In a major victory for India on the international stage, its candidate, Uma Sekhar, secured a resounding win in the elections for the governing council of the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT). The achievement becomes even more remarkable as candidates from Russia, the USA and China failed to win any positions on the governing council.

The announcement of her win has not only elevated India's standing in the world of international law but also marked a historic moment as Uma Sekhar became the first Indian woman to secure a position on the Governing Council of the prestigious Rome-based organization.&nbsp;

The highly anticipated elections featured 32 contestants from a number of nations, including the USA, China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and France. Uma Sekhar's victory, with an impressive 45 out of 59 votes in the first round, underscored the overwhelming support she garnered from member nations.

The required threshold for securing a position on the Governing Council was 21 votes, highlighting the substantial mandate and confidence placed in India's candidate. India will be a member of the Governing Council for the period 2024-28.

The UNIDROIT, an independent intergovernmental organisation headquartered in Rome, Italy, focuses on promoting uniformity in commercial law globally.

In a major victory for India on the international stage, its candidate, Uma Sekhar, secured a resounding win in the elections for the governing council of the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT).

In a major victory for India on the international stage, its candidate, Uma Sekhar, secured a resounding win in the elections for the governing council of the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT). The achievement becomes even more remarkable as candidates from Russia, the USA and China failed to win any positions on the governing council. The announcement of her win has not only elevated India's standing in the world of international law but also marked a historic moment as Uma Sekhar became the first Indian woman to secure a position on the Governing Council of the prestigious Rome-based organization. The highly anticipated elections featured 32 contestants from a number of nations, including the USA, China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and France. Uma Sekhar's victory, with an impressive 45 out of 59 votes in the first round, underscored the overwhelming support she garnered from member nations. The required threshold for securing a position on the Governing Council was 21 votes, highlighting the substantial mandate and confidence placed in India's candidate. India will be a member of the Governing Council for the period 2024-28. The UNIDROIT, an independent intergovernmental organisation headquartered in Rome, Italy, focuses on promoting uniformity in commercial law globally.

India's Uma Sekhar triumphs over US, Russia, China candidates in UNIDROIT election

Over 100 individuals in China were injured on Thursday evening, as carriages disconnected from a train on a bustling commuter line in Beijing.

As per the Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport, initial investigations have revealed that the train executed an emergency stop following a signal downgrade.&nbsp;

<h2>How did the accident happen?</h2>

In a statement on Friday, the commission said that the sloping terrain, coupled with icy rails, led to the carriages slipping and colliding.&nbsp;

As of Friday morning, 67 people had been hospitalised, with 25 of them kept under observation. A total of 515 individuals were sent to the hospital for medical attention. 102 had bone fractures.&nbsp;

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The South China Morning Pots (SCMP) reports that the accident on the Changping line, which serves Beijing's northern region, occurred at about 7 pm (local time).

According to the subway authorities, the conductor rail lost electricity on part of the line, which lead to sudden stoppages and delays for other trains. The cause of the power failure is yet unknown.

<h2>Line to operate as usual</h2>

Beijing Subway in a statement said that the Changping line, where the accident happened, has resumed operations with shuttle buses between Xierqi and Zhuxinzhuang, the affected stations.

"Most of the line will operate as usual on Friday and passengers will be able to change to Line 8 and Line 13 to travel to the central part of the city," stated subway authorities.&nbsp;

To ensure safety amid severe weather, fewer trains will operate at slower speeds, added the statement.

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<h2>'My train broke in two'</h2>

Videos shared online show a stranded carriage packed with people.

On China's social media platform Weibo, pictures of passengers continuing their journey on foot along icy roads were posted with comments like "My train broke in two" accompanying the images.&nbsp;

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🚨 Beijing metro collision on Thursday left 102 people with fractures. A total of 515 individuals were sent to the hospital for examination after the last two train cars separated.: CCTV<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#China</a> <a href="https://t.co/XJ40k73DIV">pic.twitter.com/XJ40k73DIV</a>
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<h2>China's weather woes</h2>

Recent days have seen northern China grappling with a heavy snowstorm, prompting authorities to advise residents in the Chinese capital to stay indoors. This, as per the SCMP report, has also resulted in the closure of schools and outdoor facilities.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Over 100 individuals in China were injured on Thursday evening, as carriages disconnected from a train on a bustling commuter line in Beijing. As per the Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport, initial investigations have revealed that the train executed an emergency stop following a signal downgrade.

Over 100 individuals in China were injured on Thursday evening, as carriages disconnected from a train on a bustling commuter line in Beijing. As per the Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport, initial investigations have revealed that the train executed an emergency stop following a signal downgrade. How did the accident happen? In a statement on Friday, the commission said that the sloping terrain, coupled with icy rails, led to the carriages slipping and colliding. As of Friday morning, 67 people had been hospitalised, with 25 of them kept under observation. A total of 515 individuals were sent to the hospital for medical attention. 102 had bone fractures. Also read | UK: Three found guilty of Caroline Glachan murder that took place 27 years ago The South China Morning Pots (SCMP) reports that the accident on the Changping line, which serves Beijing's northern region, occurred at about 7 pm (local time). According to the subway authorities, the conductor rail lost electricity on part of the line, which lead to sudden stoppages and delays for other trains. The cause of the power failure is yet unknown. Line to operate as usual Beijing Subway in a statement said that the Changping line, where the accident happened, has resumed operations with shuttle buses between Xierqi and Zhuxinzhuang, the affected stations. "Most of the line will operate as usual on Friday and passengers will be able to change to Line 8 and Line 13 to travel to the central part of the city," stated subway authorities. To ensure safety amid severe weather, fewer trains will operate at slower speeds, added the statement. Also read | Canada: Black people immoderately stopped, checked by Toronto police, finds report 'My train broke in two' Videos shared online show a stranded carriage packed with people. On China's social media platform Weibo, pictures of passengers continuing their journey on foot along icy roads were posted with comments like "My train broke in two" accompanying the images. 🚨 Beijing metro collision on Thursday left 102 people with fractures. A total of 515 individuals were sent to the hospital for examination after the last two train cars separated.: CCTV#China pic.twitter.com/XJ40k73DIV — QuickUpdate (@BigBreakingWire) December 15, 2023 × China's weather woes Recent days have seen northern China grappling with a heavy snowstorm, prompting authorities to advise residents in the Chinese capital to stay indoors. This, as per the SCMP report, has also resulted in the closure of schools and outdoor facilities. (With inputs from agencies)

'My train broke in two': Over 100 injured as carriages detach from train owing to icy tracks in Beijing

The Philippines said on Saturday (Dec 2) that China executed two Filipinos for drug trafficking despite Manila's appeals to commute their death sentences to life in prison. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, the Philippines' department of foreign affairs said that it did not announce the Nov 24 executions until the government was formally notified by China.

The department said that it provided all possible help to both Filipinos, including funding for their legal defence from the time they were arrested in 2013 until their 2016 convictions by a lower Chinese court. The department also did not identify them, citing the wishes of their families for privacy.&nbsp;

“The government of the Republic of the Philippines further exhausted all measures available to appeal to the relevant authorities of the People’s Republic of China to commute their sentences to life imprisonment on humanitarian grounds,” the department said on Saturday.

“The Chinese government, citing their internal laws, upheld the conviction and the Philippines must respect China’s criminal laws and legal processes,” it added.

The foreign affairs department also said that while the government would continue to exhaust all possible avenues to assist Filipinos overseas, “ultimately it is the laws and sovereign decisions of foreign countries, and not the Philippines, which will prevail in these cases.”

These executions renewed a reminder for Filipinos travelling abroad to be vigilant against drug syndicates, which recruit travellers to serve as “drug mules” or couriers and to refuse to carry any uninspected package from other people.

The department said that while it was saddened by the executions, their deaths strengthened the government’s resolve to continue relentless efforts to rid the country of drug syndicates that prey on the vulnerable.

Meanwhile, two other penalty cases involving Filipinos were on appeal and under final review in China, as per the department.&nbsp;

One other Filipino, Mary Jabe Veloso, was facing execution in Indonesia after being convicted of drug trafficking. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appealed for a commutation of her death sentence or a pardon but it remained to be seen whether it would be granted.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Philippines said on Saturday (Dec 2) that China executed two Filipinos for drug trafficking despite Manila's appeals to commute their death sentences to life in prison.

The Philippines said on Saturday (Dec 2) that China executed two Filipinos for drug trafficking despite Manila's appeals to commute their death sentences to life in prison. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, the Philippines' department of foreign affairs said that it did not announce the Nov 24 executions until the government was formally notified by China. The department said that it provided all possible help to both Filipinos, including funding for their legal defence from the time they were arrested in 2013 until their 2016 convictions by a lower Chinese court. The department also did not identify them, citing the wishes of their families for privacy. “The government of the Republic of the Philippines further exhausted all measures available to appeal to the relevant authorities of the People’s Republic of China to commute their sentences to life imprisonment on humanitarian grounds,” the department said on Saturday. “The Chinese government, citing their internal laws, upheld the conviction and the Philippines must respect China’s criminal laws and legal processes,” it added. The foreign affairs department also said that while the government would continue to exhaust all possible avenues to assist Filipinos overseas, “ultimately it is the laws and sovereign decisions of foreign countries, and not the Philippines, which will prevail in these cases.” These executions renewed a reminder for Filipinos travelling abroad to be vigilant against drug syndicates, which recruit travellers to serve as “drug mules” or couriers and to refuse to carry any uninspected package from other people. The department said that while it was saddened by the executions, their deaths strengthened the government’s resolve to continue relentless efforts to rid the country of drug syndicates that prey on the vulnerable. Meanwhile, two other penalty cases involving Filipinos were on appeal and under final review in China, as per the department. One other Filipino, Mary Jabe Veloso, was facing execution in Indonesia after being convicted of drug trafficking. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appealed for a commutation of her death sentence or a pardon but it remained to be seen whether it would be granted. (With inputs from agencies)

China executes two Filipinos convicted of drug trafficking: Manila

China, once more, is surrounded by controversy. This time, it is not COVID-19 but the rising pneumonia cases and its impact on school-going children who are aged five or above. Social media is abuzz with images of children who are admitted to hospitals for receiving treatment. However, other bizarre scenes are also seen where these kids are battling these respiratory illnesses while also attending to their school homework from these medical facilities.&nbsp;

If media reports are to be believed, amid an outbreak of pneumonia affecting children in the northern part of China, the hospitals in the region have established special "homework zones" for young patients dealing with respiratory illnesses.

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This comes as China is facing a surge in cases which is attributed to a combination of known pathogens. It is straining hospitals in Beijing and nearby cities. Moreover, thousands of patients are seeking outpatient and emergency care daily.

<h2>Debate around homework from hospitals&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

Images and videos circulating on social media depict children engaged in homework while receiving intravenous drips in hospitals in Jiangsu, Anhui, and central Hubei provinces.

The scenes have sparked a debate online. Netizens can't keep quiet as it is unearthing memories of how China dealt with the Covid-19 crisis&nbsp;by imposing stringent norms and curbing freedom of people on social media outlets where they were speaking against the authorities.&nbsp;

<h2>Split reactions from parents&nbsp;</h2>

The reactions over this have been split. Now, as these images and videos of children doing homework from hospital beds are gaining traction, some of the parents are expressing mixed feelings about the practice.&nbsp;Reports suggested that the hospitals began popularising separate study zones for sick children a few years ago. Since then, it has become a practice of sorts.&nbsp;

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While some parents initially resisted the idea, the reported positive study environment at hospitals has prompted them to encourage their children to do homework during medical treatment. One parent mentioned that their child had to complete homework in the hospital to avoid additional tasks upon returning to school after recovery.

“My kid had to do his homework this way because if he did not finish it, he would have to do a lot more when he returns to school after he recovers,” a father reportedly said.

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<h2>Criticism on&nbsp;social media&nbsp;</h2>

This approach in hospitals has faced criticism on social media, with some users expressing concern that sick children should be resting instead of studying. Despite the debate, the practice of children doing homework in hospitals is deemed "common in China," with some hospitals even having dedicated areas for students to study while undergoing treatment, according to social media users.

"We live in a country of hell mode," a user reportedly wrote on X.&nbsp;

Health authorities have linked the rising cases to viruses like influenza, rhinoviruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus, and bacteria like Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

(With inputs from agencies)

China, once more, is surrounded by controversy. This time, it is not COVID-19 but the rising pneumonia cases and its impact on school-going children who are aged five or above.

China, once more, is surrounded by controversy. This time, it is not COVID-19 but the rising pneumonia cases and its impact on school-going children who are aged five or above. Social media is abuzz with images of children who are admitted to hospitals for receiving treatment. However, other bizarre scenes are also seen where these kids are battling these respiratory illnesses while also attending to their school homework from these medical facilities. If media reports are to be believed, amid an outbreak of pneumonia affecting children in the northern part of China, the hospitals in the region have established special "homework zones" for young patients dealing with respiratory illnesses. Also Read | Pope strips conservative US cardinal of Vatican privileges, Vatican official says This comes as China is facing a surge in cases which is attributed to a combination of known pathogens. It is straining hospitals in Beijing and nearby cities. Moreover, thousands of patients are seeking outpatient and emergency care daily. Debate around homework from hospitals Images and videos circulating on social media depict children engaged in homework while receiving intravenous drips in hospitals in Jiangsu, Anhui, and central Hubei provinces. The scenes have sparked a debate online. Netizens can't keep quiet as it is unearthing memories of how China dealt with the Covid-19 crisis by imposing stringent norms and curbing freedom of people on social media outlets where they were speaking against the authorities. Split reactions from parents The reactions over this have been split. Now, as these images and videos of children doing homework from hospital beds are gaining traction, some of the parents are expressing mixed feelings about the practice. Reports suggested that the hospitals began popularising separate study zones for sick children a few years ago. Since then, it has become a practice of sorts. Also Read | England and Wales 'living in dark ages,' poll finds 1-in-7 HR says men better suited to top jobs While some parents initially resisted the idea, the reported positive study environment at hospitals has prompted them to encourage their children to do homework during medical treatment. One parent mentioned that their child had to complete homework in the hospital to avoid additional tasks upon returning to school after recovery. “My kid had to do his homework this way because if he did not finish it, he would have to do a lot more when he returns to school after he recovers,” a father reportedly said. Watch | COP28 president optimistic of stopping global warming × Criticism on social media This approach in hospitals has faced criticism on social media, with some users expressing concern that sick children should be resting instead of studying. Despite the debate, the practice of children doing homework in hospitals is deemed "common in China," with some hospitals even having dedicated areas for students to study while undergoing treatment, according to social media users. "We live in a country of hell mode," a user reportedly wrote on X. Health authorities have linked the rising cases to viruses like influenza, rhinoviruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus, and bacteria like Mycoplasma pneumoniae. (With inputs from agencies)

'Hell mode?': Chinese hospitals have 'homework zones' for kids battling pneumonia, netizens react

At least 26 people have been killed and 38&nbsp;others injured&nbsp;after a massive fire broke out at a coal company’s office building in China’s northern Shanxi province, state media reported on Thursday (Nov 16). In a later update, the state broadcaster CCTV reported that the fire has since been “brought under control”.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened?</h2>

The fire broke out at around 6:50 am (local time) in a four-storey building belonging to the Yongju coal company in Luliang City located in the country’s top coal-producing hub of Shanxi, said Chinese media citing local officials.&nbsp;

CCTV initially reported the fire killed 11 people but later raised the death toll to 26. The Chinese broadcaster also reported that 63 people had been evacuated, 51 of whom were hospitalised.

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“Rescue work is still in progress and the cause of the fire is under investigation,” reported CCTV.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A report by AFP citing video footage posted on the Chinese social media platform Weibo said bright flames and thick black smoke were seen billowing from the building, while dozens of people stood in the parking lot watching.&nbsp;

Emergency response personnel could be seen in the footage racing to put on protective gear outside a fire truck parked at the building’s entrance, reported the news agency citing the footage.&nbsp;

<h2>Deadly fires in China</h2>

The recent fire also comes months after 29 people were killed after a blaze ripped through a hospital in the capital city of Beijing. The incident garnered criticism from the public for local authorities on social media sites.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is in the midst of a&nbsp;visit&nbsp;to the United States, urged the authorities to ensure that more safety measures are put in place to avoid such incidents, reported&nbsp;state-run Xinhua news agency.&nbsp;

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However, industrial accidents are common in China due to lax safety standards and poor enforcement. In July, 11 people died after the roof of a school gym collapsed in the country’s northeast.

The month before, at least 31 people were killed after an explosion at a barbecue restaurant in northwestern China prompting a nationwide campaign to promote workplace safety.&nbsp;

One of the worst such accidents took place in 2015 in the Chinese city of Tianjin where an explosion at a chemical warehouse killed at least 165 people.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 26 people have been killed and 38 others injured after a massive fire broke out at a coal company’s office building in China’s northern Shanxi province, state media reported on Thursday (Nov 16).

At least 26 people have been killed and 38 others injured after a massive fire broke out at a coal company’s office building in China’s northern Shanxi province, state media reported on Thursday (Nov 16). In a later update, the state broadcaster CCTV reported that the fire has since been “brought under control”. What happened? The fire broke out at around 6:50 am (local time) in a four-storey building belonging to the Yongju coal company in Luliang City located in the country’s top coal-producing hub of Shanxi, said Chinese media citing local officials. CCTV initially reported the fire killed 11 people but later raised the death toll to 26. The Chinese broadcaster also reported that 63 people had been evacuated, 51 of whom were hospitalised. ALSO READ | Biden calls Xi 'dictator' right after 'constructive' US-China strategic meet on the sidelines of APEC summit “Rescue work is still in progress and the cause of the fire is under investigation,” reported CCTV. A report by AFP citing video footage posted on the Chinese social media platform Weibo said bright flames and thick black smoke were seen billowing from the building, while dozens of people stood in the parking lot watching. Emergency response personnel could be seen in the footage racing to put on protective gear outside a fire truck parked at the building’s entrance, reported the news agency citing the footage. Deadly fires in China The recent fire also comes months after 29 people were killed after a blaze ripped through a hospital in the capital city of Beijing. The incident garnered criticism from the public for local authorities on social media sites. Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is in the midst of a visit to the United States, urged the authorities to ensure that more safety measures are put in place to avoid such incidents, reported state-run Xinhua news agency. ALSO READ | At least 21 killed, over 70 evacuated after fire in Beijing hospital: Reports However, industrial accidents are common in China due to lax safety standards and poor enforcement. In July, 11 people died after the roof of a school gym collapsed in the country’s northeast. The month before, at least 31 people were killed after an explosion at a barbecue restaurant in northwestern China prompting a nationwide campaign to promote workplace safety. One of the worst such accidents took place in 2015 in the Chinese city of Tianjin where an explosion at a chemical warehouse killed at least 165 people. (With inputs from agencies)

China: At least 26 people killed, dozens injured after fire in coal mining firm's office

Authorities in China on Tuesday (Nov 7) detained two prominent businessmen - Chen Shaojie and Zhao Bingxian. According to a report by the news agency AFP, Chen Shaojie, the founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of live streaming platform DouYu, has not been seen in public for weeks. Citing local media, the report said industry insiders believed Chen's disappearance was related to suspected gambling during a live stream on the platform on DouYu.

"DouYu's business operations remain normal," the company's representatives said. Chen's colleagues were unaware of his whereabouts and were unable to get in contact with him.

Meanwhile, Zhao Bingxian, who is also known as China's Warren Buffett, was assisting authorities in an investigation, his company Wohua Pharmaceutical said. Wohua did not disclose any details about Zhao's detention but said the matter had nothing to do with the company, BBC reported.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping has launched an intense crackdown on corruption which has led to arrests, detentions and cases against the country's leading financiers and businesspeople.&nbsp;

Last week, Zhang Hongli, the former vice president of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), was placed under investigation for suspected corruption. Zhang was suspected of serious disciplinary and legal violations, China's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said.&nbsp;

This investigation comes after the Bank of China's former chairperson Liu Lian'ge was arrested by the country's top prosecutor. He was arrested on suspicion of taking bribes and illegally granting loans.&nbsp;

At the start of October, Everbright Group's former head Li Xiaopeng was fired from the ruling Communist Party and dismissed from public service. Li accepted gifts and money, defied a party policy on improving conduct and "attempted to obstruct the investigation into his case".

And in September, the former chairman and Chinese Communist Party chief of China Life Insurance, Wang Bin, was sentenced to life in prison for corruption.

(With inputs from agencies)

Authorities in China on Tuesday (Nov 7) detained two prominent businessmen - Chen Shaojie and Zhao Bingxian. According to a report by the news agency AFP, Chen Shaojie, the founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of live streaming platform DouYu, has not been seen in public for weeks.

Authorities in China on Tuesday (Nov 7) detained two prominent businessmen - Chen Shaojie and Zhao Bingxian. According to a report by the news agency AFP, Chen Shaojie, the founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of live streaming platform DouYu, has not been seen in public for weeks. Citing local media, the report said industry insiders believed Chen's disappearance was related to suspected gambling during a live stream on the platform on DouYu. "DouYu's business operations remain normal," the company's representatives said. Chen's colleagues were unaware of his whereabouts and were unable to get in contact with him. Meanwhile, Zhao Bingxian, who is also known as China's Warren Buffett, was assisting authorities in an investigation, his company Wohua Pharmaceutical said. Wohua did not disclose any details about Zhao's detention but said the matter had nothing to do with the company, BBC reported. Also read | China: Former top official of bank under investigation for suspected corruption Chinese President Xi Jinping has launched an intense crackdown on corruption which has led to arrests, detentions and cases against the country's leading financiers and businesspeople. Last week, Zhang Hongli, the former vice president of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), was placed under investigation for suspected corruption. Zhang was suspected of serious disciplinary and legal violations, China's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said. This investigation comes after the Bank of China's former chairperson Liu Lian'ge was arrested by the country's top prosecutor. He was arrested on suspicion of taking bribes and illegally granting loans. At the start of October, Everbright Group's former head Li Xiaopeng was fired from the ruling Communist Party and dismissed from public service. Li accepted gifts and money, defied a party policy on improving conduct and "attempted to obstruct the investigation into his case". And in September, the former chairman and Chinese Communist Party chief of China Life Insurance, Wang Bin, was sentenced to life in prison for corruption. (With inputs from agencies)

China detains two prominent businessmen, one of them is missing

The Kremlin said on Wednesday it was not concerned by China increasing the capabilities of its nuclear arsenal, stressing Moscow's "advanced strategic partnership" with Beijing and China's sovereign right to ensure its own security.

China has&nbsp;launched&nbsp;its first nuclear-powered guided missile submarines, according to the Pentagon's latest report on China's military, giving it land and sea attack options that were once the sole province of US&nbsp;and Russian vessels.

"This does not cause us concern, our relations are an advanced strategic partnership, we have the most advanced stage of political dialogue, economic interaction," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

"And in this case, China, which faces very serious challenges for its own security in the region, is taking steps that it considers appropriate."

"This is the absolute sovereign right of this country."

Russia has forged even closer commercial, political and security ties with China, part of what they call a "no limits" partnership, since Moscow's decision to send tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in February 2022, triggering sweeping Western sanctions.

The Pentagon&nbsp;report, published on Oct. 20, marks the first apparent confirmation that modified submarines seen in Chinese shipyards over the last 18 months are Type 093B guided missile submarines.

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Russia has been tweaking its own legislation on nuclear matters this month, with parliament on Wednesday&nbsp;completing&nbsp;the passage of a law that withdraws Moscow's ratification of the global treaty banning nuclear weapons tests.

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Russia says it will not resume nuclear testing unless Washington does, but arms control experts are concerned it may be inching towards a test that the West would perceive as a threatening escalation in the context of the Ukraine war. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The Kremlin said on Wednesday it was not concerned by China increasing the capabilities of its nuclear arsenal, stressing Moscow's "advanced strategic partnership" with Beijing and China's sovereign right to ensure its own security.

The Kremlin said on Wednesday it was not concerned by China increasing the capabilities of its nuclear arsenal, stressing Moscow's "advanced strategic partnership" with Beijing and China's sovereign right to ensure its own security. China has launched its first nuclear-powered guided missile submarines, according to the Pentagon's latest report on China's military, giving it land and sea attack options that were once the sole province of US and Russian vessels. "This does not cause us concern, our relations are an advanced strategic partnership, we have the most advanced stage of political dialogue, economic interaction," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. "And in this case, China, which faces very serious challenges for its own security in the region, is taking steps that it considers appropriate." "This is the absolute sovereign right of this country." Russia has forged even closer commercial, political and security ties with China, part of what they call a "no limits" partnership, since Moscow's decision to send tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in February 2022, triggering sweeping Western sanctions. The Pentagon report, published on Oct. 20, marks the first apparent confirmation that modified submarines seen in Chinese shipyards over the last 18 months are Type 093B guided missile submarines. Also read | Trump gaining ground in New York? Poll shows dip in Biden's popularity, rise in Trump's Russia has been tweaking its own legislation on nuclear matters this month, with parliament on Wednesday completing the passage of a law that withdraws Moscow's ratification of the global treaty banning nuclear weapons tests. Also read | Greta Thunberg kicked out of Israeli textbooks after 'stand with Gaza' row Russia says it will not resume nuclear testing unless Washington does, but arms control experts are concerned it may be inching towards a test that the West would perceive as a threatening escalation in the context of the Ukraine war. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia unconcerned by China increasing nuclear arsenal capabilities, says Kremlin

The Taliban will attend China's Belt and Road Forum next week, a spokesman said on Saturday, underscoring Beijing's growing official ties with the administration, despite its lack of formal recognition by any government.

Taliban officials and ministers have at times travelled to regional meetings, mostly those focussed on Afghanistan, but the Belt and Road Forum is among the highest-profile multilateral summits it has been invited to attend.

The forum in Beijing on Tuesday and Wednesday marks the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinping's ambitious global infrastructure and energy initiative, billed as recreating the ancient Silk Road to boost global trade.

The Taliban's acting minister for commerce and industry, Haji Nooruddin Azizi, will travel to Beijing in the coming days, ministry spokesman Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad said in a text message to Reuters.

"He will attend and will invite large investors&nbsp;to Afghanistan," he said.

The impoverished country could offer a wealth of coveted mineral resources. A mines minister estimated in 2010 that Afghanistan had untapped deposits, ranging from copper to gold and lithium, worth between $1 trillion and $3 trillion. It is not clear how much they are worth today.

China has been in talks with the Taliban over plans, begun under the previous foreign-backed government, over a possible huge copper mine in eastern Afghanistan.

China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Azizi will continue discussions in Beijing on plans to build a road through the Wakhan corridor, a thin, mountainous strip in northern Afghanistan, to provide direct access to China, Akhundzada said.

Officials from China, the Taliban and neighbouring Pakistan said in May they would like Belt and Road to include Afghanistan and for the flagship China Pakistan Economic Corridor to be extended across the border to Afghanistan.

The Taliban has not been formally recognised by any government since taking control of Afghanistan two years ago as U.S. and other foreign forces withdrew.

A series of restrictions on women's access to public life and the barring of many female NGO staff from work has increased roadblocks to recognition, especially by Western countries, officials and international relations analysts say.

China has boosted engagement with the Taliban, becoming the first country to appoint an ambassador to Kabul since the Taliban took power, and invested in mining projects.

Beijing's ambassador presented his credentials to the Taliban's acting prime minister last month. Other nations have kept on previous ambassadors or appointed heads of mission in a charge d'affaires capacity that does not involve formally presenting credentials to the government.

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The Taliban will attend China's Belt and Road Forum next week, a spokesman said on Saturday, underscoring Beijing's growing official ties with the administration, despite its lack of formal recognition by any government.

The Taliban will attend China's Belt and Road Forum next week, a spokesman said on Saturday, underscoring Beijing's growing official ties with the administration, despite its lack of formal recognition by any government. Taliban officials and ministers have at times travelled to regional meetings, mostly those focussed on Afghanistan, but the Belt and Road Forum is among the highest-profile multilateral summits it has been invited to attend. The forum in Beijing on Tuesday and Wednesday marks the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinping's ambitious global infrastructure and energy initiative, billed as recreating the ancient Silk Road to boost global trade. The Taliban's acting minister for commerce and industry, Haji Nooruddin Azizi, will travel to Beijing in the coming days, ministry spokesman Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad said in a text message to Reuters. "He will attend and will invite large investors to Afghanistan," he said. The impoverished country could offer a wealth of coveted mineral resources. A mines minister estimated in 2010 that Afghanistan had untapped deposits, ranging from copper to gold and lithium, worth between $1 trillion and $3 trillion. It is not clear how much they are worth today. China has been in talks with the Taliban over plans, begun under the previous foreign-backed government, over a possible huge copper mine in eastern Afghanistan. China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Azizi will continue discussions in Beijing on plans to build a road through the Wakhan corridor, a thin, mountainous strip in northern Afghanistan, to provide direct access to China, Akhundzada said. Officials from China, the Taliban and neighbouring Pakistan said in May they would like Belt and Road to include Afghanistan and for the flagship China Pakistan Economic Corridor to be extended across the border to Afghanistan. The Taliban has not been formally recognised by any government since taking control of Afghanistan two years ago as U.S. and other foreign forces withdrew. A series of restrictions on women's access to public life and the barring of many female NGO staff from work has increased roadblocks to recognition, especially by Western countries, officials and international relations analysts say. China has boosted engagement with the Taliban, becoming the first country to appoint an ambassador to Kabul since the Taliban took power, and invested in mining projects. Beijing's ambassador presented his credentials to the Taliban's acting prime minister last month. Other nations have kept on previous ambassadors or appointed heads of mission in a charge d'affaires capacity that does not involve formally presenting credentials to the government. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Taliban to join China's Belt and Road forum, elevating ties

The Chinese military released an animated short film on National Day showing pieces of a scroll painting torn in two more than 300 years ago being reunited, in a show of the mainland's determination to bring self-ruled Taiwan into the fold.

The pieces of the "The Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains", one of China's best-known ancient paintings, are kept separately in museums in China and Taiwan, the democratically governed island that Beijing claims as one its provinces, and which it reserves the right to take over by force.

On National Day on Sunday, the People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theatre Command, known for belligerent videos of exercises around Taiwan, released an animated short film called "Dreams Come True on Fuchun River", appealing to the shared cultural roots of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/55-chinese-sailors-die-of-poisoning-asphyxiation-in-catastrophic-nuclear-submarine-accident-642315">55 Chinese sailors die of poisoning, asphyxiation in nuclear submarine accident: Report</a>

The film featured two elves, representing the two pieces of the painting by Yuan dynasty master Huang Gongwang, which was torn apart in the 17th century by one of its owners.

At the end of the movie, the two characters came together, magically making the painting whole again.

The shorter piece of the scroll, known as "The Remaining Mountain", about 51 cm long, is at the Zhejiang Provincial Museum in Hangzhou city. Taiwan's National Palace Museum has kept the 640-cm long "Master Wuyong Scroll" since the 1950s.

The two pieces were reunited in 2011 when China lent its fragment to the Taiwanese museum for two months during a period of warmer relations as Taiwan pursued a policy of economic rapprochement with China.

But in recent years, as relations have cooled, China has ramped up military activities around Taiwan, including drills over the past month that Beijing said were targeted at combating separatist forces.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/chinas-economic-rollercoaster-youth-bet-on-lottery-dreams-642392">China's economic rollercoaster: Youth bet on lottery dreams</a>

At the same time, China is drafting ambitious plans to "integrate" the economies of its Fujian province and Taiwan, on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, offering Taiwan firms a chance to take part in a joint development plan, which Taiwan's government has spurned.

While China is keen to woo Taiwan with promises of economic gains, the threat of taking Taiwan by force is unrelenting.

During the journey by the two elves in the film, the Eastern Theatre Command inserted shots of aircraft carrier formations and J-20 fighter jets, reminding viewers of its battlefield capabilities.

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The Chinese military released an animated short film on National Day showing pieces of a scroll painting torn in two more than 300 years ago being reunited, in a show of the mainland's determination to bring self-ruled Taiwan into the fold.

The Chinese military released an animated short film on National Day showing pieces of a scroll painting torn in two more than 300 years ago being reunited, in a show of the mainland's determination to bring self-ruled Taiwan into the fold. The pieces of the "The Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains", one of China's best-known ancient paintings, are kept separately in museums in China and Taiwan, the democratically governed island that Beijing claims as one its provinces, and which it reserves the right to take over by force. On National Day on Sunday, the People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theatre Command, known for belligerent videos of exercises around Taiwan, released an animated short film called "Dreams Come True on Fuchun River", appealing to the shared cultural roots of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Also read | 55 Chinese sailors die of poisoning, asphyxiation in nuclear submarine accident: Report The film featured two elves, representing the two pieces of the painting by Yuan dynasty master Huang Gongwang, which was torn apart in the 17th century by one of its owners. At the end of the movie, the two characters came together, magically making the painting whole again. The shorter piece of the scroll, known as "The Remaining Mountain", about 51 cm long, is at the Zhejiang Provincial Museum in Hangzhou city. Taiwan's National Palace Museum has kept the 640-cm long "Master Wuyong Scroll" since the 1950s. The two pieces were reunited in 2011 when China lent its fragment to the Taiwanese museum for two months during a period of warmer relations as Taiwan pursued a policy of economic rapprochement with China. But in recent years, as relations have cooled, China has ramped up military activities around Taiwan, including drills over the past month that Beijing said were targeted at combating separatist forces. Also read | China's economic rollercoaster: Youth bet on lottery dreams At the same time, China is drafting ambitious plans to "integrate" the economies of its Fujian province and Taiwan, on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, offering Taiwan firms a chance to take part in a joint development plan, which Taiwan's government has spurned. While China is keen to woo Taiwan with promises of economic gains, the threat of taking Taiwan by force is unrelenting. During the journey by the two elves in the film, the Eastern Theatre Command inserted shots of aircraft carrier formations and J-20 fighter jets, reminding viewers of its battlefield capabilities. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Two elves and a scroll: China military releases animation on Taiwan 'reunification'

Fifty-five Chinese sailors have reportedly died after their nuclear submarine was ensnared in a trap intended to trap British, US and allies' sub-surface vessels.

As per a Daily Mail report, the incident happened in the Yellow Sea. In spite of the catastrophic danger, China refused to ask for international help, alleges the report.

<h2>Poisoned under the water</h2>

Citing a 'secret UK report,' the UK-based publication said that the sailors died after the submarine's oxygen system failed, poisoning the crew.

As per the report, which is based on defence intelligence, the dead include the captain of the Chinese PLA Navy Submarine '093-417', along with other cadets and officers.

UK Intelligence "reports that on the 21st of August, there was an onboard accident whilst carrying out a mission in the Yellow Sea."

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It further states that the "incident happened at 08:12 local" and resulted in the death of "55 crew members: 22 officers, 7 officer cadets, 9 petty officers, 17 sailors. Dead include the captain, Colonel Xue Yong-Peng."

"Our understanding is death caused by hypoxia due to a system fault on the submarine. The submarine hit a chain and anchor obstacle used by the Chinese Navy to trap US and allied submarines."

"This resulted in systems failures that took six hours to repair and surface the vessel. The onboard oxygen system poisoned the crew after a catastrophic failure," it adds.

<h2>China denies incident</h2>

Beijing, as per Daily Mail, has denied that such an incident took place. The nation has dismissed speculation as "completely false."&nbsp;Taiwan has also refuted internet reports.

However, the highly classified UK report insists that it happened.

Talking to the Daily Mail, a British submariner speculated: "It is plausible that this occurred and I doubt the Chinese would have asked for international support for obvious reasons."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-china-based-drug-network-linked-to-deadly-fentanyl-crisis-642308">US sanctions China-based drug network linked to deadly fentanyl crisis</a>

"If they were trapped on the net system and the submarine's batteries were running flat, then eventually the air purifiers and air treatment systems could have failed."

The officer further stated that the failure of the battery meant the vessel would have reverted to secondary systems, which "subsequently and plausibly failed to maintain the air, which led to asphyxia or poisoning."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Fifty-five Chinese sailors have reportedly died after their nuclear submarine was ensnared in a trap intended to trap British, US and allies' sub-surface vessels.

Fifty-five Chinese sailors have reportedly died after their nuclear submarine was ensnared in a trap intended to trap British, US and allies' sub-surface vessels. As per a Daily Mail report, the incident happened in the Yellow Sea. In spite of the catastrophic danger, China refused to ask for international help, alleges the report. Poisoned under the water Citing a 'secret UK report,' the UK-based publication said that the sailors died after the submarine's oxygen system failed, poisoning the crew. As per the report, which is based on defence intelligence, the dead include the captain of the Chinese PLA Navy Submarine '093-417', along with other cadets and officers. UK Intelligence "reports that on the 21st of August, there was an onboard accident whilst carrying out a mission in the Yellow Sea." Also read | Italy: At least 21 dead after bus falls from bridge in Venice It further states that the "incident happened at 08:12 local" and resulted in the death of "55 crew members: 22 officers, 7 officer cadets, 9 petty officers, 17 sailors. Dead include the captain, Colonel Xue Yong-Peng." "Our understanding is death caused by hypoxia due to a system fault on the submarine. The submarine hit a chain and anchor obstacle used by the Chinese Navy to trap US and allied submarines." "This resulted in systems failures that took six hours to repair and surface the vessel. The onboard oxygen system poisoned the crew after a catastrophic failure," it adds. China denies incident Beijing, as per Daily Mail, has denied that such an incident took place. The nation has dismissed speculation as "completely false." Taiwan has also refuted internet reports. However, the highly classified UK report insists that it happened. Talking to the Daily Mail, a British submariner speculated: "It is plausible that this occurred and I doubt the Chinese would have asked for international support for obvious reasons." Also read | US sanctions China-based drug network linked to deadly fentanyl crisis "If they were trapped on the net system and the submarine's batteries were running flat, then eventually the air purifiers and air treatment systems could have failed." The officer further stated that the failure of the battery meant the vessel would have reverted to secondary systems, which "subsequently and plausibly failed to maintain the air, which led to asphyxia or poisoning." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

55 Chinese sailors die of poisoning, asphyxiation in nuclear submarine accident: Report

China's President Xi Jinping appealed to the West to lift sanctions imposed by them on Syria and offered help to the war-ravaged country, when the Chinese president held rare talks with Syria's leader Bashar al-Assad on Friday (September 22). 
 
The meeting of the two leaders in the Chinese city of Hangzhou gave a boost to the campaign of Assad to come back to the global stage while permitting China to advance its strategic interests in the Middle East, where the country is already aligned with Saudi Arabia and Iran. 
 
"China opposes interference by external forces in Syria's internal affairs... and urges all relevant countries to lift illegal unilateral sanctions against Syria," stated a readout of the talks which was published by Chinese state media. 
 
Assad was also informed by Xi that China will extend help to Syria in countering domestic unrest and rebuilding its ruined economy and even by upgrading ties to a "strategic partnership".

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-metoo-journalist-and-labour-rights-activists-secret-trial-begins-in-guangzhou-638615">China: Secret trials of #MeToo journalist and labour rights activist begin in Guangzhou</a>

The endorsement of Xi should strengthen the efforts of Assad to plot a way back from what can be called a pariah status. In 2022, Syria joined China's Belt and Road Initiative and the Arab League welcomed it back in May.

<h2>China's comprehensive strategic partnership</h2>

In the diplomatic language of China, a "strategic partnership" implies closer co-ordination on international and regional affairs, which includes the military sphere. 
 
This is one grade below what China calls a "comprehensive strategic partnership". 
 
Since the civil war started in 2011 with a crackdown on protests, killing of hundreds of people and displacement of millions, western sanctions have been steadily tightened on Syria. 
 
The government of Assad, supported by Iran and Russia, now controls most of the territory of Syria and has re-established ties with Arab neighbours, which once supported his opponents, in recent years.

WATCH |&nbsp;China working on its own maritime spy project

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Syria is in desperate need of foreign investment for its industry and infrastructure. Its dire economic situation has led to protests in southern Syria in which people appealed for the removal of the president. 
 
"China is reinforcing its message that it is there to try and help countries resolve their disputes and that peace stems from economic development," stated Matteo Legrenzi, professor of international relations at Ca'Foscari, University of Venice. 
 
"(China) is trying to perform a useful role from a distance. As they did with the Iran-Saudi Arabia rapprochement deal," he further said.

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China's President Xi Jinping appealed to the West to lift sanctions imposed by them on Syria and offered help to the war-ravaged country, when the Chinese president held rare talks with Syria's leader Bashar al-Assad on Friday (September 22).

China's President Xi Jinping appealed to the West to lift sanctions imposed by them on Syria and offered help to the war-ravaged country, when the Chinese president held rare talks with Syria's leader Bashar al-Assad on Friday (September 22). The meeting of the two leaders in the Chinese city of Hangzhou gave a boost to the campaign of Assad to come back to the global stage while permitting China to advance its strategic interests in the Middle East, where the country is already aligned with Saudi Arabia and Iran. "China opposes interference by external forces in Syria's internal affairs... and urges all relevant countries to lift illegal unilateral sanctions against Syria," stated a readout of the talks which was published by Chinese state media. Assad was also informed by Xi that China will extend help to Syria in countering domestic unrest and rebuilding its ruined economy and even by upgrading ties to a "strategic partnership". ALSO READ | China: Secret trials of #MeToo journalist and labour rights activist begin in Guangzhou The endorsement of Xi should strengthen the efforts of Assad to plot a way back from what can be called a pariah status. In 2022, Syria joined China's Belt and Road Initiative and the Arab League welcomed it back in May. China's comprehensive strategic partnership In the diplomatic language of China, a "strategic partnership" implies closer co-ordination on international and regional affairs, which includes the military sphere. This is one grade below what China calls a "comprehensive strategic partnership". Since the civil war started in 2011 with a crackdown on protests, killing of hundreds of people and displacement of millions, western sanctions have been steadily tightened on Syria. The government of Assad, supported by Iran and Russia, now controls most of the territory of Syria and has re-established ties with Arab neighbours, which once supported his opponents, in recent years. WATCH | China working on its own maritime spy project Syria is in desperate need of foreign investment for its industry and infrastructure. Its dire economic situation has led to protests in southern Syria in which people appealed for the removal of the president. "China is reinforcing its message that it is there to try and help countries resolve their disputes and that peace stems from economic development," stated Matteo Legrenzi, professor of international relations at Ca'Foscari, University of Venice. "(China) is trying to perform a useful role from a distance. As they did with the Iran-Saudi Arabia rapprochement deal," he further said. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

China's Xi holds rare talks with Syria's Assad, appeals West to lift sanctions against latter

In a supposed veiled attack on China, the foreign minister of QUAD nations, on Friday (September 22), expressed concerns about the militarisation of disputed features, and the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-pm-modis-attendance-underscores-aseans-indo-pacific-importance-says-indonesian-ambassador-628738">Indo-Pacific</a> while reaffirming that respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity underpin the development of the region.&nbsp;

The remarks were made in a joint statement after a meeting of foreign ministers of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-to-host-quad-summit-in-2024-594495">Quad grouping</a> – Australia, India, Japan and the United States – on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.&nbsp;

<h2>About the Indo-Pacific</h2>

The meeting included the foreign ministers of the four-nation bloc: Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.&nbsp;

“We reaffirm our conviction that international law, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the maintenance of peace and security in the maritime domain underpin the development and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific,” said the Quad nation’s foreign ministers, in the joint statement.&nbsp;

They also emphasised the importance of adherence to international law and the UN charter to address challenges to the global maritime rules-based order which includes “respect to maritime claims, and in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-south-china-sea-dispute-escalate-into-a-full-scale-war-414263">South and East China Seas.</a>”&nbsp;

China’s aggressive behaviour in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-installs-ground-stations-in-disputed-south-china-sea-to-monitor-vessels-report-637869">South China Sea</a> and Indo-Pacific was quite evident after it released the 2023 edition of its so-called <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-map-claiming-regions-beyond-its-border-is-aggression-shows-beijings-character-630176">“standard map”</a> back in August, which included parts of India’s Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Aksai Chin region, Taiwan and some regions of the disputed South China Sea, as part of China.&nbsp;

In an apparent reference to China, the statement said, “We continue to express serious concern about the militarisation of disputed features, the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels, and efforts to disrupt other countries’ offshore exploitation activities.”&nbsp;

It added, “We strongly support the principles of freedom, the rule of law, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and peaceful settlement of disputes; and oppose unilateral attempts to change the status quo.”&nbsp;

While the Quad did not have a formal military aspect till now it is widely seen as a grouping formed to counter China’s rising influence in the Indo-Pacific.

Beijing’s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-vietnam-malaysia-philippines-and-taiwan-reject-chinas-new-controversial-map-release-statements-631063">continued claims</a> over the entire South China Sea drew criticism from Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Brunei.&nbsp;

Not to mention China’s territorial disputes with Japan over the East China Sea and its recently <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-flags-abnormal-chinese-movements-rise-in-military-activity-around-island-638625">ramped-up military drills</a> around Taiwan as it continues to claim the self-ruled island as its territory and maintains it will seize it one day, by force, if necessary.

<h2>‘Deep concern’ over Ukraine war</h2>

The Quad ministers in their statement also expressed “deep concern” over the “raging” war in Ukraine and “mourn its terrible and tragic humanitarian consequences.” They also underscored the “need for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine” in line with international law.&nbsp;

The Quad nation’s foreign ministers also said they are “deeply concerned about the global food security situation” and support the UN’s attempts to renew the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-russia-formally-backs-out-of-black-sea-grain-deal-what-happens-now-616637">Black Sea grain deal </a>after Russia backed out of it, in July.&nbsp;

While the statement does not directly mention Russia it said, “In the context of this war, we concur that the use, or threat of use, of nuclear weapons would be unacceptable.” In a supposed reference to Moscow and its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/data-lab-putins-nuclear-threats-what-happens-if-russia-uses-nukes-524398">repeated veiled threats</a> to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine.&nbsp;

“We underscore that the rules-based international order must respect the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ukraine-war-g20-leaders-call-for-upholding-territorial-integrity-sovereignty-634125">sovereignty and territorial integrity</a> of all states,” said the joint statement.&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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In a supposed veiled attack on China, the foreign minister of QUAD nations, on Friday (September 22), expressed concerns about the militarisation of disputed features, and the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels in the Indo-Pacific while reaffirming that respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity underpin the development of the region.

In a supposed veiled attack on China, the foreign minister of QUAD nations, on Friday (September 22), expressed concerns about the militarisation of disputed features, and the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels in the Indo-Pacific while reaffirming that respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity underpin the development of the region. The remarks were made in a joint statement after a meeting of foreign ministers of the Quad grouping – Australia, India, Japan and the United States – on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. About the Indo-Pacific The meeting included the foreign ministers of the four-nation bloc: Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. “We reaffirm our conviction that international law, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the maintenance of peace and security in the maritime domain underpin the development and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific,” said the Quad nation’s foreign ministers, in the joint statement. They also emphasised the importance of adherence to international law and the UN charter to address challenges to the global maritime rules-based order which includes “respect to maritime claims, and in the South and East China Seas.” China’s aggressive behaviour in the South China Sea and Indo-Pacific was quite evident after it released the 2023 edition of its so-called “standard map” back in August, which included parts of India’s Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Aksai Chin region, Taiwan and some regions of the disputed South China Sea, as part of China. In an apparent reference to China, the statement said, “We continue to express serious concern about the militarisation of disputed features, the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels, and efforts to disrupt other countries’ offshore exploitation activities.” It added, “We strongly support the principles of freedom, the rule of law, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and peaceful settlement of disputes; and oppose unilateral attempts to change the status quo.” While the Quad did not have a formal military aspect till now it is widely seen as a grouping formed to counter China’s rising influence in the Indo-Pacific. Beijing’s continued claims over the entire South China Sea drew criticism from Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Brunei. Not to mention China’s territorial disputes with Japan over the East China Sea and its recently ramped-up military drills around Taiwan as it continues to claim the self-ruled island as its territory and maintains it will seize it one day, by force, if necessary. ‘Deep concern’ over Ukraine war The Quad ministers in their statement also expressed “deep concern” over the “raging” war in Ukraine and “mourn its terrible and tragic humanitarian consequences.” They also underscored the “need for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine” in line with international law. The Quad nation’s foreign ministers also said they are “deeply concerned about the global food security situation” and support the UN’s attempts to renew the Black Sea grain deal after Russia backed out of it, in July. While the statement does not directly mention Russia it said, “In the context of this war, we concur that the use, or threat of use, of nuclear weapons would be unacceptable.” In a supposed reference to Moscow and its repeated veiled threats to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine. “We underscore that the rules-based international order must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states,” said the joint statement. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity underpin development of Indo-Pacific: Quad foreign ministers

Ukrainian politician and adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Mykhailo Podolyak, in a recent interview, made some bizarre remarks about the 'intellectual abilities' of India and China, sparking widespread criticism.&nbsp;

Podolyak, in an article published by Sputnik, was quoted as saying that India and China put on display their "weak intellectual potential" and also "fail to analyse the consequences of their actions".

"What's wrong with India, China, and so forth? The problem is that they are not analyzing the consequences of their steps, these countries have weak intellectual potential, unfortunately," Sputnik quoted Podolyak.

Further, in a purported comment directed at India's scientific acumen, Podolyak acknowledged that India has indeed invested to elevate its status in the world of science. But that, according to him, has not given the first country to land on the lunar south pole, the so-called sense of comprehension about 'what the modern world is'.&nbsp;

“Yes, they invest in science. Yes, India has launched a lunar rover presently and is now trekking on the surface of the Moon, but that does not indicate that this country fully comprehends what the modern world is about,” he further stated.

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🇺🇦🤡 What Ukrainians think about Indians and the Chinese. 
 
According to Podolyak, adviser to Zelensky’s office, "China and India are not able to analyze the consequences of their actions‚ low intellectual potential, unfortunately". <a href="https://t.co/gLNomGq30p">pic.twitter.com/gLNomGq30p</a>
— Spetsnaℤ 007 🇷🇺 (@Alex_Oloyede2) <a href="https://twitter.com/Alex_Oloyede2/status/1701545455132242361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
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He made these remarks in response to India and China's stance on the Russia-Ukraine war. India has refrained from voting on the UN resolutions concerning Moscow's aggression, but, has strongly denounced the Russian invasion and has also extended humanitarian aid to Ukraine while calling for peace talks.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-claims-russia-launches-massive-attack-on-ports-of-danube-region-635723">Ukraine claims Russia launches 'massive' attack on ports of Danube region</a>

On the other hand, China has refused to join hands with the Western countries in imposing sanctions on Russia.

<h2>‘G20&nbsp;joint declaration was nothing to be proud of’</h2>

After the New Delhi Leaders' Declaration was adopted with the consensus of G20 member nations, Ukraine&nbsp;said G20 has 'nothing to be proud of'.&nbsp;

Nikolenko wrote on X, formerly Twitter, "G20 adopted a final declaration. We are grateful to the partners who tried to include strong wording in the text. However, in terms of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, G20 has nothing to be proud of."&nbsp;

In his post on the social media platform X, Nikolenko posted a picture of the declaration in which he scrapped out a few parts of the statement with red and replaced them with wordings Kyiv claims are more suitable to be included in the text.&nbsp;

The caption to the picture added, "This is how the main elements of the text could look to be closer to reality."&nbsp;

Previously, Ukraine’s Defence Ministry received severe backlash after posting a controversial image of the Hindu Goddess Kali.

The image depicting Goddess Kali morphed over a blast fume outraged netizens in India who called out the officials for the 'offensive' social media post.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Ukrainian politician and adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Mykhailo Podolyak, in a recent interview, made some bizarre remarks about the 'intellectual abilities' of India and China, sparking widespread criticism.

Ukrainian politician and adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Mykhailo Podolyak, in a recent interview, made some bizarre remarks about the 'intellectual abilities' of India and China, sparking widespread criticism. Podolyak, in an article published by Sputnik, was quoted as saying that India and China put on display their "weak intellectual potential" and also "fail to analyse the consequences of their actions". "What's wrong with India, China, and so forth? The problem is that they are not analyzing the consequences of their steps, these countries have weak intellectual potential, unfortunately," Sputnik quoted Podolyak. Further, in a purported comment directed at India's scientific acumen, Podolyak acknowledged that India has indeed invested to elevate its status in the world of science. But that, according to him, has not given the first country to land on the lunar south pole, the so-called sense of comprehension about 'what the modern world is'. “Yes, they invest in science. Yes, India has launched a lunar rover presently and is now trekking on the surface of the Moon, but that does not indicate that this country fully comprehends what the modern world is about,” he further stated. 🇺🇦🤡 What Ukrainians think about Indians and the Chinese. According to Podolyak, adviser to Zelensky’s office, "China and India are not able to analyze the consequences of their actions‚ low intellectual potential, unfortunately". pic.twitter.com/gLNomGq30p — Spetsnaℤ 007 🇷🇺 (@Alex_Oloyede2) September 12, 2023 × He made these remarks in response to India and China's stance on the Russia-Ukraine war. India has refrained from voting on the UN resolutions concerning Moscow's aggression, but, has strongly denounced the Russian invasion and has also extended humanitarian aid to Ukraine while calling for peace talks. Also read: Ukraine claims Russia launches 'massive' attack on ports of Danube region On the other hand, China has refused to join hands with the Western countries in imposing sanctions on Russia. ‘G20 joint declaration was nothing to be proud of’ After the New Delhi Leaders' Declaration was adopted with the consensus of G20 member nations, Ukraine said G20 has 'nothing to be proud of'. Nikolenko wrote on X, formerly Twitter, "G20 adopted a final declaration. We are grateful to the partners who tried to include strong wording in the text. However, in terms of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, G20 has nothing to be proud of." In his post on the social media platform X, Nikolenko posted a picture of the declaration in which he scrapped out a few parts of the statement with red and replaced them with wordings Kyiv claims are more suitable to be included in the text. The caption to the picture added, "This is how the main elements of the text could look to be closer to reality." Previously, Ukraine’s Defence Ministry received severe backlash after posting a controversial image of the Hindu Goddess Kali. The image depicting Goddess Kali morphed over a blast fume outraged netizens in India who called out the officials for the 'offensive' social media post. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Zelensky's adviser courts controversy, says China and India have ‘weak intellectual potential’

Taiwan slammed Elon Musk on Thursday (September 14) for his comment about the island nation. Taipei called out the US tech billionaire for "blindly flattering" Beijing after he called the self-ruled island "an integral part" of China. &nbsp;

China views self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory and even claims that, in case needed, it will use force to unite the two territories. For the same, China boosted its military presence near democratically governed Taiwan in recent years.&nbsp;

Musk said, "Their (Beijing's) policy has been to reunite Taiwan with China. From their standpoint, maybe it is analogous to Hawaii or something like that, like an integral part of China that is arbitrarily not part of China mostly because ... the U.S. Pacific Fleet has stopped any sort of reunification effort by force."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinese-bags-saga-there-were-20-large-bags-with-suspicious-equipment-probe-on-635871">Chinese bags saga: There were 20 large bags with ‘suspicious equipment’, probe on</a>&nbsp;

Musk's comments came during an All-In Summit in Los Angeles, which was uploaded to the video-sharing site YouTube this week.&nbsp;

While responding to the same, Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said that he hoped Musk could ask China to "open @X to its people". China blocks X, along with other major Western social media like Facebook.&nbsp;

In a post on X late Wednesday, Wu said: "Perhaps he thinks banning it is a good policy, like turning off @Starlink to thwart Ukraine's counterstrike against Russia."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-detects-84-chinese-warplanes-and-33-warships-near-island-in-three-days-635821">Taiwan detects 84 Chinese warplanes and 33 warships near island in three days</a>&nbsp;

Wu referred to Musk's refusing a Ukrainian request to activate his Starlink satellite network in Crimea's port city of Sevastopol last year to aid an attack on Russia's fleet there.&nbsp;

"Listen up, Taiwan is not part of the PRC (People's Republic of China) &amp; certainly not for sale!" Wu said.&nbsp;

<h2>China's plans for strengthening integration with Taiwan&nbsp;</h2>

China has come up with a new path to move forward with its bid of "peaceful unification" with Taiwan and has unveiled a plan to turn Fujian province into a model zone for "integration" with the island nation.&nbsp;

The Chinese policymakers released detailed measures to turn the southeastern mainland province into a demonstration area for integrated development across the Taiwan Strait.&nbsp;

The move aims to "deepen cross-strait integrated development in all fields and promote the process of peaceful reunification".&nbsp;

Watch this report:&nbsp;

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The plans include proposals to make it easier for Taiwanese people to live, study and do business in Fujian, as well as encouragement for companies in the province to hire staff from Taiwan.&nbsp;

Taiwan's democratically elected government strongly rejects China's sovereignty claims and says only Taiwan's people can decide their future.&nbsp;

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Taiwan slammed Elon Musk on Thursday (September 14) for his comment about the island nation. Taipei called out the US tech billionaire for "blindly flattering" Beijing after he called the self-ruled island "an integral part" of China.

Taiwan slammed Elon Musk on Thursday (September 14) for his comment about the island nation. Taipei called out the US tech billionaire for "blindly flattering" Beijing after he called the self-ruled island "an integral part" of China. China views self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory and even claims that, in case needed, it will use force to unite the two territories. For the same, China boosted its military presence near democratically governed Taiwan in recent years. Musk said, "Their (Beijing's) policy has been to reunite Taiwan with China. From their standpoint, maybe it is analogous to Hawaii or something like that, like an integral part of China that is arbitrarily not part of China mostly because ... the U.S. Pacific Fleet has stopped any sort of reunification effort by force." Also read: Chinese bags saga: There were 20 large bags with ‘suspicious equipment’, probe on Musk's comments came during an All-In Summit in Los Angeles, which was uploaded to the video-sharing site YouTube this week. While responding to the same, Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said that he hoped Musk could ask China to "open @X to its people". China blocks X, along with other major Western social media like Facebook. In a post on X late Wednesday, Wu said: "Perhaps he thinks banning it is a good policy, like turning off @Starlink to thwart Ukraine's counterstrike against Russia." Also read: Taiwan detects 84 Chinese warplanes and 33 warships near island in three days Wu referred to Musk's refusing a Ukrainian request to activate his Starlink satellite network in Crimea's port city of Sevastopol last year to aid an attack on Russia's fleet there. "Listen up, Taiwan is not part of the PRC (People's Republic of China) & certainly not for sale!" Wu said. China's plans for strengthening integration with Taiwan China has come up with a new path to move forward with its bid of "peaceful unification" with Taiwan and has unveiled a plan to turn Fujian province into a model zone for "integration" with the island nation. The Chinese policymakers released detailed measures to turn the southeastern mainland province into a demonstration area for integrated development across the Taiwan Strait. The move aims to "deepen cross-strait integrated development in all fields and promote the process of peaceful reunification". Watch this report: × The plans include proposals to make it easier for Taiwanese people to live, study and do business in Fujian, as well as encouragement for companies in the province to hire staff from Taiwan. Taiwan's democratically elected government strongly rejects China's sovereignty claims and says only Taiwan's people can decide their future. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Taiwan 'not for sale': Taipei slams Elon Musk over ‘blindly flattering’ comments for China

An Air China flight flying from Chengdu made an emergency landing and evacuation in Singapore, on Sunday (September 10) after smoke filled its front cargo hold and lavatory, said the city-state’s Changi Airport. In an update, they reported that nine passengers on the flight&nbsp;sustained “minor injuries”.&nbsp;

The officials also said that the plane’s left engine caught fire which has since been put out.&nbsp;

<h2>What do we know about the incident?</h2>

In a statement on Facebook, Changi Airport said that Flight CA403 “encountered smoke in the forward cargo hold and lavatory” while on its way to Singapore.

The flight, CA403, took off from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport in the Chinese province of Sichuan and was en route to Singapore. According to airport officials, there were a total of 146 passengers and nine crew members on board.

The plane landed on the runway around 4:15 pm (local time) after the flight “declared emergency and requested priority landing” following reports of smoke in the plane, said the airport officials.&nbsp;

Air China and airport operator Changi Airport Group were providing assistance to the passengers and crew, said the Changi Airport. “After landing, emergency slides of the aircraft were deployed for expeditious evacuation,” said the airport officials.&nbsp;

A video clip on X, formerly Twitter, purportedly shows passengers exiting on an emergency slide while another footage shows the cabin filled with smoke before the landing. 
 
Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos, videos and information shared on social media. 
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CA403?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CA403</a> TFU-SIN emergency landing <a href="https://t.co/gq43LbYOxx">pic.twitter.com/gq43LbYOxx</a>
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Another clip from the passenger on board. <a href="https://t.co/9HDyBVotPp">pic.twitter.com/9HDyBVotPp</a>
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<h2>About those injured&nbsp;</h2>

In an update, Singapore airport officials said that nine passengers “sustained minor injuries related to smoke inhalation and abrasions during the evacuation process,” adding that they have since been “attended to”.&nbsp;

<h2>Airport operations affected</h2>

Singapore’s Changi Airport said that Runway 3, where the Air China flight landed, will be temporarily closed and flight operations could be affected due to the incident.

“The disabled aircraft was towed away at about 1800 hours,” said the airport, in a statement.&nbsp;

The runway was reopened at around 7:02 pm (local time) after checks. During the closure, one flight was diverted to Batam, Indonesia, said the airport officials. &nbsp;

The cause of the fire is under investigation, it added. Citing data from the flight tracking software Umetrip, the China Daily also reported that the plane was an Airbus A320Neo which can accommodate 158 passengers.&nbsp;

It reportedly took off from Chengdu at 11:30 am (local time) and was scheduled to land in Singapore at 3:50 pm (local time).

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
 
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An Air China flight flying from Chengdu made an emergency landing and evacuation in Singapore, on Sunday (September 10) after smoke filled its front cargo hold and lavatory, said the city-state’s Changi Airport.

An Air China flight flying from Chengdu made an emergency landing and evacuation in Singapore, on Sunday (September 10) after smoke filled its front cargo hold and lavatory, said the city-state’s Changi Airport. In an update, they reported that nine passengers on the flight sustained “minor injuries”. The officials also said that the plane’s left engine caught fire which has since been put out. What do we know about the incident? In a statement on Facebook, Changi Airport said that Flight CA403 “encountered smoke in the forward cargo hold and lavatory” while on its way to Singapore. The flight, CA403, took off from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport in the Chinese province of Sichuan and was en route to Singapore. According to airport officials, there were a total of 146 passengers and nine crew members on board. The plane landed on the runway around 4:15 pm (local time) after the flight “declared emergency and requested priority landing” following reports of smoke in the plane, said the airport officials. Air China and airport operator Changi Airport Group were providing assistance to the passengers and crew, said the Changi Airport. “After landing, emergency slides of the aircraft were deployed for expeditious evacuation,” said the airport officials. A video clip on X, formerly Twitter, purportedly shows passengers exiting on an emergency slide while another footage shows the cabin filled with smoke before the landing. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos, videos and information shared on social media. #CA403 TFU-SIN emergency landing pic.twitter.com/gq43LbYOxx — ChinaAviationReview (@ChinaAvReview) September 10, 2023 × Another clip from the passenger on board. pic.twitter.com/9HDyBVotPp — ChinaAviationReview (@ChinaAvReview) September 10, 2023 × About those injured In an update, Singapore airport officials said that nine passengers “sustained minor injuries related to smoke inhalation and abrasions during the evacuation process,” adding that they have since been “attended to”. Airport operations affected Singapore’s Changi Airport said that Runway 3, where the Air China flight landed, will be temporarily closed and flight operations could be affected due to the incident. “The disabled aircraft was towed away at about 1800 hours,” said the airport, in a statement. The runway was reopened at around 7:02 pm (local time) after checks. During the closure, one flight was diverted to Batam, Indonesia, said the airport officials. The cause of the fire is under investigation, it added. Citing data from the flight tracking software Umetrip, the China Daily also reported that the plane was an Airbus A320Neo which can accommodate 158 passengers. It reportedly took off from Chengdu at 11:30 am (local time) and was scheduled to land in Singapore at 3:50 pm (local time). (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Video | Air China flight makes emergency landing in Singapore, nine injured

Russian President Vladimir Putin has termed his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping a 'friend' and said he will meet him soon, following reports that the Kremlin leader was planning to visit Beijing in October.&nbsp;

"Quite soon we will have events, and there will be a meeting with the president of the People’s Republic of China," said Putin, according to Russian news agency Interfax.&nbsp;

"He (Xi) calls me his friend, and I am happy to call him my friend, because he is a person who does a lot for the development of Russian-Chinese relations."

Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said in July that Putin planned to visit China for the Belt and Road Forum in October, while Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev said that China had invited the Russian leader as the "main guest" at the event.&nbsp;

<h2>Putin evading ICC arrest warrant?</h2>

Notably, ever since the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against Putin in March, on suspicion&nbsp;of war crimes in Ukraine, the Russian leader has rarely travelled abroad.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, Putin announced that he was not travelling to India to attend the G20 summit in person. The Russian leader held a telephonic conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and cited his 'busy schedule' for giving the all-important summit a miss.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch&nbsp;|&nbsp;Russia's President to not attend September G20 Summit in India

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Prior to the G20, Putin also skipped the BRICS summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.&nbsp;During last month's BRICS summit, Russia was represented by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov instead of Putin. Pretoria is a signatory to the Rome Statute, meaning that it was supposed to comply with the order to arrest Putin.&nbsp;

According to experts, Putin is willing to visit only those countries where his security service can completely guarantee his safety, and China is one of those places.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-will-not-attend-g20-in-india-but-set-to-visit-china-for-belt-and-road-forum-630307">Also read |&nbsp;Putin will not attend G20 in India but set to visit China for Belt and Road forum</a>

<h2>China-Russia axis</h2>

Ever since the Russia-Ukraine war broke out, China has emerged as one of the most powerful allies of Moscow. The Xi Jinping regime has refused to blame Moscow for the war and instead, attacked the Western nations for imposing sanctions on Russia and profiting from the war.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Moscow has provided discounted oil and gas to Beijing which it can no longer sell to Europe. Thus a strong China-Russia axis has formed in this region of the world, which has rejigged the geopolitical landscape.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
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Russian President Vladimir Putin has termed his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping a 'friend' and said he will meet him soon, following reports that the Kremlin leader was planning to visit Beijing in October.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has termed his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping a 'friend' and said he will meet him soon, following reports that the Kremlin leader was planning to visit Beijing in October. "Quite soon we will have events, and there will be a meeting with the president of the People’s Republic of China," said Putin, according to Russian news agency Interfax. "He (Xi) calls me his friend, and I am happy to call him my friend, because he is a person who does a lot for the development of Russian-Chinese relations." Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said in July that Putin planned to visit China for the Belt and Road Forum in October, while Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev said that China had invited the Russian leader as the "main guest" at the event. Putin evading ICC arrest warrant? Notably, ever since the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against Putin in March, on suspicion of war crimes in Ukraine, the Russian leader has rarely travelled abroad. Earlier this week, Putin announced that he was not travelling to India to attend the G20 summit in person. The Russian leader held a telephonic conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and cited his 'busy schedule' for giving the all-important summit a miss. Watch | Russia's President to not attend September G20 Summit in India Prior to the G20, Putin also skipped the BRICS summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. During last month's BRICS summit, Russia was represented by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov instead of Putin. Pretoria is a signatory to the Rome Statute, meaning that it was supposed to comply with the order to arrest Putin. According to experts, Putin is willing to visit only those countries where his security service can completely guarantee his safety, and China is one of those places. Also read | Putin will not attend G20 in India but set to visit China for Belt and Road forum China-Russia axis Ever since the Russia-Ukraine war broke out, China has emerged as one of the most powerful allies of Moscow. The Xi Jinping regime has refused to blame Moscow for the war and instead, attacked the Western nations for imposing sanctions on Russia and profiting from the war. Meanwhile, Moscow has provided discounted oil and gas to Beijing which it can no longer sell to Europe. Thus a strong China-Russia axis has formed in this region of the world, which has rejigged the geopolitical landscape. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Putin calls Xi Jinping a 'friend', says he will meet him soon

Days after releasing a controversial map that antagonised the entire neighbourhood, Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely to skip the G20 summit&nbsp;scheduled to take place in the Indian capital city of New Delhi next month, a Reuters report has claimed.&nbsp;

The report quoted sources familiar with the matter in India and China who stated that&nbsp;Premier Li Qiang is expected to represent Beijing at the September 9-10 meeting.&nbsp;

Xi pulling out of the summit comes days after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced he was not travelling to India to attend the meet in person. He called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and conveyed that Foreign Minister&nbsp;Sergei Lavrov will represent Russian interests on the global platform.&nbsp;

It was anticipated that Xi might meet with US President Joe Biden, who has confirmed his attendance at the summit. Some reports claimed that Xi might square up against PM Modi yet again, after holding a rare conversation on the sidelines of the BRICS meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, earlier this month.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed&nbsp;reducing tensions in the bilateral relationship that soured after clashes along their Himalayan frontier in 2020 left 24 soldiers dead.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-asks-india-to-not-over-interpret-latest-distorted-map-release-630704">Also read |&nbsp;China asks India to not 'over-interpret' latest 'distorted' map release</a>

<h2>Divided G20 or not?</h2>

Xi planning to skip the summit is likely to steer the summit in a productive direction. Earlier, geopolitical hawks stated that Beijing releasing the distorted map where India's Arunachal Pradesh, Aksai Chin as well as Taiwan and major portions of the South China Sea were shown as Chinese territories, could have divided the G20 summit.&nbsp;

Since the release of the controversial map, India, Malaysia and the Philippines have come out with strong objections, calling out China for its hyper-expansionist tendencies.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-china-map-show-whole-of-arunachal-pradesh-as-part-of-china-630258">Watch |&nbsp;New China map show whole of Arunachal Pradesh as part of China</a>

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India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishnkar in a statement said:&nbsp;"It's an old habit of theirs. These (territories) are very much part of India. This government is very clear what our territories are. Making absurd claims doesn't make others' territories yours."

Meanwhile, the Filipino Department of Foreign Affairs said the 2023 edition map is China's latest attempt "to legitimise purported sovereignty and jurisdiction over Philippine features and maritime zones" and "has no basis under international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Days after releasing a controversial map that antagonised the entire neighbourhood, Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely to skip the G20 summit scheduled to take place in the Indian capital city of New Delhi next month, a Reuters report has claimed.

Days after releasing a controversial map that antagonised the entire neighbourhood, Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely to skip the G20 summit scheduled to take place in the Indian capital city of New Delhi next month, a Reuters report has claimed. The report quoted sources familiar with the matter in India and China who stated that Premier Li Qiang is expected to represent Beijing at the September 9-10 meeting. Xi pulling out of the summit comes days after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced he was not travelling to India to attend the meet in person. He called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and conveyed that Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will represent Russian interests on the global platform. It was anticipated that Xi might meet with US President Joe Biden, who has confirmed his attendance at the summit. Some reports claimed that Xi might square up against PM Modi yet again, after holding a rare conversation on the sidelines of the BRICS meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, earlier this month. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed reducing tensions in the bilateral relationship that soured after clashes along their Himalayan frontier in 2020 left 24 soldiers dead. Also read | China asks India to not 'over-interpret' latest 'distorted' map release Divided G20 or not? Xi planning to skip the summit is likely to steer the summit in a productive direction. Earlier, geopolitical hawks stated that Beijing releasing the distorted map where India's Arunachal Pradesh, Aksai Chin as well as Taiwan and major portions of the South China Sea were shown as Chinese territories, could have divided the G20 summit. Since the release of the controversial map, India, Malaysia and the Philippines have come out with strong objections, calling out China for its hyper-expansionist tendencies. Watch | New China map show whole of Arunachal Pradesh as part of China India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishnkar in a statement said: "It's an old habit of theirs. These (territories) are very much part of India. This government is very clear what our territories are. Making absurd claims doesn't make others' territories yours." Meanwhile, the Filipino Department of Foreign Affairs said the 2023 edition map is China's latest attempt "to legitimise purported sovereignty and jurisdiction over Philippine features and maritime zones" and "has no basis under international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

After Putin, Xi likely to pull out of G20 summit in India: Report

Antagonising almost its entire neighbourhood, China on Monday (August 29) released its official 'standard map' wherein it showed the Indian northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh and the Aksai Chin region as part of its territory.

Antagonising almost its entire neighbourhood, China on Monday (August 29) released its official 'standard map' wherein it showed the Indian northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh and the Aksai Chin region as part of its territory. Taiwan and the disputed South China Sea have also been included within the Chinese territory in the new map. The Chinese government's mouthpiece Global Times took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share the 'distorted' map, claiming it has been "compiled based on the drawing method of the national boundaries of China and various countries in the world". "The 2023 edition of China's standard map was officially released on Monday and launched on the website of the standard map service hosted by the Ministry of Natural Resources," read the post. (Disclaimer: This is an inaccurate map as it violates internationally accepted borders) The 2023 edition of China's standard map was officially released on Monday and launched on the website of the standard map service hosted by the Ministry of Natural Resources. This map is compiled based on the drawing method of national boundaries of China and various countries… pic.twitter.com/bmtriz2Yqe — Global Times (@globaltimesnews) August 28, 2023 × The map shows Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims is part of Tibet, more specifically South Tibet and Aksai China occupied by it in the 1962 war. Additionally, Taiwan has been incorporated as part of Chinese territory. Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin Last month, China and India were at loggerheads yet again after Beijing issued stapled, not stamped, visas to Indian athletes hailing from Arunachal Pradesh, who were to participate in the wushu (martial art) championship in the mainland. The athletes applied for a Chinese visa on July 16. The applications of all athletes were processed in time and stamped visas were issued subsequently barring applications from three Arunachal athletes -- Nyeman Wangsu, Onilu Tega and Mepung Lamgu. They were first asked to resubmit their applications and later were issued stapled visas. Also read | 'Unacceptable': India slams China over stapled visas issued to three Wushu fighters from Arunachal Beijing considers AP a part of its sovereign borders and calls the state as “Zangnan, the southern part of Tibet". It disputes the legality of the McMahon Line which was agreed upon at the Simla Convention of 1914 between Tibet and British India. Meanwhile, the dispute of Aksai Chin can be traced back to the British imperialists, who failed to clearly demarcate the border between India and China. Currently, the Line of Actual Control (LAC), where the two countries have been locked in a tussle for over two years now, separates Indian areas of Jammu & Kashmir from Aksai Chin. New Delhi, however, has outrightly rejected the map, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishnkar pointing out that it wasn't the first time China had come out with a similar move. "It's an old habit of theirs. These (territories) are very much part of India. This government is very clear what our territories are. Making absurd claims doesn't make others territories yours," the minister was quoted as saying by NDTV. Watch | New China map show whole of Arunachal Pradesh as part of China × Taiwan China painting Taiwan with its communist colours on the map has not come as a surprise to most geopolitical hawks. The Xi Jinping regime has been extremely protective of its 'One China policy' under which it claims Taiwan as an indelible sovereign part of its territory. However, over the last 12 months, Taipei has continuously pounded Beijing's ego by batting for its independence. In August last year, former US House speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island nation much to the chagrin of Beijing. As a retaliatory move, the PLA Navy deployed troops and warships that routinely crossed the Taiwan Strait and practised manoeuvres that might be performed during a future invasion. Also read | China's map claiming regions beyond its border, including India, shows Beijing's 'aggressive character' Earlier this year, Taiwanese President Tsai-Ing Wen visited New York, forcing Beijing's top diplomat Wang Yi to release a statement where he said Taipei remained a sovereign part of China and that no compromise was possible on the issue. However, days later, the US State Department approved the potential sale of ammunition and logistics support to Taiwan, valued at up to $440 million. The defence contract confirmation came in the backdrop of the two countries signing the first deal under a new trade talks framework in June 2023. Nine-dash line Having been embroiled in a battle of territorial domination with the Philippines over the course of the last few weeks in the South China Sea, it was only imperative that Beijing propounded its nine-dash line theory on the map. The nine-dash line is a fictional Chinese claim in the South China Sea, nearly encompassing the entire 'economically powerful' region, including the disputed Spratly and Paracel islands. The likes of the Philippines. Vietnam, Malaysia and Japan have time and again called out the Dragon for its expansionist tendencies in the region. South China Sea is the main maritime link between the Pacific and Indian oceans, giving it massive trade and military value. It has become a major flashpoint in the Indo-Pacific because of the territorial disputes. The shipping lanes connect East Asia with Europe and the Middle East, which is responsible for trillions of dollars in ship-borne trade passing through the sea annually. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Explained: China releases distorted 'standard' map. What exactly is the controversy?

Argentina, Ethiopia, Iran, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and UAE&nbsp;will become full members of BRICS, announced South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday (August 24).&nbsp;According to Ramaphosa, the membership will come into force from January 1, 2024.

"We have decided to invite the Argentine Republic, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, to become full members of BRICS. The membership will take effect from the first of January 2024," Ramaphosa told a summit.&nbsp;

Nearly 40 countries had expressed interest in joining the alliance, dedicated to championing the development of the "Global South".&nbsp;

In the lead-up to the summit and during the event, calls to enlarge the grouping had continued to gain pace. In the end, the group, which&nbsp;makes decisions by consensus, had agreed on "the guiding principles, standards, criteria and procedures of the BRICS expansion process", according to Ramaphosa.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/south-african-government-refutes-allegations-of-pm-modi-snub-amid-brics-summit-628477">Also read |&nbsp;South African govt refutes media report of snub to PM Narendra Modi amid BRICS summit</a>

<h2>Leaders laud the expansion move&nbsp;</h2>

Russian President Vladimir Putin who attended the summit via video conferencing, speaking on the expansion of the alliance said: "The efforts they [leaders] have made, I would like to note, as it turned out that this was a unique diplomatic mastery&nbsp;-- including BRICS expansion."

"I would like to call out for more expansion of BRICS around the world.&nbsp;We will also establish the procedures so that BRICS continue to grow."

Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also applauded the move and congratulated South Africa for successfully hosting the summit.&nbsp;

"On the 15th anniversary of BRICS, we have decided to expand it.&nbsp;India has always believed in the expansion of BRICS&nbsp;because we believe it will give us a new impetus," said PM Modi.&nbsp;

"I would like to congratulate the new members of BRICS.&nbsp;India has ancient ties with all the new member countries. Expansion of BRICS and modernization shows that all world institutions should change with time."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-did-xi-jinping-skip-the-brics-business-forum-628505">Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Why did Xi Jinping skip the BRICS business forum?</a>

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Chinese President Xi Jinping commenting on the expansion, lauded the grouping's consensus and ability to come to a unified agreement.&nbsp;

"I welcome all the new members of the BRICS organization.&nbsp;This membership expansion is historic, it shows unity and meets the demands of the growing world.&nbsp;I'm confident that if we work with a common interest and in unity, we will reach greater heights," said Jinping.

The last time the forum saw an expansion was in April 2011 when South Africa was added during the third summit held in Sanya, China.&nbsp;Prior to South Africa's participation, the forum was named BRIC, coined by Jim O’Neil of Goldman Sachs in 2001.&nbsp;

BRICS is&nbsp;currently home to about 40 per cent&nbsp;of the world's population and a quarter of global gross domestic product. The expansion is expected to increase the might of the bloc and could potentially rival other prominent groupings if the member countries manage to settle on a coherent vision.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Argentina, Ethiopia, Iran, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and UAE will become full members of BRICS, announced South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday (August 24).

Argentina, Ethiopia, Iran, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and UAE will become full members of BRICS, announced South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday (August 24). According to Ramaphosa, the membership will come into force from January 1, 2024. "We have decided to invite the Argentine Republic, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, to become full members of BRICS. The membership will take effect from the first of January 2024," Ramaphosa told a summit. Nearly 40 countries had expressed interest in joining the alliance, dedicated to championing the development of the "Global South". In the lead-up to the summit and during the event, calls to enlarge the grouping had continued to gain pace. In the end, the group, which makes decisions by consensus, had agreed on "the guiding principles, standards, criteria and procedures of the BRICS expansion process", according to Ramaphosa. Also read | South African govt refutes media report of snub to PM Narendra Modi amid BRICS summit Leaders laud the expansion move Russian President Vladimir Putin who attended the summit via video conferencing, speaking on the expansion of the alliance said: "The efforts they [leaders] have made, I would like to note, as it turned out that this was a unique diplomatic mastery -- including BRICS expansion." "I would like to call out for more expansion of BRICS around the world. We will also establish the procedures so that BRICS continue to grow." Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also applauded the move and congratulated South Africa for successfully hosting the summit. "On the 15th anniversary of BRICS, we have decided to expand it. India has always believed in the expansion of BRICS because we believe it will give us a new impetus," said PM Modi. "I would like to congratulate the new members of BRICS. India has ancient ties with all the new member countries. Expansion of BRICS and modernization shows that all world institutions should change with time." Watch | Gravitas: Why did Xi Jinping skip the BRICS business forum? × Chinese President Xi Jinping commenting on the expansion, lauded the grouping's consensus and ability to come to a unified agreement. "I welcome all the new members of the BRICS organization. This membership expansion is historic, it shows unity and meets the demands of the growing world. I'm confident that if we work with a common interest and in unity, we will reach greater heights," said Jinping. The last time the forum saw an expansion was in April 2011 when South Africa was added during the third summit held in Sanya, China. Prior to South Africa's participation, the forum was named BRIC, coined by Jim O’Neil of Goldman Sachs in 2001. BRICS is currently home to about 40 per cent of the world's population and a quarter of global gross domestic product. The expansion is expected to increase the might of the bloc and could potentially rival other prominent groupings if the member countries manage to settle on a coherent vision. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

BRICS officially expands: Six new members to join bloc next year

China appears miffed over&nbsp;Taiwanese&nbsp;Vice President&nbsp;William Lai's weekend trip to the United States. On Sunday (August 13), Beijing released a statement saying it was "closely monitoring" the visit by "troublemaker" Lai&nbsp;and that it will take&nbsp;"resolute and forceful measures".

"China is closely following the development of the situation and will take resolute and forceful measures to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity," an&nbsp;unnamed spokesperson was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

"Lai stubbornly adheres to the separatist position of Taiwan independence and is a troublemaker through and through," the foreign ministry added.&nbsp;

Lai, who is a leading contender for Taiwan's upcoming presidential elections, is officially travelling to Paraguay for the swearing-in of its president. The United States is&nbsp;serving as a transit point for his travel where he landed on Saturday (August 12).&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-vice-presidents-us-visit-spurs-chinese-condemnation-raises-military-tensions-624753">Also read |&nbsp;Taiwan vice president's upcoming US visit incites Chinese condemnation, raises military tensions</a>

While both Taipei and Washington assert that these transit stopovers are routine and not meant to provoke China, Beijing continues to express&nbsp;its discontent. China sees this as a demonstration of continued US support for Taiwan, a region China claims as its sovereign territory.

Notably, Beijing also has a special dislike for Lai, who has often described himself as a&nbsp;"practical worker for Taiwan's independence".

<h2>USA's ambivalent stance on Taiwan</h2>

Since last year, Beijing is of the view that the US has been ratcheting up the Taiwan issue aggressively. The visit by former House speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan in August 2022 and the reciprocal visit by Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen to New York earlier this year have antagonised Beijing.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Beijing in June where he met President Xi Jinping and in a change of tune&nbsp;said&nbsp;Washington did not support Taiwan's independence bid.&nbsp;During the meeting the Chinese president urged the US not to "hurt China's legitimate rights and interests", a sign towards potential flashpoints such as Taiwan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pentagon-says-beijing-remains-undecided-on-taiwans-unification-610871">WATCH |&nbsp;Pentagon says Beijing remains undecided on Taiwan's unification</a>

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However, a week later, Washington signed a defence deal, which approved the potential sale of ammunition and logistics support to Taipei.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;visit by the Taiwanese VP suggests that the US is persisting with its ambivalent stance when it comes to the island nation.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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China appears miffed over Taiwanese Vice President William Lai's weekend trip to the United States. On Sunday (August 13), Beijing released a statement saying it was "closely monitoring" the visit by "troublemaker" Lai and that it will take "resolute and forceful measures".

China appears miffed over Taiwanese Vice President William Lai's weekend trip to the United States. On Sunday (August 13), Beijing released a statement saying it was "closely monitoring" the visit by "troublemaker" Lai and that it will take "resolute and forceful measures". "China is closely following the development of the situation and will take resolute and forceful measures to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity," an unnamed spokesperson was quoted as saying by news agency AFP. "Lai stubbornly adheres to the separatist position of Taiwan independence and is a troublemaker through and through," the foreign ministry added. Lai, who is a leading contender for Taiwan's upcoming presidential elections, is officially travelling to Paraguay for the swearing-in of its president. The United States is serving as a transit point for his travel where he landed on Saturday (August 12). Also read | Taiwan vice president's upcoming US visit incites Chinese condemnation, raises military tensions While both Taipei and Washington assert that these transit stopovers are routine and not meant to provoke China, Beijing continues to express its discontent. China sees this as a demonstration of continued US support for Taiwan, a region China claims as its sovereign territory. Notably, Beijing also has a special dislike for Lai, who has often described himself as a "practical worker for Taiwan's independence". USA's ambivalent stance on Taiwan Since last year, Beijing is of the view that the US has been ratcheting up the Taiwan issue aggressively. The visit by former House speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan in August 2022 and the reciprocal visit by Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen to New York earlier this year have antagonised Beijing. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Beijing in June where he met President Xi Jinping and in a change of tune said Washington did not support Taiwan's independence bid. During the meeting the Chinese president urged the US not to "hurt China's legitimate rights and interests", a sign towards potential flashpoints such as Taiwan. WATCH | Pentagon says Beijing remains undecided on Taiwan's unification However, a week later, Washington signed a defence deal, which approved the potential sale of ammunition and logistics support to Taipei. The visit by the Taiwanese VP suggests that the US is persisting with its ambivalent stance when it comes to the island nation. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'He's a troublemaker...': China miffed over Taiwan VP's US visit

China on Friday (August 11) claimed to have recently uncovered a US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) "case of espionage" which involved a Chinese national named Zeng who provided "core secret information" for money. 
 
Beijing has been making efforts to combat spying, which includes the implementation of a revised anti-espionage law last month which gives more power to the authorities than ever to punish what looks&nbsp;like threats to national security. 
 
"After meticulous investigation, the state security authority obtained evidence of Zeng's espionage activities and, in accordance with the law, took coercive measures against him to eliminate the harm in a timely manner," said Beijing's Ministry of State Security, in a statement published online. 
 
However, no details on the punishment of Zeng were provided. The statement read that 52-year-old Zeng was sent to Italy for studies, where he made friends with a CIA agent who was stationed at the US embassy in Rome.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slips-into-deflation-as-demand-weakens-across-country-623664">China slips into deflation as demand weakens across country</a>

Zeng was convinced by the individual to provide "sensitive information on the (Chinese) military" in exchange for "a huge amount of compensation" as well as assistance for Zeng and his family to shift to the United States. 
 
As per reports, Zeng signed a contract with the US side and was provided training before he returned to China to carry out the espionage activity. In China, the case quickly gathered widespread attention as it reached the top of the trending topics list on the social media site Weibo on Friday morning.

<h2>US businesses spooked by revision of China's anti-espionage law</h2>

The revision of the anti-espionage law by Beijing has spooked many US businesses&nbsp;that have operations in China, as relations between the two nations continue the&nbsp;downward spiral. 
 
Under the changes, "relying on espionage organisations and their agents" as well as the unauthorised obtaining of "documents, data, materials, and items related to national security and interests" can be considered a spying offence.

WATCH |&nbsp;A stranded WWII ship in disputed shoal flames tensions with China

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The changes "have raised legitimate concerns about conducting certain routine business activities, which now risk being considered espionage", wrote Craig Allen, president of the US-China Business Council, in a recent blog. 
 
"Confidence in China's market will suffer further if the law is applied frequently and without a clear, narrow and direct link to activities universally recognised as espionage," Allen added.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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China on Friday (August 11) claimed to have recently uncovered a US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) "case of espionage" which involved a Chinese national named Zeng who provided "core secret information" for money.

China on Friday (August 11) claimed to have recently uncovered a US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) "case of espionage" which involved a Chinese national named Zeng who provided "core secret information" for money. Beijing has been making efforts to combat spying, which includes the implementation of a revised anti-espionage law last month which gives more power to the authorities than ever to punish what looks like threats to national security. "After meticulous investigation, the state security authority obtained evidence of Zeng's espionage activities and, in accordance with the law, took coercive measures against him to eliminate the harm in a timely manner," said Beijing's Ministry of State Security, in a statement published online. However, no details on the punishment of Zeng were provided. The statement read that 52-year-old Zeng was sent to Italy for studies, where he made friends with a CIA agent who was stationed at the US embassy in Rome. ALSO READ | China slips into deflation as demand weakens across country Zeng was convinced by the individual to provide "sensitive information on the (Chinese) military" in exchange for "a huge amount of compensation" as well as assistance for Zeng and his family to shift to the United States. As per reports, Zeng signed a contract with the US side and was provided training before he returned to China to carry out the espionage activity. In China, the case quickly gathered widespread attention as it reached the top of the trending topics list on the social media site Weibo on Friday morning. US businesses spooked by revision of China's anti-espionage law The revision of the anti-espionage law by Beijing has spooked many US businesses that have operations in China, as relations between the two nations continue the downward spiral. Under the changes, "relying on espionage organisations and their agents" as well as the unauthorised obtaining of "documents, data, materials, and items related to national security and interests" can be considered a spying offence. WATCH | A stranded WWII ship in disputed shoal flames tensions with China The changes "have raised legitimate concerns about conducting certain routine business activities, which now risk being considered espionage", wrote Craig Allen, president of the US-China Business Council, in a recent blog. "Confidence in China's market will suffer further if the law is applied frequently and without a clear, narrow and direct link to activities universally recognised as espionage," Allen added. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

China claims to have exposed CIA espionage plot after arrest of alleged agent

At least 14 people are dead after torrential rains battered China's north-eastern Jilin province, state media CCTV reported, citing local authorities, adding to the growing list of fatalities.&nbsp;

The mainland has been inundated with record heavy rains in recent weeks, with the government saying last week that the weather conditions had caused 147 deaths or disappearances.&nbsp;

Additionally, 142 of the deaths or disappearances recorded in July were caused by flooding or geological disasters. The remaining five deaths or disappearances were due to other natural disasters such as drought, it added.&nbsp;

A report by&nbsp;China’s Ministry of Emergency Management noted that the collapse and destruction of more than 2,300 houses had&nbsp;caused direct economic losses amounting&nbsp;to $2.2 billion (15.8 billion yuan).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-caused-record-rainfall-in-beijing-north-china-621993">Watch |&nbsp;What caused record rainfall in Beijing &amp; North China?</a>

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<h2>Rain pummels mainland</h2>

The torrential rains have pummeled various parts of China, including the capital city of Beijing in the aftermath of storm Doksuri, a former super typhoon. According to&nbsp;Beijing Meteorological Service (BMS), the capital received the "heaviest rainfall in 140 years" since record-keeping began.&nbsp;

"The maximum value of rainfall recorded during this storm, which was 744.8 millimetres, occurred at the Wangjiayuan Reservoir in Changping," said BMS.&nbsp;

More than 52,000 have been evacuated from Beijing alone since the start of the rain, exacerbated by Doksuri.&nbsp;In the Fangshan district, power to some 60,000 homes was knocked out.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-rises-to-30-as-northern-china-reels-from-storm-doksuri-622720">Also read |&nbsp;Death toll rises to 30 as northern China continues to face storm Doksuri's wrath</a>

Notably, it was in 1998 that China witnessed the deadliest and most destructive floods when over 4,000 people died,&nbsp;most of them along the Yangtze River.

Around 300 died in 2021 when the central province of Henan was flooded. Record rainfall that year also inundated the provincial capital of Zhengzhou, turning streets into rushing rivers and flooding at least part of a subway line.

Chinese forecasters also warned about the approach of another storm named ‘Khanun’, which is expected to rapidly gain strength and strike China’s densely populated coast this week. While Doksuri got downgraded from a typhoon, the Chinese weather agency upgraded Khanun to a typhoon from its earlier tropical storm status.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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At least 14 people are dead after torrential rains battered China's north-eastern Jilin province, state media CCTV reported, citing local authorities, adding to the growing list of fatalities.

At least 14 people are dead after torrential rains battered China's north-eastern Jilin province, state media CCTV reported, citing local authorities, adding to the growing list of fatalities. The mainland has been inundated with record heavy rains in recent weeks, with the government saying last week that the weather conditions had caused 147 deaths or disappearances. Additionally, 142 of the deaths or disappearances recorded in July were caused by flooding or geological disasters. The remaining five deaths or disappearances were due to other natural disasters such as drought, it added. A report by China’s Ministry of Emergency Management noted that the collapse and destruction of more than 2,300 houses had caused direct economic losses amounting to $2.2 billion (15.8 billion yuan). Watch | What caused record rainfall in Beijing & North China? × Rain pummels mainland The torrential rains have pummeled various parts of China, including the capital city of Beijing in the aftermath of storm Doksuri, a former super typhoon. According to Beijing Meteorological Service (BMS), the capital received the "heaviest rainfall in 140 years" since record-keeping began. "The maximum value of rainfall recorded during this storm, which was 744.8 millimetres, occurred at the Wangjiayuan Reservoir in Changping," said BMS. More than 52,000 have been evacuated from Beijing alone since the start of the rain, exacerbated by Doksuri. In the Fangshan district, power to some 60,000 homes was knocked out. Also read | Death toll rises to 30 as northern China continues to face storm Doksuri's wrath Notably, it was in 1998 that China witnessed the deadliest and most destructive floods when over 4,000 people died, most of them along the Yangtze River. Around 300 died in 2021 when the central province of Henan was flooded. Record rainfall that year also inundated the provincial capital of Zhengzhou, turning streets into rushing rivers and flooding at least part of a subway line. Chinese forecasters also warned about the approach of another storm named ‘Khanun’, which is expected to rapidly gain strength and strike China’s densely populated coast this week. While Doksuri got downgraded from a typhoon, the Chinese weather agency upgraded Khanun to a typhoon from its earlier tropical storm status. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

China: At least 14 dead after torrential rain pummels north-east

Four navy warships, along with a reconnaissance aeroplane, were dispatched by the United States after a joint naval patrol was carried out by multiple Chinese and Russian military vessels near Alaska last week. 
 
The combined naval patrol, which was first reported by the Wall Street Journal, looked like the largest such flotilla to approach US territory, as per experts who spoke to the media outlet. 
 
“It’s a historical first,” said Brent Sadler, a retired Navy captain and senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation, while speaking to the Journal. 
 
He further added that the proximity of the flotilla to Alaska was a “highly provocative” manoeuvre, given the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and political tensions between the US and China over Taiwan. Since then, the flotilla has left.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-deploying-more-warships-marines-in-west-asia-amid-iranian-aggression-618058">US deploying more warships, Marines in West Asia amid Iranian aggression</a>

US Northern Command, further confirming the combined naval patrol by Chinese and Russian officials, said, “Air and maritime assets under our commands conducted operations to assure the defence of the United States and Canada. The patrol remained in international waters and was not considered a threat.” 
 
The navy warships sent by the US, in response to the Chinese and Russian flotilla, were made up of four destroyers and a Poseidon P-8 patrol aeroplane.

<h2>Patrol 'not targeted at any third party': Chinese embassy</h2>

The spokesperson of the Chinese embassy in Washington DC, Liu Pengyu, in a statement to the Journal, said that the patrol “is not targeted at any third party”. 
 
“According to the annual cooperation plan between the Chinese and Russian militaries, naval vessels of the two countries have recently conducted joint maritime patrols in relevant waters in the western and northern Pacific Ocean,” said Pengyu. “This action is not targeted at any third party and has nothing to do with the current international and regional situation,” he added.

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Has China planted moles in the U.S. navy?

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Alaska senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan said that they are monitoring the situation after joint Chinese and Russian patrol came close to the Aleutian Islands. “We have been in close contact with leadership … for several days now and received detailed classified briefings about the foreign vessels that are transiting US waters in the Aleutians,” Murkowski said while speaking to the Wall Street Journal. 
 
“This is a stark reminder of Alaska’s proximity to both China and Russia, as well as the essential role our state plays in our national defence and territorial sovereignty,” he added.

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Four navy warships, along with a reconnaissance aeroplane, were dispatched by the United States after a joint naval patrol was carried out by multiple Chinese and Russian military vessels near Alaska last week.

Four navy warships, along with a reconnaissance aeroplane, were dispatched by the United States after a joint naval patrol was carried out by multiple Chinese and Russian military vessels near Alaska last week. The combined naval patrol, which was first reported by the Wall Street Journal, looked like the largest such flotilla to approach US territory, as per experts who spoke to the media outlet. “It’s a historical first,” said Brent Sadler, a retired Navy captain and senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation, while speaking to the Journal. He further added that the proximity of the flotilla to Alaska was a “highly provocative” manoeuvre, given the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and political tensions between the US and China over Taiwan. Since then, the flotilla has left. ALSO READ | US deploying more warships, Marines in West Asia amid Iranian aggression US Northern Command, further confirming the combined naval patrol by Chinese and Russian officials, said, “Air and maritime assets under our commands conducted operations to assure the defence of the United States and Canada. The patrol remained in international waters and was not considered a threat.” The navy warships sent by the US, in response to the Chinese and Russian flotilla, were made up of four destroyers and a Poseidon P-8 patrol aeroplane. Patrol 'not targeted at any third party': Chinese embassy The spokesperson of the Chinese embassy in Washington DC, Liu Pengyu, in a statement to the Journal, said that the patrol “is not targeted at any third party”. “According to the annual cooperation plan between the Chinese and Russian militaries, naval vessels of the two countries have recently conducted joint maritime patrols in relevant waters in the western and northern Pacific Ocean,” said Pengyu. “This action is not targeted at any third party and has nothing to do with the current international and regional situation,” he added. WATCH | Gravitas: Has China planted moles in the U.S. navy? Alaska senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan said that they are monitoring the situation after joint Chinese and Russian patrol came close to the Aleutian Islands. “We have been in close contact with leadership … for several days now and received detailed classified briefings about the foreign vessels that are transiting US waters in the Aleutians,” Murkowski said while speaking to the Wall Street Journal. “This is a stark reminder of Alaska’s proximity to both China and Russia, as well as the essential role our state plays in our national defence and territorial sovereignty,” he added. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US dispatches four navy warships after Russia, China send naval patrols near Alaska

At least 21 people were injured while 126 buildings collapsed after an earthquake measuring 5.5 rattled parts of eastern China early on Sunday morning. The quake occurred near the city of Dezhou, about 300 km (185 miles) south of Beijing, the Chinese capital, at 2.

At least 21 people were injured while 126 buildings collapsed after an earthquake measuring 5.5 rattled parts of eastern China early on Sunday morning. The quake occurred near the city of Dezhou, about 300 km (185 miles) south of Beijing, the Chinese capital, at 2.33 am (1833 GMT). According to China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC), a second earthquake struck around 3:02 am, with a magnitude of 3.0, having a depth of 9 kilometres. According to state media agency China Central Television (CCTV), a level four response was launched by China's Ministry of Emergency Management. The earthquake also forced China Railway Group to suspend some train operations on routes including the Beijing-Shanghai Railway and Beijing-Kowloon Railway. Pingyuan, located in the central part of Dezhou, has a population of 420,000. Local authorities immediately launched an emergency plan and deployed seven rescue stations and 16 fire engines. They also dispatched 93 firefighters to the epicentre for rescue and relief efforts. WATCH | China: 6.8 earthquake hit Sichuan province, kills 74 and injures around 259 × “The tremor was so strong… during the earthquake, my head was shaking on the pillow, I thought I was having a nightmare," a Chinese netizen posted on Weibo from Shandong’s neighbouring Hebei province. According to multiple reports, the quake was felt as far away as the cities of Beijing and Tianjin as well as in Shanghai, some 800 kilometres from the epicentre. Watch | Giant oarfish, believed to be a 'harbinger of earthquakes', spotted in Taiwan Despite the strong quake and aftershocks, the water and communications infrastructure were functioning normally. Earthquakes are a regular phenomenon in China but it is rare for them to hit the eastern part of the country where the majority of the population resides. Add the closeness of the quake to the ground and it becomes even more rare. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

China rattled by 5.5 magnitude earthquake, several injured, multiple buildings collapse

Taiwan's military vowed on Wednesday to step up counter-espionage efforts as authorities investigated several serving and former military officers suspected of spying for China.

China, which is pressing the island to accept its sovereignty, has in recent years mounted a sustained espionage campaign to undermine democratically governed Taiwan's military and civilian leadership, a Reuters investigation has found.

A lieutenant colonel surnamed Hsiao, based in the army's Aviation and Special Forces Command, had been detained on suspicion of leaking defence secrets to "foreign forces including China" and "developing organisations" in Taiwan, the official Central News Agency (CNA) reported.

Investigators searched the Command headquarters in the northern city of Taoyuan this week, the CNA reported, adding that four retired military officers as well as a "middleman" surnamed Hsiao were being investigated.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tensions-rise-as-china-flexes-military-muscles-ahead-of-taiwans-war-games-615738">Watch |&nbsp;Tensions rise as China flexes military muscles ahead of Taiwan's war games</a>

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The defence ministry said in a statement that authorities had gathered "concrete evidence" of illegal activities.

"Facing infiltration by the Chinese Communist Party, the national forces will continue to boost counter-espionage education and raise awareness," the ministry said, adding it was saddened by the crime of "selling out the country and people".

Responding to a question about the reports at a press conference, Deputy Secretary-General to the Presidential Office Alex Huang said the incident was "shameless" and called for thorough investigations.

"Betraying your own fellow soldiers and country should be punished by law strictly," he said, adding that authorities had been working hard to prevent such incidents from happening again.

China's Taiwan Affairs Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-sends-dozens-of-warplanes-towards-taiwan-ahead-of-islands-anti-invasion-exercises-618454">Also read |&nbsp;China sends dozens of warplanes towards Taiwan ahead of island's anti-invasion exercises</a>

China, which views Taiwan as its own territory, has stepped up military and political pressure over recent years to try to force the island to accept its sovereignty, which the government in Taipei rejects.

In the past decade or so, at least 21 serving or retired Taiwanese officers with the rank of captain or above have been convicted of spying for China, according to a Reuters review of court records and reports from Taiwan's official news agencies. 
 
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&nbsp;

Taiwan's military vowed on Wednesday to step up counter-espionage efforts as authorities investigated several serving and former military officers suspected of spying for China.

Taiwan's military vowed on Wednesday to step up counter-espionage efforts as authorities investigated several serving and former military officers suspected of spying for China. China, which is pressing the island to accept its sovereignty, has in recent years mounted a sustained espionage campaign to undermine democratically governed Taiwan's military and civilian leadership, a Reuters investigation has found. A lieutenant colonel surnamed Hsiao, based in the army's Aviation and Special Forces Command, had been detained on suspicion of leaking defence secrets to "foreign forces including China" and "developing organisations" in Taiwan, the official Central News Agency (CNA) reported. Investigators searched the Command headquarters in the northern city of Taoyuan this week, the CNA reported, adding that four retired military officers as well as a "middleman" surnamed Hsiao were being investigated. Watch | Tensions rise as China flexes military muscles ahead of Taiwan's war games × The defence ministry said in a statement that authorities had gathered "concrete evidence" of illegal activities. "Facing infiltration by the Chinese Communist Party, the national forces will continue to boost counter-espionage education and raise awareness," the ministry said, adding it was saddened by the crime of "selling out the country and people". Responding to a question about the reports at a press conference, Deputy Secretary-General to the Presidential Office Alex Huang said the incident was "shameless" and called for thorough investigations. "Betraying your own fellow soldiers and country should be punished by law strictly," he said, adding that authorities had been working hard to prevent such incidents from happening again. China's Taiwan Affairs Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Also read | China sends dozens of warplanes towards Taiwan ahead of island's anti-invasion exercises China, which views Taiwan as its own territory, has stepped up military and political pressure over recent years to try to force the island to accept its sovereignty, which the government in Taipei rejects. In the past decade or so, at least 21 serving or retired Taiwanese officers with the rank of captain or above have been convicted of spying for China, according to a Reuters review of court records and reports from Taiwan's official news agencies. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Taiwan steps up counter-espionage action after Chinese infiltration in military, civil ranks

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng arrived in the Pakistan capital, Islamabad on Sunday (July 30), as the countries mark the 10th anniversary of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a cornerstone of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).&nbsp;

<h2>Chinese official’s visit to Pakistan</h2>

During his three-day visit from July 30 to August 1, Vice Premier He, who is also a member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, will hold meetings with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Arif Alvi.

He was received by the Pakistan Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal and Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah at the airport, as well as the officials from the Chinese embassy and Islamabad’s ministry of foreign affairs, according to local media reports.&nbsp;

In a statement released ahead of the Chinese vice premier’s arrival on Saturday, Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) said that his visit to Islamabad at the federal government’s invitation played a “prominent role” in China’s international economic relations and implementation of the BRI.&nbsp; 
 
It added that as the chairman of China’s National Development and Reform Commission from 2017 to 2023, he was “instrumental in the planning and execution of multiple CPEC projects in Pakistan”. He’s visit also reflects the importance attached by Pakistan and China to further deepen their “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership,” said the Pakistan FO.&nbsp;

<h2>Bomb blast in Pakistan kills at least 44</h2>

The Chinese official’s visit&nbsp; began on the day that saw a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosion-in-pakistan-claims-the-lives-of-at-least-43-620814">deadly bomb blast</a> at a Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) convention in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bajaur district which has led to the death of at least 44 people and wounded over 200 others.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the deadly bomb blast, but as per local media reports, the local chapter of the Islamic State (IS) group has carried out attacks against JUI-F in the recent past.

<h2>About CPEC</h2>

Since its initiation in 2013, CPEC has seen $25.4 billion invested into massive transport, energy and infrastructure projects across Pakistan, as per media reports.&nbsp;

However, the countries that share a 596-kilometre border near the Siachen Glacier, have recently witnessed some strain due to the numerous hurdles in recent years which also include disruption of CPEC projects.&nbsp;

<h2>Security concerns</h2>

CPEC, which connects Gwadar Port in Pakistan’s Balochistan with China’s Xinjiang province, is opposed by India as it is being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Additionally, it has also been opposed by the locals who have reportedly claimed that the influx of investment does not benefit them. &nbsp;

Over the years, Baloch separatists have claimed multiple attacks on CPEC projects which has prompted Pakistan to deploy thousands of security personnel to counter threats against Chinese interests.&nbsp;

“Security stands out as the core problem that hinders the realisation of Chinese goals,” Azeem Khalid, assistant professor of international relations at COMSATS University Islamabad told AFP.

He added, “This factor is the primary reason why CPEC has not reached its full functional potential yet.”

Previous attacks on Chinese workers and officials have prompted Pakistan to ramp up security measures this time around. Islamabad also ordered a two-day public holiday to keep people off the streets. Ahead of He’s visit, banners celebrating the anniversary and flags of both countries were put up across Pakistan’s capital.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
 
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Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng arrived in the Pakistan capital, Islamabad on Sunday (July 30), as the countries mark the 10th anniversary of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a cornerstone of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng arrived in the Pakistan capital, Islamabad on Sunday (July 30), as the countries mark the 10th anniversary of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a cornerstone of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Chinese official’s visit to Pakistan During his three-day visit from July 30 to August 1, Vice Premier He, who is also a member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, will hold meetings with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Arif Alvi. He was received by the Pakistan Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal and Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah at the airport, as well as the officials from the Chinese embassy and Islamabad’s ministry of foreign affairs, according to local media reports. In a statement released ahead of the Chinese vice premier’s arrival on Saturday, Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) said that his visit to Islamabad at the federal government’s invitation played a “prominent role” in China’s international economic relations and implementation of the BRI. It added that as the chairman of China’s National Development and Reform Commission from 2017 to 2023, he was “instrumental in the planning and execution of multiple CPEC projects in Pakistan”. He’s visit also reflects the importance attached by Pakistan and China to further deepen their “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership,” said the Pakistan FO. Bomb blast in Pakistan kills at least 44 The Chinese official’s visit began on the day that saw a deadly bomb blast at a Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) convention in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bajaur district which has led to the death of at least 44 people and wounded over 200 others. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the deadly bomb blast, but as per local media reports, the local chapter of the Islamic State (IS) group has carried out attacks against JUI-F in the recent past. About CPEC Since its initiation in 2013, CPEC has seen $25.4 billion invested into massive transport, energy and infrastructure projects across Pakistan, as per media reports. However, the countries that share a 596-kilometre border near the Siachen Glacier, have recently witnessed some strain due to the numerous hurdles in recent years which also include disruption of CPEC projects. Security concerns CPEC, which connects Gwadar Port in Pakistan’s Balochistan with China’s Xinjiang province, is opposed by India as it is being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Additionally, it has also been opposed by the locals who have reportedly claimed that the influx of investment does not benefit them. Over the years, Baloch separatists have claimed multiple attacks on CPEC projects which has prompted Pakistan to deploy thousands of security personnel to counter threats against Chinese interests. “Security stands out as the core problem that hinders the realisation of Chinese goals,” Azeem Khalid, assistant professor of international relations at COMSATS University Islamabad told AFP. He added, “This factor is the primary reason why CPEC has not reached its full functional potential yet.” Previous attacks on Chinese workers and officials have prompted Pakistan to ramp up security measures this time around. Islamabad also ordered a two-day public holiday to keep people off the streets. Ahead of He’s visit, banners celebrating the anniversary and flags of both countries were put up across Pakistan’s capital. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan: Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng arrives in Islamabad to celebrate 10 years of CPEC

After subjugating the Uyghur population in its backyard to torture, China is now pressuring Uyghurs living abroad to spy on human rights campaigners, according to a BBC report.&nbsp;

The publication claims that Beijing is using intimidating tactics by threatening families back home to get the foreign-living Uyghurs to do its surveillance job.&nbsp;

“Research suggests this particular kind - controlling access to family members in the home country through video calls, in exchange for compliance overseas - is commonly used by Chinese police,” the report claimed.

Citing the example of an Uyghur refugee named Alim (name changed), it was revealed that authorities in Beijing were using her mother as bait to force him to attend meetings of Uyghur human rights activists, gather intelligence and pass it back to the Chinese state.

"Whenever there was an anti-China protest in London, they would call me and ask who would be attending," Alim was quoted as saying.&nbsp;

He added that Beijing offered him money as well so that he could attempt to befriend the leaders of various campaign groups with UK citizens in them.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-bars-uyghur-muslims-from-praying-in-mosques-trending-on-wion-587586">Watch |&nbsp;China bars Uyghur Muslims from praying in mosques | Trending on WION</a>

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The constant, implied threats, that his family might be physically harmed, has left Alim in a vicious cycle where he is forced to do the bidding of CCP.&nbsp;

"They are using my family as hostages," Alim says. "I am living in a dark moment."

Dr David Tobin at the University of Sheffield, who has worked extensively on the issue said all Uyghurs living outside China are victims of transnational repression.

“Family separation is the central tactic” that China uses, said the expert, adding, “Even where phone calls are technically possible, relatives still living in China won't pick up as there is an assumption that calls will be monitored, and a fear that communicating freely will put them at risk."

Even in Turkey, regarded&nbsp;as a safe haven for Uyghurs, the Chinese government is using its might to pressure the refugees. Almost 80 per cent of the 148 respondents reported similar threats from Chinese authorities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-faces-heat-at-unga-over-the-xinjiang-report-518292">Also read |&nbsp;China faces heat at UNGA over report of atrocities on Uyghurs in Xinjiang</a>

<h2>China's treatment of Uyghurs</h2>

For a long time, China has been accused by the Western world, especially the US, of undertaking a genocide of the Uyghur Muslim populace in the Xinjiang province. In a report released by the UN last year, China's actions in Xinjiang were dubbed as 'crimes against humanity'.&nbsp;

The report had been in the works for years and was released despite Chinese efforts to delay or block it.&nbsp;

Chinese President Xi Jinping on multiple occasions has made it clear that Islam can only exist in China if it is reformed according to Chinese orientation. The country has admitted that it runs concentration camps, which it dubs 'vocational training camps'.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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After subjugating the Uyghur population in its backyard to torture, China is now pressuring Uyghurs living abroad to spy on human rights campaigners, according to a BBC report.

After subjugating the Uyghur population in its backyard to torture, China is now pressuring Uyghurs living abroad to spy on human rights campaigners, according to a BBC report. The publication claims that Beijing is using intimidating tactics by threatening families back home to get the foreign-living Uyghurs to do its surveillance job. “Research suggests this particular kind - controlling access to family members in the home country through video calls, in exchange for compliance overseas - is commonly used by Chinese police,” the report claimed. Citing the example of an Uyghur refugee named Alim (name changed), it was revealed that authorities in Beijing were using her mother as bait to force him to attend meetings of Uyghur human rights activists, gather intelligence and pass it back to the Chinese state. "Whenever there was an anti-China protest in London, they would call me and ask who would be attending," Alim was quoted as saying. He added that Beijing offered him money as well so that he could attempt to befriend the leaders of various campaign groups with UK citizens in them. Watch | China bars Uyghur Muslims from praying in mosques | Trending on WION × The constant, implied threats, that his family might be physically harmed, has left Alim in a vicious cycle where he is forced to do the bidding of CCP. "They are using my family as hostages," Alim says. "I am living in a dark moment." Dr David Tobin at the University of Sheffield, who has worked extensively on the issue said all Uyghurs living outside China are victims of transnational repression. “Family separation is the central tactic” that China uses, said the expert, adding, “Even where phone calls are technically possible, relatives still living in China won't pick up as there is an assumption that calls will be monitored, and a fear that communicating freely will put them at risk." Even in Turkey, regarded as a safe haven for Uyghurs, the Chinese government is using its might to pressure the refugees. Almost 80 per cent of the 148 respondents reported similar threats from Chinese authorities. Also read | China faces heat at UNGA over report of atrocities on Uyghurs in Xinjiang China's treatment of Uyghurs For a long time, China has been accused by the Western world, especially the US, of undertaking a genocide of the Uyghur Muslim populace in the Xinjiang province. In a report released by the UN last year, China's actions in Xinjiang were dubbed as 'crimes against humanity'. The report had been in the works for years and was released despite Chinese efforts to delay or block it. Chinese President Xi Jinping on multiple occasions has made it clear that Islam can only exist in China if it is reformed according to Chinese orientation. The country has admitted that it runs concentration camps, which it dubs 'vocational training camps'. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

China blackmailing Uyghur refugees living abroad to spy for it, claims report

A couple of days after India blocked Chinese automaker BYD's $1 billion bid to set up an electric vehicle (EV) factory in the country, Beijing's top diplomat has urged New Delhi to rethink the decision, adding that the two countries were not 'threats' to each other.

A couple of days after India blocked Chinese automaker BYD's $1 billion bid to set up an electric vehicle (EV) factory in the country, Beijing's top diplomat has urged New Delhi to rethink the decision, adding that the two countries were not 'threats' to each other. Wang Yi, whose position within the Communist party ranks above that of a foreign minister, met India's National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval and called for policies to “enhance strategic mutual trust” and “focus on consensus and cooperation”, according to a readout released by the Chinese foreign ministry. The meeting took place on the sidelines of a gathering of BRICS members in Johannesburg, South Africa on Monday (July 24). BRICS is a grouping of emerging economies Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. "Whether China and India support or exhaust each other will directly affect the two countries' respective development processes and the global landscape," Wang reportedly told Doval, according to Chinese mouthpiece Global Times. Watch | India's EV market races to catch up | India's EV infrastructure: Roadblock for buyers × The top diplomat added that Beijing was not looking to follow the old world order of 'seeking hegemony'. "China will never tread the old path of seeking hegemony taken by some countries. It is willing to work together with a vast number of developing countries, including India, to support multilateralism and democratisation of international relations," Wang emphasised. "Wang Yi said that China and India should adhere to the strategic judgment that the two countries are not threats to each other but opportunities for each other's development," the publication noted. The Chinese leader added that both countries should put "relations back onto a track of healthy and stable development at an early date". What happened with BYD? Notably, last week, India rejected the Chinese EV giant's proposal to build EVs as well as electric batteries in the lucrative Indian market, in partnership with an Indian company Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd., citing 'security concerns'. “Security concerns with respect to Chinese investments in India were flagged during the deliberations,” an Indian official was quoted as saying by Economic Times. Another official cited ‘existing guidelines’ to claim that such Chinese investments were not possible. Also read | India trashes Chinese EV maker BYD’s proposal to set up $1 billion plant Currently, BYD has plans to sell at least 15,000 units if EVs in the Indian market in 2023. Despite the rejection, the company plans to expand its distribution network in India and upgrade manufacturing capacity. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'We are not threats...': After India dumps BYD’s factory plans, Beijing urges New Delhi to rethink

China has sent dozens of its warplanes, including fighter jets, towards Taiwan, said the island’s defence ministry, on Saturday (July 22). This comes ahead of the island’s annual Han Kuang exercise next week where Taipei’s forces will hold combat readiness drills for preventing an invasion.&nbsp;

<h2>Dozens of warplanes sent towards Taiwan</h2>

In a statement, the Taiwanese defence ministry said the Chinese People’s Liberation Army sent 37 aircraft and seven navy vessels around Taiwan between Friday 6:00 am and Saturday 6:00 am (local time), reported the Associated Press. &nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-remains-undecided-on-taiwans-unification-top-pentagon-official-610898">Beijing remains undecided on Taiwan's unification: Top Pentagon official</a>

According to Taiwanese officials, among the warplanes were J-10 and J-16 fighters and H-6 bombers. Out of nearly 40 warplanes, 22 crossed the midline of the Taiwan Strait – an unofficial boundary between the island and the mainland – or entered the island’s defence identification zone near its southern part, said the Taiwanese defence ministry.&nbsp;

<h2>China’s growing threat</h2>

China’s move to send ships and warplanes around the democratically governed Taiwan comes ahead of the latter’s annual Han Kuang exercise next week which is said to be aimed at defending itself against a possible invasion. It also comes days after Taiwan’s recently concluded Wan’an exercises which aim to prepare the island’s civilians for natural disasters and practice evacuations in case of an air raid.

China has repeatedly claimed Taiwan as its own territory while the island’s government strongly disputes Beijing’s sovereignty claims, saying that only their 23 million people can decide their future. Recently, China has also ramped up military activities near the island and expressed displeasure at political activities in Taiwan.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-military-releases-simulation-clip-of-how-it-will-attack-taiwan-if-war-breaks-out-watch-581302">Chinese military releases simulation clip of how it will attack Taiwan&nbsp;if war breaks out. Watch</a>

Earlier this year, China also conducted three-day military drills on the Taiwan Strait, which were announced hours after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen returned from her visit to the United States and met with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and other lawmakers.&nbsp;

After the drills, the Chinese military posted a simulation video showing how it could launch a full-scale attack against the self-governed island if war ever broke out. The video showed what appeared to be trajectory missiles landing on Taiwan and its surrounding waters.&nbsp;

Additionally, it also mapped out how the Chinese forces, including military aircraft and navy vessels, could launch a coordinated attack.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-can-propose-governance-ideas-after-unifying-with-china-pla-605397">Taiwan can propose governance ideas after unifying with China: PLA&nbsp;</a>

Similarly, Beijing had also conducted large-scale drills after then US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan and fired missiles over the island which disrupted trade in the Taiwan Strait and forced aeroplanes to reroute flights.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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China has sent dozens of its warplanes, including fighter jets, towards Taiwan, said the island’s defence ministry, on Saturday (July 22). This comes ahead of the island’s annual Han Kuang exercise next week where Taipei’s forces will hold combat readiness drills for preventing an invasion.

China has sent dozens of its warplanes, including fighter jets, towards Taiwan, said the island’s defence ministry, on Saturday (July 22). This comes ahead of the island’s annual Han Kuang exercise next week where Taipei’s forces will hold combat readiness drills for preventing an invasion. Dozens of warplanes sent towards Taiwan In a statement, the Taiwanese defence ministry said the Chinese People’s Liberation Army sent 37 aircraft and seven navy vessels around Taiwan between Friday 6:00 am and Saturday 6:00 am (local time), reported the Associated Press. ALSO READ | Beijing remains undecided on Taiwan's unification: Top Pentagon official According to Taiwanese officials, among the warplanes were J-10 and J-16 fighters and H-6 bombers. Out of nearly 40 warplanes, 22 crossed the midline of the Taiwan Strait – an unofficial boundary between the island and the mainland – or entered the island’s defence identification zone near its southern part, said the Taiwanese defence ministry. China’s growing threat China’s move to send ships and warplanes around the democratically governed Taiwan comes ahead of the latter’s annual Han Kuang exercise next week which is said to be aimed at defending itself against a possible invasion. It also comes days after Taiwan’s recently concluded Wan’an exercises which aim to prepare the island’s civilians for natural disasters and practice evacuations in case of an air raid. China has repeatedly claimed Taiwan as its own territory while the island’s government strongly disputes Beijing’s sovereignty claims, saying that only their 23 million people can decide their future. Recently, China has also ramped up military activities near the island and expressed displeasure at political activities in Taiwan. ALSO READ | Chinese military releases simulation clip of how it will attack Taiwan if war breaks out. Watch Earlier this year, China also conducted three-day military drills on the Taiwan Strait, which were announced hours after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen returned from her visit to the United States and met with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and other lawmakers. After the drills, the Chinese military posted a simulation video showing how it could launch a full-scale attack against the self-governed island if war ever broke out. The video showed what appeared to be trajectory missiles landing on Taiwan and its surrounding waters. Additionally, it also mapped out how the Chinese forces, including military aircraft and navy vessels, could launch a coordinated attack. ALSO READ | Taiwan can propose governance ideas after unifying with China: PLA Similarly, Beijing had also conducted large-scale drills after then US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan and fired missiles over the island which disrupted trade in the Taiwan Strait and forced aeroplanes to reroute flights. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China sends dozens of warplanes towards Taiwan ahead of island's anti-invasion exercises

Amid the ongoing chip wars, China's new envoy to the US has issued a warning that Beijing will retaliate if the Biden administration imposes new restriction on technology.&nbsp;

Ambassador Xie Feng, during the&nbsp;Aspen Security Forum China said his country did not want a trade or technology war but its leaders won't sit on their hands if the US had&nbsp;something up its sleeve once again.&nbsp;

"The Chinese government cannot simply sit idly by. There's a Chinese saying that we will not...make provocations, but we will not flinch from provocations," said Xie.&nbsp;

"China, definitely...will give our response. But definitely it's not our hope to have a tit for tat. We don't want a trade war, technological war, we want to say goodbye to the Iron Curtain as well as the Silicon Curtain."

Xie, who took over the position in May, dropped a cheeky analogy, suggesting the US wanted to handicap China by creating unfair competition.&nbsp;

“This is like restricting the other side to wear outdated swimwear in a swimming contest, while you yourself are wearing a Speedo,” he said. “So this is not fair.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/micron-fails-chinas-security-check-594972">WATCH |&nbsp;Micron fails China's security check</a>

<h2><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-6="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/micron-fails-chinas-security-check-594972/embed" width="560"></iframe></h2>

<h2>Washington mulls comprehensive ban</h2>

Xie's statement comes in the backdrop of reports claiming that Washington was planning to wrap up a proposal for&nbsp;a long-delayed programme to screen and possibly prohibit investment in China’s semiconductor, quantum-computing and artificial intelligence sectors. The Biden administration is hoping to finalise the executive order by Labor Day.&nbsp;

The relations between the two countries have remained frosty for a long period. Earlier this month, the chip war between the two countries took a new turn after China imposed export controls on two rare elements, essential for the manufacturing of semiconductors.&nbsp;

Starting August 1, exports of gallium, and germanium, among several other industrial compounds will be subject to restrictions, Beijing announced, in order to “safeguard national security and interests”.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tit-for-tat-after-china-restricts-metals-export-us-mulls-ban-on-access-to-cloud-computing-611647">Also read |&nbsp;Tit-for-tat: After China restricts metals export, US mulls ban on access to cloud computing</a>

<h2>China doubles down&nbsp;</h2>

The move came a few weeks after China's cyberspace regulator, in a&nbsp;precedent-breaking move, banned Micron — the biggest US memory chipmaker, claiming that the company failed its network security review.

Micron became the first American&nbsp;chipmaker to be targeted by China following a series of export controls by the US on certain American components and chipmaking tools to block them from being used to advance China's military capabilities.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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Amid the ongoing chip wars, China's new envoy to the US has issued a warning that Beijing will retaliate if the Biden administration imposes new restriction on technology.

Amid the ongoing chip wars, China's new envoy to the US has issued a warning that Beijing will retaliate if the Biden administration imposes new restriction on technology. Ambassador Xie Feng, during the Aspen Security Forum China said his country did not want a trade or technology war but its leaders won't sit on their hands if the US had something up its sleeve once again. "The Chinese government cannot simply sit idly by. There's a Chinese saying that we will not...make provocations, but we will not flinch from provocations," said Xie. "China, definitely...will give our response. But definitely it's not our hope to have a tit for tat. We don't want a trade war, technological war, we want to say goodbye to the Iron Curtain as well as the Silicon Curtain." Xie, who took over the position in May, dropped a cheeky analogy, suggesting the US wanted to handicap China by creating unfair competition. “This is like restricting the other side to wear outdated swimwear in a swimming contest, while you yourself are wearing a Speedo,” he said. “So this is not fair.” WATCH | Micron fails China's security check Washington mulls comprehensive ban Xie's statement comes in the backdrop of reports claiming that Washington was planning to wrap up a proposal for a long-delayed programme to screen and possibly prohibit investment in China’s semiconductor, quantum-computing and artificial intelligence sectors. The Biden administration is hoping to finalise the executive order by Labor Day. The relations between the two countries have remained frosty for a long period. Earlier this month, the chip war between the two countries took a new turn after China imposed export controls on two rare elements, essential for the manufacturing of semiconductors. Starting August 1, exports of gallium, and germanium, among several other industrial compounds will be subject to restrictions, Beijing announced, in order to “safeguard national security and interests”. Also read | Tit-for-tat: After China restricts metals export, US mulls ban on access to cloud computing China doubles down The move came a few weeks after China's cyberspace regulator, in a precedent-breaking move, banned Micron — the biggest US memory chipmaker, claiming that the company failed its network security review. Micron became the first American chipmaker to be targeted by China following a series of export controls by the US on certain American components and chipmaking tools to block them from being used to advance China's military capabilities. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Semiconductor wars: China warns of retaliation if US imposes further restrictions

Last month, former US President Barack Obama made some distressing comments about India. Speaking in an interview with CNN, Obama said there is "a strong possibility that India at some point starts pulling apart," if it fails to protect its Muslims.

This comment set the cat among the pigeons on Indian social media, with Indians rightly pointing out how Obama should be the last person on this planet to talk about the rights of Muslims. India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman too joined the fray and reminded him how the US, under his watch, bombed six Muslim countries and dropped more than 26,000 bombs in these countries.

But Obama’s foolish comments found unexpected buyers far away in Beijing. The Communist Party of China’s official mouthpiece, the Global Times published a piece late last month, endorsing Obama’s views on India’s handling of its minorities.

“The dichotomy of different ethnic and religious beliefs, along with the inability of minorities to participate in the country's development and the greater difficulty of having a sense of national identity, portends greater trouble for India in the future,” the tabloid noted. “India’s modernisation will not be sustainable and will always face the possibility of division,” it prophesied. The tone reflected more of ambition than concern.

It is true that following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, China has seen India as the only potential rival in East Asia. That explains why the Chinese establishment has long cherished the ambition of breaking up India.

In 2009, a Chinese military think tank brazenly floated the idea of breaking up India into 20-30 independent states. “If China takes a little action, the so-called Great Indian Federation can be broken up,” read the article posted on the website of the China International Institute for Strategic Studies. It suggested that China should help create divisions in India by supporting factions of the Assamese, Kashmiris and Tamilians.

Author of the report, Zhong Guo Zhan Lue Gang, also recommended Beijing join hands with the United Liberation Front of Asom to carve out an independent state of&nbsp;Assam from India.

Meanwhile, a letter surfaced in 2020 written by the radical group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) to China seeking help 'against' India that also shed light on possible links between Beijing and pro-Khalistan forces.

Later in 2021, the Global Times wrote that China had enough tools to shatter India’s illusion that it could capitalise upon the Taiwan card. “If India supports secessionist forces in China, the latter could as well support separatist forces in northeast India in an-eye-for-an-eye manner,” the Global Times warned. It added, “One of the measures could be not recognising Sikkim as a part of India," attributing the statement to Liu Zongyi, secretary-general of the Research Center for China-South Asia Cooperation at Shanghai Institutes for International Studies

To date, China continues to describe India’s Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh as “disputed territories. Beijing even boycotted the planned G20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Jammu &amp; Kashmir citing the same reason. China continues to oppose high-profile political visits to Arunachal Pradesh, by calling them a violation of China’s territorial integrity.

How has New Delhi returned the favour?

Unfortunately, it never did. Indian policymakers always feared ostracising China. The Dalai Lama and Tibetans still feel deprived of political freedom in India. India still remains silent on Taiwan, under the so-called one-China policy.

India’s decisions vis-à-vis China were directly influenced by US and other international factors in the past. For instance, following the rapprochement between China and US in the early 1970s, the American Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) abandoned its ‘Tibet Program’ that sought to help Tibetans achieve independence from China. This orphaned India’s own ambition to help Tibet achieve statehood.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/putins-actions-in-ukraine-do-not-make-indians-anti-russia-heres-why-613578">Putin’s actions in Ukraine do not make Indians anti-Russia. Here’s why</a>

However, as India’s political and economic muscles keep growing, its ability to pull off such anti-China designs on its own is also bound to improve. India’s engagement with Tibetan and Taiwanese leaders has marginally increased. It’s no longer taboo for an Indian prime minister to wish the Dalai Lama on his birthday. India has also welcomed Taiwan’s increased presence in India by allowing it to open a representative office in Mumbai. But, we must realise it is just the beginning. India needs to keep capitalising upon glaring fault lines rooted deep in Chinese society.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/indias-game-plan-for-future-wars-5-tri-service-commands-with-army-navy-air-force-combined-613354">India's game plan for future wars: 5 tri-service commands with Army, Navy, Air Force combined</a>

As toxic as China appears to be on the international stage, it is as shallow from within as a nation. To put things into perspective, it spends more on maintaining internal security than on its defence budget. Just because it has donned itself in black through the great firewall of China, it doesn't help hide its internal divisions. Tibetans, Muslims from Xinjiang and Mongolians living under the oppressive rule of the Chinese communist party continue to strive for independence from the Chinese regime.

So, now it’s finally time for India to bite the bullet and finish what the Chinese started.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

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Last month, former US President Barack Obama made some distressing comments about India. Speaking in an interview with CNN, Obama said there is "a strong possibility that India at some point starts pulling apart," if it fails to protect its Muslims.

Last month, former US President Barack Obama made some distressing comments about India. Speaking in an interview with CNN, Obama said there is "a strong possibility that India at some point starts pulling apart," if it fails to protect its Muslims. This comment set the cat among the pigeons on Indian social media, with Indians rightly pointing out how Obama should be the last person on this planet to talk about the rights of Muslims. India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman too joined the fray and reminded him how the US, under his watch, bombed six Muslim countries and dropped more than 26,000 bombs in these countries. But Obama’s foolish comments found unexpected buyers far away in Beijing. The Communist Party of China’s official mouthpiece, the Global Times published a piece late last month, endorsing Obama’s views on India’s handling of its minorities. “The dichotomy of different ethnic and religious beliefs, along with the inability of minorities to participate in the country's development and the greater difficulty of having a sense of national identity, portends greater trouble for India in the future,” the tabloid noted. “India’s modernisation will not be sustainable and will always face the possibility of division,” it prophesied. The tone reflected more of ambition than concern. It is true that following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, China has seen India as the only potential rival in East Asia. That explains why the Chinese establishment has long cherished the ambition of breaking up India. In 2009, a Chinese military think tank brazenly floated the idea of breaking up India into 20-30 independent states. “If China takes a little action, the so-called Great Indian Federation can be broken up,” read the article posted on the website of the China International Institute for Strategic Studies. It suggested that China should help create divisions in India by supporting factions of the Assamese, Kashmiris and Tamilians. Author of the report, Zhong Guo Zhan Lue Gang, also recommended Beijing join hands with the United Liberation Front of Asom to carve out an independent state of Assam from India. Meanwhile, a letter surfaced in 2020 written by the radical group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) to China seeking help 'against' India that also shed light on possible links between Beijing and pro-Khalistan forces. Later in 2021, the Global Times wrote that China had enough tools to shatter India’s illusion that it could capitalise upon the Taiwan card. “If India supports secessionist forces in China, the latter could as well support separatist forces in northeast India in an-eye-for-an-eye manner,” the Global Times warned. It added, “One of the measures could be not recognising Sikkim as a part of India," attributing the statement to Liu Zongyi, secretary-general of the Research Center for China-South Asia Cooperation at Shanghai Institutes for International Studies To date, China continues to describe India’s Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh as “disputed territories. Beijing even boycotted the planned G20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Jammu & Kashmir citing the same reason. China continues to oppose high-profile political visits to Arunachal Pradesh, by calling them a violation of China’s territorial integrity. How has New Delhi returned the favour? Unfortunately, it never did. Indian policymakers always feared ostracising China. The Dalai Lama and Tibetans still feel deprived of political freedom in India. India still remains silent on Taiwan, under the so-called one-China policy. India’s decisions vis-à-vis China were directly influenced by US and other international factors in the past. For instance, following the rapprochement between China and US in the early 1970s, the American Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) abandoned its ‘Tibet Program’ that sought to help Tibetans achieve independence from China. This orphaned India’s own ambition to help Tibet achieve statehood. Also read | Putin’s actions in Ukraine do not make Indians anti-Russia. Here’s why However, as India’s political and economic muscles keep growing, its ability to pull off such anti-China designs on its own is also bound to improve. India’s engagement with Tibetan and Taiwanese leaders has marginally increased. It’s no longer taboo for an Indian prime minister to wish the Dalai Lama on his birthday. India has also welcomed Taiwan’s increased presence in India by allowing it to open a representative office in Mumbai. But, we must realise it is just the beginning. India needs to keep capitalising upon glaring fault lines rooted deep in Chinese society. Also read | India's game plan for future wars: 5 tri-service commands with Army, Navy, Air Force combined As toxic as China appears to be on the international stage, it is as shallow from within as a nation. To put things into perspective, it spends more on maintaining internal security than on its defence budget. Just because it has donned itself in black through the great firewall of China, it doesn't help hide its internal divisions. Tibetans, Muslims from Xinjiang and Mongolians living under the oppressive rule of the Chinese communist party continue to strive for independence from the Chinese regime. So, now it’s finally time for India to bite the bullet and finish what the Chinese started. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

China’s long-cherished dream of breaking up India and New Delhi in slumber mode

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