To prevent Uyghur separatist militants, China has created a new county in its sensitive Xinjiang province, close to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the Afghanistan border. The move also includes an effort to strengthen security along the narrow Wakhan Corridor. The newly formed county, named Cenling, lies near the Karakoram mountain range and close to PoK and Afghanistan, highlighting its strategic importance. It marks the third new county established by China in Xinjiang, a region largely dominated by Muslim Uyghur, in just over a year. India had earlier protested against the creation of Hean and Hekang counties, arguing that parts of these areas fall within its Union Territory of Ladakh. Hean includes a significant portion of the disputed Aksai Chin, which China has controlled since the Sino-Indian War and remains a key point of tension between the two countries.<h3>Fixed boundaries &amp; ancient Silk Road</h3>According to the South China Morning Post, the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region government declared the establishment of Cenling on March 26; however, complete details of its administrative divisions and fixed boundaries were not mentioned. Kashgar, a historic hub along the ancient Silk Road, serves as an important link between China and South and Central Asia. It is also the starting point of the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which runs through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and has drawn objections from India. Analysts believe the establishment of Cenling highlights Beijing’s increasing focus on border management and security. Lin Minwang, a professor at the Institute of International Studies at Fudan University, said that the move "reflects China's deeper recognition of the strategic importance of this region". "At a broader level, the decision signals China's emphasis on its borderlands," Lin was quoted as saying by the Post. He further pointed out that the new county lies close to the Wakhan Corridor in Afghanistan, a narrow 74-km stretch bordering Xinjiang that separates Tajikistan from PoK, underlining Beijing’s concerns over security and counterterrorism. In the past, Beijing has raised concerns about Uyghur militants linked to the East Turkestan Islamic Movement allegedly using the Wakhan Corridor as a route to enter Xinjiang from Afghanistan.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-failed-to-win-trust-of-iranian-delegation-parliament-speaker-after-failed-talks-1775994917349">US failed to win trust of Iranian delegation: Parliament speaker after failed talks</a>

Kashgar, a historic hub along the ancient Silk Road, act as an important link between China and South and Central Asia. It is also the starting point of the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which runs through PoK and has drawn objections from India.

To prevent Uyghur separatist militants, China has created a new county in its sensitive Xinjiang province, close to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the Afghanistan border. The move also includes an effort to strengthen security along the narrow Wakhan Corridor. The newly formed county, named Cenling, lies near the Karakoram mountain range and close to PoK and Afghanistan, highlighting its strategic importance. It marks the third new county established by China in Xinjiang, a region largely dominated by Muslim Uyghur, in just over a year. India had earlier protested against the creation of Hean and Hekang counties, arguing that parts of these areas fall within its Union Territory of Ladakh. Hean includes a significant portion of the disputed Aksai Chin, which China has controlled since the Sino-Indian War and remains a key point of tension between the two countries. Fixed boundaries & ancient Silk Road According to the South China Morning Post, the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region government declared the establishment of Cenling on March 26; however, complete details of its administrative divisions and fixed boundaries were not mentioned. Kashgar, a historic hub along the ancient Silk Road, serves as an important link between China and South and Central Asia. It is also the starting point of the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which runs through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and has drawn objections from India. Analysts believe the establishment of Cenling highlights Beijing’s increasing focus on border management and security. Lin Minwang, a professor at the Institute of International Studies at Fudan University, said that the move "reflects China's deeper recognition of the strategic importance of this region". "At a broader level, the decision signals China's emphasis on its borderlands," Lin was quoted as saying by the Post. He further pointed out that the new county lies close to the Wakhan Corridor in Afghanistan, a narrow 74-km stretch bordering Xinjiang that separates Tajikistan from PoK, underlining Beijing’s concerns over security and counterterrorism. In the past, Beijing has raised concerns about Uyghur militants linked to the East Turkestan Islamic Movement allegedly using the Wakhan Corridor as a route to enter Xinjiang from Afghanistan. Also read: US failed to win trust of Iranian delegation: Parliament speaker after failed talks

Kashgar, a historic hub along the ancient Silk Road, act as an important link between China and South and Central Asia. It is also the starting point of the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which runs through PoK and has drawn objections from India.

China sets up new county near PoK, Afghanistan border; raises strategic concerns for India

Young Chinese are hanging themselves from their necks in a new trend made to mimic cervical traction therapy used in hospitals. It is a supposed exercise that they are using to get relief from cervical spondylosis. In it, the person hangs by their head from trees. The trend has gone viral, and SCMP reported that many people are trying it. In China, the elderly can be seen hanging from trees with their heads suspended with ropes as their feet levitate above the ground and they swing like a pendulum. Many believe that this is similar to cervical traction therapy and can relieve neck pain and offer therapeutic benefits. However, experts have warned that this DIY to treat spondylitis, or the “neck-hanging exercise”, is not the same as the one offered professionally. A 57-year-old man surnamed Sun from Shenyang, Liaoning province, told the outlet that he designed a traction device to relieve his condition.&nbsp;However, a 57-year-old man, Yang Xu, died in Chongqing in May 2024 while attempting the exercise. Experts say that this exercise should not be done without medical supervision. It required precise control over angle, weight and duration, and the traction force is typically around 10 to 15 per cent of a person’s body weight. The patient remains stationary throughout while doctors make adjustments according to each individual. But when you suspend the entire body weight from the neck, there is a serious risk of cervical dislocation and fractures as the body swings and twists around.&nbsp;People in China are in disbelief hearing about the neck-hanging exercise. A user wrote on social media, "It is honestly terrifying. My blood freezes just watching it." Another user said, "Just hearing about this neck-hanging exercise sounds scary." SCMP quoted Shen Ya, a senior therapist from the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at the Air Force Hospital of the Eastern Theatre Command, as telling Litchi News that these suspension exercises can stimulate blood vessels and nerves, but they can also cause spinal cord injury or high-level paralysis. &nbsp;

People in China are hanging themselves from trees, specifically their necks, as a way to relieve a medical condition. The “neck-hanging exercise” has gone viral, and many people can be seen performing it. Experts have warned against them.

Young Chinese are hanging themselves from their necks in a new trend made to mimic cervical traction therapy used in hospitals. It is a supposed exercise that they are using to get relief from cervical spondylosis. In it, the person hangs by their head from trees. The trend has gone viral, and SCMP reported that many people are trying it. In China, the elderly can be seen hanging from trees with their heads suspended with ropes as their feet levitate above the ground and they swing like a pendulum. Many believe that this is similar to cervical traction therapy and can relieve neck pain and offer therapeutic benefits. However, experts have warned that this DIY to treat spondylitis, or the “neck-hanging exercise”, is not the same as the one offered professionally. A 57-year-old man surnamed Sun from Shenyang, Liaoning province, told the outlet that he designed a traction device to relieve his condition. However, a 57-year-old man, Yang Xu, died in Chongqing in May 2024 while attempting the exercise. Experts say that this exercise should not be done without medical supervision. It required precise control over angle, weight and duration, and the traction force is typically around 10 to 15 per cent of a person’s body weight. The patient remains stationary throughout while doctors make adjustments according to each individual. But when you suspend the entire body weight from the neck, there is a serious risk of cervical dislocation and fractures as the body swings and twists around. People in China are in disbelief hearing about the neck-hanging exercise. A user wrote on social media, "It is honestly terrifying. My blood freezes just watching it." Another user said, "Just hearing about this neck-hanging exercise sounds scary." SCMP quoted Shen Ya, a senior therapist from the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at the Air Force Hospital of the Eastern Theatre Command, as telling Litchi News that these suspension exercises can stimulate blood vessels and nerves, but they can also cause spinal cord injury or high-level paralysis.

People in China are hanging themselves from trees, specifically their necks, as a way to relieve a medical condition. The “neck-hanging exercise” has gone viral, and many people can be seen performing it. Experts have warned against them.

Chinese are hanging themselves from trees as part of a viral trend. Here's what is happening

A travel vlogger who came to India after spending weeks in China has highlighted the sharp contrast between the two countries, triggering mixed reactions. The vlogger named Mr Schnaider described how landing in India felt like he had come to a “different planet”. He said in the video that despite being only four hours away, both countries are drastically different. "After spending 6 weeks in China followed by a short three-hour flight, landing in India felt like stepping into an entirely different world," Mr Schnaider said. While clearly saying that "only Indians can judge their own culture", he said the Chinese culture was very different. The first things he noticed after landing in India were the "raw energy, chaos, overcrowding, and visible poverty", while pointing out "cleanliness, organisation, and smooth systems" in China. “What surprised me the most was the contrast," he said.&nbsp;

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“People came up to me and kept grabbing my hand, saying ‘please, please’. But who am I to judge this culture? Chinese culture is different, Indian culture is different, my country culture is different, only Indians can judge their own culture," he added in the video. The vlogger is facing flak from some people for making the comparison, while others agree with him. An Indian who lives in China commented, “I am an Indian living in China, and whatever he said is absolutely true. Instead of getting offended, we should try to improve ourselves. China is really clean and well-organised.”<h2>People point out differences between India and China&nbsp;</h2>Another user added, &nbsp;“I see some hate comments telling the guy to go back. It is time we accept reality. He is sharing his personal experience, and unfortunately, it is true. Hopefully, we will improve one day." However, others pointed out the big difference in the way things run in China as compared to India. “China has facial recognition surveillance everywhere. They will pick you up from home for non-compliance. You people will go nuts if the government starts following China. The responsibility of citizens to keep areas clean is greater than that of the government, but Indians lack that acknowledgement," a user wrote.&nbsp;Another user pointed out something similar: “India and China are both populous countries, but their governance models are different. China has stricter control. India is a democracy." Meanwhile, there were those who pointed out how India is far better than advanced countries like the US and Canada. "Ever been to Canada or America? They have lots of homeless people, although they are developed countries," a user wrote.

A vlogger has triggered debate after comparing India and China, saying how contrasting the two countries are. He said in a video that China is clean and organised, while India presents a completely different picture despite being just hours away.

A travel vlogger who came to India after spending weeks in China has highlighted the sharp contrast between the two countries, triggering mixed reactions. The vlogger named Mr Schnaider described how landing in India felt like he had come to a “different planet”. He said in the video that despite being only four hours away, both countries are drastically different. "After spending 6 weeks in China followed by a short three-hour flight, landing in India felt like stepping into an entirely different world," Mr Schnaider said. While clearly saying that "only Indians can judge their own culture", he said the Chinese culture was very different. The first things he noticed after landing in India were the "raw energy, chaos, overcrowding, and visible poverty", while pointing out "cleanliness, organisation, and smooth systems" in China. “What surprised me the most was the contrast," he said.

A vlogger has triggered debate after comparing India and China, saying how contrasting the two countries are. He said in a video that China is clean and organised, while India presents a completely different picture despite being just hours away.

Vlogger who travelled from China to India says it feels like a 'different planet', triggers debate

Neighbours fighting each other is often the best entertainment people get in neighbourhoods where apartments are huddled together. In China, one such incident saw one party turning extremely creative to annoy their neighbour. The matter lasted so long and was so ghastly that one of the parties affected indirectly obtained a court order to stop it. The incident happened in Guangzhou, where a man blasted ghost stories for more than 10 hours a day as revenge. The Ministry of Justice of the People’s Republic of China said that a man named surnamed Lu, and his cohabiter, surnamed Li, had a conflict brewing with their neighbour Xie. So the two got a loudspeaker installed on the common wall and played ghost stories every day from 8.45 am to noon, and again from 3.30pm to 10 pm. “Ghostly mountain sounds” reverberated through the walls for more than 10 hours each day.<h2>The sounds were well below the legal limits in China</h2>Lu and Li were careful to keep the volume below legal limits, which means no official complaint could be made against them. Not only was Xie affected, but others who lived upstairs were also suffering. A man surnamed Cui, who had two floors, was also affected and had a child who was preparing for China’s highly competitive college entrance examination. The continuous sounds did not let him study in peace. Legal authorities could not penalise them since the noise level inside Cui’s home was 36 decibels, while the legal limit in China is 60 decibels during the day and 50 decibels at night.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/hawaii-man-labelled-delusional-put-in-mental-hospital-for-refusing-to-admit-he-was-someone-else-1774957859121">Man labelled 'delusional', put in mental hospital for refusing to admit he was someone else</a>&nbsp;Cui went ahead and applied to the Guangzhou Haizhu District People’s Court for a pre-litigation injunction because the noise was disrupting his family’s daily life. This injunction is issued before a final judgment to prevent the perpetrator from causing irreparable harm. Lu was ordered to stop playing the recordings. Court staff supervised as he removed the equipment and deleted the ghost recordings. He promised not to cause such disturbances in the future.&nbsp;

Annoying the neighbour reached a whole new level in China, where one person blasted ghost sounds and stories for several hours a day. The revenge game embroiled others as well, since the noise could be heard 2-3 stories up as well. 

Neighbours fighting each other is often the best entertainment people get in neighbourhoods where apartments are huddled together. In China, one such incident saw one party turning extremely creative to annoy their neighbour. The matter lasted so long and was so ghastly that one of the parties affected indirectly obtained a court order to stop it. The incident happened in Guangzhou, where a man blasted ghost stories for more than 10 hours a day as revenge. The Ministry of Justice of the People’s Republic of China said that a man named surnamed Lu, and his cohabiter, surnamed Li, had a conflict brewing with their neighbour Xie. So the two got a loudspeaker installed on the common wall and played ghost stories every day from 8.45 am to noon, and again from 3.30pm to 10 pm. “Ghostly mountain sounds” reverberated through the walls for more than 10 hours each day. The sounds were well below the legal limits in China Lu and Li were careful to keep the volume below legal limits, which means no official complaint could be made against them. Not only was Xie affected, but others who lived upstairs were also suffering. A man surnamed Cui, who had two floors, was also affected and had a child who was preparing for China’s highly competitive college entrance examination. The continuous sounds did not let him study in peace. Legal authorities could not penalise them since the noise level inside Cui’s home was 36 decibels, while the legal limit in China is 60 decibels during the day and 50 decibels at night. Also Read: Man labelled 'delusional', put in mental hospital for refusing to admit he was someone else Cui went ahead and applied to the Guangzhou Haizhu District People’s Court for a pre-litigation injunction because the noise was disrupting his family’s daily life. This injunction is issued before a final judgment to prevent the perpetrator from causing irreparable harm. Lu was ordered to stop playing the recordings. Court staff supervised as he removed the equipment and deleted the ghost recordings. He promised not to cause such disturbances in the future.

Annoying the neighbour reached a whole new level in China, where one person blasted ghost sounds and stories for several hours a day. The revenge game embroiled others as well, since the noise could be heard 2-3 stories up as well.&nbsp;

Chinese man blasts ghost sounds on loudspeaker for 10 hours a day to annoy his neighbour

A study has found that when China registered a major win by cutting down on aerosols in the air and reducing air pollution, it unknowingly unleashed another demon. With significantly low aerosols in the atmosphere, global warming saw a sharp rise. When Beijing fought and won the battle in the early 2010s, it created an environment where storms fueled by aerosols also saw a major drop. While the country's efforts led to a brief respite, years later, the climate started warming. Bjørn Samset, a senior researcher at the CICERO Centre for International Climate Research in Norway, told Live Science, "What is happening now is that we're seeing the full effects of greenhouse-gas-driven warming, which we would sooner or later have to face anyway." The change was first noticed in January 2019 when scientists observed shifting wind patterns over the North Pacific. Five powerful cyclones were seen in the Bering Sea one after the other. They drove warm southerly winds across the ice, and air temperatures were 12 to 16 degrees Celsius above normal. Within two months, ice cover had shrunk by a whopping 82 per cent. Scientists struggled to figure out what led to the rapid loss of Arctic sea ice.<h2>Aerosols hid global warming</h2>The latest study published in the journal npj Climate and Atmospheric Science says it came down to China's fight against air pollution. Authors say that between 2000 and 2014, heavy pollution (aerosols) from Chinese factories created a "shield" in the atmosphere. Aerosols act like a "parasol" for the planet - they reflect sunlight back into space and help create brighter, thicker clouds that block heat. But since 2013, China has cut these emissions by about 75 per cent, removing the shield. This meant that now, with nothing left to block sunlight, Earth was witnessing the full force of greenhouse gas warming. The study has found that aerosols kept winter storms further south. As the air has cleared, cyclones started moving further north into the Arctic.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientists-find-earth-did-not-warm-as-expected-from-2015-in-fact-it-was-way-worse-1774252556272">Scientists find Earth did not warm as expected from 2015. In fact, it was way worse</a>&nbsp;This warm and moist air is directly entering the Arctic Circle, accelerating the melting of existing sea ice in the Bering Sea and preventing ice from forming in the winter. The frequency of Arctic cyclones has also increased. Scientists say that this finding has shown the amount of warming that was hiding in Earth and was unleashed when the aerosol shield vanished. They say this shows why the world must focus even harder on reducing greenhouse gases. &nbsp;

China's fight against air pollution led to the reduction of aerosols in the environment, but that consequently had an unexpected impact on the Arctic ice. A pollution shield prevented warm air from travelling north. But when it vanished, the reality was revealed.

A study has found that when China registered a major win by cutting down on aerosols in the air and reducing air pollution, it unknowingly unleashed another demon. With significantly low aerosols in the atmosphere, global warming saw a sharp rise. When Beijing fought and won the battle in the early 2010s, it created an environment where storms fueled by aerosols also saw a major drop. While the country's efforts led to a brief respite, years later, the climate started warming. Bjørn Samset, a senior researcher at the CICERO Centre for International Climate Research in Norway, told Live Science, "What is happening now is that we're seeing the full effects of greenhouse-gas-driven warming, which we would sooner or later have to face anyway." The change was first noticed in January 2019 when scientists observed shifting wind patterns over the North Pacific. Five powerful cyclones were seen in the Bering Sea one after the other. They drove warm southerly winds across the ice, and air temperatures were 12 to 16 degrees Celsius above normal. Within two months, ice cover had shrunk by a whopping 82 per cent. Scientists struggled to figure out what led to the rapid loss of Arctic sea ice. Aerosols hid global warming The latest study published in the journal npj Climate and Atmospheric Science says it came down to China's fight against air pollution. Authors say that between 2000 and 2014, heavy pollution (aerosols) from Chinese factories created a "shield" in the atmosphere. Aerosols act like a "parasol" for the planet - they reflect sunlight back into space and help create brighter, thicker clouds that block heat. But since 2013, China has cut these emissions by about 75 per cent, removing the shield. This meant that now, with nothing left to block sunlight, Earth was witnessing the full force of greenhouse gas warming. The study has found that aerosols kept winter storms further south. As the air has cleared, cyclones started moving further north into the Arctic. Also Read: Scientists find Earth did not warm as expected from 2015. In fact, it was way worse This warm and moist air is directly entering the Arctic Circle, accelerating the melting of existing sea ice in the Bering Sea and preventing ice from forming in the winter. The frequency of Arctic cyclones has also increased. Scientists say that this finding has shown the amount of warming that was hiding in Earth and was unleashed when the aerosol shield vanished. They say this shows why the world must focus even harder on reducing greenhouse gases.

China's fight against air pollution led to the reduction of aerosols in the environment, but that consequently had an unexpected impact on the Arctic ice. A pollution shield prevented warm air from travelling north. But when it vanished, the reality was revealed.

China's win on air pollution unleashed an environmental monster, study finds

The Chinese government has cracked down on the rise of bone ash apartments in the country due to skyrocketing burial costs and cemetery shortages. The action of the government came after citizens began using vacant residential apartments in order to store the cremated remains of loved ones instead of using old cemeteries. High cemetery costs and limited burial space have made purchasing apartments more economical than buying a burial plot. The property prices in China dropped 40 per cent in 2025 compared to 2021 levels. This resulted in converting these properties into private ritual halls or ancestral shrines, often marked by sealed windows and permanently drawn curtains. Meanwhile, burial plots in major cities such as Beijing remain quite expensive and are usually leased for only 20 years, requiring renewal, according to several media reports.<h3>Ecological burial zones</h3>In response, the Chinese government has moved to ban the use of residential properties for storing ashes. The new rules also prohibit burials outside officially designated cemeteries or approved ecological burial zones. The announcement comes ahead of the Qingming Festival, a traditional period for paying respects to ancestors. Meanwhile, a survey in 2020 disclosed that funerals in China cost approximately half of the average annual salary of an individual. The eco-friendly plots likely to start at 10,000 yuan, and standard tombstones in prime locations are out of range for several people. After the public demand, the Ministry of Civil Affairs is now coming up with rules to manage fraud and transparency in the increased funeral industry to curtail the burden on the masses. Additionally, the State Administration for Market Regulation has outlined new guidelines for the funeral sector in response to concerns about rising costs. The agency aims to implement measures to curb fraud and improve transparency, helping to ease the financial burden of funeral services on the public.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-expresses-gratitude-after-safe-transit-of-three-ships-through-strait-of-hormuz-1774963031439">China expresses gratitude after safe transit of three ships through Strait of Hormuz</a>

The new rules also prohibit burials outside officially designated cemeteries or approved ecological burial zones. The announcement comes ahead of the Qingming Festival, a traditional period for paying respects to ancestors.

The Chinese government has cracked down on the rise of bone ash apartments in the country due to skyrocketing burial costs and cemetery shortages. The action of the government came after citizens began using vacant residential apartments in order to store the cremated remains of loved ones instead of using old cemeteries. High cemetery costs and limited burial space have made purchasing apartments more economical than buying a burial plot. The property prices in China dropped 40 per cent in 2025 compared to 2021 levels. This resulted in converting these properties into private ritual halls or ancestral shrines, often marked by sealed windows and permanently drawn curtains. Meanwhile, burial plots in major cities such as Beijing remain quite expensive and are usually leased for only 20 years, requiring renewal, according to several media reports. Ecological burial zones In response, the Chinese government has moved to ban the use of residential properties for storing ashes. The new rules also prohibit burials outside officially designated cemeteries or approved ecological burial zones. The announcement comes ahead of the Qingming Festival, a traditional period for paying respects to ancestors. Meanwhile, a survey in 2020 disclosed that funerals in China cost approximately half of the average annual salary of an individual. The eco-friendly plots likely to start at 10,000 yuan, and standard tombstones in prime locations are out of range for several people. After the public demand, the Ministry of Civil Affairs is now coming up with rules to manage fraud and transparency in the increased funeral industry to curtail the burden on the masses. Additionally, the State Administration for Market Regulation has outlined new guidelines for the funeral sector in response to concerns about rising costs. The agency aims to implement measures to curb fraud and improve transparency, helping to ease the financial burden of funeral services on the public. Also read: China expresses gratitude after safe transit of three ships through Strait of Hormuz

The new rules also prohibit burials outside officially designated cemeteries or approved ecological burial zones. The announcement comes ahead of the Qingming Festival, a traditional period for paying respects to ancestors.

China moves to end ‘bone ash’ burials in empty apartments: Here's why

China on Tuesday expressed gratitude towards Iran for coordinating the smooth passage of three Chinese ships through the Strait of Hormuz, the vital waterway which Tehran has effectively closed during the ongoing war in West Asia.&nbsp;Two of the vessels, belonging to state-owned shipping giant Cosco, passed through the strait while exiting the Gulf on Monday morning, according to data from the MarineTraffic monitor. A third ship, a Hong Kong-flagged oil and chemical tanker called the Egret, crossed earlier on 25 March, sailing from east to west, maritime analytics firm Kpler reported.&nbsp;"Following coordination with relevant parties, three Chinese vessels recently transited the Strait of Hormuz," foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a press conference, adding, "We express our gratitude to the relevant parties for the assistance provided."The two Cosco vessels, the CSCL Indian Ocean and the CSCL Arctic Ocean, are both ultra-large container carriers.&nbsp;They passed close to Iran's Larak Island and are bound for Port Klang in Malaysia.These statements come as Iran has maintained a blockade on the Hormuz chokepoint but allowed several "friendly nations," including India, Russia, Iraq, and Pakistan, to continue transit. Since the start of the war on 28 February 2026, India has been able to successfully navigate the crisis through high-level diplomatic coordination.&nbsp;Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-if-iran-is-wise-they-ll-cut-a-deal-hegseth-claims-regime-change-has-occurred-in-tehran-1774960240668"> 'If Iran is wise, they'll cut a deal': Hegseth claims regime change has occurred in Tehran</a>&nbsp;At least four India-flagged ships, including the Jag Vasant and Shivalik, have transited the strait recently to secure the country's energy needs, while the Indian Navy has actively escorted critical tankers to safety. While these nations have secured passage through coordination, US President Donald Trump has cautioned that the situation remains highly volatile.&nbsp;Trump continues to repeat his warning that Washington is prepared to strike Iran’s energy infrastructure and Kharg Island if a peace deal is not reached shortly. In a recent statement, he also criticised allies who have not supported U.S. military actions, telling them they must learn to "fight for themselves" if they want to secure their own oil supplies through the contested waterway.&nbsp;&nbsp;(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

Two of the vessels, belonging to state-owned shipping giant Cosco, passed through the strait while exiting the Gulf on Monday morning, according to data from the MarineTraffic monitor.

China on Tuesday expressed gratitude towards Iran for coordinating the smooth passage of three Chinese ships through the Strait of Hormuz, the vital waterway which Tehran has effectively closed during the ongoing war in West Asia. Two of the vessels, belonging to state-owned shipping giant Cosco, passed through the strait while exiting the Gulf on Monday morning, according to data from the MarineTraffic monitor. A third ship, a Hong Kong-flagged oil and chemical tanker called the Egret, crossed earlier on 25 March, sailing from east to west, maritime analytics firm Kpler reported. "Following coordination with relevant parties, three Chinese vessels recently transited the Strait of Hormuz," foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a press conference, adding, "We express our gratitude to the relevant parties for the assistance provided." The two Cosco vessels, the CSCL Indian Ocean and the CSCL Arctic Ocean, are both ultra-large container carriers. They passed close to Iran's Larak Island and are bound for Port Klang in Malaysia. These statements come as Iran has maintained a blockade on the Hormuz chokepoint but allowed several "friendly nations," including India, Russia, Iraq, and Pakistan, to continue transit. Since the start of the war on 28 February 2026, India has been able to successfully navigate the crisis through high-level diplomatic coordination. Also Read: 'If Iran is wise, they'll cut a deal': Hegseth claims regime change has occurred in Tehran At least four India-flagged ships, including the Jag Vasant and Shivalik, have transited the strait recently to secure the country's energy needs, while the Indian Navy has actively escorted critical tankers to safety. While these nations have secured passage through coordination, US President Donald Trump has cautioned that the situation remains highly volatile. Trump continues to repeat his warning that Washington is prepared to strike Iran’s energy infrastructure and Kharg Island if a peace deal is not reached shortly. In a recent statement, he also criticised allies who have not supported U.S. military actions, telling them they must learn to "fight for themselves" if they want to secure their own oil supplies through the contested waterway. (Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

Two of the vessels, belonging to state-owned shipping giant Cosco, passed through the strait while exiting the Gulf on Monday morning, according to data from the MarineTraffic monitor.

China expresses gratitude after safe transit of three ships through Strait of Hormuz

Zhang Xuefeng, a prominent Chinese education influencer with over 30 million followers on social media, passed away from cardiac arrest. He was 41 years old and died on March 24 after a run, his studio informed in an obituary. According to CCTV News, Zhang felt unwell after a run and was rushed to the hospital. He was soon declared dead. Zhang was known for maintaining a hectic schedule. During the time he peaked in his career, he slept for only two to four hours every night. He spent so much time on his profession that he was once taken to the hospital for overworking. Doctors said that the cardiac arrest could have been because of strenuous exercise, less sleep or emotional issues. SCMP reported that he held his last live stream just hours before his death, in which he spoke with students and parents. He leaves behind his wife and 11-year-old daughter.<h2>Who was Zhang Xuefeng?</h2> The 41-year-old was a popular education influencer who advised children on colleges and university applications for the gaokao, China's college entrance exam. The undergraduate admission exam is highly competitive and is held over 2-4 days in early June. After taking the gaokao, students are faced with the dilemma of choosing from more than 800 majors and over 3,000 institutions - a massive two million possible combinations. Zhang charged between 11,999 yuan and 17,999 yuan (US$1,700 and US$2,600) for his services. During a previous speech, Zhang highlighted that he owned three companies. He noted that one firm was poised to generate several hundred million yuan following a future IPO, while another held an estimated valuation between 500 million and 800 million yuan (approximately US$72 million to US$116 million).&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Zhang Xuefeng, a Chinese education influencer famous for his remarks on college application and postgraduate admission advice, died of sudden cardiac arrest yesterday in Suzhou at the age of 41, according to his company&#39;s obituary. <a href="https://t.co/3mNNGpg8yR">pic.twitter.com/3mNNGpg8yR</a>&mdash; Yicai 第一财经 (@yicaichina) <a href="https://twitter.com/yicaichina/status/2036621870355861549?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Zhang was born in Heilongjiang province and did not have many riches growing up. At one point, the family's annual income was just 600 yuan (US$87). He studied at Zhengzhou University and, after graduating, started giving tuitions. His first shot at fame came in 2016 when he explained how to choose majors for top universities. The video garnered a whopping one billion views. Zhang had a knack for making the sessions interesting, adding quirk and humour while explaining about the programmes and graduate job prospects, breaking it all down on the basis of the location of the universities. He understood the anxiety parents and students had about China’s education system and made his videos in a way that resonated with them.<h2>Zhang was open about his views on best courses and choices</h2>He was honest with his opinions and received flak for them as well. He once said, "If a child insists on studying journalism, I would rather knock them out and randomly pick any other major. Anything is better than journalism." He also said that anyone who does not have a family business to fall back on should not study economics and management. Zhang was also known for his charity work, as he supported thousands of underprivileged students. A memorial service would be held in Shanghai on March 28.

Chinese education influencer Zhang Xuefeng, who made a fortune guiding students on gaokao, China's college entrance exam, died of a cardiac arrest on March 24. He was known for working too much and sleeping less.

Zhang Xuefeng, a prominent Chinese education influencer with over 30 million followers on social media, passed away from cardiac arrest. He was 41 years old and died on March 24 after a run, his studio informed in an obituary. According to CCTV News, Zhang felt unwell after a run and was rushed to the hospital. He was soon declared dead. Zhang was known for maintaining a hectic schedule. During the time he peaked in his career, he slept for only two to four hours every night. He spent so much time on his profession that he was once taken to the hospital for overworking. Doctors said that the cardiac arrest could have been because of strenuous exercise, less sleep or emotional issues. SCMP reported that he held his last live stream just hours before his death, in which he spoke with students and parents. He leaves behind his wife and 11-year-old daughter. Who was Zhang Xuefeng? The 41-year-old was a popular education influencer who advised children on colleges and university applications for the gaokao, China's college entrance exam. The undergraduate admission exam is highly competitive and is held over 2-4 days in early June. After taking the gaokao, students are faced with the dilemma of choosing from more than 800 majors and over 3,000 institutions - a massive two million possible combinations. Zhang charged between 11,999 yuan and 17,999 yuan (US$1,700 and US$2,600) for his services. During a previous speech, Zhang highlighted that he owned three companies. He noted that one firm was poised to generate several hundred million yuan following a future IPO, while another held an estimated valuation between 500 million and 800 million yuan (approximately US$72 million to US$116 million).

Chinese education influencer Zhang Xuefeng, who made a fortune guiding students on gaokao, China's college entrance exam, died of a cardiac arrest on March 24. He was known for working too much and sleeping less.

Who was Zhang Xuefeng, China’s million-dollar 'Gaokao Guru', who passed away at 41

The heartwarming video of seven dogs escaping a meat factory in China, and travelling 17 kilometres to reach home, is the best thing on the internet today. A tiny Corgi leads the way while the rest make a wall around an injured German Shepherd, presenting a humane picture at a time when humans are killing people in wars. It sounds like a fictional plot, and the story is tugging on the hearts of millions worldwide. But how did the dogs find their way back to their home despite being so far away? Dogs have a strong sense of smell and mostly rely on sniffing familiar objects and surroundings to recognise places and people. But the main feature they possess is their "internal compass", which is linked to Earth's magnetic field. Using magnetoreception, dogs, like birds and sea turtles, can orient themselves and find their way through unfamiliar terrain.<h2>Study on how dogs find their way back&nbsp;</h2>A 2020 study by researchers from the Czech University of Life Sciences showed that dogs have the ability to align with the planet's magnetic field. Twenty-seven of them were fitted with a GPS collar and a camera, and were left to walk through forests every few weeks over three years. Researchers then called them back and noticed that all of them were carrying out the "compass run." Researchers said that the dogs dashed for around 65 feet, and in doing so, were aligning with Earth's geomagnetic field. They noted that they have a significant preference for aligning their bodies along the North-South magnetic axis. What they were doing was a scouting run, in which they moved some distance irrespective of their destination. This is believed to be a way to "calibrate" their internal compass against the environment. &nbsp;After this, they relied on sniffing and scouting, using landmarks for guidance.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-dog-left-behind-7-stolen-pets-trek-17km-in-homeward-bound-escape-from-china-s-meat-market-their-story-is-breaking-the-internet-watch-video-1774330849117">Tiny Corgi leads pack of 7 stolen dogs on miraculous 17km journey home</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Seven dogs stolen from their owners have gone viral after escaping from an illegal transport truck and making their way home. They traveled around 17 km together, led by a corgi across highways and fields, now safely back with their respective owners..🐶🐾🥺❤️ <a href="https://t.co/H5VB9BQkGB">pic.twitter.com/H5VB9BQkGB</a>&mdash; 𝕐o̴g̴ (@Yoda4ever) <a href="https://twitter.com/Yoda4ever/status/2036105694357897479?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Many animals use Earth's magnetic field to travel large distances</h2>Dogs, and other animals and birds who regularly migrate, can literally "see" the magnetic field as a visual overlay or shade. This is because of the presence of cryptochromes, light-sensitive proteins in their retinas. Some studies have also claimed that these creatures have tiny, iron-oxide particles, or magnetite, in the nervous system or inner ear that act like the needles of a magnetic compass that directly interact with their brains. This, combined with their olfactory senses, helps them find their way back.&nbsp;

Seven dogs escaped from a meat factory in China, formed a military-style formation, walked through a highway and travelled 17 kilometres to return home. How did they know the route and where to go? This was made possible because of an “internal compass”.

The heartwarming video of seven dogs escaping a meat factory in China, and travelling 17 kilometres to reach home, is the best thing on the internet today. A tiny Corgi leads the way while the rest make a wall around an injured German Shepherd, presenting a humane picture at a time when humans are killing people in wars. It sounds like a fictional plot, and the story is tugging on the hearts of millions worldwide. But how did the dogs find their way back to their home despite being so far away? Dogs have a strong sense of smell and mostly rely on sniffing familiar objects and surroundings to recognise places and people. But the main feature they possess is their "internal compass", which is linked to Earth's magnetic field. Using magnetoreception, dogs, like birds and sea turtles, can orient themselves and find their way through unfamiliar terrain. Study on how dogs find their way back A 2020 study by researchers from the Czech University of Life Sciences showed that dogs have the ability to align with the planet's magnetic field. Twenty-seven of them were fitted with a GPS collar and a camera, and were left to walk through forests every few weeks over three years. Researchers then called them back and noticed that all of them were carrying out the "compass run." Researchers said that the dogs dashed for around 65 feet, and in doing so, were aligning with Earth's geomagnetic field. They noted that they have a significant preference for aligning their bodies along the North-South magnetic axis. What they were doing was a scouting run, in which they moved some distance irrespective of their destination. This is believed to be a way to "calibrate" their internal compass against the environment. After this, they relied on sniffing and scouting, using landmarks for guidance. Also Read: Tiny Corgi leads pack of 7 stolen dogs on miraculous 17km journey home

Seven dogs escaped from a meat factory in China, formed a military-style formation, walked through a highway and travelled 17 kilometres to return home. How did they know the route and where to go? This was made possible because of an “internal compass”.

How did Corgi and his friends know where to go? Dogs have an 'internal compass'

Gold worth roughly $83 billion has been discovered in a gold field in China. The Geological Bureau of Hunan Province claims they have come across visible gold flakes in drill cores at the Wangu gold field in Pingjiang County. The drill cores have been pulled out from a depth of more than two kilometres and have been at work for the past year. &nbsp;Chen Rulin, a prospector with the Geological Bureau of Hunan Province, said, "Many drilled rock cores showed visible gold." The gold is present inside metal tubes and isn't microscopic or chemically bound to other minerals. This is unusual, as experts say there are visible flakes and concentrations of gold. Scientists relied on advanced 3D geological modelling, deep-drilling technology, and AI analysis of geochemical data to map the veins. They claim that preliminary reserves of 300 tonnes are present at a depth of 2,000 metres, and this could go as high as 1,000 tonnes at 3,000 metres.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientists-stumble-upon-devil-s-money-at-dutch-cult-site-it-was-linked-to-pagan-1759909915527">Dutch cult site unearthed in the Netherlands revealed gold coins. They weren't meant to be taken</a>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/pot-of-gold-buried-900-years-ago-unearthed-in-a-karnataka-village-now-there-is-a-fuss-over-who-owns-it-1768376950848">Pot of gold buried 900 years ago unearthed in a Karnataka village. Now there is a fuss over who owns it</a><h2>More grams of gold per tonne compared to any other site</h2>The Wangu gold field has been a centre of attention for the provincial geological agency. If these estimates prove to be true, it will soar past the South Deep mine in South Africa, which holds approximately 900 metric tonnes of gold reserves. The gold discovery is not the only selling point of the Wangu gold field. A ton of ore yielded 138 grams per tonne in one sample. This is surprising since most commercial mines operate at grades below 10 grams per tonne. This means that more gold can be extracted from less rock as compared to other fields. What's more, peripheral drilling around the main site showed that the gold could extend to areas not seen in the current maps.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/chinese-man-alchemist-extracts-191-grams-gold-sim-cards-1769950610247">Chinese man extracts 191 grams of gold from SIM cards: Alchemy of…</a><h2>How are gold veins formed?</h2>Some studies explain how gold veins, the kind seen at Wangu, come to be formed. According to a peer-reviewed study published in Nature Geoscience, a mechanical-chemical link explains the "gold nuggets". When earthquakes occur, intense mechanical pressure stresses quartz found in many gold-bearing veins, which generates localised electric charges. They act as a catalyst, causing the immediate electrochemical precipitation of gold out of the hot, mineral-rich hydrothermal fluids flowing through the cracks. If this is true, then the gold veins with high-grade pockets found at Wangu are the result of sudden, concentrated deposition instead of slow chemical accumulation over thousands of years.&nbsp; &nbsp;

China's Wangu gold field in Pingjiang County could have more than 1,000 tonnes of gold if current estimates are true. Geologists in the Hunan Province say, besides the amount of gold, what is surprising is how much of it is present in a ton of rock.

Gold worth roughly $83 billion has been discovered in a gold field in China. The Geological Bureau of Hunan Province claims they have come across visible gold flakes in drill cores at the Wangu gold field in Pingjiang County. The drill cores have been pulled out from a depth of more than two kilometres and have been at work for the past year. Chen Rulin, a prospector with the Geological Bureau of Hunan Province, said, "Many drilled rock cores showed visible gold." The gold is present inside metal tubes and isn't microscopic or chemically bound to other minerals. This is unusual, as experts say there are visible flakes and concentrations of gold. Scientists relied on advanced 3D geological modelling, deep-drilling technology, and AI analysis of geochemical data to map the veins. They claim that preliminary reserves of 300 tonnes are present at a depth of 2,000 metres, and this could go as high as 1,000 tonnes at 3,000 metres. Also Read: Dutch cult site unearthed in the Netherlands revealed gold coins. They weren't meant to be taken Also Read: Pot of gold buried 900 years ago unearthed in a Karnataka village. Now there is a fuss over who owns it More grams of gold per tonne compared to any other site The Wangu gold field has been a centre of attention for the provincial geological agency. If these estimates prove to be true, it will soar past the South Deep mine in South Africa, which holds approximately 900 metric tonnes of gold reserves. The gold discovery is not the only selling point of the Wangu gold field. A ton of ore yielded 138 grams per tonne in one sample. This is surprising since most commercial mines operate at grades below 10 grams per tonne. This means that more gold can be extracted from less rock as compared to other fields. What's more, peripheral drilling around the main site showed that the gold could extend to areas not seen in the current maps. Also Read: Chinese man extracts 191 grams of gold from SIM cards: Alchemy of… How are gold veins formed? Some studies explain how gold veins, the kind seen at Wangu, come to be formed. According to a peer-reviewed study published in Nature Geoscience, a mechanical-chemical link explains the "gold nuggets". When earthquakes occur, intense mechanical pressure stresses quartz found in many gold-bearing veins, which generates localised electric charges. They act as a catalyst, causing the immediate electrochemical precipitation of gold out of the hot, mineral-rich hydrothermal fluids flowing through the cracks. If this is true, then the gold veins with high-grade pockets found at Wangu are the result of sudden, concentrated deposition instead of slow chemical accumulation over thousands of years.

China's Wangu gold field in Pingjiang County could have more than 1,000 tonnes of gold if current estimates are true. Geologists in the Hunan Province say, besides the amount of gold, what is surprising is how much of it is present in a ton of rock.

China's 'gold veins' worth $83bn in Wangu are different than others. Here's why

2026 is fast turning into the year animals take over the internet, one story at a time. January had the lone penguin that wandered away from its colony. February brought Punch, the monkey, who was abandoned by his mother and grew up with an orangutan plush toy. And now, March belongs to a video of seven dogs who set off on a remarkable 'Homeward Bound' style journey, covering over 17 kilometres to find their way back to their humans. In a year already defined by viral animal stories, the great escape of the dog pack in China's Jilin province from a butcher is breaking the internet.<h2>Stolen dogs become new faces of animal rights activism</h2>On Tuesday (Mar 24) March 16, footage surfaced of a remarkable pack of pets—including a Corgi (named Dà Pàng / "Da Pang" meaning "Big Fat"), a German Shepherd, and Golden Retrievers—trekking 17 kilometres back to their village after allegedly escaping a dog meat transport vehicle. Moving in a tight military-style formation to protect an injured "brother," the group navigated busy highways and open fields to reunite with their humans.All seven dogs are now safely home. Their incredible journey out of the bowels of the illegal dog meat trade has reignited a fierce nationwide debate over the lack of a federal ban on dog meat consumption in China, turning these "Homeward Bound" heroes into the new faces of animal rights activism.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/hang-in-there-punch-rejected-baby-monkey-carries-plushie-everywhere-internet-rallies-behind-him-this-is-his-story-1771568748975">Meet internet's new sweetheart: Punch, baby monkey who carries a plushie everywhere. THIS is his story</a><h2>Shielding the fallen: How the heartbreaking ‘formation’ protected an injured German Shepherd</h2>The incident came to light on March 16, when a resident surnamed Lu filmed the group walking along a busy highway in Changchun, Jilin province. The video, later shared online, showed the dogs moving in a tight formation, with one detail standing out.At the centre was an injured German Shepherd. Around it, the others kept close. A Corgi led the group, pausing every few steps to look back, as if checking that no one had fallen behind.The group included Golden Retrievers, Labradors and a Pekinese. "They resemble a band of little brothers in distress, moving in unison – nothing like stray dogs," Lu told Dahe Daily.Lu said he tried to guide them away from the road, but the animals ignored him. He later posted the footage on Douyin, asking for help from local authorities. Another passerby captured the dogs wandering through nearby fields, suggesting they had already been moving for some time. Local rescuers soon stepped in.Watch the video here:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Seven dogs stolen from their owners have gone viral after escaping from an illegal transport truck and making their way home. They traveled around 17 km together, led by a corgi across highways and fields, now safely back with their respective owners..🐶🐾🥺❤️ <a href="https://t.co/H5VB9BQkGB">pic.twitter.com/H5VB9BQkGB</a>&mdash; 𝕐o̴g̴ (@Yoda4ever) <a href="https://twitter.com/Yoda4ever/status/2036105694357897479?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Where did the dogs come from? How a pack of seven stolen pets navigated 17km to freedom</h2>According to a SCMP report citing the Bitter Coffee Stray Dog Base, the dogs all came from the same village and were known to roam together.One volunteer said the dogs had likely been stolen by people linked to a dog meat shop and may have escaped from a transport vehicle. There has been no official confirmation of that claim, and no witnesses reported seeing the escape.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/435-000-barrels-of-oil-at-risk-as-iran-war-drives-up-oil-prices-fire-rages-at-one-of-us-largest-refineries-after-massive-port-arthur-blast-watch-1774325959958">Massive blast rocks US' Valero refinery—is the US energy hub under attack? VIDEO</a><h2>Stolen dogs and China's dog meat market</h2>In northern China, dog meat is still consumed in some areas, particularly during the winter months. Animal welfare groups say most dog meat businesses do not rely on farms, as raising dogs is expensive. Instead, stolen pets and strays are often targeted.Cities including Changchun, Harbin and Dalian have reported repeated cases of pet theft.Three days after the video surfaced, volunteers confirmed that on March 19, all seven dogs had returned home. They belonged to three different households and had travelled roughly 17 kilometres from where they were first spotted.One owner, whose German Shepherd and Golden Retriever were among the group, said he was relieved to see them return. "We are so lucky they came back, not to be eaten," he said.Authorities have not released any details about those allegedly involved in the theft. Under Chinese law, stealing dogs can lead to fines or imprisonment, depending on the value of the animal. However, there is no nationwide ban on the consumption of dog meat. Shenzhen became one of the first cities to prohibit eating cats and dogs in 2020.The story has since spread widely online, with related videos drawing hundreds of millions of views. Many users praised the dogs’ behaviour and called for stronger legal protections, saying the incident highlights gaps in existing animal welfare laws.

Seven dogs escape a suspected meat transport in China and trek 17 km home in a stunning ‘Homeward Bound’ journey. Moving in formation to protect an injured companion, their story is now sparking a national debate. Scroll down to read their incredible tale, watch them navigate their way home.

2026 is fast turning into the year animals take over the internet, one story at a time. January had the lone penguin that wandered away from its colony. February brought Punch, the monkey, who was abandoned by his mother and grew up with an orangutan plush toy. And now, March belongs to a video of seven dogs who set off on a remarkable 'Homeward Bound' style journey, covering over 17 kilometres to find their way back to their humans. In a year already defined by viral animal stories, the great escape of the dog pack in China's Jilin province from a butcher is breaking the internet. Stolen dogs become new faces of animal rights activism On Tuesday (Mar 24) March 16, footage surfaced of a remarkable pack of pets—including a Corgi (named Dà Pàng / "Da Pang" meaning "Big Fat"), a German Shepherd, and Golden Retrievers—trekking 17 kilometres back to their village after allegedly escaping a dog meat transport vehicle. Moving in a tight military-style formation to protect an injured "brother," the group navigated busy highways and open fields to reunite with their humans. All seven dogs are now safely home. Their incredible journey out of the bowels of the illegal dog meat trade has reignited a fierce nationwide debate over the lack of a federal ban on dog meat consumption in China, turning these "Homeward Bound" heroes into the new faces of animal rights activism. Also read | Meet internet's new sweetheart: Punch, baby monkey who carries a plushie everywhere. THIS is his story Shielding the fallen: How the heartbreaking ‘formation’ protected an injured German Shepherd The incident came to light on March 16, when a resident surnamed Lu filmed the group walking along a busy highway in Changchun, Jilin province. The video, later shared online, showed the dogs moving in a tight formation, with one detail standing out. At the centre was an injured German Shepherd. Around it, the others kept close. A Corgi led the group, pausing every few steps to look back, as if checking that no one had fallen behind. The group included Golden Retrievers, Labradors and a Pekinese. "They resemble a band of little brothers in distress, moving in unison – nothing like stray dogs," Lu told Dahe Daily. Lu said he tried to guide them away from the road, but the animals ignored him. He later posted the footage on Douyin, asking for help from local authorities. Another passerby captured the dogs wandering through nearby fields, suggesting they had already been moving for some time. Local rescuers soon stepped in. Watch the video here:

Seven stolen pet dogs, including a Corgi and a German Shepherd, successfully trekked 17 kilometres to return to their homes in Changchun, China, after escaping meat trade. Moving in formation to protect an injured companion, their story is now sparking a national debate. Scroll down.

No dog left behind: Tiny Corgi leads pack of 7 stolen dogs on miraculous 17km journey home — their story is breaking the internet | Watch video

Issuing first response after the killing of Iran's top officials by Israel, China on Thursday (Mar 19) said that it is “unacceptable" and added it is it opposes “use of force.” Addressing a press conference, China’s foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian straightforwardly said, “We have always opposed the use of force in international relations. The acts of killing Iranian state leaders and attacking civilian targets are even more unacceptable.”&nbsp;China's response came after Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu was seen talking on a call with Israel's Defence Minister, Israel Katz seated beside him. "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I have authorised the IDF to eliminate any senior Iranian official for whom the intelligence and operational circle has been closed, without the need for additional approval," Katz said while sharing the image. Netanyahu also shared a video from the high-security 'Kirya' command centre and said that he was ordering the killing of two "terrorist chieftains" — Iran's security chief Ali Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani. In the video, he was flanked by the heads of Mossad and the Air Force. Iran questioned if the UN and other international organisations are allowing the killing of leaders openly.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-war-not-ours-but-cost-is-global-global-envoys-push-for-new-global-order-at-wion-world-pulse-1773821038409">'War not ours, but cost is global': Global envoys push for new global order at WION World PULSE</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">I&#39;m here with Israel&#39;s Defense Minister, our Chief of Staff, the head of the Mossad, the Chief of Air Force, our senior commanders. In the past 24 hours, we knocked out two of the terrorist chieftains, the top terrorist chieftains of this tyranny. Our aircraft are hitting the… <a href="https://t.co/lFJKEMvgxR">pic.twitter.com/lFJKEMvgxR</a>&mdash; Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/2034021266861003258?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;In this week alone, Israel killed three top Iranian officials — security chief Ali Larijani, Basij forces chief Gholamreza Soleimani, and Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib — marking some of the most high-profile deaths since the US-Israeli strikes began, following the earlier killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-major-nuclear-threat-to-us-besides-china-russia-and-n-korea-tulsi-gabbard-tells-senate-1773856393463">Pakistan major nuclear threat to US besides China, Russia and N Korea, Tulsi Gabbard tells Senate</a><h2>China-US ties amid Iran war</h2>Last week, on Trump's request of help in Strait of Hormuz, Chinese Embassy in Washington said that Beijing “wants an immediate cession of hostilities,” and that “all parties have the responsibility to ensure stable and unimpeded energy supply.” “As a sincere friend and strategic partner of Middle Eastern countries, China will continue to strengthen communication with relevant parties, including parties to the conflict, and play a constructive role for de-escalation and restoration of peace," China said.&nbsp;&nbsp;China's stance in the Iran war may prove to be a deciding factor on Trump's Beijing visit scheduled for March last week. Trump has already hinted that it may be delayed for a month or so while expressing his desire to for Chinese help in securing the Strait of Hormuz. There's also an ongoing allegation that Beijing is secretly helping Iran by providing satellite technology. While the US president has maintained that he shares a good relationship with his Chinese counterpart, issues like Taiwan and now Iran have complicated ties between the two countries, at least for the time being.&nbsp;(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.) &nbsp;

China condemned Israel’s killing of top Iranian officials, calling it “unacceptable” and opposing force. As Benjamin Netanyahu ramps up strikes, tensions grow, complicating US-China ties amid the ongoing Iran war.

Issuing first response after the killing of Iran's top officials by Israel, China on Thursday (Mar 19) said that it is “unacceptable" and added it is it opposes “use of force.” Addressing a press conference, China’s foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian straightforwardly said, “We have always opposed the use of force in international relations. The acts of killing Iranian state leaders and attacking civilian targets are even more unacceptable.” China's response came after Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu was seen talking on a call with Israel's Defence Minister, Israel Katz seated beside him. "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I have authorised the IDF to eliminate any senior Iranian official for whom the intelligence and operational circle has been closed, without the need for additional approval," Katz said while sharing the image. Netanyahu also shared a video from the high-security 'Kirya' command centre and said that he was ordering the killing of two "terrorist chieftains" — Iran's security chief Ali Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani. In the video, he was flanked by the heads of Mossad and the Air Force. Iran questioned if the UN and other international organisations are allowing the killing of leaders openly. Also Read: 'War not ours, but cost is global': Global envoys push for new global order at WION World PULSE

China condemned Israel’s killing of top Iranian officials, calling it “unacceptable” and opposing force. As Benjamin Netanyahu ramps up strikes, tensions grow, complicating US-China ties amid the ongoing Iran war.

'The acts of killing...': China issues first response after Israel kills top Iran officials including Ali Larijani

A Shanghai-based start-up, Carbonology, has claimed it has developed a low-cost method to produce synthetic petroleum using air and water, as China ramps up efforts to find alternatives to traditional fossil fuels amid the ongoing US-Israel war against Iran, according to the South China Morning Post. According to Chinese media reports, the company has developed a method that converts the carbon dioxide extracted from air and water into artificial fuel using renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. A member of staff at the firm has confirmed that the report was true; however, he refused to give further details. The firm, co-founded in 2024 by a former Tesla vice president, said it has reduced production costs enough to offer synthetic petrol, diesel, jet fuel, and naphtha at prices competitive with market prices. The report added that the firm plans to roll out “large-scale production capacity in China”. Carbonology is part of a growing group of Chinese companies exploring technologies that capture carbon dioxide directly from the air, an industry that is advancing but still viewed with caution by some experts. Over the past decade, direct air capture (DAC) methods have progressed from experimental stages to practical use. However, most of the captured greenhouse gases have so far been stored underground instead of being converted into usable fuel.&nbsp;According to the SCMP, this development is part of China’s broader effort to cut its dependence on imported crude oil. Currently, the country imports more than 70 per cent of its oil, a large portion of which comes from the Middle East. Ongoing conflicts in the region have disrupted supplies and caused price fluctuations, highlighting the need for alternative energy sources.<h3>How is it produced?</h3>Scientists produce synthetic fuel (e-fuel) from air and water by capturing atmospheric carbon and splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable energy. These components are then combined through thermochemical processes, such as Fischer-Tropsch or methanol synthesis, to create hydrocarbon fuels (gasoline, diesel) that are compatible with existing engines.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/nuclear-base-strange-lights-and-a-horn-ex-officer-claims-intelligent-non-humans-saved-earth-from-holocaust-1773730631613">Nuclear base, strange lights, and POOF: Ex-Air Force officer claims 'intelligent non-humans' saved Earth</a>

The company has developed a method that converts the carbon dioxide extracted from air and water into artificial fuel using renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. A member of staff at the firm has confirmed that the report was true; however, he refused to give further details.

A Shanghai-based start-up, Carbonology, has claimed it has developed a low-cost method to produce synthetic petroleum using air and water, as China ramps up efforts to find alternatives to traditional fossil fuels amid the ongoing US-Israel war against Iran, according to the South China Morning Post. According to Chinese media reports, the company has developed a method that converts the carbon dioxide extracted from air and water into artificial fuel using renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. A member of staff at the firm has confirmed that the report was true; however, he refused to give further details. The firm, co-founded in 2024 by a former Tesla vice president, said it has reduced production costs enough to offer synthetic petrol, diesel, jet fuel, and naphtha at prices competitive with market prices. The report added that the firm plans to roll out “large-scale production capacity in China”. Carbonology is part of a growing group of Chinese companies exploring technologies that capture carbon dioxide directly from the air, an industry that is advancing but still viewed with caution by some experts. Over the past decade, direct air capture (DAC) methods have progressed from experimental stages to practical use. However, most of the captured greenhouse gases have so far been stored underground instead of being converted into usable fuel. According to the SCMP, this development is part of China’s broader effort to cut its dependence on imported crude oil. Currently, the country imports more than 70 per cent of its oil, a large portion of which comes from the Middle East. Ongoing conflicts in the region have disrupted supplies and caused price fluctuations, highlighting the need for alternative energy sources. How is it produced? Scientists produce synthetic fuel (e-fuel) from air and water by capturing atmospheric carbon and splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable energy. These components are then combined through thermochemical processes, such as Fischer-Tropsch or methanol synthesis, to create hydrocarbon fuels (gasoline, diesel) that are compatible with existing engines. Also read: Nuclear base, strange lights, and POOF: Ex-Air Force officer claims 'intelligent non-humans' saved Earth

The company has developed a method that converts the carbon dioxide extracted from air and water into artificial fuel using renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. A member of staff at the firm has confirmed that the report was true; however, he refused to give further details.

No oil, no problem? Chinese start-up claims it can produce synthetic petroleum from air and water

Chinese police reportedly detained a humanoid robot in Macau after it allegedly scared a 70-year-old woman. The incident took place in the evening while the woman was walking in the vicinity of the Lok Yeung Fa Yuen residential complex in Patane last Thursday, according to the South China Morning Post (SCMP).&nbsp;The robot model, a Unitree G1, abruptly stopped behind the old woman while she was on her phone. As soon as she noticed the robot, the old lady panicked and reportedly shouted, “You’re making my heart race! You’ve got plenty to do, so what’s the point of messing around with this? Are you freaking crazy?”, according to the Macau Post.&nbsp;During the incident, the woman was not physically harmed; however, she was still rushed to the hospital as a precautionary measure and later discharged. The video went viral after the whole incident surfaced on a social media platform. After the video was widely shared on social media, several users mocked the arrest of a robot, raising serious concerns about the safety and regulation in public areas.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨A humanoid robot arrested by police in Macau,China, after it allegedly frightened a 70-year-old woman. <a href="https://t.co/XsFuqp8YOl">pic.twitter.com/XsFuqp8YOl</a>&mdash; Indian Infra Report (@Indianinfoguide) <a href="https://twitter.com/Indianinfoguide/status/2033556078064222389?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The viral video shows two officers stepping in and escorting the robot away. They also cautioned its operator, a 50-year-old man, advising him to exercise greater care while using the device in public areas. The robot was later handed back to him.<h3>Education centre representative defends robot</h3>According to a local broadcaster, the robot was being tested by a local education centre. Towin Mak, a representative of the centre, told Teledifusao de Macau (TDM) that the incident occurred as the robot was leaving the area and had paused behind a woman to wait for her to move.&nbsp;"The woman stopped in the middle of the walkway to check her phone, and because the robot couldn’t get around, it simply waited behind her, that’s when she noticed the robot with its lights on, startling her, given the late hour", the representative claimed.&nbsp;The Unitree G1 is a commercially available humanoid robot, around four feet tall, built for educational and promotional use, and equipped with advanced obstacle detection systems and depth cameras.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/viral-baby-monkey-punch-lucks-out-finds-love-kisses-and-friends-video-1773725253760">Viral baby monkey Punch lucks out; finds love, kisses and friends - VIDEO</a>

During the incident, the woman was not physically harmed; however, she was still rushed to the hospital as a precautionary measure and later discharged. The video of the incident went viral after it was posted on social media.

Chinese police reportedly detained a humanoid robot in Macau after it allegedly scared a 70-year-old woman. The incident took place in the evening while the woman was walking in the vicinity of the Lok Yeung Fa Yuen residential complex in Patane last Thursday, according to the South China Morning Post (SCMP). The robot model, a Unitree G1, abruptly stopped behind the old woman while she was on her phone. As soon as she noticed the robot, the old lady panicked and reportedly shouted, “You’re making my heart race! You’ve got plenty to do, so what’s the point of messing around with this? Are you freaking crazy?”, according to the Macau Post. During the incident, the woman was not physically harmed; however, she was still rushed to the hospital as a precautionary measure and later discharged. The video went viral after the whole incident surfaced on a social media platform. After the video was widely shared on social media, several users mocked the arrest of a robot, raising serious concerns about the safety and regulation in public areas.

During the incident, the woman was not physically harmed; however, she was still rushed to the hospital as a precautionary measure and later discharged. The video of the incident went viral after it was posted on social media.

‘You’re making my heart race!’: Humanoid robot 'arrested' for scaring 70-year-old woman in China | VIDEO

The boss of a Chinese company has given away 180 million yuan (Rs 240 crore) as bonuses to his employees, sparking amazement and jealousy online. The story has gone viral in the country for the unbelievable gesture as it earned 270 million yuan in profits and distributed nearly 70 per cent of it to the staff, SCMP reported. Henan Kuangshan Crane Co., Ltd organised an event on February 13, and on the spot handed more than 60 million yuan (US$8.7 million) in cash. Nearly 7,000 people attended the event, where 800 banquet tables were set up to accommodate them. Photos from the gala shared on Chinese social media show rows of tables covered with cash. How much money each person would get was not decided beforehand for several of them. While a few staff members were called on stage and given their rewards, others took part in a strange interactive game where they needed to count the money, and whatever amount they did, they could take with them.<h2>Boss Cui Peijun told finance team to give everyone even more money</h2>It was literally a money party where people held bundles of notes in their hands, spilling them all over. Videos show employees counting cash on the long tables. The company was also giving out washing machines to the employees. While it might seem like a very generous gift from a company, Boss Cui Peijun was not happy. He called out the finance department and asked them, "Do you think gold prices have gone up? In previous years, we gave necklaces and rings, bring up the cash and give everyone another 20,000 yuan (US$2,800)."&nbsp;In total, Peijun gave his employees 180 million yuan as a year-end bonus. Henan Kuangshan Crane Co was established in 2002, and since then has spread to more than 130 countries. It manufactures services, cranes and material handling products. He owns around 98.88 per cent of the company’s shares. Cui has a habit of showering his staff with money. On International Women's Day last year, he gave nearly 1.6 million yuan (US$230,000) to 2,000 women employees. This is why the internet calls him “the boss who loves giving out money the most”. Cui says, "Young people are burdened with car loans and mortgages, and any relief we can offer helps."

Year-end bonuses at a Chinese company have shocked the world, with a total amounting to Rs 246 crore. The boss laid out all the cash on long tables and told employees to take all they can count in 15 minutes.

The boss of a Chinese company has given away 180 million yuan (Rs 240 crore) as bonuses to his employees, sparking amazement and jealousy online. The story has gone viral in the country for the unbelievable gesture as it earned 270 million yuan in profits and distributed nearly 70 per cent of it to the staff, SCMP reported. Henan Kuangshan Crane Co., Ltd organised an event on February 13, and on the spot handed more than 60 million yuan (US$8.7 million) in cash. Nearly 7,000 people attended the event, where 800 banquet tables were set up to accommodate them. Photos from the gala shared on Chinese social media show rows of tables covered with cash. How much money each person would get was not decided beforehand for several of them. While a few staff members were called on stage and given their rewards, others took part in a strange interactive game where they needed to count the money, and whatever amount they did, they could take with them. Boss Cui Peijun told finance team to give everyone even more money It was literally a money party where people held bundles of notes in their hands, spilling them all over. Videos show employees counting cash on the long tables. The company was also giving out washing machines to the employees. While it might seem like a very generous gift from a company, Boss Cui Peijun was not happy. He called out the finance department and asked them, "Do you think gold prices have gone up? In previous years, we gave necklaces and rings, bring up the cash and give everyone another 20,000 yuan (US$2,800)." In total, Peijun gave his employees 180 million yuan as a year-end bonus. Henan Kuangshan Crane Co was established in 2002, and since then has spread to more than 130 countries. It manufactures services, cranes and material handling products. He owns around 98.88 per cent of the company’s shares. Cui has a habit of showering his staff with money. On International Women's Day last year, he gave nearly 1.6 million yuan (US$230,000) to 2,000 women employees. This is why the internet calls him “the boss who loves giving out money the most”. Cui says, "Young people are burdened with car loans and mortgages, and any relief we can offer helps."

Year-end bonuses at a Chinese company have shocked the world, with a total amounting to Rs 240 crore. The boss laid out all the cash on long tables and told employees to take all they can count in 15 minutes.

Chinese boss gives away Rs 240 crore in bonuses, lays cash on long tables at gala

In a historic development, scientists in China have reversed the type-2 diabetes using stem-cell therapy, marking a globally significant milestone. The Chinese researchers succeeded after they established stem cell therapy to transplant healthy pancreatic cells to copy the work of insulin that is regulated inside our body. The experiment succeeded for the first time, wherein the patient isn't dependent on injectable insulin or medication while managing their blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body is unable to use insulin effectively, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. To manage the condition, patients are often prescribed insulin or other medications. However, once a person becomes insulin dependent, it becomes extremely difficult to restore the normal function of the body, according to a report in the NDTV.<h3>How was type-2 diabetes reversed during experiments?</h3>While reversing type 2 diabetes, researchers involved several key steps. First, researchers obtain stem cells either from the patient or from a donor. These cells are used because of their unique ability to develop into various specialised cell types capable of carrying out specific functions. In laboratory settings, scientists expose the stem cells to targeted chemical and genetic signals that direct them to become pancreatic islet cells, particularly beta cells, which naturally produce insulin. Once reprogrammed, these cells are cultivated into clusters that replicate the structure of healthy pancreatic tissue. These clusters can detect changes in blood glucose levels and release insulin as required. Later, these clusters that produce insulin are transplanted into the body of the patient, most likely in the abdomen. Once inserted, they combined with the blood supply of the patient. But the primary issue experienced is determining whether the cells are accepted or rejected, which will determine the outcome. After transplantation, the newly developed cells begin functioning like healthy pancreatic beta cells, sensing rising blood glucose and releasing insulin as needed to bring sugar levels down naturally. As a result, patients may significantly reduce or no longer need external insulin injections. In the final stage, doctors closely observe patients to confirm that the transplanted cells remain viable, continue producing insulin, and do not cause immune reactions or other complications. Stem cell–based treatment for type 2 diabetes represents a form of regenerative medicine with the potential to offer more personalised and long-term solutions for managing the disease.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientist-claims-heaven-lies-in-the-physical-universe-and-tells-its-exact-location-1771939781638">Scientist claims heaven lies in the physical universe, and tells its EXACT locatio</a>n

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body is unable to use insulin effectively, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. To manage the condition, patients are often prescribed insulin or other medications. 

In a historic development, scientists in China have reversed the type-2 diabetes using stem-cell therapy, marking a globally significant milestone. The Chinese researchers succeeded after they established stem cell therapy to transplant healthy pancreatic cells to copy the work of insulin that is regulated inside our body. The experiment succeeded for the first time, wherein the patient isn't dependent on injectable insulin or medication while managing their blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body is unable to use insulin effectively, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. To manage the condition, patients are often prescribed insulin or other medications. However, once a person becomes insulin dependent, it becomes extremely difficult to restore the normal function of the body, according to a report in the NDTV. How was type-2 diabetes reversed during experiments? While reversing type 2 diabetes, researchers involved several key steps. First, researchers obtain stem cells either from the patient or from a donor. These cells are used because of their unique ability to develop into various specialised cell types capable of carrying out specific functions. In laboratory settings, scientists expose the stem cells to targeted chemical and genetic signals that direct them to become pancreatic islet cells, particularly beta cells, which naturally produce insulin. Once reprogrammed, these cells are cultivated into clusters that replicate the structure of healthy pancreatic tissue. These clusters can detect changes in blood glucose levels and release insulin as required. Later, these clusters that produce insulin are transplanted into the body of the patient, most likely in the abdomen. Once inserted, they combined with the blood supply of the patient. But the primary issue experienced is determining whether the cells are accepted or rejected, which will determine the outcome. After transplantation, the newly developed cells begin functioning like healthy pancreatic beta cells, sensing rising blood glucose and releasing insulin as needed to bring sugar levels down naturally. As a result, patients may significantly reduce or no longer need external insulin injections. In the final stage, doctors closely observe patients to confirm that the transplanted cells remain viable, continue producing insulin, and do not cause immune reactions or other complications. Stem cell–based treatment for type 2 diabetes represents a form of regenerative medicine with the potential to offer more personalised and long-term solutions for managing the disease. Also read: Scientist claims heaven lies in the physical universe, and tells its EXACT location

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body is unable to use insulin effectively, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. To manage the condition, patients are often prescribed insulin or other medications.&nbsp;

Hope for millions? China shocks the world with breakthrough diabetes cure: Here's how it succeeded

In a significant development, China has ramped up its production of nuclear-powered submarines over the last five years and is deploying them faster than the United States, posing a challenge to Washington’s long-standing superiority at sea, according to a recent assessment by the UK-based think tank International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). “China has rapidly expanded its nuclear-powered-submarine production, surpassing US launch numbers and tonnage in the period 2021–25. Although qualitative differences compared with US and European designs persist, the increasing number of Chinese submarines presents a growing challenge for Western countries struggling to expand their own production,” the think tank states in the report. The report indicated that China has rapidly expanded the output of the nuclear-powered submarine fleet, including attack and ballistic-missile submarines. The IISS report also confirmed that China has launched 10 nuclear-powered submarines, along with both ballistic-missile SSBNs such as the Type 094 (Jin-class) and attack or guided-missile submarines like the Type 093B Shang-class variants. Together, these vessels account for a total displacement of around 79,000 tons between 2021 and 2025.<h3>Total submarines launched by US &amp; China in 2016–2020 timeframe</h3>By comparison, the United States launched seven submarines over the same period, with a combined displacement of about 55,000 tonnes. This marks a sharp reversal from the 2016–2020 timeframe, when China commissioned only three submarines totalling 23,000 tonnes, while the US launched seven submarines with a displacement of roughly 55,500 tonnes. China’s nuclear submarines are being built by Bohai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry Co. (BSHIC) at its shipyard in Huludao, northern China. The IISS report, titled “Boomtime in Bohai,” shows that the annual output pace of the company was quite less as compared to its US counterparts until recently, but between 2019 and 2022, production has increased significantly along with a second hall and other facilities. Citing the “Military Balance 2025” report, the IISS analysis also confirmed that, as of early 2025, China possessed 12 operational nuclear-powered submarines, six guided-missile or attack submarines and six ballistic-missile submarines. Meanwhile, the United States Navy (USN) has a large fleet of 65 submarines, out of which 14 are ballistic missile vessels designed for attacks, and 51 are attack or guided-missile submarines.&nbsp;Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/clogged-toilets-narrow-pipes-uss-gerald-r-ford-faces-dirty-sewage-problem-amid-possible-us-strike-on-iran-1771836555256/1771836555259"> Clogged toilets, narrow pipes: USS Gerald R Ford faces dirty 'sewage' problem amid possible US strike on Iran</a>

The IISS report confirmed that China has launched 10 nuclear-powered submarines, along with both ballistic-missile SSBNs such as the Type 094 (Jin-class) and attack or guided-missile submarines like the Type 093B Shang-class variants. 

In a significant development, China has ramped up its production of nuclear-powered submarines over the last five years and is deploying them faster than the United States, posing a challenge to Washington’s long-standing superiority at sea, according to a recent assessment by the UK-based think tank International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). “China has rapidly expanded its nuclear-powered-submarine production, surpassing US launch numbers and tonnage in the period 2021–25. Although qualitative differences compared with US and European designs persist, the increasing number of Chinese submarines presents a growing challenge for Western countries struggling to expand their own production,” the think tank states in the report. The report indicated that China has rapidly expanded the output of the nuclear-powered submarine fleet, including attack and ballistic-missile submarines. The IISS report also confirmed that China has launched 10 nuclear-powered submarines, along with both ballistic-missile SSBNs such as the Type 094 (Jin-class) and attack or guided-missile submarines like the Type 093B Shang-class variants. Together, these vessels account for a total displacement of around 79,000 tons between 2021 and 2025. Total submarines launched by US & China in 2016–2020 timeframe By comparison, the United States launched seven submarines over the same period, with a combined displacement of about 55,000 tonnes. This marks a sharp reversal from the 2016–2020 timeframe, when China commissioned only three submarines totalling 23,000 tonnes, while the US launched seven submarines with a displacement of roughly 55,500 tonnes. China’s nuclear submarines are being built by Bohai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry Co. (BSHIC) at its shipyard in Huludao, northern China. The IISS report, titled “Boomtime in Bohai,” shows that the annual output pace of the company was quite less as compared to its US counterparts until recently, but between 2019 and 2022, production has increased significantly along with a second hall and other facilities. Citing the “Military Balance 2025” report, the IISS analysis also confirmed that, as of early 2025, China possessed 12 operational nuclear-powered submarines, six guided-missile or attack submarines and six ballistic-missile submarines. Meanwhile, the United States Navy (USN) has a large fleet of 65 submarines, out of which 14 are ballistic missile vessels designed for attacks, and 51 are attack or guided-missile submarines. Also read: Clogged toilets, narrow pipes: USS Gerald R Ford faces dirty 'sewage' problem amid possible US strike on Iran

The IISS report confirmed that China has launched 10 nuclear-powered submarines, along with both ballistic-missile SSBNs such as the Type 094 (Jin-class) and attack or guided-missile submarines like the Type 093B Shang-class variants.&nbsp;

Has China overtaken US in nuclear submarine production race? Here's what IISS's new report explains

A woman riding a motorcycle on a narrow mountain road suddenly lost control and slipped off the edge, plunging hundreds of feet into a deep gorge of Yunnan Province, China. Remarkably, she later posted online confirming that she was safe and completely unharmed. The incident captured on a dashcam surfaced on social media platforms.&nbsp;The dashcam footage was captured by a vehicle behind her, showing the terrifying moment of the woman losing control of her motorcycle and falling into a gorge after sliding off the unguarded cliff in a cloud of dust. The India Herald confirmed that the woman managed to climb back up, brush herself off, and walk away without any injuries, no fractures or even minor scratches.&nbsp;A user shared the clip in a post on social media platform X with the caption, “In China, a lady on a motorcycle mixed up the pedals and flew into a ravine. Trying to avoid an oncoming motorcycle, she panicked and pressed the accelerator instead of the brake.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">În China, o doamnă pe motocicletă a încurcat pedalele și a zburat într-o râpă. Încercând să evite o motocicletă care venea din sens opus, ea a apăsat în panică acceleratorul în loc de frână — <a href="https://t.co/uS65I5b0KC">pic.twitter.com/uS65I5b0KC</a>&mdash; nicolasorin19 (@nicolasorin19) <a href="https://twitter.com/nicolasorin19/status/2024765185852850508?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Local reports confirm that the incident took place recently in Yunnan’s rugged terrain, where winding roads cling tightly to cliff faces.<h3>4 died after car plunges in gorge in India's Himachal Pradesh</h3>In a separate incident, four individuals, including a woman and her son, lost their lives, and another sustained serious injuries after their vehicle fell into a deep gorge in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, police said on Saturday (Feb 14, 2026). Following the incident, a rescue team quickly rushed to the site near Jani village and recovered the bodies as well as rescued the injured in cooperation with locals. According to a report by the news agency PTI, police stated that they received information about the accident around 9.20 am. Kinnaur Superintendent of Police (SP) Sushil Kumar said four out of five occupants died on the spot, and one individual remains in critical condition. The deceased include Krishna (42), her 19-year-old son Himesh Kumar, Sushma (47), and Inder Lal (30), who lost their lives in the accident. Another victim, Vidya Krishan (32), was admitted to JSW Hospital in Tapri for medical treatment. All the victims belonged to Jani village in Kinnaur district. Authorities have ordered post-mortem examinations, and the police have registered a case in connection with the incident. &nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/asked-not-to-smoke-at-petrol-pump-youth-sets-bike-fuel-nozzle-ablaze-in-chhattisgarh-s-raipur-video-1771572161484">Asked not to smoke at petrol pump, youth sets bike &amp; fuel nozzle ablaze in Chhattisgarh's Raipur: VIDE</a>O

Remarkably, the woman later posted online, confirming that she was safe and completely unharmed. She managed to climb back up, brush herself off, and walk away without any injuries, no fractures or even minor scratches.

A woman riding a motorcycle on a narrow mountain road suddenly lost control and slipped off the edge, plunging hundreds of feet into a deep gorge of Yunnan Province, China. Remarkably, she later posted online confirming that she was safe and completely unharmed. The incident captured on a dashcam surfaced on social media platforms. The dashcam footage was captured by a vehicle behind her, showing the terrifying moment of the woman losing control of her motorcycle and falling into a gorge after sliding off the unguarded cliff in a cloud of dust. The India Herald confirmed that the woman managed to climb back up, brush herself off, and walk away without any injuries, no fractures or even minor scratches. A user shared the clip in a post on social media platform X with the caption, “In China, a lady on a motorcycle mixed up the pedals and flew into a ravine. Trying to avoid an oncoming motorcycle, she panicked and pressed the accelerator instead of the brake.”

Remarkably, the woman later posted online, confirming that she was safe and completely unharmed. She managed to climb back up, brush herself off, and walk away without any injuries, no fractures or even minor scratches.

Miracle: Chinese woman plunges into deep mountain gorge — What happens next is unbelievable

Palaeontologists have discovered a 92-foot-long dinosaur in China from the Late Jurassic period. It is a giant sauropod dinosaur named Tongnanlong zhimingi. The fossil was found in Chongqing’s Tongnan District in rocks that spanned nearly 147 million years ago. The area is known as the Suining Formation, a Late Jurassic sedimentary unit in Sichuan. Scientists say the dinosaur belongs to a family of sauropods that had extremely elongated necks. Tongnanlong zhimingi have three back vertebrae, six tail vertebrae, a shoulder girdle, and hindlimb parts. Estimating the entire length of a dinosaur without having a full skeleton was tricky.&nbsp;&nbsp;But the shoulder blade gave away the dinosaur's length, which is estimated to be between 75 and 92 feet. “The new specimen enriches the diversity of Mamenchisauridae and provides additional information for understanding the evolution and diversity of eusauropod dinosaurs,” Xuefang Wei of the Chengdu Center of China Geological Survey wrote in the paper.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/dinosaur-era-bird-found-with-800-stones-jammed-in-its-throat-1767012949400">Dinosaur-era bird found with 800 stones jammed in its throat: It ate them all. Why?</a>&nbsp;Sauropods are a species of dinosaurs that had extremely long necks. Never have all the pieces of a dinosaur belonging to this group been found. This makes estimating the entire length of the dinosaur difficult. Another paper also stated the same thing, that most famous sauropod necks are incomplete, so reconstructing them has been a challenge. The team that discovered the latest dinosaur took a cautious approach and only worked around plausible estimates. The main things at their disposal were long bones like the scapula and fibula. Based on these bones, the team reached various numbers. Their data showed that even by the most conservative standards, the dinosaur found in China was humongous. They have pegged it to be at least 92 feet long.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/t-rex-tooth-leads-scientists-to-make-a-shocking-discovery-about-brute-that-ate-dinosaurs-1765876628520">T. rex tooth leads scientists to make a shocking discovery about brute that ate dinosaurs</a><h2>Long-necked dinosaurs lived in this Chinese region</h2>The Suining Formation has previously revealed fossils of the long-necked dinosaur Qijianglong guokr. A paper on them stated that at the time these dinosaurs diversified during the Late Jurassic period. To find another long-necked dinosaur in the same area shows that several large, long-necked lineages shared the region. The discovery fills gaps in the Sichuan Basin’s Late Jurassic record, showing that mammoth mamenchisaurids lived alongside smaller dinosaurs of the same family.

Scientists have discovered a giant dinosaur from the Late Jurassic period in China's Suining Formation. Researchers estimate the dinosaur measured over 90 feet long, even though they did not find the complete skeleton of the long-necked beast.

Palaeontologists have discovered a 92-foot-long dinosaur in China from the Late Jurassic period. It is a giant sauropod dinosaur named Tongnanlong zhimingi. The fossil was found in Chongqing’s Tongnan District in rocks that spanned nearly 147 million years ago. The area is known as the Suining Formation, a Late Jurassic sedimentary unit in Sichuan. Scientists say the dinosaur belongs to a family of sauropods that had extremely elongated necks. Tongnanlong zhimingi have three back vertebrae, six tail vertebrae, a shoulder girdle, and hindlimb parts. Estimating the entire length of a dinosaur without having a full skeleton was tricky. But the shoulder blade gave away the dinosaur's length, which is estimated to be between 75 and 92 feet. “The new specimen enriches the diversity of Mamenchisauridae and provides additional information for understanding the evolution and diversity of eusauropod dinosaurs,” Xuefang Wei of the Chengdu Center of China Geological Survey wrote in the paper. Also Read: Dinosaur-era bird found with 800 stones jammed in its throat: It ate them all. Why? Sauropods are a species of dinosaurs that had extremely long necks. Never have all the pieces of a dinosaur belonging to this group been found. This makes estimating the entire length of the dinosaur difficult. Another paper also stated the same thing, that most famous sauropod necks are incomplete, so reconstructing them has been a challenge. The team that discovered the latest dinosaur took a cautious approach and only worked around plausible estimates. The main things at their disposal were long bones like the scapula and fibula. Based on these bones, the team reached various numbers. Their data showed that even by the most conservative standards, the dinosaur found in China was humongous. They have pegged it to be at least 92 feet long. Also Read: T. rex tooth leads scientists to make a shocking discovery about brute that ate dinosaurs Long-necked dinosaurs lived in this Chinese region The Suining Formation has previously revealed fossils of the long-necked dinosaur Qijianglong guokr. A paper on them stated that at the time these dinosaurs diversified during the Late Jurassic period. To find another long-necked dinosaur in the same area shows that several large, long-necked lineages shared the region. The discovery fills gaps in the Sichuan Basin’s Late Jurassic record, showing that mammoth mamenchisaurids lived alongside smaller dinosaurs of the same family.

Scientists have discovered a giant dinosaur from the Late Jurassic period in China's Suining Formation. Researchers estimate the dinosaur measured over 90 feet long, even though they did not find the complete skeleton of the long-necked beast.

92-foot-long dinosaur from the Late Jurassic period discovered in China

A Chinese influencer reportedly lost 140,000 followers almost instantly when a beauty filter malfunctioned during a livestream. The news is based on some social media posts, and there is no proof of this happening. According to these posts, the woman was live on her page when the beauty filter got removed for a few seconds, revealing a woman with mature skin and a warm complexion. The filter soon returned, showing a pale, plasticky-looking woman with a small face. The video being shared lasts only seconds and shows the glitch. The video has been captioned to tell people that the woman lost 140,000 followers after her real face was revealed. Reports of a drop in followers or the incident even being real could not be verified.&nbsp;The video shows the woman in what seems to be a living room, with her smiling and swaying. She is wearing a purple top and has open hair. The four-second clip starts off with the real face of the woman, switching to the filter quickly several times. A similar incident happened in 2019 when a streamer known as "Your Highness Qiao Biluo" faced a technical glitch during a livestream, leading the beauty filter to come off. She was renowned for her "sweet and healing voice" and for her appearance. But when the filter came off, it was revealed that Qiao Biluo was actually 58 years old and not as young as her followers believed her to be. The woman in the latest video remains unidentified.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-this-family-with-millions-of-followers-on-social-media-are-relocating-to-uk-1761892723464">Why this family with millions of followers on social media is relocating to United Kingdom</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">A Chinese female streamer reportedly lost 140,000 followers after the beauty filter she was using suddenly malfunctioned during a live stream and revealed her real face 😶 <a href="https://t.co/AvlC8fC2JG">pic.twitter.com/AvlC8fC2JG</a>&mdash; Clown World ™ 🤡 (@ClownWorld) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClownWorld/status/2023496618343887000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Netizens stumped to see people believe that the photo with the filter is real &nbsp;</h2>The video has garnered mixed reactions, with some people calling out the deceptive practice. "Her account should've been banned for misleading fans," a user wrote. However, most netizens stated that her real face was prettier than the gimmicky filter. One user wrote, "Do the Chinese honestly think the girl on the left (without filter) looks physically repulsive and the girl on the right looks like a real person?" Another wrote, "She looks nicer than that chinese ghost look."

Social media posts claim that a Chinese influencer lost 140,000 followers because her beauty filter came off. While the report remains unconfirmed, netizens are backing the real beauty and disapprove of the plasticky image.

A Chinese influencer reportedly lost 140,000 followers almost instantly when a beauty filter malfunctioned during a livestream. The news is based on some social media posts, and there is no proof of this happening. According to these posts, the woman was live on her page when the beauty filter got removed for a few seconds, revealing a woman with mature skin and a warm complexion. The filter soon returned, showing a pale, plasticky-looking woman with a small face. The video being shared lasts only seconds and shows the glitch. The video has been captioned to tell people that the woman lost 140,000 followers after her real face was revealed. Reports of a drop in followers or the incident even being real could not be verified. The video shows the woman in what seems to be a living room, with her smiling and swaying. She is wearing a purple top and has open hair. The four-second clip starts off with the real face of the woman, switching to the filter quickly several times. A similar incident happened in 2019 when a streamer known as "Your Highness Qiao Biluo" faced a technical glitch during a livestream, leading the beauty filter to come off. She was renowned for her "sweet and healing voice" and for her appearance. But when the filter came off, it was revealed that Qiao Biluo was actually 58 years old and not as young as her followers believed her to be. The woman in the latest video remains unidentified. Also Read: Why this family with millions of followers on social media is relocating to United Kingdom

Social media posts claim that a Chinese influencer lost 140,000 followers because her beauty filter came off. While the report remains unconfirmed, netizens are backing the real beauty and disapprove of the plasticky image.

Beauty filter comes off influencer to reveal 'real woman'. Netizens say, 'she looks nicer', yet loses 140,000 followers

A man in China thought he had won the iPhone 17 Pro Max at an office party, only to be left feeling cheated and humiliated. When he opened the authentic-looking box at home, he found two chocolates, three lollipops and some ceramic tiles. He says his company pranked him, leaving him humiliated. &nbsp;Jiang Jiang says he attended a year-end party and was announced as the winner of the grand prize. The iPhone 17 Pro Max was handed over to him in a shopping bag with the Apple branding and even a purchase receipt with the price showing 9,988 yuan (US$1,450), he said in a video online. He was excited to show it to his wife and waited to open it. All of his colleagues believed that he had won an iPhone when the company's head announced the prize. However, his happiness hit rock bottom when he discovered that he had been fooled by his company. Instead of an iPhone 17 Pro Max, they filled the box with some chocolates and lollipops, and tiles to add weight to the box.<h2>April Fools’ Day event for me, Jiang says</h2>Jiang says his team manager had come up with the prank, while the hospital, where he worked, did not approve the purchase of a phone. Some people think someone in the know likely switched the phone with the fake gift. “I expected the year of 2026 to have a lucky beginning, and they turned the year-end party into an April Fools’ Day event for me,” said Jiang. He says the company gave a pillow as second prize. Jiang told SCMP that he did not need a phone, but felt like a loser for being at the end of such a devious prank. “I expected the year of 2026 to have a lucky beginning, and they turned the year-end party into an April Fools’ Day event for me,” said Jiang.<h2>Chinese new year and office parties</h2>Jiang is demanding a public apology from the person who played the prank. China welcomed the Lunar New Year on February 17, and year-end parties are common at this time. Social media users highlighted how such parties are nothing but a way to please the boss. A user wrote that their prize at one such party was a meeting with the boss, while another chimed that they won a chance to take a picture with the employer.&nbsp;

An office prize, which should have been an iPhone 17 Pro Max, turned out to be something totally unexpected. A man in China is asking for an apology after he was fooled at an official party with a fake gift.

A man in China thought he had won the iPhone 17 Pro Max at an office party, only to be left feeling cheated and humiliated. When he opened the authentic-looking box at home, he found two chocolates, three lollipops and some ceramic tiles. He says his company pranked him, leaving him humiliated. Jiang Jiang says he attended a year-end party and was announced as the winner of the grand prize. The iPhone 17 Pro Max was handed over to him in a shopping bag with the Apple branding and even a purchase receipt with the price showing 9,988 yuan (US$1,450), he said in a video online. He was excited to show it to his wife and waited to open it. All of his colleagues believed that he had won an iPhone when the company's head announced the prize. However, his happiness hit rock bottom when he discovered that he had been fooled by his company. Instead of an iPhone 17 Pro Max, they filled the box with some chocolates and lollipops, and tiles to add weight to the box. April Fools’ Day event for me, Jiang says Jiang says his team manager had come up with the prank, while the hospital, where he worked, did not approve the purchase of a phone. Some people think someone in the know likely switched the phone with the fake gift. “I expected the year of 2026 to have a lucky beginning, and they turned the year-end party into an April Fools’ Day event for me,” said Jiang. He says the company gave a pillow as second prize. Jiang told SCMP that he did not need a phone, but felt like a loser for being at the end of such a devious prank. “I expected the year of 2026 to have a lucky beginning, and they turned the year-end party into an April Fools’ Day event for me,” said Jiang. Chinese new year and office parties Jiang is demanding a public apology from the person who played the prank. China welcomed the Lunar New Year on February 17, and year-end parties are common at this time. Social media users highlighted how such parties are nothing but a way to please the boss. A user wrote that their prize at one such party was a meeting with the boss, while another chimed that they won a chance to take a picture with the employer.

An office prize, which should have been an iPhone 17 Pro Max, turned out to be something totally unexpected. A man in China is asking for an apology after he was fooled at an official party with a fake gift.

Chinese man won an iPhone 17 Pro Max at an office party. Turns out, his company fooled him

At least eight people were killed, and two were injured after an explosion and fire at a fireworks shop in eastern China ahead of Lunar New Year celebrations, authorities said. The deadly Sunday blast in a village in Jiangsu province was triggered when a resident set off fireworks improperly near the store, the Donghai county government said in a statement.&nbsp;Bursting firecrackers at midnight on the Lunar New Year is a part of traditional celebrations in China. However, many places have banned fireworks in recent years, at least in part because of air pollution. Many regional governments have eased these restrictions in recent times, but the incident may spark renewed bans.&nbsp;The Ministry of Emergency Management in China has warned officials of urgent measures to prevent a repeat of such an incident in the coming days amid massive celebrations. In a statement following an emergency meeting of top officials, the ministry said all regions had to learn from the Sunday explosion and must strengthen the supervision of all stages of fireworks production, transport, sales and use.&nbsp;“Officials must resolutely prevent similar incidents from recurring,” the ministry said in the statement issued after the meeting, which was presided over by Vice-Minister Xu Jiaai.The ministry instructed that all regions, as well as the fireworks business, must conduct a thorough assessment of safety risks and dangers related to fireworks and firecrackers.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-assam-congress-president-bhupen-borah-quits-party-reverses-resignation-within-hours-1771238158971">Former Assam Congress president Bhupen Borah, quits party, reverses resignation within hours</a>&nbsp;The Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival in China, is a 15-day celebration marking the beginning of the new year on the traditional lunisolar calendar. This year, the festival falls on Tuesday (Feb 17), ushering in the year of the Fire Horse.&nbsp;The festival is also considered the world's biggest annual migration, known as Chuyan. In 40 days, nearly 9.5 million journeys are undertaken by Chinese citizens. The mass inter-region migration is fueled by the cultural imperative of the Reunion Dinner. It also serves as a key occasion for Chinese society's family reunions when millions of migrant workers return from coastal mega cities to their ancestral villages.

Bursting firecrackers at midnight on the Lunar New Year is a part of traditional celebrations in China. However, many places have banned fireworks in recent years, at least in part because of air pollution.

At least eight people were killed, and two were injured after an explosion and fire at a fireworks shop in eastern China ahead of Lunar New Year celebrations, authorities said. The deadly Sunday blast in a village in Jiangsu province was triggered when a resident set off fireworks improperly near the store, the Donghai county government said in a statement. Bursting firecrackers at midnight on the Lunar New Year is a part of traditional celebrations in China. However, many places have banned fireworks in recent years, at least in part because of air pollution. Many regional governments have eased these restrictions in recent times, but the incident may spark renewed bans. The Ministry of Emergency Management in China has warned officials of urgent measures to prevent a repeat of such an incident in the coming days amid massive celebrations. In a statement following an emergency meeting of top officials, the ministry said all regions had to learn from the Sunday explosion and must strengthen the supervision of all stages of fireworks production, transport, sales and use. “Officials must resolutely prevent similar incidents from recurring,” the ministry said in the statement issued after the meeting, which was presided over by Vice-Minister Xu Jiaai. The ministry instructed that all regions, as well as the fireworks business, must conduct a thorough assessment of safety risks and dangers related to fireworks and firecrackers. Also Read: Former Assam Congress president Bhupen Borah, quits party, reverses resignation within hours The Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival in China, is a 15-day celebration marking the beginning of the new year on the traditional lunisolar calendar. This year, the festival falls on Tuesday (Feb 17), ushering in the year of the Fire Horse. The festival is also considered the world's biggest annual migration, known as Chuyan. In 40 days, nearly 9.5 million journeys are undertaken by Chinese citizens. The mass inter-region migration is fueled by the cultural imperative of the Reunion Dinner. It also serves as a key occasion for Chinese society's family reunions when millions of migrant workers return from coastal mega cities to their ancestral villages.

Bursting firecrackers at midnight on the Lunar New Year is a part of traditional celebrations in China. However, many places have banned fireworks in recent years, at least in part because of air pollution.

Fireworks store explosion in China kills 8 ahead of Lunar New Year, prompts nationwide safety checks

China announced visa-free entry for Canadian and British citizens for up to 30 days. The decision comes on the heels of visits to Beijing by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.&nbsp;According to a Chinese foreign ministry statement, these nationals will be eligible for a visa-free stay in China for purposes of tourism, business, visiting friends and family and exchange purposes starting from February 17.&nbsp;"To further facilitate cross-border travel, China decides to, starting from February 17, 2026, extend its visa waiver policy to ordinary passport holders from Canada and the UK. Ordinary passport holders from the two countries can be exempted from visa to enter China and stay for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family/friends visit, exchange and transit purposes. The policy will be effective until December 31, 2026," the ministry said in a statement. The new visa rules leave only the US nationals from visa-free entry to China among the five-nation alliance Which is considered a core intelligence grouping of Western nations led by Washington.&nbsp;Following the announcement, passport holders from nearly 79 countries, including France, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, can travel to China without a visa.&nbsp;President Trump’s “America First” protectionist policies and tariff war against allies pushed Western nations to look for alternative partners, including China, amid Beijing’s growing role in global trade and geopolitics.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-struck-trade-deals-from-position-of-strength-pm-modi-1771165259741">India struck trade deals from position of strength: PM Modi; calls for higher private R&amp;D spending</a>&nbsp;Starmer, who become first British Prime Minister to visit in eight years, acknowledged China's growing role while keeping dialogue open on contentious matters.&nbsp;“China is a vital player on the global stage, and it’s vital to build a more sophisticated relationship where we identify opportunities to collaborate, but also allow a meaningful dialogue on areas where we disagree,” Starmer said.&nbsp;After nearly three years of strict Covid-19 lockdowns, China started widening its visa-free policy in November 2023 to bring foreing travelers and traders in country. According to the National Immigration Administration, in 2025, China recorded 30.08 million visa-free entries, a rise of nearly 50 per cent increase from 2024.&nbsp;

Following the announcement, passport holders from nearly 79 countries, including France, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, can travel to China without a visa.

China announced visa-free entry for Canadian and British citizens for up to 30 days. The decision comes on the heels of visits to Beijing by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. According to a Chinese foreign ministry statement, these nationals will be eligible for a visa-free stay in China for purposes of tourism, business, visiting friends and family and exchange purposes starting from February 17. "To further facilitate cross-border travel, China decides to, starting from February 17, 2026, extend its visa waiver policy to ordinary passport holders from Canada and the UK. Ordinary passport holders from the two countries can be exempted from visa to enter China and stay for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family/friends visit, exchange and transit purposes. The policy will be effective until December 31, 2026," the ministry said in a statement. The new visa rules leave only the US nationals from visa-free entry to China among the five-nation alliance Which is considered a core intelligence grouping of Western nations led by Washington. Following the announcement, passport holders from nearly 79 countries, including France, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, can travel to China without a visa. President Trump’s “America First” protectionist policies and tariff war against allies pushed Western nations to look for alternative partners, including China, amid Beijing’s growing role in global trade and geopolitics. Also Read: India struck trade deals from position of strength: PM Modi; calls for higher private R&D spending Starmer, who become first British Prime Minister to visit in eight years, acknowledged China's growing role while keeping dialogue open on contentious matters. “China is a vital player on the global stage, and it’s vital to build a more sophisticated relationship where we identify opportunities to collaborate, but also allow a meaningful dialogue on areas where we disagree,” Starmer said. After nearly three years of strict Covid-19 lockdowns, China started widening its visa-free policy in November 2023 to bring foreing travelers and traders in country. According to the National Immigration Administration, in 2025, China recorded 30.08 million visa-free entries, a rise of nearly 50 per cent increase from 2024.

Following the announcement, passport holders from nearly 79 countries, including France, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, can travel to China without a visa.

China grants UK and Canada visa-free travel, US sole Five Eyes member excluded

China has turned a vast area of arid desert into a forest, and after decades of effort, it is today a huge carbon sink, according to new research. The Taklamakan Desert spans 337,000 square kilometres and is surrounded by high mountains that do not let moist air reach the area. This makes the condition unfavourable for any kind of vegetation. Yet, China started a project nearly 48 years ago to slow desertification. The Three-North Shelterbelt Program yielded results, and this desert now absorbs more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits. Billions of trees were planted around the Taklamakan's edges as part of the ecological project. Study co-author Yuk Yung, a professor of planetary science at Caltech, told Live Science, this is the first time they have seen that 'human-led intervention can effectively enhance carbon sequestration in even the most extreme arid landscapes." This achievement shows that it is possible to turn a desert into a carbon sink.<h2>“Great Green Wall” project and its success</h2>The Taklamakan Desert has long been considered a &nbsp;"biological void" because over 95 per cent of it is covered in shifting sand. China started facing a problem in the 1950s when the country witnessed massive urbanisation. Natural land was converted to suit the changes, which led the desert to expand. This created conditions for more sandstorms, which blow away soil and deposit sand instead. The Three-North Shelterbelt Program, also known as the "Great Green Wall," was kick-started in 1978. It targeted planting billions of trees around the margins of the Taklamakan and Gobi deserts by 2050. By 2024, it had sown more than 66 billion trees in northern China. Researchers say the vegetation has stabilised sand dunes and grown forest cover in the country. In 1949, this cover stood at 10 per cent of its area, and today it is at more than 25 per cent.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/turkey-north-anatolian-fault-marmara-sea-mega-earthquake-1770805526312">'Invisible' fault line silent for centuries could trigger the next mega earthquake in THIS region</a> &nbsp;&nbsp;Recent research indicates that the Taklamakan Desert is acting as an unexpected carbon "sink," with the green cover absorbing more CO2 than the desert releases. By analysing 25 years of ground observations, satellite data, and NOAA’s Carbon Tracker models, scientists have mapped a significant shift in the region's carbon cycle. They published their results on January 19 in the journal PNAS. "Based on the results of this study, the Taklamakan Desert, although only around its rim, represents the first successful model demonstrating the possibility of transforming a desert into a carbon sink," Yung said.&nbsp;Scientists think the Great Green project can be a valuable model for other deser regions in the world. In comparison to the Taklamakan Desert, which spans 337,000 square kilometres, the Thar Desert in India is 264,091 square kilometres. Could trees turn Thar into a carbon sink?

The Taklamakan Desert in China is today surrounded by billions of trees, and it has transformed into a valuable region on Earth which is soaking more carbon dioxide than it is releasing. China began this initiative 48 years ago and has finally tasted success.

China has turned a vast area of arid desert into a forest, and after decades of effort, it is today a huge carbon sink, according to new research. The Taklamakan Desert spans 337,000 square kilometres and is surrounded by high mountains that do not let moist air reach the area. This makes the condition unfavourable for any kind of vegetation. Yet, China started a project nearly 48 years ago to slow desertification. The Three-North Shelterbelt Program yielded results, and this desert now absorbs more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits. Billions of trees were planted around the Taklamakan's edges as part of the ecological project. Study co-author Yuk Yung, a professor of planetary science at Caltech, told Live Science, this is the first time they have seen that 'human-led intervention can effectively enhance carbon sequestration in even the most extreme arid landscapes." This achievement shows that it is possible to turn a desert into a carbon sink. “Great Green Wall” project and its success The Taklamakan Desert has long been considered a "biological void" because over 95 per cent of it is covered in shifting sand. China started facing a problem in the 1950s when the country witnessed massive urbanisation. Natural land was converted to suit the changes, which led the desert to expand. This created conditions for more sandstorms, which blow away soil and deposit sand instead. The Three-North Shelterbelt Program, also known as the "Great Green Wall," was kick-started in 1978. It targeted planting billions of trees around the margins of the Taklamakan and Gobi deserts by 2050. By 2024, it had sown more than 66 billion trees in northern China. Researchers say the vegetation has stabilised sand dunes and grown forest cover in the country. In 1949, this cover stood at 10 per cent of its area, and today it is at more than 25 per cent. Also Read: 'Invisible' fault line silent for centuries could trigger the next mega earthquake in THIS region Recent research indicates that the Taklamakan Desert is acting as an unexpected carbon "sink," with the green cover absorbing more CO2 than the desert releases. By analysing 25 years of ground observations, satellite data, and NOAA’s Carbon Tracker models, scientists have mapped a significant shift in the region's carbon cycle. They published their results on January 19 in the journal PNAS. "Based on the results of this study, the Taklamakan Desert, although only around its rim, represents the first successful model demonstrating the possibility of transforming a desert into a carbon sink," Yung said. Scientists think the Great Green project can be a valuable model for other deser regions in the world. In comparison to the Taklamakan Desert, which spans 337,000 square kilometres, the Thar Desert in India is 264,091 square kilometres. Could trees turn Thar into a carbon sink?

The Taklamakan Desert in China is today surrounded by billions of trees, and it has transformed into a valuable region on Earth which is soaking more carbon dioxide than it is releasing. China began this initiative 48 years ago and has finally tasted success.

66bn trees in 48 years: China turns desert larger than Thar into a carbon sink

Chinese regulators have urged their financial institutions to start reducing their US debt and treasuries due to growing volatility and concentration risks in the US markets. This move comes after a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping last week. Trump hailed the phone call as “excellent”,he is scheduled to visit China in April.&nbsp;According to a report by Bloomberg, the People’s Bank of China and the National Financial Regulatory are verbally encouraging Chinese banks to pare down exposure to US debt and treasuries. However, the move was framed as a diversification or risk aversion instead of geopolitical reasons.The report, however, lacked specifics about the time and deadline of such activity. Over the past week western media have been reporting an excerpt of an old speech by the Chinese President Xi Jinping, where he outlined his ambitions to turn renminbi into a global reserve currency. The speech was published by the flagship ideology journal of China’s Communist Party, Qiushi. It mentions that “a strong currency widely used in international trade and foreign exchange,” with a “powerful central bank” will attract global investments and influence global pricing.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/epstein-files-bill-gates-pandemic-preparedness-geneva-2015-1770631357216">Epstein files reveal 2015 email linking Bill Gates, Jeffrey Epstein to global pandemic preparedness conference</a>US President Donald Trump has engaged in a bitter trade war with China, which is starting to hurt the US economy now. Following the phone call with Xi, Trump was loud about the relationship between the two countries, which is “an extremely good one, and we both realise how important it is to keep it that way.” However, the response from the Chinese side was more muted. The Chinese state media reported that China is ready “work with the US to steer the giant ship of China-US relations steadily forward through winds and storms, and accomplish more big things and good things.”China has lowered its US Treasury holdings to $682.6 billion in November 2025, according to the data released by the US Treasury Department. In the Asian afternoon trading US Treasuries, yields to maturity are edging higher by two-three basis points. There is a growing market sentiment that US-government debt no longer possesses the safe-haven appeal.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chinese regulators have urged banks to reduce exposure to US debt and Treasuries amid rising volatility, citing diversification and risk concerns.

Chinese regulators have urged their financial institutions to start reducing their US debt and treasuries due to growing volatility and concentration risks in the US markets. This move comes after a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping last week. Trump hailed the phone call as “excellent”,he is scheduled to visit China in April. According to a report by Bloomberg, the People’s Bank of China and the National Financial Regulatory are verbally encouraging Chinese banks to pare down exposure to US debt and treasuries. However, the move was framed as a diversification or risk aversion instead of geopolitical reasons. The report, however, lacked specifics about the time and deadline of such activity. Over the past week western media have been reporting an excerpt of an old speech by the Chinese President Xi Jinping, where he outlined his ambitions to turn renminbi into a global reserve currency. The speech was published by the flagship ideology journal of China’s Communist Party, Qiushi. It mentions that “a strong currency widely used in international trade and foreign exchange,” with a “powerful central bank” will attract global investments and influence global pricing. Also Read: Epstein files reveal 2015 email linking Bill Gates, Jeffrey Epstein to global pandemic preparedness conference US President Donald Trump has engaged in a bitter trade war with China, which is starting to hurt the US economy now. Following the phone call with Xi, Trump was loud about the relationship between the two countries, which is “an extremely good one, and we both realise how important it is to keep it that way.” However, the response from the Chinese side was more muted. The Chinese state media reported that China is ready “work with the US to steer the giant ship of China-US relations steadily forward through winds and storms, and accomplish more big things and good things.” China has lowered its US Treasury holdings to $682.6 billion in November 2025, according to the data released by the US Treasury Department. In the Asian afternoon trading US Treasuries, yields to maturity are edging higher by two-three basis points. There is a growing market sentiment that US-government debt no longer possesses the safe-haven appeal.

Chinese regulators have urged banks to reduce exposure to US debt and Treasuries amid rising volatility, citing diversification and risk concerns.

China urges banks to cut exposure to US debt amid treasury market volatility

After her landslide victory in snap general elections, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Monday (Feb 09) that she is open to dialogue with China, if the exchange happens in a calm environment and with appropriate methods. Takaichi triggered a diplomatic standoff with China in November with her sharp comments on Taiwan.&nbsp;"Our nation is open to various dialogues with China. We already have exchanges of views. We will continue the exchanges of views. But we will deal with them in calm and appropriate ways," Takaichi told a news conference a day after winning an election landslide.&nbsp;On Sunday, Takaichi secured a landslide victory in a snap general election on the Japan First agenda with her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) clinching 316 seats in the 465-member lower house, marking the party's best-ever performance.&nbsp;&nbsp;Her victory is looked at as a public endorsement of her policies, such as a strong emphasis on national security and proactive government spending. She was often referred to as Japan's "Iron Lady" due to her hawkish stance on countering China.&nbsp;In November, her comments on Taiwan sparked tensions between Beijing and Tokyo. The Japanese prime minister stated that if China were to use warships and military force against Taiwan, it would "undoubtedly become a survival-threatening situation" for Japan.&nbsp;Takachi's proposed plan includes raising defence spending to 2 per cent of GDP and completing a five-year plan to bolster the Self-Defence Forces (SDF), along with amending Article 9 of the constitution to allow Japan to raise a formal standing military and acquire long-range striking capabilities.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-s-communications-head-quits-hours-after-his-chief-of-staff-resigns-in-epstein-fallout-1770637208762">UK PM’s communications head quits, a day after his chief of staff resigned in Epstein fallout</a>&nbsp;She also vowed to defend Japan's territory, territorial waters and airspace and pledged to strengthen the country's defences and intelligence capacity.&nbsp;"No one will come to the aid of a nation that lacks the resolve to defend itself with its own hands. We will steadfastly protect our nation's peace and independence, our territory, territorial waters, airspace, and the lives and safety of our citizens," Takaichi said.&nbsp;"We will also enhance intelligence capabilities. We will strengthen our national intelligence analysis capabilities, prevent crises, and establish a system to strategically protect our national interests," she added.

Takaichi secured a landslide victory in a snap general election on the Japan First agenda with her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) clinching 316 seats in the 465-member lower house, marking the party's best-ever performance. 

After her landslide victory in snap general elections, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Monday (Feb 09) that she is open to dialogue with China, if the exchange happens in a calm environment and with appropriate methods. Takaichi triggered a diplomatic standoff with China in November with her sharp comments on Taiwan. "Our nation is open to various dialogues with China. We already have exchanges of views. We will continue the exchanges of views. But we will deal with them in calm and appropriate ways," Takaichi told a news conference a day after winning an election landslide. On Sunday, Takaichi secured a landslide victory in a snap general election on the Japan First agenda with her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) clinching 316 seats in the 465-member lower house, marking the party's best-ever performance. Her victory is looked at as a public endorsement of her policies, such as a strong emphasis on national security and proactive government spending. She was often referred to as Japan's "Iron Lady" due to her hawkish stance on countering China. In November, her comments on Taiwan sparked tensions between Beijing and Tokyo. The Japanese prime minister stated that if China were to use warships and military force against Taiwan, it would "undoubtedly become a survival-threatening situation" for Japan. Takachi's proposed plan includes raising defence spending to 2 per cent of GDP and completing a five-year plan to bolster the Self-Defence Forces (SDF), along with amending Article 9 of the constitution to allow Japan to raise a formal standing military and acquire long-range striking capabilities. Also Read: UK PM’s communications head quits, a day after his chief of staff resigned in Epstein fallout She also vowed to defend Japan's territory, territorial waters and airspace and pledged to strengthen the country's defences and intelligence capacity. "No one will come to the aid of a nation that lacks the resolve to defend itself with its own hands. We will steadfastly protect our nation's peace and independence, our territory, territorial waters, airspace, and the lives and safety of our citizens," Takaichi said. "We will also enhance intelligence capabilities. We will strengthen our national intelligence analysis capabilities, prevent crises, and establish a system to strategically protect our national interests," she added.

Takaichi secured a landslide victory in a snap general election on the Japan First agenda with her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) clinching 316 seats in the 465-member lower house, marking the party's best-ever performance.&nbsp;

Iron Lady softens tone: Japan's Takaichi says open to dialogue with China

In a tragic turn of events, a casual search for porn online quickly turned into a nightmare when a Chinese man found a video which featured him and his girlfriend, recorded without their knowledge, inside a hotel room. The victim, identified as Eric, stayed at a hotel in Shenzhen, southern China, with his girlfriend in 2023. A few days later, while browsing an adult platform which he regularly visits was shocked after finding himself with his girlfriend in the clip.&nbsp;According to a report by the BBC, Eric quickly recognised the hotel room and the sequence of events before realising that the couple in the footage was himself and his partner. The video showed them entering the room, placing their belongings down and later engaging in private moments, all of which had been secretly recorded using a hidden camera installed inside the room.&nbsp;Eric described the whole incident, stating that the footage had been uploaded online without their consent and the spy camera had recorded the couple for nearly an hour.<h3>Eric was unaware of the camera</h3>He told the BBC that he was initially drawn to such videos because they appeared more realistic than conventional adult content, as the individuals being filmed were unaware of the camera. "What drew me in is the fact that the people don't know they're being filmed. I think traditional porn feels very staged, very fake," he said.&nbsp;Eric explained that while watching one of the clips on the site, he suddenly encountered a clip showing him with his girlfriend. As soon as she informed her partner of the news. His partner, identified as Emily, initially thought he was joking. When she saw the clip, she got scared because his friends, family members, or colleagues, might have already seen the video. After the incident, the couple didn't talk to each other for several days.&nbsp;Eric said the incident completely altered his perception of spy-camera pornography. He no longer finds such content appealing and says he has stopped visiting those websites altogether. The only reason he now revisits them, he explained, is to check whether the video involving him and Emily has resurfaced.&nbsp;In April last year, Chinese authorities introduced new regulations aimed at curbing the practice, requiring hotel operators to conduct regular checks of rooms for hidden cameras. However, the issue continues, with thousands of recent spy-camera videos from hotel rooms still being sold on multiple platforms. A BBC investigation found that more than 180 hidden cameras had been uncovered in hotels across China.

Eric said the incident completely altered his perception of spy-camera pornography. He no longer finds such content appealing and says he has stopped visiting those websites altogether.

In a tragic turn of events, a casual search for porn online quickly turned into a nightmare when a Chinese man found a video which featured him and his girlfriend, recorded without their knowledge, inside a hotel room. The victim, identified as Eric, stayed at a hotel in Shenzhen, southern China, with his girlfriend in 2023. A few days later, while browsing an adult platform which he regularly visits was shocked after finding himself with his girlfriend in the clip. According to a report by the BBC, Eric quickly recognised the hotel room and the sequence of events before realising that the couple in the footage was himself and his partner. The video showed them entering the room, placing their belongings down and later engaging in private moments, all of which had been secretly recorded using a hidden camera installed inside the room. Eric described the whole incident, stating that the footage had been uploaded online without their consent and the spy camera had recorded the couple for nearly an hour. Eric was unaware of the camera He told the BBC that he was initially drawn to such videos because they appeared more realistic than conventional adult content, as the individuals being filmed were unaware of the camera. "What drew me in is the fact that the people don't know they're being filmed. I think traditional porn feels very staged, very fake," he said. Eric explained that while watching one of the clips on the site, he suddenly encountered a clip showing him with his girlfriend. As soon as she informed her partner of the news. His partner, identified as Emily, initially thought he was joking. When she saw the clip, she got scared because his friends, family members, or colleagues, might have already seen the video. After the incident, the couple didn't talk to each other for several days. Eric said the incident completely altered his perception of spy-camera pornography. He no longer finds such content appealing and says he has stopped visiting those websites altogether. The only reason he now revisits them, he explained, is to check whether the video involving him and Emily has resurfaced. In April last year, Chinese authorities introduced new regulations aimed at curbing the practice, requiring hotel operators to conduct regular checks of rooms for hidden cameras. However, the issue continues, with thousands of recent spy-camera videos from hotel rooms still being sold on multiple platforms. A BBC investigation found that more than 180 hidden cameras had been uncovered in hotels across China.

Eric said the incident completely altered his perception of spy-camera pornography. He no longer finds such content appealing and says he has stopped visiting those websites altogether.

Porn search turns into horror as Chinese man finds himself filmed in hotel room with his girlfriend

China has banned the hidden car door handle, citing safety issues. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced that the rule will come into force from January 1, 2027, and all cars sold from this date must include mechanical release mechanisms inside and outside. What led Beijing to make this decision? What are the problems posed by hidden car door handles, also known as flush? China has been looking into these handles since July 2024. China witnessed multiple EV crashes where the doors failed to open. Most recently, a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra sedan collided with a median barrier in Chengdu, West China. Bystanders watched helplessly and failed to open the car door as the vehicle’s electronic door handle system malfunctioned after impact. It was cited as an example of "over-engineering that creates unnecessary risk" in life and death situations.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, in the United States, Tesla is behind the popularity of these handles on EVs. However, the country has seen similar accidents where the flush handles failed to function. In December 2023, a Tesla Model Y SUV owner got caught in an inferno in Virginia and could not be saved because the electronically powered doors failed. An investigation was launched into the Model Y and Model 3 handles by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-moves-to-ban-hidden-door-handles-on-evs-over-safety-fears-from-this-date-1770114252649">China moves to ban hidden door handles on EVs over safety fears from THIS date</a><h2>How hidden car handles malfunction</h2>After the accident, Tesla said that it was working to prevent such an issue in the future. South Korean carmaker Hyundai says that flush handles are of two types - “an automatic style that pops out as needed, and a manual style where the user presses part of the handle area and then pulls to open the door.” The handles that pop out fully depend on the car battery entirely. When the car keys come near the door, the sensors detect them and send a command to reveal the handles. But in case of battery drain, short circuits, or crashes, these handles can malfunction. Besides the major risk of getting caught in such cars, people are also increasingly injuring their fingers because of them. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to it.<h2>Cars with hidden car handles in India</h2>China has taken action and does not want them on its cars. It will be an uphill task since, according to China Daily, 60 per cent of the top 100 selling EVs in the country feature hidden handles. However, other countries should also take action against such handles to prevent such accidents. In India, several popular cars come with flush handles. The MG Windsor MPV, Tata’s Sierra and Curvv, Kia’s Seltos and Syros, and Mahindra’s XEV 9e, BE 6, and XUV700 are some of the cars that have hidden handles. Tesla's Model Y is also becoming available in the country.

Why are hidden car handles a safety hazard? China has banned flush handles, and the decision could have a global impact. Beijing is not only the world's biggest car producer, but also the largest market. 

China has banned the hidden car door handle, citing safety issues. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced that the rule will come into force from January 1, 2027, and all cars sold from this date must include mechanical release mechanisms inside and outside. What led Beijing to make this decision? What are the problems posed by hidden car door handles, also known as flush? China has been looking into these handles since July 2024. China witnessed multiple EV crashes where the doors failed to open. Most recently, a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra sedan collided with a median barrier in Chengdu, West China. Bystanders watched helplessly and failed to open the car door as the vehicle’s electronic door handle system malfunctioned after impact. It was cited as an example of "over-engineering that creates unnecessary risk" in life and death situations. Meanwhile, in the United States, Tesla is behind the popularity of these handles on EVs. However, the country has seen similar accidents where the flush handles failed to function. In December 2023, a Tesla Model Y SUV owner got caught in an inferno in Virginia and could not be saved because the electronically powered doors failed. An investigation was launched into the Model Y and Model 3 handles by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Also Read: China moves to ban hidden door handles on EVs over safety fears from THIS date How hidden car handles malfunction After the accident, Tesla said that it was working to prevent such an issue in the future. South Korean carmaker Hyundai says that flush handles are of two types - “an automatic style that pops out as needed, and a manual style where the user presses part of the handle area and then pulls to open the door.” The handles that pop out fully depend on the car battery entirely. When the car keys come near the door, the sensors detect them and send a command to reveal the handles. But in case of battery drain, short circuits, or crashes, these handles can malfunction. Besides the major risk of getting caught in such cars, people are also increasingly injuring their fingers because of them. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to it. Cars with hidden car handles in India China has taken action and does not want them on its cars. It will be an uphill task since, according to China Daily, 60 per cent of the top 100 selling EVs in the country feature hidden handles. However, other countries should also take action against such handles to prevent such accidents. In India, several popular cars come with flush handles. The MG Windsor MPV, Tata’s Sierra and Curvv, Kia’s Seltos and Syros, and Mahindra’s XEV 9e, BE 6, and XUV700 are some of the cars that have hidden handles. Tesla's Model Y is also becoming available in the country.

Why are hidden car handles a safety hazard? China has banned flush handles, and the decision could have a global impact. Beijing is not only the world's biggest car producer, but also the largest market.&nbsp;

China bans flush car handles: What makes hidden handles a hazard?

Four members of the Bai family mafia, notorious dynasties operating a large-scale scam network in Myanmar has been executed by the Chinese government. All those who were put to death were among 21 of the family's members and aides convicted of fraud, homicide, injury and other crimes by a court in Guangdong province, according to the state media report.&nbsp;In 2025, five of them were sentenced to death, which also included the patriarch of the Bai Suocheng clan, who died of illness after his conviction. Similarly, China has executed 11 mafia members who were members of the Ming family as part of its crackdown on scam networks in Southeast Asia that have entrapped thousands of Chinese victims.<h3>Who are the Bais and the Mings dynasties?</h3>For decades, the Bais faily along with the Mings clan and several others, dominated Myanmar's border town of Laukkaing, operating casinos, brothels and large-scale cyber scam networks. Among these groups, the Bais were regarded as the most powerful, according to Bai Suocheng’s son, who made the remark to state media after his detention.&nbsp;Authorities confirmed that the Bais maintained their own militia and set up 41 compounds used for cyber fraud operations and casinos. Life inside these facilities was marked by extreme violence, with routine beatings and torture. The court noted that the family’s criminal activities resulted in the deaths of six Chinese nationals, one suicide, and multiple injuries.&nbsp;The Bai family’s influence grew in the early 2000s after Laukkaing’s former warlord was removed in a military operation led by Min Aung Hlaing, now the head of Myanmar’s military regime. Seeking cooperative local allies, the military leader backed Bai Suocheng, then a deputy to the ousted warlord.&nbsp;Later, China crashed the empires of the families in 2023 after it was infuriated by the Myanmar military's inaction on the scam operations, which tacitly backed an offensive by ethnic insurgents in the area, marking a turning point in the civil war in Myanmar. Following the move, the scam mafias and their members were captured and handed over to Beijing. As per the United Nations estimate, thousands of people have been trafficked to run online scams in Myanmar and elsewhere in Southeast Asia. &nbsp;

For decades, the Bais faily along with the Mings clan and several others, dominated Myanmar's border town of Laukkaing, operating casinos, brothels and large-scale cyber scam networks. 

Four members of the Bai family mafia, notorious dynasties operating a large-scale scam network in Myanmar has been executed by the Chinese government. All those who were put to death were among 21 of the family's members and aides convicted of fraud, homicide, injury and other crimes by a court in Guangdong province, according to the state media report. In 2025, five of them were sentenced to death, which also included the patriarch of the Bai Suocheng clan, who died of illness after his conviction. Similarly, China has executed 11 mafia members who were members of the Ming family as part of its crackdown on scam networks in Southeast Asia that have entrapped thousands of Chinese victims. Who are the Bais and the Mings dynasties? For decades, the Bais faily along with the Mings clan and several others, dominated Myanmar's border town of Laukkaing, operating casinos, brothels and large-scale cyber scam networks. Among these groups, the Bais were regarded as the most powerful, according to Bai Suocheng’s son, who made the remark to state media after his detention. Authorities confirmed that the Bais maintained their own militia and set up 41 compounds used for cyber fraud operations and casinos. Life inside these facilities was marked by extreme violence, with routine beatings and torture. The court noted that the family’s criminal activities resulted in the deaths of six Chinese nationals, one suicide, and multiple injuries. The Bai family’s influence grew in the early 2000s after Laukkaing’s former warlord was removed in a military operation led by Min Aung Hlaing, now the head of Myanmar’s military regime. Seeking cooperative local allies, the military leader backed Bai Suocheng, then a deputy to the ousted warlord. Later, China crashed the empires of the families in 2023 after it was infuriated by the Myanmar military's inaction on the scam operations, which tacitly backed an offensive by ethnic insurgents in the area, marking a turning point in the civil war in Myanmar. Following the move, the scam mafias and their members were captured and handed over to Beijing. As per the United Nations estimate, thousands of people have been trafficked to run online scams in Myanmar and elsewhere in Southeast Asia.

For decades, the Bais faily along with the Mings clan and several others, dominated Myanmar's border town of Laukkaing, operating casinos, brothels and large-scale cyber scam networks.&nbsp;

After 'Ming family', China executes 4 members of Myanmar-based 'Bai family': Here's why

China has put to death 11 members of the notorious Ming family, which operated large-scale scam networks in Myanmar, according to state media. A court in Zhejiang province last year convicted the family members for crimes including homicide, illegal detention, fraud and gambling operations.&nbsp;The Ming family was among several powerful clans that controlled Laukkaing, a border town near China, and they turned from a neglected settlement into a booming centre of casinos and sex trade. Their criminal network collapsed in 2023 after ethnic armed groups seized the town amid Myanmar’s civil war and transferred the family members to Chinese authorities, according to a report in the BBC. &nbsp;The scam network in Myanmar has scammed over thousands of Chinese workers for more then the years. Many of the victims were among the hundreds of thousands of people trafficked into this network, where they were forced into carrying out online fraud targeting individuals overseas.&nbsp;WATCH: https://www.wionews.com/videos/indonesia-landslide-more-than-50-homes-destroyed-in-landslide-1769664053951/embedd<h3>Who are the Ming Family?</h3>The Ming family is one of the northern Myanmar's so-called "four families", a strong mafia-like crime syndicate involved in large-scale internet scams, drug production, and prostitution. Members of these families are believed to occupy influential roles in local administrations and militias aligned with the ruling junta of Myanmar.&nbsp;The family led by Ming Xuechang had an old and strong connection to a notorious compound named 'Crouching Tiger Villa' in Kokang, an autonomous region on Myanmar's border with China, according to a CNN report.&nbsp;Laukkaing, Kokang’s capital, emerged as the epicentre of Myanmar’s multi-billion-dollar scam economy. Sophisticated online fraud schemes were run from the city, with illicit profits transforming the once-impoverished border town into a glittering hub of casinos and vice districts.&nbsp;Following years of complaints by families of trafficked workers, China reportedly launched a crackdown in 2023. And in November that year, Beijing issued arrest warrants for the members of the Ming family, accusing them of fraud, murder, and trafficking, placing rewards of between $14,000 and $70,000 for their capture.&nbsp;After the families of trafficked workers' complaints to the government, China reportedly launched a crackdown in 2023, issuing arrest warrants for the members of the Ming family. They were accused of fraud, murder, and trafficking, and rewards of between $14,000 and $70,000 were imposed to capture them.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/many-confirmed-dead-as-below-freezing-temperatures-grip-most-of-us-1769629400399">Many confirmed dead as below-freezing temperatures grip most of US</a>&nbsp;

The Ming family was among several powerful clans that controlled Laukkaing, a border town near China. Their criminal network collapsed in 2023 after ethnic armed groups seized the town amid Myanmar’s civil war and transferred the family members to Chinese authorities.

China has put to death 11 members of the notorious Ming family, which operated large-scale scam networks in Myanmar, according to state media. A court in Zhejiang province last year convicted the family members for crimes including homicide, illegal detention, fraud and gambling operations. The Ming family was among several powerful clans that controlled Laukkaing, a border town near China, and they turned from a neglected settlement into a booming centre of casinos and sex trade. Their criminal network collapsed in 2023 after ethnic armed groups seized the town amid Myanmar’s civil war and transferred the family members to Chinese authorities, according to a report in the BBC. The scam network in Myanmar has scammed over thousands of Chinese workers for more then the years. Many of the victims were among the hundreds of thousands of people trafficked into this network, where they were forced into carrying out online fraud targeting individuals overseas. WATCH: https://www.wionews.com/videos/indonesia-landslide-more-than-50-homes-destroyed-in-landslide-1769664053951/embedd Who are the Ming Family? The Ming family is one of the northern Myanmar's so-called "four families", a strong mafia-like crime syndicate involved in large-scale internet scams, drug production, and prostitution. Members of these families are believed to occupy influential roles in local administrations and militias aligned with the ruling junta of Myanmar. The family led by Ming Xuechang had an old and strong connection to a notorious compound named 'Crouching Tiger Villa' in Kokang, an autonomous region on Myanmar's border with China, according to a CNN report. Laukkaing, Kokang’s capital, emerged as the epicentre of Myanmar’s multi-billion-dollar scam economy. Sophisticated online fraud schemes were run from the city, with illicit profits transforming the once-impoverished border town into a glittering hub of casinos and vice districts. Following years of complaints by families of trafficked workers, China reportedly launched a crackdown in 2023. And in November that year, Beijing issued arrest warrants for the members of the Ming family, accusing them of fraud, murder, and trafficking, placing rewards of between $14,000 and $70,000 for their capture. After the families of trafficked workers' complaints to the government, China reportedly launched a crackdown in 2023, issuing arrest warrants for the members of the Ming family. They were accused of fraud, murder, and trafficking, and rewards of between $14,000 and $70,000 were imposed to capture them. Also read: Many confirmed dead as below-freezing temperatures grip most of US

The Ming family was among several powerful clans that controlled Laukkaing, a border town near China. Their criminal network collapsed in 2023 after ethnic armed groups seized the town amid Myanmar’s civil war and transferred the family members to Chinese authorities.

China executes 11 members of Myanmar-based ‘scam mafia’ Ming family: Know who were they

China's Chang'e-6 mission brought back lunar samples from the Moon for the first time in 2024, and this regolith has now revealed something. Around 1,935.3 grams of lunar soil reached Earth in June of the year. Chinese scientists say that an analysis has shed light on the Moon's composition and geological history, and reveals the clear difference between the far and near sides. The researchers say that they finally know how a massive impact in the South Pole-Aitken Basin 4.25 billion years ago shaped the Moon's deep interior and reshaped the surface. NASA, ESA and China are exploring using this region as a potential building site since it has permanently shadowed regions (PSRs) that contain vast amounts of water ice. The latest findings can help provide crucial data in the quest to do so. Chinese scientists from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics (IGG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) studied the basalt samples returned by the Chang'e-6 lander.&nbsp;They say that the impact not only created the basin, but also caused materials seated deep inside the moon to lose certain volatile elements. High-precision isotope analysis helped them detect minute variations in isotope ratios and showed what was left behind after the impact. On the Moon, impacts are what shape the surface over several years, contrary to the tectonic movements on Earth. They say that the impact altered the potassium isotope composition in the deep lunar mantle. &nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/half-of-mars-was-covered-with-an-ocean-as-big-as-the-arctic-3-billion-years-ago-1768566494909">3 billion years ago, Mars had a huge ocean that covered half the planet</a><h2>How loss of elements stopped volcanoes on Moon</h2>The high-temperature environment had an impact on moderately volatile elements like potassium, zinc, and gallium. The extreme heat generated by the event created extreme conditions that led to the loss of the lighter potassium-39 isotope and the enrichment of the heavier potassium-41 isotope. Besides, this loss also suppressed volcanic activity on the Moon's far side.&nbsp;They also noted that the samples obtained by the Chang'e-6 mission were different from those brought back by Apollo astronauts from the near-side of the Moon. The basalt sample on the far side had a higher proportion of the heavier potassium-41 isotope, which they say could have been caused by factors like cosmic rays, volcanic activity, and impactor deposition. Scientists now know that the two sides of the Moon had a different evolutionary histories.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The Moon's far side and near side are different from each other. China's Chang'e-6 mission has revealed how an ancient impact changed the far side of the Moon, and how its composition varies from the near side.

China's Chang'e-6 mission brought back lunar samples from the Moon for the first time in 2024, and this regolith has now revealed something. Around 1,935.3 grams of lunar soil reached Earth in June of the year. Chinese scientists say that an analysis has shed light on the Moon's composition and geological history, and reveals the clear difference between the far and near sides. The researchers say that they finally know how a massive impact in the South Pole-Aitken Basin 4.25 billion years ago shaped the Moon's deep interior and reshaped the surface. NASA, ESA and China are exploring using this region as a potential building site since it has permanently shadowed regions (PSRs) that contain vast amounts of water ice. The latest findings can help provide crucial data in the quest to do so. Chinese scientists from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics (IGG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) studied the basalt samples returned by the Chang'e-6 lander. They say that the impact not only created the basin, but also caused materials seated deep inside the moon to lose certain volatile elements. High-precision isotope analysis helped them detect minute variations in isotope ratios and showed what was left behind after the impact. On the Moon, impacts are what shape the surface over several years, contrary to the tectonic movements on Earth. They say that the impact altered the potassium isotope composition in the deep lunar mantle. Also Read: 3 billion years ago, Mars had a huge ocean that covered half the planet How loss of elements stopped volcanoes on Moon The high-temperature environment had an impact on moderately volatile elements like potassium, zinc, and gallium. The extreme heat generated by the event created extreme conditions that led to the loss of the lighter potassium-39 isotope and the enrichment of the heavier potassium-41 isotope. Besides, this loss also suppressed volcanic activity on the Moon's far side. They also noted that the samples obtained by the Chang'e-6 mission were different from those brought back by Apollo astronauts from the near-side of the Moon. The basalt sample on the far side had a higher proportion of the heavier potassium-41 isotope, which they say could have been caused by factors like cosmic rays, volcanic activity, and impactor deposition. Scientists now know that the two sides of the Moon had a different evolutionary histories.

The Moon's far side and near side are different from each other. China's Chang'e-6 mission has revealed how an ancient impact changed the far side of the Moon, and how its composition varies from the near side.

4.25bn years ago, an impact gave a dramatic makeover to the far side of Moon

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