The Chinese government has officially confirmed the death of a missing Uighur man whose daughter believes had been held in a Xinjiang internment centre since 2017.

China confirms death of Uighur man: 'Death due to pneumonia and tuberculosis' | World News

Beijing has reportedly passed a law to protect “non-malicious” medical whistleblowers, months after a Chinese doctor Li Wenliang was reprimanded for sounding the alarm about the nature of the coronavirus outbreak.

WION Dispatch: Beijing passes new whistleblower law | World News

While the whole world is still scrambling to control the coronavirus outbreak, life has returned to normal in China's Wuhan, which was the first epicenter of the Coronavirus outbreak. Watch report.

COVID-19 Pandemic: Crowded streets in Wuhan during rush hour

USA is seeking to limit stay of Chinese journalists on its soil to 90 days. The proposal of the Departement of Homeland Security is part of fixed time limit on visas of students, researchers and foreign journalists in the US. The administration's move has been mentioned in a federal notification.

This may open a new front of tussle between USA and China as bilateral relations worsen. Both the countries are locked in a tit-for-tat battle over coronavirus, trade, diplomatic presence on each other's soil.

As per the new proposal, Chinese journalists in the US can apply for an extension of 90 days. Journalists from Macau have been given exception.

Although a provision of extension of 90 days has been proposed, the period is much less than that granted to other foreign journalists.

Journalists from countries other than China can spend 240 days in the US and ask for an extension for same period ahead.

In March, the State Department asked Chinese media outlets to reduce their number of staff in the US.

Four Chinese State-run media outlets -- Xinhua News Agency, China Global Television Network, China Radio International and China Daily- were asked to reduce their total staff of 160 Chinese nationals to 100.

In June, the US designated four top state-run Chinese media houses as "foreign missions," terming them as "propaganda" outlets "controlled" by the ruling Communist Party of China.

It will be interesting two see how China responds to the fresh proposal that is set to come into effect in 30 days.

In past China has retaliated US moves.

When US asked China to shut it embassy in Houston, China had retaliated by asking US to do the same with its embassy in Chengdu province.

After this, both countries have increasingly chosen to restrict movements of each other's diplomats on their own soil.

USA is seeking to limit stay of Chinese journalists on its soil to 90 days. The proposal of the Departement of Homeland Security is part of fixed time limit on visas of students, researchers and foreign journalists in the US.

USA is seeking to limit stay of Chinese journalists on its soil to 90 days. The proposal of the Departement of Homeland Security is part of fixed time limit on visas of students, researchers and foreign journalists in the US. The administration's move has been mentioned in a federal notification. This may open a new front of tussle between USA and China as bilateral relations worsen. Both the countries are locked in a tit-for-tat battle over coronavirus, trade, diplomatic presence on each other's soil. As per the new proposal, Chinese journalists in the US can apply for an extension of 90 days. Journalists from Macau have been given exception. Although a provision of extension of 90 days has been proposed, the period is much less than that granted to other foreign journalists. Journalists from countries other than China can spend 240 days in the US and ask for an extension for same period ahead. In March, the State Department asked Chinese media outlets to reduce their number of staff in the US. Four Chinese State-run media outlets -- Xinhua News Agency, China Global Television Network, China Radio International and China Daily- were asked to reduce their total staff of 160 Chinese nationals to 100. In June, the US designated four top state-run Chinese media houses as "foreign missions," terming them as "propaganda" outlets "controlled" by the ruling Communist Party of China. It will be interesting two see how China responds to the fresh proposal that is set to come into effect in 30 days. In past China has retaliated US moves. When US asked China to shut it embassy in Houston, China had retaliated by asking US to do the same with its embassy in Chengdu province. After this, both countries have increasingly chosen to restrict movements of each other's diplomats on their own soil.

US seeks to restrict stay of Chinese journalists to 90 days

Amid tensions in South China, a study has said that China has shown the "most interest" in emerging sea routes as climate change melts ice in the Arctic Ocean.

Polar Silk Road : China eyes strategic implications on future waterway

China’s cabinet said on Wednesday it will allow more qualified foreign investors to make strategic investment in Chinese listed companies to increase sale of national bonds.

China will step up punishment for irregularities such as market manipulation and insider trading, and improve the transparency and quality of information disclosure by listed companies, the state broadcaster quoted the meeting as saying.

Foreign institutional investors can access the exchange bond and interbank markets, China's two main markets for bonds, through the dollar-denominated Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor (QFII) programme, and its yuan-denominated sibling, RQFII.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-angered-as-wto-rules-in-chinas-favour-in-tariffs-case-327883" hreflang="en">US angered as WTO rules in China's favour in tariffs case</a>

China scrapped quotas for QFII and RQFII in June, to give qualified foreign institutions unlimited access to Chinese stocks and bonds.

Some institutional investors, including foreign central banks and monetary authorities and sovereign wealth funds can register for direct access to the interbank market through China Interbank Market (CIBM) Direct.

Bond Connect, introduced in July 2017, allows quota-free access to the interbank market through its "northbound" channel through Hong Kong. China has not launched a "southbound" channel, which would allow Chinese investors to invest in offshore bonds.

Who regulates the Chinese bond market?

The National Association of Financial Market Institutional Investors (NAFMII) regulates the interbank market, under the auspices of the People's Bank of China, with trading conducted through the China Foreign Exchange Trade System (CFETS).

The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China's state planner, regulates enterprise bonds, a corporate debt instrument.

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China Central Depository and Clearing Co (CCDC) and the Shanghai Clearing House are the central depositories.

The exchange bond market is regulated by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC). Trading primarily takes place on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges, with China Securities Depository and Clearing Co as the central depository.

What problems do foreign investors still face?

Investors say China lags far behind its developed-market peers in liquidity, ease of trading and market access.

Liquidity remains low as China's banks, pension funds, insurance companies hold&nbsp;on to&nbsp;their&nbsp;inventory&nbsp;because they cannot engage in bond lending, said Eugenie Shen, managing director and head of ASIFMA's Asset Management Group.

Foreign investors have few hedging tools, such as access to bond futures, she said.

China's practice of charging trading fees separately, rather than building them into the spread, has been problematic for asset managers, but Shen said she expects to see progress on conforming to global practice this year.

China’s cabinet said on Wednesday it will allow more qualified foreign investors to make strategic investment in Chinese listed companies to increase sale of national bonds.

China’s cabinet said on Wednesday it will allow more qualified foreign investors to make strategic investment in Chinese listed companies to increase sale of national bonds. China will step up punishment for irregularities such as market manipulation and insider trading, and improve the transparency and quality of information disclosure by listed companies, the state broadcaster quoted the meeting as saying. Foreign institutional investors can access the exchange bond and interbank markets, China's two main markets for bonds, through the dollar-denominated Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor (QFII) programme, and its yuan-denominated sibling, RQFII. Also read: US angered as WTO rules in China's favour in tariffs case China scrapped quotas for QFII and RQFII in June, to give qualified foreign institutions unlimited access to Chinese stocks and bonds. Some institutional investors, including foreign central banks and monetary authorities and sovereign wealth funds can register for direct access to the interbank market through China Interbank Market (CIBM) Direct. Bond Connect, introduced in July 2017, allows quota-free access to the interbank market through its "northbound" channel through Hong Kong. China has not launched a "southbound" channel, which would allow Chinese investors to invest in offshore bonds. Who regulates the Chinese bond market? The National Association of Financial Market Institutional Investors (NAFMII) regulates the interbank market, under the auspices of the People's Bank of China, with trading conducted through the China Foreign Exchange Trade System (CFETS). The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China's state planner, regulates enterprise bonds, a corporate debt instrument. × China Central Depository and Clearing Co (CCDC) and the Shanghai Clearing House are the central depositories. The exchange bond market is regulated by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC). Trading primarily takes place on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges, with China Securities Depository and Clearing Co as the central depository. What problems do foreign investors still face? Investors say China lags far behind its developed-market peers in liquidity, ease of trading and market access. Liquidity remains low as China's banks, pension funds, insurance companies hold on to their inventory because they cannot engage in bond lending, said Eugenie Shen, managing director and head of ASIFMA's Asset Management Group. Foreign investors have few hedging tools, such as access to bond futures, she said. China's practice of charging trading fees separately, rather than building them into the spread, has been problematic for asset managers, but Shen said she expects to see progress on conforming to global practice this year.

China alters foreign investment law to increase sale of national bonds

Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, US President Donald Trump has slammed China for the Coronavirus pandemic and the millions of lives that it has affected globally. Watch report.

US slams China over COVID-19 pandemic at UNGA

Watch the exclusive interview with Chinese virologist Dr Li-Meng Yan.

Chinese virologist Li-Meng Yan speaks to WION's Palki Sharma Upadhyay

The&nbsp;Vatican&nbsp;and China are preparing to renew a historic deal on the appointment of bishops that has slightly thawed icy relations, much to the displeasure of the US.

Pope Francis has been working hard to repair ties with the Communist country, but his overtures run contrary to US President Donald Trump's efforts to push a religious freedom theme against China in his campaign for a second term.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-silence-is-puzzling-as-chinese-hackers-infiltrate-vatican-316820">Pope Francis' silence is puzzling as Chinese hackers infiltrate Vatican</a>

The president's secretary of state Mike Pompeo went on the offensive last week in an article in US religious magazine First Things, slamming the "horrific" persecution of believers of all faiths in China.

He wrote that many countries had expressed "revulsion" at "accelerating violations of human rights".

"The&nbsp;Vatican&nbsp;endangers its moral authority, should it renew the deal", he added on Twitter.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-catholic-leader-hopes-ties-with-the-vatican-will-not-fall-foul-of-legislation-308309">Hong Kong: Catholic leader hopes ties with the Vatican will not fall foul of legislation</a>

China's roughly 12 million Catholics have for decades been split between a government-run association, whose clergy are chosen by the atheist Communist Party, and an unofficial underground church loyal to the&nbsp;Vatican.

The latter recognises the pope's authority and is often persecuted for it.

After years of snail-pace negotiations, the&nbsp;Vatican&nbsp;sealed a historical "provisional" agreement with Beijing on 22 September 2018, the exact content of which has never been published.

The key novelty however was that both Beijing and the&nbsp;Vatican&nbsp;now have a say in appointing Catholic bishops.

Francis immediately recognised eight Chinese bishops that had been appointed by Beijing without his approval.

Since then, two new bishops have been appointed in China, with the nod of the head of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics.

And in a historic step earlier this year, Chinese and&nbsp;Vatican&nbsp;foreign affairs ministers met publicly at an international event for the first time in seven decades.

'Very little fruit'&nbsp;

Pope Francis has just given the go-ahead for the renewal of the agreement, which is still in "experimental" mode, for another two years, a source close to the dossier told AFP.

The extension is expected to be signed next month.

Thorny issues, such as Chinese Catholic priests suddenly disappearing from their parishes for weeks "at the invitation" of the authorities, are in the meantime being raised with Beijing by&nbsp;Vatican&nbsp;diplomats, the source said.

One of the Catholic Church's leading experts on Chinese affairs, Father Bernardo Cervellera, told religious news site Cruxnow.com earlier this month that the deal may have drawn much fanfare but had so far borne "very little fruit".

And he voiced his hope that the&nbsp;Vatican, in renewing the agreement, would be tougher on China.

Diplomatic relations between Beijing and the&nbsp;Holy See&nbsp;broke down in 1951, two years after the communists came to power.

Efforts to rekindle them are hampered by the&nbsp;Vatican's decision to maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan. The island, with a population of 23 million, is considered by Beijing to be a breakaway Chinese province awaiting reunification.

The&nbsp;Vatican&nbsp;is Taiwan's only diplomatic tie in Europe and Cervellera said he feared China will demand it break it off.

A spokesman for China's foreign ministry said Thursday that the interim deal with the&nbsp;Vatican&nbsp;has been "implemented successfully", saying there had been an increase in "mutual trust and consensus".

Pope Francis's right-hand man, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, said mid-September that the Catholic Church's "current interest with China is to normalise the life of the church as much as possible".

He admitted the results so far "have not been particularly striking".

The Vatican and China are preparing to renew a historic deal on the appointment of bishops that has slightly thawed icy relations, much to the displeasure of the US.

The Vatican and China are preparing to renew a historic deal on the appointment of bishops that has slightly thawed icy relations, much to the displeasure of the US. Pope Francis has been working hard to repair ties with the Communist country, but his overtures run contrary to US President Donald Trump's efforts to push a religious freedom theme against China in his campaign for a second term. Also read: Pope Francis' silence is puzzling as Chinese hackers infiltrate Vatican The president's secretary of state Mike Pompeo went on the offensive last week in an article in US religious magazine First Things, slamming the "horrific" persecution of believers of all faiths in China. He wrote that many countries had expressed "revulsion" at "accelerating violations of human rights". "The Vatican endangers its moral authority, should it renew the deal", he added on Twitter. Also read: Hong Kong: Catholic leader hopes ties with the Vatican will not fall foul of legislation China's roughly 12 million Catholics have for decades been split between a government-run association, whose clergy are chosen by the atheist Communist Party, and an unofficial underground church loyal to the Vatican. The latter recognises the pope's authority and is often persecuted for it. After years of snail-pace negotiations, the Vatican sealed a historical "provisional" agreement with Beijing on 22 September 2018, the exact content of which has never been published. The key novelty however was that both Beijing and the Vatican now have a say in appointing Catholic bishops. Francis immediately recognised eight Chinese bishops that had been appointed by Beijing without his approval. Since then, two new bishops have been appointed in China, with the nod of the head of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics. And in a historic step earlier this year, Chinese and Vatican foreign affairs ministers met publicly at an international event for the first time in seven decades. 'Very little fruit' Pope Francis has just given the go-ahead for the renewal of the agreement, which is still in "experimental" mode, for another two years, a source close to the dossier told AFP. The extension is expected to be signed next month. Thorny issues, such as Chinese Catholic priests suddenly disappearing from their parishes for weeks "at the invitation" of the authorities, are in the meantime being raised with Beijing by Vatican diplomats, the source said. One of the Catholic Church's leading experts on Chinese affairs, Father Bernardo Cervellera, told religious news site Cruxnow.com earlier this month that the deal may have drawn much fanfare but had so far borne "very little fruit". And he voiced his hope that the Vatican, in renewing the agreement, would be tougher on China. Diplomatic relations between Beijing and the Holy See broke down in 1951, two years after the communists came to power. Efforts to rekindle them are hampered by the Vatican's decision to maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan. The island, with a population of 23 million, is considered by Beijing to be a breakaway Chinese province awaiting reunification. The Vatican is Taiwan's only diplomatic tie in Europe and Cervellera said he feared China will demand it break it off. A spokesman for China's foreign ministry said Thursday that the interim deal with the Vatican has been "implemented successfully", saying there had been an increase in "mutual trust and consensus". Pope Francis's right-hand man, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, said mid-September that the Catholic Church's "current interest with China is to normalise the life of the church as much as possible". He admitted the results so far "have not been particularly striking".

Vatican and China prepare to renew historic deal, angering US

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

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

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

Decoding Chinese strategic intent in prolonged standoff at LAC

China ramped up its rhetoric over Taiwan on Monday, describing any support for its independence as "doomed to fail", and threatened retaliation against US diplomatic visits to the island.

Taiwan has been ruled separately from China since the end of a civil war in 1949, but Beijing considers the island part of its territory awaiting reunification.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/real-possibility-of-war-taiwan-calls-for-global-coalition-against-china-328167">'Real possibility of war': Taiwan calls for global coalition against China</a>

The island is a flashpoint with Washington, which promises military support to the elected government and has sent two envoys to Taipei in as many months.

At a press briefing Monday, the foreign ministry said that the envoys' visits were a "political provocation" and threatened retaliation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-military-says-it-has-right-to-counter-attack-amid-china-threats-329089" hreflang="en">Taiwan military says it has right to counter attack amid China threats</a>

"China will take appropriate countermeasures, including targeting relevant individuals," said foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin, without elaborating. He warned that the US actions will "further damage the cooperation" between the US and China.

Wang added that any support for Taiwan's independence is a "dead end... doomed to fail".

Taiwan on Monday responded to China's threat to "set off war",&nbsp;following the visit of a US State Department official, which apparently irked Beijing.

"How do you deal with a neighbor sending you death threats just for having dinner with friends visiting from afar? Asking for a friend," said Taiwan Presidential Office Spokesperson.

This statement followed the threat issued by the Chinese mouthpiece Global Times after US Undersecretary for Economic Affairs Keith Krach had visited the nation.

"Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen, who pledged deeper ties with the US at a dinner for a visiting senior State Department official, is clearly playing with fire. If any act of her provocation violates the Anti-Secession Law of China, a war will be set off and Tsai will be wiped out," wrote Global Times.

Washington switched diplomatic recognition to Beijing in 1979.

Beijing rejects any recognition of Taiwan and has mounted a decades-long policy of marginalising the democratic island.

Washington's increased outreach to Taiwan under President Donald Trump is among a catalogue of sore points with Beijing as the countries clash over issues including trade, security and the coronavirus pandemic.

The US Undersecretary of State for economic growth, energy and the environment Keith Krach wrapped up a trip to Taiwan at the weekend, following on the heels of a trip by US health chief Alex Azar in August.

Last Friday, Taiwan scrambled fighter jets as the Chinese military conducted exercises near the Taiwan Strait during Krach's visit.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused China of "military blustering".

China ramped up its rhetoric over Taiwan on Monday, describing any support for its independence as "doomed to fail", and threatened retaliation against US diplomatic visits to the island.

China ramped up its rhetoric over Taiwan on Monday, describing any support for its independence as "doomed to fail", and threatened retaliation against US diplomatic visits to the island. Taiwan has been ruled separately from China since the end of a civil war in 1949, but Beijing considers the island part of its territory awaiting reunification. Also read: 'Real possibility of war': Taiwan calls for global coalition against China The island is a flashpoint with Washington, which promises military support to the elected government and has sent two envoys to Taipei in as many months. At a press briefing Monday, the foreign ministry said that the envoys' visits were a "political provocation" and threatened retaliation. Also read: Taiwan military says it has right to counter attack amid China threats "China will take appropriate countermeasures, including targeting relevant individuals," said foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin, without elaborating. He warned that the US actions will "further damage the cooperation" between the US and China. Wang added that any support for Taiwan's independence is a "dead end... doomed to fail". Taiwan on Monday responded to China's threat to "set off war", following the visit of a US State Department official, which apparently irked Beijing. "How do you deal with a neighbor sending you death threats just for having dinner with friends visiting from afar? Asking for a friend," said Taiwan Presidential Office Spokesperson. This statement followed the threat issued by the Chinese mouthpiece Global Times after US Undersecretary for Economic Affairs Keith Krach had visited the nation. "Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen, who pledged deeper ties with the US at a dinner for a visiting senior State Department official, is clearly playing with fire. If any act of her provocation violates the Anti-Secession Law of China, a war will be set off and Tsai will be wiped out," wrote Global Times. Washington switched diplomatic recognition to Beijing in 1979. Beijing rejects any recognition of Taiwan and has mounted a decades-long policy of marginalising the democratic island. Washington's increased outreach to Taiwan under President Donald Trump is among a catalogue of sore points with Beijing as the countries clash over issues including trade, security and the coronavirus pandemic. The US Undersecretary of State for economic growth, energy and the environment Keith Krach wrapped up a trip to Taiwan at the weekend, following on the heels of a trip by US health chief Alex Azar in August. Last Friday, Taiwan scrambled fighter jets as the Chinese military conducted exercises near the Taiwan Strait during Krach's visit. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused China of "military blustering".

'Set off war': China threatens retaliation after US diplomat's visit to Taiwan

Delhi Police on Saturday said arrested freelance journalist Rajeev Sharma was allegedly passing sensitive information about India's border strategy and Army deployment to Chinese intelligence.

At a press conference, Special Cell DCP Sanjeev Kumar Yadav said Sharma was writing on defence-related issues for some Indian media organisations, as well as China's Global Times.

He was allegedly contacted by Chinese Intelligence agents in 2016. Sharma was also in contact with some Chinese intelligence officer, the police officer claimed, adding the freelance journalist got "Rs 40 lakh in one-and-a-half years and he was getting $1,000 for each information".

Sharma was arrested September 14 based on inputs from central intelligence. Police have seized classified defence documents from him, the DCP said.

He said that a Chinese woman and her Nepalese associate have also been arrested for allegedly paying Sharma large amounts of money routed through shell companies.

Delhi Police on Saturday said arrested freelance journalist Rajeev Sharma was allegedly passing sensitive information about India's border strategy and Army deployment to Chinese intelligence.

Delhi Police on Saturday said arrested freelance journalist Rajeev Sharma was allegedly passing sensitive information about India's border strategy and Army deployment to Chinese intelligence. At a press conference, Special Cell DCP Sanjeev Kumar Yadav said Sharma was writing on defence-related issues for some Indian media organisations, as well as China's Global Times. He was allegedly contacted by Chinese Intelligence agents in 2016. Sharma was also in contact with some Chinese intelligence officer, the police officer claimed, adding the freelance journalist got "Rs 40 lakh in one-and-a-half years and he was getting $1,000 for each information". Sharma was arrested September 14 based on inputs from central intelligence. Police have seized classified defence documents from him, the DCP said. He said that a Chinese woman and her Nepalese associate have also been arrested for allegedly paying Sharma large amounts of money routed through shell companies.

Arrested scribe Rajeev Sharma was passing info on India's border strategy to Chinese: Delhi Police

China's ruling Communist Party is demanding a show of greater loyalty from the sprawling private sector as the world's second-largest economy grapples with growing external risks, from open U.S. hostility to the coronavirus pandemic.

Your Story: Communist Party of China gets a bigger role in private sector

The united front is a department in the Communist Party. It is an umbrella organisation designed to increase the influence of the Communist Party both inside China and outside

Chinese Communist Party plans to tighten grip over private sector

Your Story: China releases new policies for private companies

China has defended its military drills near&nbsp;Taiwan's southwest coast last week by saying they were&nbsp;a "necessary action" to protect the country's sovereignty, after&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;complained the large-scale air and naval exercises&nbsp;were&nbsp;a serious provocation.

China, which claims democratic&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;as its own, has stepped up&nbsp;military&nbsp;activities&nbsp;near&nbsp;the island, in what&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;views as intimidation to force it to accept Chinese rule.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-condemns-after-china-deploys-fighter-jets-in-regions-southwest-326782">Taiwan condemns after China deploys fighter jets in region's southwest</a>

Taiwan's denounced the two days of exercises last week, which it said took place in&nbsp;Taiwan's air defence identification zone, between mainland&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands.&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;says&nbsp;China&nbsp;sent advanced Su-30 and J-10 fighters to participate.

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Multiple <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PLA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PLA</a> aircraft have violated <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Taiwan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Taiwan</a>'s ADIZ over the past 2 days. This is a threat against the country &amp; regional peace. We condemn <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#China</a> &amp; call on the international community to remain alert. Make no mistake: We'll stand tall &amp; not be intimidated. JW <a href="https://t.co/pZZigCLCbA">https://t.co/pZZigCLCbA</a>
— 外交部 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ROC (Taiwan) 🇹🇼 (@MOFA_Taiwan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MOFA_Taiwan/status/1304050750452981762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Offering&nbsp;China's first public explanation for the exercises, Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for&nbsp;China's&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;Affairs Office, said&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;was a "sacred" and inseparable part of&nbsp;China.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-taiwan-china-relations-since-1949-188037">In pictures: Taiwan-China relations since 1949</a>

"The relevant combat training activities by the People's Liberation Army&nbsp;were&nbsp;a necessary action aimed at the current security situation in the&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;Strait and to safeguard national sovereignty," Ma told a news conference.

In an apparent reference to the United States,&nbsp;Taiwan's main arms supplier and strongest international supporter, Ma said the&nbsp;drills&nbsp;were&nbsp;also aimed at "the interference of foreign forces" and&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;independence activities, not&nbsp;Taiwan's people.

Taiwan's government was allowing anti-China, Western forces to "play the&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;card" and become a pawn in stopping&nbsp;China's development, stirring up enmity between the two sides of the strait and seeking&nbsp;Taiwan's independence, Ma said.

"They continue to provoke and are threat-makers and trouble-makers," he said.

Taiwan&nbsp;President Tsai Ing-wen, who has warned of the risk of accidental conflict because of the increasing&nbsp;military&nbsp;activities,&nbsp;says&nbsp;the island is already an independent country called the Republic of&nbsp;China,&nbsp;Taiwan's formal name.

The Pentagon also expressed concern about&nbsp;China's&nbsp;drills&nbsp;last week. The United States has been carrying out its own military activity near&nbsp;Taiwan, including regular warship sailings through the&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;Strait.

China has defended its military drills near Taiwan's southwest coast last week by saying they were a "necessary action" to protect the country's sovereignty, after Taiwan complained the large-scale air and naval exercises were a serious provocation.

China has defended its military drills near Taiwan's southwest coast last week by saying they were a "necessary action" to protect the country's sovereignty, after Taiwan complained the large-scale air and naval exercises were a serious provocation. China, which claims democratic Taiwan as its own, has stepped up military activities near the island, in what Taiwan views as intimidation to force it to accept Chinese rule. Also read: Taiwan condemns after China deploys fighter jets in region's southwest Taiwan's denounced the two days of exercises last week, which it said took place in Taiwan's air defence identification zone, between mainland Taiwan and the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands. Taiwan says China sent advanced Su-30 and J-10 fighters to participate. Multiple #PLA aircraft have violated #Taiwan's ADIZ over the past 2 days. This is a threat against the country & regional peace. We condemn #China & call on the international community to remain alert. Make no mistake: We'll stand tall & not be intimidated. JW https://t.co/pZZigCLCbA — 外交部 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ROC (Taiwan) 🇹🇼 (@MOFA_Taiwan) September 10, 2020 × Offering China's first public explanation for the exercises, Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for China's Taiwan Affairs Office, said Taiwan was a "sacred" and inseparable part of China. Also see: In pictures: Taiwan-China relations since 1949 "The relevant combat training activities by the People's Liberation Army were a necessary action aimed at the current security situation in the Taiwan Strait and to safeguard national sovereignty," Ma told a news conference. In an apparent reference to the United States, Taiwan's main arms supplier and strongest international supporter, Ma said the drills were also aimed at "the interference of foreign forces" and Taiwan independence activities, not Taiwan's people. Taiwan's government was allowing anti-China, Western forces to "play the Taiwan card" and become a pawn in stopping China's development, stirring up enmity between the two sides of the strait and seeking Taiwan's independence, Ma said. "They continue to provoke and are threat-makers and trouble-makers," he said. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, who has warned of the risk of accidental conflict because of the increasing military activities, says the island is already an independent country called the Republic of China, Taiwan's formal name. The Pentagon also expressed concern about China's drills last week. The United States has been carrying out its own military activity near Taiwan, including regular warship sailings through the Taiwan Strait.

China defends military drills near Taiwan after it condemns 'serious provocation'

United Nations Human Rights Council on Tuesday said that they are concerned about the religious repression of Uighurs in China.

UN concerned about religious repression of Uighurs in China

India and China have agreed on a five-point plan to defuse tensions between the countries and said the current situation in the border areas of Ladakh is not in the interest of either side. They agreed that the border troops of both sides should “continue their dialogue, quickly disengage, maintain proper distance and ease tensions”.

India-China border dispute: India-China reach 5-point consensus to solve disputes

The diplomatic war between China and USA opened a new chapter as China imposed curbs on staff of US embassy and consulates located on Mainland China and in Hong Kong. Beijing has already imposed restrictions on US diplomats.

However, no details have been given as to the nature of these curbs

The diplomatic tussle between the US and China has been going on for months. Even US President Donald Trump has upped the ante on China as US presidential elections 2020 approach.

In July, US ordered China to close its consulate in Houston for what US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo described as "stealing" intellectual property.

Soon China ordered closure of US consulate in the city of Chengdu.

Fresh curbs on US embassy and consulate staff have come as US declared last week that Chinese diplomats would be required to obtain approval from US State Department before visiting campuses of US Universities or holding cultural events of more than 50 people outside mission grounds.

About these restrictions, Pompeo maintained that the US was "simply demanding reciprocity".

The restrictions had drawn a strong reaction from the Chinese side. Chinese Embassy in Washington had termed this as "yet another unjustified restriction and barrier on Chinese diplomatic and consular personnel" that "runs counter to the self-proclaimed values of openness and freedom of the U.S. side."

US State Department had previously written to boards of US universities about the threat from Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

"These threats can come in the form of illicit funding for research, intellectual property theft, intimidation of foreign students and opaque talent recruitment efforts," Pompeo said.

The diplomatic war between China and USA opened a new chapter as China imposed curbs on staff of US embassy and consulates located on Mainland China and in Hong Kong.

The diplomatic war between China and USA opened a new chapter as China imposed curbs on staff of US embassy and consulates located on Mainland China and in Hong Kong. Beijing has already imposed restrictions on US diplomats. However, no details have been given as to the nature of these curbs The diplomatic tussle between the US and China has been going on for months. Even US President Donald Trump has upped the ante on China as US presidential elections 2020 approach. In July, US ordered China to close its consulate in Houston for what US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo described as "stealing" intellectual property. Soon China ordered closure of US consulate in the city of Chengdu. Fresh curbs on US embassy and consulate staff have come as US declared last week that Chinese diplomats would be required to obtain approval from US State Department before visiting campuses of US Universities or holding cultural events of more than 50 people outside mission grounds. About these restrictions, Pompeo maintained that the US was "simply demanding reciprocity". The restrictions had drawn a strong reaction from the Chinese side. Chinese Embassy in Washington had termed this as "yet another unjustified restriction and barrier on Chinese diplomatic and consular personnel" that "runs counter to the self-proclaimed values of openness and freedom of the U.S. side." US State Department had previously written to boards of US universities about the threat from Chinese Communist Party (CCP). "These threats can come in the form of illicit funding for research, intellectual property theft, intimidation of foreign students and opaque talent recruitment efforts," Pompeo said.

China imposes fresh curbs on US embassy and consulate staff

China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) is likely to hand over five youths missing from Arunachal Pradesh to the Indian authorities on Saturday, Union minister Kiren Rijiju said.

The PLA on Tuesday had conveyed that the five youths, who went missing on September 4 from the Sino-Indian border in Upper Subansiri district, were found by them across the border.

"The Chinese PLA has confirmed to the Indian Army to hand over the youths from Arunachal Pradesh to our side.&nbsp; 
The handing over is likely to take place anytime tomorrow i.E. 12th September 2020 at a designated location," Rijiju tweeted on Friday.

It was Rijiju who first broke the news about the PLA's confirmation that the youths were found on the Chinese side of the Sino-Indian border.

Rijiju, the Union sports minister, hails from Arunachal Pradesh.

The incident came to light when two members from the group of youths, who went hunting in the jungle, returned home and informed the families of the five that they were whisked away by the Chinese troops from Sera-7, an Army patrol zone located about 12 km further north of Nacho.

Nacho is the last administrative circle along the McMahon line and is around 120 km from the district headquarters Daporijo.

Those who were allegedly kidnapped by the Chinese Army were identified as Toch Singkam, Prasat Ringling, Dongtu Ebiya, Tanu Baker and Ngaru Diri.

On Monday, China brushed off concerns over the whereabouts of the five youths and needled India, saying it has never recognised Arunachal Pradesh which it claims is part of south Tibet.

"China's position on the east sector of the China-India boundary, or Zangnan (the southern part of China's Xizang (Tibet) ), is consistent and clear," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a media briefing in Beijing, adding the Chinese government has never recognized the so-called "Arunachal Pradesh".

"I'm not aware of the situation you mentioned," the spokesperson said when asked about any updates about the missing Indian nationals.

The development comes at a time when the Indian Army has enhanced its deployment along the 3,400 km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC) in view of the tense border row between India and China in eastern Ladakh.

In March, a 21-year-old man was abducted by the PLA from Asapila sector near the McMahon line.

While his two friends managed to escape, Togley Sinkam was taken away at gunpoint, his family had said.

After 19 days in captivity, the youth was released by the Chinese Army.?

On September 2, the Indian Army provided food, warm clothes and medical assistance to three Chinese citizens who had lost their way in sub-zero temperatures at an altitude of 17,500 feet in a border area in North Sikkim.

The Indian Army personnel deployed in the area also guided the Chinese citizens, including a woman, to return to the Chinese side and reach their destination.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) is likely to hand over five youths missing from Arunachal Pradesh to the Indian authorities on Saturday, Union minister Kiren Rijiju said.

China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) is likely to hand over five youths missing from Arunachal Pradesh to the Indian authorities on Saturday, Union minister Kiren Rijiju said. The PLA on Tuesday had conveyed that the five youths, who went missing on September 4 from the Sino-Indian border in Upper Subansiri district, were found by them across the border. "The Chinese PLA has confirmed to the Indian Army to hand over the youths from Arunachal Pradesh to our side. The handing over is likely to take place anytime tomorrow i.E. 12th September 2020 at a designated location," Rijiju tweeted on Friday. It was Rijiju who first broke the news about the PLA's confirmation that the youths were found on the Chinese side of the Sino-Indian border. Rijiju, the Union sports minister, hails from Arunachal Pradesh. The incident came to light when two members from the group of youths, who went hunting in the jungle, returned home and informed the families of the five that they were whisked away by the Chinese troops from Sera-7, an Army patrol zone located about 12 km further north of Nacho. Nacho is the last administrative circle along the McMahon line and is around 120 km from the district headquarters Daporijo. Those who were allegedly kidnapped by the Chinese Army were identified as Toch Singkam, Prasat Ringling, Dongtu Ebiya, Tanu Baker and Ngaru Diri. On Monday, China brushed off concerns over the whereabouts of the five youths and needled India, saying it has never recognised Arunachal Pradesh which it claims is part of south Tibet. "China's position on the east sector of the China-India boundary, or Zangnan (the southern part of China's Xizang (Tibet) ), is consistent and clear," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a media briefing in Beijing, adding the Chinese government has never recognized the so-called "Arunachal Pradesh". "I'm not aware of the situation you mentioned," the spokesperson said when asked about any updates about the missing Indian nationals. The development comes at a time when the Indian Army has enhanced its deployment along the 3,400 km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC) in view of the tense border row between India and China in eastern Ladakh. In March, a 21-year-old man was abducted by the PLA from Asapila sector near the McMahon line. While his two friends managed to escape, Togley Sinkam was taken away at gunpoint, his family had said. After 19 days in captivity, the youth was released by the Chinese Army.? On September 2, the Indian Army provided food, warm clothes and medical assistance to three Chinese citizens who had lost their way in sub-zero temperatures at an altitude of 17,500 feet in a border area in North Sikkim. The Indian Army personnel deployed in the area also guided the Chinese citizens, including a woman, to return to the Chinese side and reach their destination.

5 missing youths from Arunachal likely to be handed over by China on Saturday: Rijiju

What is the India-China 5-point consensus and what did India tell China?

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar will take part in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) ministerial meeting on September 10. Jaishankar is likely to meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Moscow. Russia is going to play a major role in acting as a mediator between India and China.

SCO meet: India-China foreign ministers meeting on the sidelines

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is likely to meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Moscow, and the border situation between both the countries hasn’t improved.

Indian Foreign Ministry briefing ahead of Foreign Ministers' SCO meet

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is likely to meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Moscow, and the border situation between both countries hasn’t improved.

WION Dispatch: Moscow takes 'Non Interference' approach on India-China

Can India-China meet be an breakthrough?

As the India-China border situation remains tense, the focus is now in Moscow. The foreign ministers of nations that are members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) are meeting in Moscow. External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar will be attending the SCO meet.

What can we expect from SCO meet in Moscow?

Police in China's Inner Mongolia region have detained at least 23 people following protests last week against a new policy that replaces Mongolian-language textbooks with Chinese ones in classrooms.

New guidelines in the Chinese-administered Inner&nbsp;Mongolia&nbsp;region require elementary and secondary school subjects including history, politics and language to be taught in Mandarin beginning on September 1.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/protests-erupt-as-china-moves-to-end-mongolian-medium-teaching-in-schools-324590">Protests erupt as China moves to end Mongolian-medium teaching in schools</a>

The push to use the new textbooks, which started in other ethnic minority regions such as Xinjiang and Tibet in 2017, has prompted demonstrations and school boycotts by ethnic Mongolians in at least five cities and counties in Inner Mongolia.

The 23 detentions were across eight banners, the regional word for counties, according to&nbsp;nine local police reports over the past several days.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-chinas-war-on-ethnic-mongolians-324600/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The reasons range from ''organizing and collecting signatures for a petition''&nbsp;to ''picking quarrels and stirring up trouble."

Others were for ''flagrantly insulting a deceased former leader of the country''&nbsp;and ''sharing videos in a WeChat group to obstruct the implementation of the national textbooks policy.'' WeChat is a popular messaging app in China.

The local government is also exerting pressure in other ways. Authorities in Zhenglan banner announced Saturday that they had suspended two members of the ruling Communist Party without pay for failing to carry out the policy.

Police in Chifeng city said Monday they handed over Communist Party members, including two elementary school teachers, to a local party disciplinary committee for investigation.

Police in China's Inner Mongolia region have detained at least 23 people following protests last week against a new policy that replaces Mongolian-language textbooks with Chinese ones in classrooms.

Police in China's Inner Mongolia region have detained at least 23 people following protests last week against a new policy that replaces Mongolian-language textbooks with Chinese ones in classrooms. New guidelines in the Chinese-administered Inner Mongolia region require elementary and secondary school subjects including history, politics and language to be taught in Mandarin beginning on September 1. Also read: Protests erupt as China moves to end Mongolian-medium teaching in schools The push to use the new textbooks, which started in other ethnic minority regions such as Xinjiang and Tibet in 2017, has prompted demonstrations and school boycotts by ethnic Mongolians in at least five cities and counties in Inner Mongolia. The 23 detentions were across eight banners, the regional word for counties, according to nine local police reports over the past several days. The reasons range from ''organizing and collecting signatures for a petition'' to ''picking quarrels and stirring up trouble." Others were for ''flagrantly insulting a deceased former leader of the country'' and ''sharing videos in a WeChat group to obstruct the implementation of the national textbooks policy.'' WeChat is a popular messaging app in China. The local government is also exerting pressure in other ways. Authorities in Zhenglan banner announced Saturday that they had suspended two members of the ruling Communist Party without pay for failing to carry out the policy. Police in Chifeng city said Monday they handed over Communist Party members, including two elementary school teachers, to a local party disciplinary committee for investigation.

China detains 23 Mongolians protesting against removal of traditional language in schools

Taiwan&nbsp;President Tsai Ing-wen called on Tuesday for an&nbsp;alliance&nbsp;of democracies to defend&nbsp;against&nbsp;"aggressive actions" and protect freedom, alluding to Chinese actions in the South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea and&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;Strait as major threats to regional stability.

China, which claims democratic&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;as its own, has ramped up its military activities around the island, as well as in the disputed East and South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Seas.

Speaking in Taipei at a forum attended by top&nbsp;Taiwanese security officials and senior Western diplomats, Tsai said&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;stood at the forefront of defending democracy from "authoritarian aggression".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-accuses-china-of-threatening-and-harassing-foreign-journalists-325905" hreflang="en">US accuses China of 'threatening' and 'harassing' foreign journalists</a>

While&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;is committed to boosting its defensive capabilities, maintaining regional peace and security needs collaborative efforts, she added.

"The rapid militarisation of the South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea, increasing and frequent grey-zone tactics in the&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;Strait and East&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea, coercive diplomacy used&nbsp;against&nbsp;countries and corporations...are all destabilising the Indo-Pacific region," Tsai said, without directly naming&nbsp;China.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-handled-covid-19-openly-and-transparently-xi-jinping-325898" hreflang="en">China handled COVID-19 openly and transparently: Xi Jinping</a>

"It is time for like-minded countries, and democratic friends in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond, to discuss a framework to generate sustained and concerted efforts to maintain a strategic order that deters unilateral aggressive actions."

She called for a strategy that avoided war, yet conveyed the resolve to protect democracies by encouraging cooperation, transparency and problem-solving through dialogue.

China&nbsp;has stepped up pressure on&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;to accept its sovereignty over the island, which has responded by seeking closer ties with what it calls "like-minded" democracies.

This is primarily the United States, but also includes Australia, Britain, Canada, the European Union and Japan, none of which maintain formal diplomatic ties with&nbsp;Taiwan.

Apart from the United States,&nbsp;Taiwan's main arms supplier, the other nations generally only offer occasional moral support, such as calling for the World Health Organization to grant proper access to non-member&nbsp;Taiwan.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen called on Tuesday for an alliance of democracies to defend against "aggressive actions" and protect freedom, alluding to Chinese actions in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait as major threats to regional stability.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen called on Tuesday for an alliance of democracies to defend against "aggressive actions" and protect freedom, alluding to Chinese actions in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait as major threats to regional stability. China, which claims democratic Taiwan as its own, has ramped up its military activities around the island, as well as in the disputed East and South China Seas. Speaking in Taipei at a forum attended by top Taiwanese security officials and senior Western diplomats, Tsai said Taiwan stood at the forefront of defending democracy from "authoritarian aggression". Also read: US accuses China of 'threatening' and 'harassing' foreign journalists While Taiwan is committed to boosting its defensive capabilities, maintaining regional peace and security needs collaborative efforts, she added. "The rapid militarisation of the South China Sea, increasing and frequent grey-zone tactics in the Taiwan Strait and East China Sea, coercive diplomacy used against countries and corporations...are all destabilising the Indo-Pacific region," Tsai said, without directly naming China. Also read: China handled COVID-19 openly and transparently: Xi Jinping "It is time for like-minded countries, and democratic friends in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond, to discuss a framework to generate sustained and concerted efforts to maintain a strategic order that deters unilateral aggressive actions." She called for a strategy that avoided war, yet conveyed the resolve to protect democracies by encouraging cooperation, transparency and problem-solving through dialogue. China has stepped up pressure on Taiwan to accept its sovereignty over the island, which has responded by seeking closer ties with what it calls "like-minded" democracies. This is primarily the United States, but also includes Australia, Britain, Canada, the European Union and Japan, none of which maintain formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Apart from the United States, Taiwan's main arms supplier, the other nations generally only offer occasional moral support, such as calling for the World Health Organization to grant proper access to non-member Taiwan.

Taiwan urges alliance against 'aggressive actions' to curb China's intrusion

In a big blow to China, Thailand on Thursday announced it will&nbsp;scrap&nbsp;a Chinese led-KRA canal project under which Beijing wanted to build a bypass to the Strait of Malacca.

It also&nbsp;delayed the purchase of two Yuan-class S26T submarines worth $724 million highlighting&nbsp;China's losing grip on its key allies in Indo-Pacific Region.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-india-bans-apps-china-says-it-violates-legal-interests-of-chinese-investors-324934" hreflang="en">After India bans apps, China says 'legal interests' of investors violated</a>

Thailand took the step after facing intense pressure from its arch-rival Pheu Thai Party and the public who had raised concerns that the&nbsp;proposed&nbsp;120-kilometre mega canal&nbsp;would undermine the independence of poor Southeast Asian countries like Myanmar and Cambodia, which have comparatively weak civil societies that are highly vulnerable to Chinese interference.

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Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, fourth from left, meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping, fourth from right, during a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing/Afp

After the&nbsp;the Galwan Valley clash in Ladakh, the Indian Navy had deployed its frontline&nbsp;vessels along the&nbsp;Malacca Straits, a strategic chokepoint&nbsp;between the Indonesian island of Sumatra that divides the Indian and Pacific Oceans and&nbsp;the Malay Peninsula.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/situation-at-line-of-actual-control-direct-result-of-action-by-china-india-325035" hreflang="en">Situation at Line of Actual Control direct result of action by China: India</a>

Cutting through the Isthmus of Kra in Thailand, the&nbsp;KRA canal project,&nbsp;could have been a crucial strategic asset for China, allowing the Chinese navy to move freely and quickly between its newly constructed bases in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean.

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Through the project,&nbsp;China could have put an&nbsp;end to the Malacca dilemma by&nbsp;bypassing the Strait of Malacca,&nbsp;a narrow chokepoint between the Malay Peninsula and the Indonesian island of Sumatra that divides the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

In a big blow to China, Thailand on Thursday announced it will scrap a Chinese led-KRA canal project under which Beijing wanted to build a bypass to the Strait of Malacca.

In a big blow to China, Thailand on Thursday announced it will scrap a Chinese led-KRA canal project under which Beijing wanted to build a bypass to the Strait of Malacca. It also delayed the purchase of two Yuan-class S26T submarines worth $724 million highlighting China's losing grip on its key allies in Indo-Pacific Region. Also read| After India bans apps, China says 'legal interests' of investors violated Thailand took the step after facing intense pressure from its arch-rival Pheu Thai Party and the public who had raised concerns that the proposed 120-kilometre mega canal would undermine the independence of poor Southeast Asian countries like Myanmar and Cambodia, which have comparatively weak civil societies that are highly vulnerable to Chinese interference. Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, fourth from left, meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping, fourth from right, during a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing/Afp After the the Galwan Valley clash in Ladakh, the Indian Navy had deployed its frontline vessels along the Malacca Straits, a strategic chokepoint between the Indonesian island of Sumatra that divides the Indian and Pacific Oceans and the Malay Peninsula. Also read| Situation at Line of Actual Control direct result of action by China: India Cutting through the Isthmus of Kra in Thailand, the KRA canal project, could have been a crucial strategic asset for China, allowing the Chinese navy to move freely and quickly between its newly constructed bases in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean. × Through the project, China could have put an end to the Malacca dilemma by bypassing the Strait of Malacca, a narrow chokepoint between the Malay Peninsula and the Indonesian island of Sumatra that divides the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Big blow to China as Thailand scraps KRA canal project

China has detained an Australian news anchor working for its state-run English-language television network CGTN, Australia's foreign minister said on Monday.

The detention of journalist Cheng Lei is a blow to deteriorating relations between the two countries that have seen China warn its citizens of travelling to Australia and vice-versa.

Foreign Minister Marise Payne said Australia was informed on August 14 that Cheng was being held by Beijing authorities.

Australian consular officials spoke to Cheng in her detention facility via video link on August 27 and were in touch with her family, Payne said in a statement.

She provided no further details, but public broadcaster ABC said Cheng's friends became concerned after she stopped responding to messages in recent weeks.

Also Read: <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/china-lacks-formal-combat-capability-to-assault-us-taiwan-324271">China lacks 'formal combat capability' to assault us: Taiwan</a>

The CGTN website page which described Cheng as an anchor on the network's Global Business programme was no longer available after news of her detention emerged.

The ABC said Cheng was being held under "residential surveillance at a designated location", a form of detention that allows investigators to hold and question a suspect for up to six months without them being formally arrested.

The broadcaster published a statement by Cheng's family in Melbourne expressing confidence that "In China, due process will be observed and we look forward to a satisfactory and timely conclusion to the matter."

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"We ask that you respect that process and understand there will be no further comment at this time," the statement said.

Ties began to sour between Australia and China -- its biggest trading partner -- more than two years ago when Australian authorities began to move against what was seen as China's growing political interference and influence peddling in the country.

Beijing was particularly infuriated by Australia's leading role in international calls earlier this year for an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic, which began in the Chinese city of Wuhan.

Since then, China has taken steps to curb key Australian imports and encouraged Chinese students and tourists to avoid the country.&nbsp;

Cheng is the second high-profile Australian citizen to be detained in Beijing after writer Yang Hengjun was arrested in January 2019 on suspicion of espionage.

Earlier this year Australia warned its citizens they faced the risk of arbitrary detention if they traveled to China.

China has detained an Australian news anchor working for its state-run English-language television network CGTN, Australia's foreign minister said on Monday. The detention of journalist Cheng Lei is a blow to deteriorating relations between the two countries that have seen China warn its citizens of travelling to Australia and vice-versa.

China has detained an Australian news anchor working for its state-run English-language television network CGTN, Australia's foreign minister said on Monday. The detention of journalist Cheng Lei is a blow to deteriorating relations between the two countries that have seen China warn its citizens of travelling to Australia and vice-versa. Foreign Minister Marise Payne said Australia was informed on August 14 that Cheng was being held by Beijing authorities. Australian consular officials spoke to Cheng in her detention facility via video link on August 27 and were in touch with her family, Payne said in a statement. She provided no further details, but public broadcaster ABC said Cheng's friends became concerned after she stopped responding to messages in recent weeks. Also Read: China lacks 'formal combat capability' to assault us: Taiwan The CGTN website page which described Cheng as an anchor on the network's Global Business programme was no longer available after news of her detention emerged. The ABC said Cheng was being held under "residential surveillance at a designated location", a form of detention that allows investigators to hold and question a suspect for up to six months without them being formally arrested. The broadcaster published a statement by Cheng's family in Melbourne expressing confidence that "In China, due process will be observed and we look forward to a satisfactory and timely conclusion to the matter." × "We ask that you respect that process and understand there will be no further comment at this time," the statement said. Ties began to sour between Australia and China -- its biggest trading partner -- more than two years ago when Australian authorities began to move against what was seen as China's growing political interference and influence peddling in the country. Beijing was particularly infuriated by Australia's leading role in international calls earlier this year for an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic, which began in the Chinese city of Wuhan. Since then, China has taken steps to curb key Australian imports and encouraged Chinese students and tourists to avoid the country. Cheng is the second high-profile Australian citizen to be detained in Beijing after writer Yang Hengjun was arrested in January 2019 on suspicion of espionage. Earlier this year Australia warned its citizens they faced the risk of arbitrary detention if they traveled to China.

China detains Australian journalist, allows consular access

The United States said on Monday it was establishing a new bilateral economic dialogue with Taiwan, an initiative it said was aimed at strengthening ties with Taipei and supporting it in the face of increasing pressure from Beijing.

Washington also said it had declassified six Reagan-era security assurances given to Taiwan, a move analysts said appeared intended to show further support for Taipei.

The announcements come at a time of increasing Chinese threats towards Taiwan, and when relations between Washington and Beijing have sunk to their lowest level in decades. U.S. President Donald Trump is campaigning for re-election in November with a tough approach to China among his key foreign policy platforms.

The State Department`s top diplomat for East Asia, David Stilwell, told a virtual forum hosted by the conservative Heritage Foundation the latest U.S. moves were not a policy shift, but part of a set of "significant adjustments" within Washington`s longstanding "one-China" policy.

Washington felt compelled to make these given the "increasing threat posed by Beijing to peace and stability" in a vitally important region and Beijing`s attempts to isolate Taiwan diplomatically while subjecting it to military threats.

Also Read: <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/china-lacks-formal-combat-capability-to-assault-us-taiwan-324271">China lacks 'formal combat capability' to assault us: Taiwan</a>

"We will continue to help Taipei resist the Chinese Communist Party’s campaign to pressure, intimidate, and marginalize Taiwan," Stilwell said.

Taiwan`s Foreign Ministry expressed thanks for the show of support at a time when it said China was using military intimidation to damage peace and stability near Taiwan, and said it would continue to strengthen its defence capabilities.

The United States, like most countries, has official relations with Beijing, but not Taiwan, which is claimed by Beijing as Chinese territory. However, Washington is bound by law to help Taiwan defend itself and is its main arms supplier.

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&nbsp;

Daniel Russel, a predecessor of Stilwell until early in the Trump administration, said the "Six Assurances" made to Taipei by the administration of former President Ronald Reagan had been a "loosely-kept secret" at best.

He said the decision to publish them looked like a compromise response to pressure from administration hawks to abandon "strategic ambiguity" — a long-standing policy of withholding a clear-cut U.S. commitment to defend Taiwan while still showing sufficient support to deter any Chinese military adventurism.

Among the assurances made in 1982, but never formally made public, are statements that the United States has not set a date for ending arms sales to Taiwan, nor agreed to prior consultation with Beijing on such sales, or to revise the Taiwan Relations Act that underpins U.S. policy towards the island.

The assurances, Stilwell said, "endure today."

Douglas Paal, a former U.S. representative to Taiwan, said the move appeared largely for show.

"My guess at this time is that Stilwell and the administration want to look tough ... So they are walking close to China`s red lines, but remain unwilling to cross them."

Stilwell said the economic dialogue would "explore the full spectrum of our economic relationship - semiconductors, healthcare, energy, and beyond, with technology at the core."

"While they may be interrelated, our relationship with Taiwan is not a subset of our bilateral relationship with the PRC," he said, referring to mainland China.

Monday`s announcements come several months after Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd , the world`s biggest contract chipmaker, announced plans to build a $12 billion factory in Arizona as the Trump administration stepped up efforts to cut back supply chains dependency on China.

Taiwan has been keen to negotiate a free trade agreement with the United States, but a large U.S. trade deficit, which Trump has been determined to reduce along with those of other trading partners, including China, has been an obstacle to this. 
&nbsp;

The United States said on Monday it was establishing a new bilateral economic dialogue with Taiwan, an initiative it said was aimed at strengthening ties with Taipei and supporting it in the face of increasing pressure from Beijing.

The United States said on Monday it was establishing a new bilateral economic dialogue with Taiwan, an initiative it said was aimed at strengthening ties with Taipei and supporting it in the face of increasing pressure from Beijing. Washington also said it had declassified six Reagan-era security assurances given to Taiwan, a move analysts said appeared intended to show further support for Taipei. The announcements come at a time of increasing Chinese threats towards Taiwan, and when relations between Washington and Beijing have sunk to their lowest level in decades. U.S. President Donald Trump is campaigning for re-election in November with a tough approach to China among his key foreign policy platforms. The State Department`s top diplomat for East Asia, David Stilwell, told a virtual forum hosted by the conservative Heritage Foundation the latest U.S. moves were not a policy shift, but part of a set of "significant adjustments" within Washington`s longstanding "one-China" policy. Washington felt compelled to make these given the "increasing threat posed by Beijing to peace and stability" in a vitally important region and Beijing`s attempts to isolate Taiwan diplomatically while subjecting it to military threats. Also Read: China lacks 'formal combat capability' to assault us: Taiwan "We will continue to help Taipei resist the Chinese Communist Party’s campaign to pressure, intimidate, and marginalize Taiwan," Stilwell said. Taiwan`s Foreign Ministry expressed thanks for the show of support at a time when it said China was using military intimidation to damage peace and stability near Taiwan, and said it would continue to strengthen its defence capabilities. The United States, like most countries, has official relations with Beijing, but not Taiwan, which is claimed by Beijing as Chinese territory. However, Washington is bound by law to help Taiwan defend itself and is its main arms supplier. × Daniel Russel, a predecessor of Stilwell until early in the Trump administration, said the "Six Assurances" made to Taipei by the administration of former President Ronald Reagan had been a "loosely-kept secret" at best. He said the decision to publish them looked like a compromise response to pressure from administration hawks to abandon "strategic ambiguity" — a long-standing policy of withholding a clear-cut U.S. commitment to defend Taiwan while still showing sufficient support to deter any Chinese military adventurism. Among the assurances made in 1982, but never formally made public, are statements that the United States has not set a date for ending arms sales to Taiwan, nor agreed to prior consultation with Beijing on such sales, or to revise the Taiwan Relations Act that underpins U.S. policy towards the island. The assurances, Stilwell said, "endure today." Douglas Paal, a former U.S. representative to Taiwan, said the move appeared largely for show. "My guess at this time is that Stilwell and the administration want to look tough ... So they are walking close to China`s red lines, but remain unwilling to cross them." Stilwell said the economic dialogue would "explore the full spectrum of our economic relationship - semiconductors, healthcare, energy, and beyond, with technology at the core." "While they may be interrelated, our relationship with Taiwan is not a subset of our bilateral relationship with the PRC," he said, referring to mainland China. Monday`s announcements come several months after Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd , the world`s biggest contract chipmaker, announced plans to build a $12 billion factory in Arizona as the Trump administration stepped up efforts to cut back supply chains dependency on China. Taiwan has been keen to negotiate a free trade agreement with the United States, but a large U.S. trade deficit, which Trump has been determined to reduce along with those of other trading partners, including China, has been an obstacle to this.

US increases support for Taiwan, says to counter rising China pressure

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