constituted an effort to defang Turkish and Iranian influence in the Caucasus and Central Asia.

Similarly, Russia after brutally repressing religiously inspired Chechen rebels in the 1990s, was proving to be far defter than either China or the United States at promoting politically pacifist or apolitical Islam in a complex game of playing all sides against the middle.

Russian engagement runs the gamut from engaging with militants to cooperating with Muslim autocrats to encouraging condemnation of the kind of Islam adopted by partners such as Saudi Arabia.

Said Dmitri Trenin, director of the Carnegie Moscow Center and a former Russian military officer: “Russia is not the Soviet Union. It does not see the Middle East as a region that it can dominate. Displacing the United States from the leading position in the Middle East is way above Russia’s capacity, and keeping the region in its sphere of influence is way above Russia’s resources. Russia has certainly benefited from waning US interest in the Middle East as, absent an active America, Russia can act with more confidence and ease.”

Describing Russia as “a lonely power,” Trenin went on to say that the difference between Russia and the Soviet Union was that the “Soviet Union was heavily engaged around the Middle East in spending money on an ideological and geopolitical project, the Russian Federation is active in the region trying to make money. The Soviet Union was about an idea. Russia’s idea is about Russia itself.”

In the Great Game’s jostling for position, Trump’s America First approach mirrors Trenin’s portrayal of Russian policy. That leaves China tied up in the contradictions of a policy that is packaged in assertions of lofty ideals but like the United States and Russia is in effect first and foremost about the pursuit of Chinese interests.

 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The United States and China are playing Eurasia’s 21st-century 'Great Game' from different but equally skewed maps. While the US map appears to be outdated, the Chinese map portrays a reality that is imagined.

The United States and China are playing Eurasia’s 21st-century 'Great Game' from different but equally skewed maps. While the US map appears to be outdated, the Chinese map portrays a reality that is imagined. If the skewed realities of both China and the United States have one thing in common, it is in strategist Parag Khanna’s mind the fact that neither realises that the Great Game’s prize, a new world order, has already been determined. “We are living – for the first time ever -- in a truly multipolar and multicivilisational order in which North America, Europe and Asia each represents a major share of power,” Khanna says in his just-published book, The Future is Asian. While the United States sees the great game as an open-ended battle for influence in Europe and Asia and looks at Russia as a European rather than a Eurasian power, China overestimates what its future position, aided by its $1 trillion infrastructure and energy-driven Belt and Road initiative, is likely to be. The skewed perceptions of both the United States and China create spaces for multiple other powers like Russia and various Middle Eastern states to carve out positions of their own. China, nonetheless, alongside Russia has one advantage. In contrast, to the United States, it adopts the notion put forward by former Portuguese Europe minister Bruno Macias that the number of the world’s continents is shrinking from seven to six. Increasingly, Europe and Asia no longer see their common landmass as two separate continents and are gravitating towards what Macias calls a “supercontinent.” Khanna implicitly acknowledges Macias’ notion by concluding that contrary to perceived Chinese expectations “ultimately, China’s position will be not of an Asian or global hegemon but rather of the eastern anchor of the Asian – and Eurasian – mega-system.” China’s perceived other advantage, its economic and financial muscle, in the juggling for position on the new supercontinent is also proving to be its Achilles Heel. The belief that the driver of the Belt and Road is geopolitics rather than economics is bolstered by predictions that none of China’s Indian Ocean port projects has much hope of financial success. A Financial Times study last year concluded that 78 countries targeted by China for project development are among the world’s most risky economies. On a scale of one to seven, the highest level of country risk, Belt and Road countries ranked 5.2, a significantly higher risk than the 3.5 average for emerging markets. They had a median rating by Moody’s, the credit rating agency, that was the equivalent of non-investment junk investment grade. The risk was reflected on the balance sheets of major Chinese state-owned companies that build, operate and invest in many Belt and Road projects. The study reported that China’s top internationally active construction and engineering contractors were almost four times more highly leveraged than their non-Chinese competitors. In a bid to avert a financial crisis, the government has ordered state-owned companies to reduce their debt burden, in part by attributing greater importance to the viability of overseas projects. The risk to China is not purely economic. It is also geopolitical and reputational. Increasingly, China is forced to focus short term less on the Great Game itself and more on countering the negative effect of a growing perception that China’s projection of the Belt and Road as a mutually beneficial proposition is more fantasy than fact. A growing number of countries, like Pakistan, Malaysia, Myanmar and Nepal, question the benefits of Belt and Road projects and are resisting China’s often onerous commercial and funding terms. Ironically, China’s immediate rivals in efforts to maintain its status and ensure that it does not lose hard-won ground are not the United States, India or Japan but its newly assertive, geopolitically ambitious friends in the Gulf, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as well as Iran. That is nowhere truer than in Pakistan, a Belt and Road crown jewel, where Saudi Arabia and the UAE have exploited to their advantage Chinese irritation with Pakistani demands to shift the emphasis of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) from infrastructure and energy to agriculture, job creation and the enabling of third-party investment, primarily from countries in the Gulf. Chinese chagrin has been evident in China’s hesitancy to respond to Pakistani requests for help in averting a financial crisis. Filling the gap, massive Saudi and UAE aid and investment to the tune of $30 billion in balance of payment support, deferred oil import payments and investment in the troubled Pakistani province of Balochistan that borders Iran has helped the government of Imran Khan avoid asking the International Monetary Fund (IMF) cap in hand to bail it out. China fears that Pakistan’s mounting dependence on Saudi Arabia and the UAE coupled with a US campaign intended to curb Iran’s regional projection potentially complicates the security of its massive $45 billion-plus investment that to a large extent targets Balochistan. The United States and Saudi Arabia see Balochistan as a possible launching pad for possible efforts to destabilise the Islamic republic by stirring unrest among its Baloch population and other ethnic minorities. Increased Saudi and UAE influence in Balochistan could, moreover, suck China into the escalating maelstrom of the two countries’ rivalry with Iran. Ironically, Saudi and UAE investment has at the same time shielded China from potentially embarrassing disclosure of the financial terms of CPEC-related projects that the IMF was demanding as part of any bailout. Media reports said that Pakistan had informally told the IMF that it would be paying China $40 billion over 20 years for $26.5 billion in Chinese funding of CPEC-related projects. The impact of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, like much of the rest of the Middle East, goes far beyond Balochistan. It also puts its mark elsewhere on the Eurasian supercontinent. In the words of analyst Galip Dalay, the Middle East or West Asia will, for better or for worse, shape each other. “The contemporary Middle East is no longer the geopolitically US-centric space that the Europeans once knew. Europe can respond in several ways: proceed with its largely ad-hoc, incoherent and crisis-driven policies of recent years; continue to be incorporated into someone else's game plan, as with the French-German involvement in the Russian-led Astana (peace) process for Syria; or craft a more coherent policy towards the region, with a strong emphasis on democratisation, reform, good governance, inclusion and reconciliation… If Europe doesn’t engage and invest in the transformation of the Middle East, regional developments will dramatically transform it, whether through radicalism, refugees, terrorism, xenophobia or populism. Interactions between Europe and the Middle East will be transformative, for better or for worse.,” Dalay said. The Middle East is similarly crucial to the success of China’s Belt and Road with Iran and Turkey representing key nodes that further the rise of Eurasia through Chinese-funded rails that link the Atlantic coast of Europe to the People’s Republic. The Middle East’s impact is one facet of a bigger game in which world and regional powers are competing for the position in Khanna’s multipolar and multicivilisational order. Robert Malley, a former Obama National Security Council official and head of the International Crisis Group argues that autocratic and authoritarian leaders are testing the limits of the 'Great Game' as the power of Western nations erodes and embattled concepts of multilateralism no longer serve to constrain them. “As the era of largely uncontested US primacy fades, the international order has been thrown into turmoil. More leaders are tempted more often to test limits, jostle for power, and seek to bolster their influence—or diminish that of their rivals—by meddling in foreign conflicts… Having annexed parts of Georgia and Crimea and stoked separatist violence in Ukraine’s Donbass region, Russia is now throwing its weight around in the Sea of Azov, poisoning dissidents in the United Kingdom, and subverting Western democracies with cyberwarfare. China obstructs freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and arbitrarily detains Canadian citizens… Saudi Arabia has pushed the envelope with the war in Yemen, the kidnapping of a Lebanese prime minister, and the gruesome murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi in its consulate in Istanbul. Iran plots attacks against dissidents on European soil. Israel feels emboldened to undermine ever more systematically the foundations of a possible two-state solution” to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Malley said. By implication, Malley was suggesting that efforts to push the envelope were enabled by the US’ failure to recognise that Europe and Asia were becoming one supercontinent. That failure was mirrored in the US National Security Strategy published in 2017 by the White House and a study by Rand Corporation in 2018 designed to conceptualise current geopolitics as an era of intensifying international competition. Rather than recognising an increasingly evident divergence of interests between the United States and Europe, the study suggested that the US would continue to have the opportunity if it chooses, to lead a predominant coalition of value-sharing democracies and other largely status quo states to help preserve stability.” The study appeared to downplay any divergence by reducing differences to “identity-fuelled nationalism” that aims to recapture (countries’) “rightful place” in world politics,” a reference to Russia, China, Iran and North Korea as well as European nations grappling with the rise of nationalist, populist and far-right forces and a Middle East that is shaping Europe through highly emotive issues such as migration, political violence and religious identity. The US focus on Russia as a European rather than a regional power with global ambitions also means that it underestimates Moscow’s play in the Middle East despite its military intervention in Syria. Russia national security scholar Stephen Blank argues that President Vladimir Putin’s strategy in the region is rooted in the thinking of Yevgeny Primakov, a Middle East expert and linguist and former spymaster, foreign minister and deputy prime minister, who like Khanna envisioned the emergence of a multi-polar, multi-civilisational world with Eurasia at its centre. Primakov saw the Middle East as a key arena for countering the United States that would enable Russia, weakened by the demise of the Soviet Union and a subsequent economic crisis, to regain its status as a global and regional power and ensure that it would be one pole in a multi-polar world. By identifying the region as a preferred battleground, Russia benefitted in the words of historian Niall Ferguson from the fact that its significant oil reserves made it “the only power that has no vested interest in stability in the Middle East.” Blank argued that “in order to reassert Russia’s greatness, Primakov and Putin aimed ultimately at strategic denial, denying Washington sole possession of a dominant role in the Middle East from where US influence could expand to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS),” a regional grouping of post-Soviet nations. They believed that if Russia succeeded it would force the United States to concede multi-polarity and grant Russia the recognition it deserves. That, in turn, would allow Putin to demonstrate to the Russian elite his ability to restore Russia to great power status. Syria offered Russia the opportunity to display its military prowess without the United States challenging the move. At the same time, Russia leveraged its political and economic clout to forge an alliance with Turkey and partner with Iran. The approach constituted an effort to defang Turkish and Iranian influence in the Caucasus and Central Asia. Similarly, Russia after brutally repressing religiously inspired Chechen rebels in the 1990s, was proving to be far defter than either China or the United States at promoting politically pacifist or apolitical Islam in a complex game of playing all sides against the middle. Russian engagement runs the gamut from engaging with militants to cooperating with Muslim autocrats to encouraging condemnation of the kind of Islam adopted by partners such as Saudi Arabia. Said Dmitri Trenin, director of the Carnegie Moscow Center and a former Russian military officer: “Russia is not the Soviet Union. It does not see the Middle East as a region that it can dominate. Displacing the United States from the leading position in the Middle East is way above Russia’s capacity, and keeping the region in its sphere of influence is way above Russia’s resources. Russia has certainly benefited from waning US interest in the Middle East as, absent an active America, Russia can act with more confidence and ease.” Describing Russia as “a lonely power,” Trenin went on to say that the difference between Russia and the Soviet Union was that the “Soviet Union was heavily engaged around the Middle East in spending money on an ideological and geopolitical project, the Russian Federation is active in the region trying to make money. The Soviet Union was about an idea. Russia’s idea is about Russia itself.” In the Great Game’s jostling for position, Trump’s America First approach mirrors Trenin’s portrayal of Russian policy. That leaves China tied up in the contradictions of a policy that is packaged in assertions of lofty ideals but like the United States and Russia is in effect first and foremost about the pursuit of Chinese interests. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

US and China's skewed maps complicate 21st century's 'Great Game' in Eurasia

Australia on Thursday demanded China handle the case of detained author Yang Hengjun "transparently and fairly," amid a growing row about the fate of the Chinese-Australian.

Yang -- a novelist, democracy advocate and former Chinese diplomat -- was detained shortly after he made a rare return to China from the United States last week.

Chinese authorities have not publicly said why he was detained, or whether he is facing charges.

"Our embassy in Beijing will meet with Chinese authorities this morning to seek further clarification of the nature of this detention," Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said in a statement.

"We will continue to make representations to China to ensure that this matter is dealt with transparently and fairly," she added.

Once described as China's "most influential political blogger", Yang became an Australian citizen in 2000, but is currently based at New York's Columbia University.

His criticism of the Chinese government and support for democracy has in the past made him a target of Beijing's state security apparatus.

He went missing during a 2011 trip to China, but resurfaced days later, describing his disappearance as a "misunderstanding".

But his current detention comes at a moment of high tension between Western countries and an increasingly muscular Beijing, prompting fears that he may be the victim of a dragnet by Chinese security services targeting foreigners.

The recent arrest of a senior executive of Chinese telecom giant Huawei at Vancouver airport has been followed by the high profile arrests of two Canadians.

"It only heightens the feeling that visiting China is unsafe and that the security services may increasingly be going after people for what they say outside of China," said respected China watcher Bill Bishop.

Relations between China and Australia have been strained by Canberra's decision to ban Chinese telecom giant Huawei from participating in its 5G wireless network over security fears and as the two countries have vied more openly for influence in the Pacific.

This latest dispute over Yang is sure to be high on an already difficult agenda when Australian Defence Minister Christopher Pyne visits Beijing later Thursday.

Yang had worked in the ministry of foreign affairs in Hainan province, but later left for Hong Kong in 1992, before writing a series of politically tinged spy novels. He became Australian in 2000.

Yang's friends first sounded concern when the 53-year-old failed to make a connecting flight from Guangzhou to Shanghai on January 19.&nbsp;

Australian media reported he had been travelling with family members, including his wife, who has since posted cryptic and emotional message on her Weibo page from Beijing.

In Australia there is mounting anger that China failed to quickly notify the authorities of his detention and fears that an already difficult relationship may be further damaged.

"You can't sugarcoat this, this is an Australian citizen, who has been detained in China" said Australian opposition leader Bill Shorten.

"It is very concerning, I can't pretend otherwise" he added, criticising the slow response from the Chinese authorities.

"This is not the way relations between our two countries should be conducted, at all."&nbsp;

Former Australian prime minister and expert on China Kevin Rudd turned to Twitter to insist that Yang is an Australian citizen "just like the rest of us with equal rights and protections".

Under a 2000 consular agreement between the two countries, China had to notify Australia of Yang's detention within three calendar days and allow consular visits, unless the detainee waives that right.

The issue may be further complicated by China's refusal to recognise dual nationality and allegations of Chinese "hostage diplomacy".

Writers' advocacy group PEN accused China of overt repression: "it's obvious that Yang would not have been seized if it weren't for his previous critical writings."

Australia on Thursday demanded China handle the case of detained author Yang Hengjun "transparently and fairly," amid a growing row about the fate of the Chinese-Australian.

Australia on Thursday demanded China handle the case of detained author Yang Hengjun "transparently and fairly," amid a growing row about the fate of the Chinese-Australian. Yang -- a novelist, democracy advocate and former Chinese diplomat -- was detained shortly after he made a rare return to China from the United States last week. Chinese authorities have not publicly said why he was detained, or whether he is facing charges. "Our embassy in Beijing will meet with Chinese authorities this morning to seek further clarification of the nature of this detention," Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said in a statement. "We will continue to make representations to China to ensure that this matter is dealt with transparently and fairly," she added. Once described as China's "most influential political blogger", Yang became an Australian citizen in 2000, but is currently based at New York's Columbia University. His criticism of the Chinese government and support for democracy has in the past made him a target of Beijing's state security apparatus. He went missing during a 2011 trip to China, but resurfaced days later, describing his disappearance as a "misunderstanding". But his current detention comes at a moment of high tension between Western countries and an increasingly muscular Beijing, prompting fears that he may be the victim of a dragnet by Chinese security services targeting foreigners. The recent arrest of a senior executive of Chinese telecom giant Huawei at Vancouver airport has been followed by the high profile arrests of two Canadians. "It only heightens the feeling that visiting China is unsafe and that the security services may increasingly be going after people for what they say outside of China," said respected China watcher Bill Bishop. Relations between China and Australia have been strained by Canberra's decision to ban Chinese telecom giant Huawei from participating in its 5G wireless network over security fears and as the two countries have vied more openly for influence in the Pacific. This latest dispute over Yang is sure to be high on an already difficult agenda when Australian Defence Minister Christopher Pyne visits Beijing later Thursday. Yang had worked in the ministry of foreign affairs in Hainan province, but later left for Hong Kong in 1992, before writing a series of politically tinged spy novels. He became Australian in 2000. Yang's friends first sounded concern when the 53-year-old failed to make a connecting flight from Guangzhou to Shanghai on January 19. Australian media reported he had been travelling with family members, including his wife, who has since posted cryptic and emotional message on her Weibo page from Beijing. In Australia there is mounting anger that China failed to quickly notify the authorities of his detention and fears that an already difficult relationship may be further damaged. "You can't sugarcoat this, this is an Australian citizen, who has been detained in China" said Australian opposition leader Bill Shorten. "It is very concerning, I can't pretend otherwise" he added, criticising the slow response from the Chinese authorities. "This is not the way relations between our two countries should be conducted, at all." Former Australian prime minister and expert on China Kevin Rudd turned to Twitter to insist that Yang is an Australian citizen "just like the rest of us with equal rights and protections". Under a 2000 consular agreement between the two countries, China had to notify Australia of Yang's detention within three calendar days and allow consular visits, unless the detainee waives that right. The issue may be further complicated by China's refusal to recognise dual nationality and allegations of Chinese "hostage diplomacy". Writers' advocacy group PEN accused China of overt repression: "it's obvious that Yang would not have been seized if it weren't for his previous critical writings."

Australia demands China treat detained national 'fairly'

Microsoft was investigating a disruption in its Bing search engine in China on Thursday, with social media users fearing it could be the latest foreign website to be blocked by censors.

Attempts to open cn.bing.com has resulted in an error message for users since Wednesday.

"We're aware of reports that Bing may be inaccessible to some customers in China and are investigating," a Microsoft spokesperson said in a statement.

China's Communist authorities operate an online censorship apparatus known as the "Great Firewall", which blocks a slew of websites including Facebook, Twitter and several foreign media outlets.

But it was not clear whether or not Bing joined the long list of prohibited websites, or if its China service was experiencing technical difficulties.

China's cyberspace administration could not immediately be reached for comment.

China's Great Firewall can be circumvented by using a virtual private network (VPN), which can hide a user's IP address.

While its rival Google shut down its search engine in China in 2010 after rows over censorship and hacking, Bing has continued to operate in the country along with Microsoft-owned Skype.

On Weibo, China's Twitter-like social media site, people complained about the lack of access, with some speculating that Bing too had been "walled off".

Others aired their dissatisfaction about having to use Baidu, China's largest domestic search service.

"I can't open Bing, but I don't want to use Baidu -- what to do?" wrote one user.

"Bing is actually dead -- is this to force me to use Baidu??" said another, cursing.

China has tightened policing of the internet in recent years, shuttering 26,000 "illegal" websites in 2018 alone and deleting six million online posts containing vulgar content, the official Xinhua news agency said earlier this month.

Bing's disruption comes as the United States and China are locked in a bruising trade war, with US accusations that China steals technological know-how among the core disagreements.

The two sides are scheduled for new trade negotiations next week.

Microsoft was investigating a disruption in its Bing search engine in China on Thursday, with social media users fearing it could be the latest foreign website to be blocked by censors.

Microsoft was investigating a disruption in its Bing search engine in China on Thursday, with social media users fearing it could be the latest foreign website to be blocked by censors. Attempts to open cn.bing.com has resulted in an error message for users since Wednesday. "We're aware of reports that Bing may be inaccessible to some customers in China and are investigating," a Microsoft spokesperson said in a statement. China's Communist authorities operate an online censorship apparatus known as the "Great Firewall", which blocks a slew of websites including Facebook, Twitter and several foreign media outlets. But it was not clear whether or not Bing joined the long list of prohibited websites, or if its China service was experiencing technical difficulties. China's cyberspace administration could not immediately be reached for comment. China's Great Firewall can be circumvented by using a virtual private network (VPN), which can hide a user's IP address. While its rival Google shut down its search engine in China in 2010 after rows over censorship and hacking, Bing has continued to operate in the country along with Microsoft-owned Skype. On Weibo, China's Twitter-like social media site, people complained about the lack of access, with some speculating that Bing too had been "walled off". Others aired their dissatisfaction about having to use Baidu, China's largest domestic search service. "I can't open Bing, but I don't want to use Baidu -- what to do?" wrote one user. "Bing is actually dead -- is this to force me to use Baidu??" said another, cursing. China has tightened policing of the internet in recent years, shuttering 26,000 "illegal" websites in 2018 alone and deleting six million online posts containing vulgar content, the official Xinhua news agency said earlier this month. Bing's disruption comes as the United States and China are locked in a bruising trade war, with US accusations that China steals technological know-how among the core disagreements. The two sides are scheduled for new trade negotiations next week.

Microsoft's Bing search engine goes offline in China

china-0

China, News on China, stories on China, articles on China, China stories at Wion, China news, China latest news

china 0