China is going to&nbsp;prosecute a Belizean citizen for his alleged involvement in providing funds to “meddle” in Hong Kong affairs, a Chinese newspaper reported on Friday.

The newspaper backed by the ruling Communist Party,&nbsp;said security authorities concluded their investigation against Lee Henley Hu Xiang to the Guangzhou prosecutorate. Lee will be prosecuted, the report said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-arrests-belizean-taiwanese-citizens-over-alleged-meddling-in-hong-kong-affairs-265421">China arrests Belizean, Taiwanese citizens over alleged meddling in Hong Kong affairs</a>

He is the first overseas national to be charged with working with foreign groups to intervene in Hong Kong.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anti-viral-drug-being-hailed-as-coronavirus-cure-fails-first-clinical-trial-294417" hreflang="en">Anti-viral drug being hailed as coronavirus cure, fails first clinical trial</a>

''Investigations by the national security agency confirmed that the suspect provided a large amount of funds to hostile elements in the United States, colluded with foreign anti-China forces to intervene in Hong Kong affairs, and funded the implementation of criminal activities that endangered our national security,''&nbsp;the paper said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warship-sails-through-sensitive-taiwan-strait-for-the-second-time-in-a-month-294403" hreflang="en">US warship sails through sensitive Taiwan Strait for the second time in a month</a>

Lee is cititizen of Central American country&nbsp;a Belize. He&nbsp;was arrested in November in Guangzhou.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/most-patients-hospitalised-with-covid-19-had-chronic-health-issues-says-study-294411" hreflang="en">Most patients hospitalised with COVID-19 had chronic health issues, says study</a>

His current whereabouts are unknown and he has made no public comments on the charges.

Hong Kong is governed under the ''One Country, Two Systems''&nbsp;principle which is supposed to provide for a level of independence to it that other cities in China do not have.

There have been no mass protests in Hong Kong since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

City authorities, however, led a surprise crackdown on Sunday where they arrested 15 prominent pro-democracy figures in the city.

It&nbsp;has been the site of massive pro-democracy protests since last year, with millions taking to the streets to demonstrate against what local residents have seen as increasing interference from mainland China, overpowering the local government.

China is going to prosecute a Belizean citizen for his alleged involvement in providing funds to “meddle” in Hong Kong affairs, a Chinese newspaper reported on Friday.

China is going to prosecute a Belizean citizen for his alleged involvement in providing funds to “meddle” in Hong Kong affairs, a Chinese newspaper reported on Friday. The newspaper backed by the ruling Communist Party, said security authorities concluded their investigation against Lee Henley Hu Xiang to the Guangzhou prosecutorate. Lee will be prosecuted, the report said. Also read: China arrests Belizean, Taiwanese citizens over alleged meddling in Hong Kong affairs He is the first overseas national to be charged with working with foreign groups to intervene in Hong Kong. Also read: Anti-viral drug being hailed as coronavirus cure, fails first clinical trial ''Investigations by the national security agency confirmed that the suspect provided a large amount of funds to hostile elements in the United States, colluded with foreign anti-China forces to intervene in Hong Kong affairs, and funded the implementation of criminal activities that endangered our national security,'' the paper said. Also read: US warship sails through sensitive Taiwan Strait for the second time in a month Lee is cititizen of Central American country a Belize. He was arrested in November in Guangzhou. Also read: Most patients hospitalised with COVID-19 had chronic health issues, says study His current whereabouts are unknown and he has made no public comments on the charges. Hong Kong is governed under the ''One Country, Two Systems'' principle which is supposed to provide for a level of independence to it that other cities in China do not have. There have been no mass protests in Hong Kong since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. City authorities, however, led a surprise crackdown on Sunday where they arrested 15 prominent pro-democracy figures in the city. It has been the site of massive pro-democracy protests since last year, with millions taking to the streets to demonstrate against what local residents have seen as increasing interference from mainland China, overpowering the local government.

China to prosecute American citizen for alleged meddling in Hong Kong

Coronavirus: A Global Contagion; CGTN's Jarchine Zhou reports from Wuhan. In the Coronavirus Outbreak, Wuhan virus has been already spread across 25 countries of 4 different continents. 17,000 people have been affected and more than 300 have been killed. Did China hide on Coronavirus outbreak earlier?

Coronavirus: A Global Contagion; CGTN's Jarchine Zhou reports from Wuhan

A senior White House official on Thursday said that he believed China was "absolutely committed" to cooperating with the United States to curb illicit fentanyl, a drug which has played a major role in the US opioid crisis.

The remarks by Jim Carroll, the Director of National Drug Control Policy, reflect a shift in tone after US President Donald Trump accused Chinese President Xi Jinping in August of not living up to his pledges to crack down on the drug.

At the time, China labelled it <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-conclusion-on-fentanyl-deaths-in-us-is-groundless-china-247389">"blatant slander</a>", and it has argued that the United States needs to do more at home to fight fentanyl abuse and reduce demand for the highly addictive drug.

"I am absolutely convinced the Chinese, starting with President Xi down through the Minister of Public Security Zhao (Kezhi), are absolutely committed to doing this," Carroll, who oversees the US government's response to the opioid crisis, told reporters in Beijing after meeting his Chinese counterparts.

"I fully believe that what we learned on this trip is that the Chinese government, the Chinese people, are committed to this issue, both to save lives in the United States, but also to save lives in China," Carroll said.

Carroll, accompanied by Acting Commissioner for US Customs and Border Protection Mark Morgan and Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale, called the visit "ground-breaking".

Going forward, US officials would have routine conversations and intelligence sharing at a higher level with Chinese authorities to ensure the two sides are "truly eradicating" traffickers, he said.

Morgan said that he was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-lists-fentanyl-as-controlled-substance-in-us-gesture-207176">encouraged by Chinese plans</a> to build additional labs and that the United States would be sharing data from new pollen signature chemical tests that can help identify fentanyl origin countries.

US officials have said China is the main source of illicit fentanyl, a cheap, opioid painkiller 50 times more potent than heroin, and related substances trafficked into the United States, much of them through international mail.

Beijing, which in May expanded control to include the more than 1,400 known and future fentanyl analogues, has cited US statistics to deny that most of the fentanyl entering the United States originates in China.

Earlier this month, Liu Yuejin, Vice Commissioner of the China National Narcotics Control Commission, said that the two countries had only limited cooperation to stop fentanyl smuggling.

The row over fentanyl comes as the United States is in the middle of a bruising trade war with China, and some experts believe that may have been hampering meaningful cooperation on trafficking.

The US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on three Chinese men accused of illegally trafficking fentanyl in August, but US officials have been frustrated that China has not arrested the suspects.

The National Institute of Drug Abuse reported earlier this year that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/johnson-johnson-ordered-to-pay-572-million-for-opioid-addiction-crisis-245872">130 people die every day in the United States</a> after overdosing on opioids, which include prescription pain relievers, heroin and synthetic drugs like fentanyl.

A senior White House official on Thursday said that he believed China was "absolutely committed" to cooperating with the United States to curb illicit fentanyl, a drug which has played a major role in the US opioid crisis.

A senior White House official on Thursday said that he believed China was "absolutely committed" to cooperating with the United States to curb illicit fentanyl, a drug which has played a major role in the US opioid crisis. The remarks by Jim Carroll, the Director of National Drug Control Policy, reflect a shift in tone after US President Donald Trump accused Chinese President Xi Jinping in August of not living up to his pledges to crack down on the drug. At the time, China labelled it "blatant slander", and it has argued that the United States needs to do more at home to fight fentanyl abuse and reduce demand for the highly addictive drug. "I am absolutely convinced the Chinese, starting with President Xi down through the Minister of Public Security Zhao (Kezhi), are absolutely committed to doing this," Carroll, who oversees the US government's response to the opioid crisis, told reporters in Beijing after meeting his Chinese counterparts. "I fully believe that what we learned on this trip is that the Chinese government, the Chinese people, are committed to this issue, both to save lives in the United States, but also to save lives in China," Carroll said. Carroll, accompanied by Acting Commissioner for US Customs and Border Protection Mark Morgan and Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale, called the visit "ground-breaking". Going forward, US officials would have routine conversations and intelligence sharing at a higher level with Chinese authorities to ensure the two sides are "truly eradicating" traffickers, he said. Morgan said that he was encouraged by Chinese plans to build additional labs and that the United States would be sharing data from new pollen signature chemical tests that can help identify fentanyl origin countries. US officials have said China is the main source of illicit fentanyl, a cheap, opioid painkiller 50 times more potent than heroin, and related substances trafficked into the United States, much of them through international mail. Beijing, which in May expanded control to include the more than 1,400 known and future fentanyl analogues, has cited US statistics to deny that most of the fentanyl entering the United States originates in China. Earlier this month, Liu Yuejin, Vice Commissioner of the China National Narcotics Control Commission, said that the two countries had only limited cooperation to stop fentanyl smuggling. The row over fentanyl comes as the United States is in the middle of a bruising trade war with China, and some experts believe that may have been hampering meaningful cooperation on trafficking. The US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on three Chinese men accused of illegally trafficking fentanyl in August, but US officials have been frustrated that China has not arrested the suspects. The National Institute of Drug Abuse reported earlier this year that 130 people die every day in the United States after overdosing on opioids, which include prescription pain relievers, heroin and synthetic drugs like fentanyl.

China committed to curbing fentanyl circulation: US official Jim Carroll

China expressed "deep concerns" on Thursday over a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warship-sails-through-strategic-taiwan-strait-238301">US&nbsp;Navy warship sailing </a>through the Taiwan Strait, a day after Beijing warned that it was ready for war if Taiwan moved toward independence.

Taiwan is among a growing number of flashpoints in the US-China relationship, which include a trade war, US&nbsp;sanctions and China's increasingly muscular military posture in the South China Sea, where the United States also conducts freedom-of-navigation patrols.

A Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman in Beijing said China had "expressed deep concerns to the US&nbsp;side" over its latest action in the strait separating China from Taiwan.

"The Taiwan question is the most sensitive and important issue between China and the US," spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a regular press briefing.

"We urge the US&nbsp;to abide by the "One China"&nbsp;principle and the three joint communiques, to be prudent and act appropriately with regards to Taiwan so that it doesn’t harm China-US&nbsp;relations and the peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait's region."

China claims self-ruled and democratic Taiwan as its own and has never renounced the use of force to bring it under Beijing's control.

On Wednesday, China warned that it is ready for war if there was any move toward Taiwan's independence, accusing the United States of undermining global stability and denouncing its arms sales to the self-ruled island.

The warship sent to the 112-mile-wide (180-km) Taiwan Strait was identified as the Antietam.

"The (ship's) transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the US&nbsp;commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific," Commander Clay Doss, a spokesman for the US&nbsp;Navy's Seventh Fleet, said in a statement on Wednesday. "The US&nbsp;Navy will continue to fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows," he added.

The voyage risks further raising tensions with China but will likely be viewed by self-ruled Taiwan as a sign of support from US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's administration amid growing friction between Taipei and Beijing.

The United States has no formal ties with Taiwan but is bound by law to help provide the island with the means to defend itself and is its main source of arms.

Taiwan's defence ministry said the US&nbsp;ship had sailed north through the Taiwan Strait in its freedom-of-navigation voyage and Taiwan had monitored the mission.

"Taiwan makes no compromise on its freedom, democracy and sovereignty," President Tsai Ing-wen told reporters in Taipei, when asked to comment on the US&nbsp;warship's passage through the strait.

"The responsibility for cross-strait and regional stability lies with every party. China has the responsibility, and we will undertake ours, too," Tsai said.

China has been ramping up pressure to assert its sovereignty over Taiwan, which it considers a wayward province of "one China" and sacred Chinese territory.

On Wednesday, Chinese Defense ministry spokesman Wu Qian told a news briefing on a defence white paper, the first like it in several years to outline the military's strategic concerns, that China would make its greatest effort for peaceful reunification with Taiwan.

"If there are people who dare to try to split Taiwan from the country, China's military will be ready to go to war to firmly safeguard national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity," he said.

China has repeatedly sent military aircraft and ships to circle Taiwan on exercises in the past few years and worked to isolate it internationally, whittling down its few remaining diplomatic allies.

China expressed "deep concerns" on Thursday over a US Navy warship sailing through the Taiwan Strait, a day after Beijing warned that it was ready for war if Taiwan moved toward independence.

China expressed "deep concerns" on Thursday over a US Navy warship sailing through the Taiwan Strait, a day after Beijing warned that it was ready for war if Taiwan moved toward independence. Taiwan is among a growing number of flashpoints in the US-China relationship, which include a trade war, US sanctions and China's increasingly muscular military posture in the South China Sea, where the United States also conducts freedom-of-navigation patrols. A Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman in Beijing said China had "expressed deep concerns to the US side" over its latest action in the strait separating China from Taiwan. "The Taiwan question is the most sensitive and important issue between China and the US," spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a regular press briefing. "We urge the US to abide by the "One China" principle and the three joint communiques, to be prudent and act appropriately with regards to Taiwan so that it doesn’t harm China-US relations and the peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait's region." China claims self-ruled and democratic Taiwan as its own and has never renounced the use of force to bring it under Beijing's control. On Wednesday, China warned that it is ready for war if there was any move toward Taiwan's independence, accusing the United States of undermining global stability and denouncing its arms sales to the self-ruled island. The warship sent to the 112-mile-wide (180-km) Taiwan Strait was identified as the Antietam. "The (ship's) transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific," Commander Clay Doss, a spokesman for the US Navy's Seventh Fleet, said in a statement on Wednesday. "The US Navy will continue to fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows," he added. The voyage risks further raising tensions with China but will likely be viewed by self-ruled Taiwan as a sign of support from US President Donald Trump's administration amid growing friction between Taipei and Beijing. The United States has no formal ties with Taiwan but is bound by law to help provide the island with the means to defend itself and is its main source of arms. Taiwan's defence ministry said the US ship had sailed north through the Taiwan Strait in its freedom-of-navigation voyage and Taiwan had monitored the mission. "Taiwan makes no compromise on its freedom, democracy and sovereignty," President Tsai Ing-wen told reporters in Taipei, when asked to comment on the US warship's passage through the strait. "The responsibility for cross-strait and regional stability lies with every party. China has the responsibility, and we will undertake ours, too," Tsai said. China has been ramping up pressure to assert its sovereignty over Taiwan, which it considers a wayward province of "one China" and sacred Chinese territory. On Wednesday, Chinese Defense ministry spokesman Wu Qian told a news briefing on a defence white paper, the first like it in several years to outline the military's strategic concerns, that China would make its greatest effort for peaceful reunification with Taiwan. "If there are people who dare to try to split Taiwan from the country, China's military will be ready to go to war to firmly safeguard national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity," he said. China has repeatedly sent military aircraft and ships to circle Taiwan on exercises in the past few years and worked to isolate it internationally, whittling down its few remaining diplomatic allies.

Deeply concerned over US warship sailing through Taiwan Strait: China

China outlined plans to build a modern, high-tech army in a national defence plan published Wednesday while accusing Washington of undermining global strategic stability and warning against Taiwanese independence.

The first white paper since 2012 gives a rare insight into the world's largest army and Beijing's military ambitions.

"International strategic competition is on the rise," the document says, adding that the United States has adjusted its national security and defence strategies and adopted "unilateral policies".

The US "has provoked and intensified competition among major countries, significantly increased its defence expenditure, pushed for additional capacity in nuclear, outer space, cyber and missile defence, and undermined global strategic stability".

The plan calls for more cutting-edge technology in the People's Liberation Army (PLA) arsenal, admitting it "still lags far behind the world's leading militaries".

War is evolving towards "intelligent warfare", the national security plan says, citing a growing use of AI, big data, cloud computing and "new and high-tech military technologies based on IT".&nbsp;

China's defence spending is second only to the United States, and it said earlier this year it planned to increase it by 7.5 per cent in 2019.

Despite the ambitious plans, it insists the Chinese army is a "staunch force for world peace".

But within its own borders, it is less sanguine, promising to "crackdown" on separatists in Xinjiang and Tibet.&nbsp;

Beijing is firmer still on the self-ruled island of Taiwan -- which China views as its own territory -- and makes "no promise to renounce the use of force" in bringing it back into the fold.

"China must be and will be reunited," the paper reads. "China has the firm resolve and the ability to safeguard national sovereignty... and will never allow the secession of any part of its territory by anyone."

It says Taiwan "separatists" are the biggest threat to the peaceful reunification of the country.

"The PLA will resolutely defeat anyone attempting to separate Taiwan from China," is says.

The PLA has been focused on catching up with technology used by armed forces in the US and western Europe and is reportedly building a third aircraft carrier as well as developing new generation destroyer vessels, fighter jets and ballistic missiles. 
&nbsp;

China outlined plans to build a modern, high-tech army in a national defence plan published Wednesday while accusing Washington of undermining global strategic stability and warning against Taiwanese independence.

China outlined plans to build a modern, high-tech army in a national defence plan published Wednesday while accusing Washington of undermining global strategic stability and warning against Taiwanese independence. The first white paper since 2012 gives a rare insight into the world's largest army and Beijing's military ambitions. "International strategic competition is on the rise," the document says, adding that the United States has adjusted its national security and defence strategies and adopted "unilateral policies". The US "has provoked and intensified competition among major countries, significantly increased its defence expenditure, pushed for additional capacity in nuclear, outer space, cyber and missile defence, and undermined global strategic stability". The plan calls for more cutting-edge technology in the People's Liberation Army (PLA) arsenal, admitting it "still lags far behind the world's leading militaries". War is evolving towards "intelligent warfare", the national security plan says, citing a growing use of AI, big data, cloud computing and "new and high-tech military technologies based on IT". China's defence spending is second only to the United States, and it said earlier this year it planned to increase it by 7.5 per cent in 2019. Despite the ambitious plans, it insists the Chinese army is a "staunch force for world peace". But within its own borders, it is less sanguine, promising to "crackdown" on separatists in Xinjiang and Tibet. Beijing is firmer still on the self-ruled island of Taiwan -- which China views as its own territory -- and makes "no promise to renounce the use of force" in bringing it back into the fold. "China must be and will be reunited," the paper reads. "China has the firm resolve and the ability to safeguard national sovereignty... and will never allow the secession of any part of its territory by anyone." It says Taiwan "separatists" are the biggest threat to the peaceful reunification of the country. "The PLA will resolutely defeat anyone attempting to separate Taiwan from China," is says. The PLA has been focused on catching up with technology used by armed forces in the US and western Europe and is reportedly building a third aircraft carrier as well as developing new generation destroyer vessels, fighter jets and ballistic missiles.

China eyes high-tech army, says US undermines global stability

China's Defence Minister Wei Fenghe said on Sunday that a war with the United States would be a disaster for the world while issuing a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-ready-to-fight-us-on-trade-but-door-open-for-talks-defence-minister-223524">warning to Washington</a> not to meddle in security disputes over Taiwan and the South China Sea.

China has been incensed by recent moves by US President Donald Trump's administration to increase support for self-ruled and democratic Taiwan, including <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-french-warship-two-us-warships-sail-through-taiwan-strait-amid-tensions-with-china-214287">US Navy sailings through the Taiwan Strait</a> that separates the island from mainland China.

Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Asia's premier defence summit, Wei said China would "fight to the end" if anyone tried to interfere in its relationship with Taiwan, which Beijing considers a sacred territory to be taken by force if necessary.

Wei, the first Chinese defence minister to speak at the Shangri-La Dialogue since 2011, said Beijing's military operations in Asia were purely aimed at self-defence, but it would not hesitate to counter an attack on its interests.

"China will not attack unless we are attacked," Wei said, cautioning that there would be dire consequences to any clash between China and the United States.

"The two sides realise that conflict, or a war between them, would bring disaster to both countries and the world."

The United States, like most countries, has no formal ties with Taiwan, but is its strongest backer and main source of weapons.

On Saturday, acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan told the Shangri-La meeting that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-wont-tiptoe-around-china-with-asia-stability-at-threat-defence-chief-223465">United States would no longer "tiptoe" around Chinese behaviour</a> in Asia.

In pictures: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-taiwan-china-relations-since-1949-188037">Taiwan-China relations since 1949</a>

While Shanahan's speech was critical of China, his tone was often conciliatory. Wei took a more combative approach.

"No attempts to split China will succeed. Any interference in the Taiwan question is doomed to failure," said Wei, dressed in his uniform of a general in the People's Liberation Army.

"If anyone dares to split Taiwan from China, the Chinese military has no choice but to fight at all costs ... The US is indivisible, and so is China. China must be, and will be, reunified."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-soybeans-became-chinas-most-powerful-weapon-in-trumps-trade-war-223143">China-US ties have become increasingly strained</a> due to a bitter trade war, US support for Taiwan and China's muscular military posture in the South China Sea, where the United States also conducts freedom-of-navigation patrols.

Tiananmen anniversary

In May, Taiwan's national security chief David Lee met White House national security adviser John Bolton, marking the first meeting in more than four decades between senior US and Taiwanese security officials.&nbsp;

Taiwan is gearing up for presidential elections in January, and Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen has repeatedly accused Beijing of seeking to undermine Taiwan's democracy and has vowed to defend the island and its freedoms.

Wei, in a clear reference to the United States, also said: "Some countries from outside the region come to the South China Sea to flex muscles in the name of freedom of navigation."

This week will mark 30 years since a bloody Chinese military crackdown on protesters around Beijing's Tiananmen Square, refocusing scrutiny on China's approach to security threats.

Taking questions from the floor, Wei defended the government's handling of the Tiananmen "incident", a rare official acknowledgement of the events of June 4, 1989; references to it are heavily censored in China.&nbsp;

"The government was decisive in stopping the turbulence," Wei said of the Tiananmen Square crackdown.

"Due to this, China has enjoyed stability, and if you visit China you can understand that part of history."

On the ongoing trade war, which has shaken financial markets around the world, Wei said China would "fight to the end" if the United States wanted a fight. But if Washington wanted to talk, "we will keep the door open".

Trade tensions escalated sharply last month after Trump's administration accused China of having "reneged" on its previous promises to make structural changes to its economic practices.

Washington later slapped additional tariffs of up to 25% on $200 billion of Chinese goods, prompting Beijing to retaliate.

Speaking at a hastily arranged news conference in Beijing, Chinese Vice Commerce Minister Wang Shouwen said it was irresponsible of the United States to accuse China of backtracking.

"If the US side wants to use extreme pressure, to escalate the trade friction, to force China to submit and make concessions, this is absolutely impossible," said Wang, who has been part of China's trade negotiating team.

China's Defence Minister Wei Fenghe said on Sunday that a war with the United States would be a disaster for the world while issuing a warning to Washington not to meddle in security disputes over Taiwan and the South China Sea.

China's Defence Minister Wei Fenghe said on Sunday that a war with the United States would be a disaster for the world while issuing a warning to Washington not to meddle in security disputes over Taiwan and the South China Sea. China has been incensed by recent moves by US President Donald Trump's administration to increase support for self-ruled and democratic Taiwan, including US Navy sailings through the Taiwan Strait that separates the island from mainland China. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Asia's premier defence summit, Wei said China would "fight to the end" if anyone tried to interfere in its relationship with Taiwan, which Beijing considers a sacred territory to be taken by force if necessary. Wei, the first Chinese defence minister to speak at the Shangri-La Dialogue since 2011, said Beijing's military operations in Asia were purely aimed at self-defence, but it would not hesitate to counter an attack on its interests. "China will not attack unless we are attacked," Wei said, cautioning that there would be dire consequences to any clash between China and the United States. "The two sides realise that conflict, or a war between them, would bring disaster to both countries and the world." The United States, like most countries, has no formal ties with Taiwan, but is its strongest backer and main source of weapons. On Saturday, acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan told the Shangri-La meeting that the United States would no longer "tiptoe" around Chinese behaviour in Asia. In pictures: Taiwan-China relations since 1949 While Shanahan's speech was critical of China, his tone was often conciliatory. Wei took a more combative approach. "No attempts to split China will succeed. Any interference in the Taiwan question is doomed to failure," said Wei, dressed in his uniform of a general in the People's Liberation Army. "If anyone dares to split Taiwan from China, the Chinese military has no choice but to fight at all costs ... The US is indivisible, and so is China. China must be, and will be, reunified." China-US ties have become increasingly strained due to a bitter trade war, US support for Taiwan and China's muscular military posture in the South China Sea, where the United States also conducts freedom-of-navigation patrols. Tiananmen anniversary In May, Taiwan's national security chief David Lee met White House national security adviser John Bolton, marking the first meeting in more than four decades between senior US and Taiwanese security officials. Taiwan is gearing up for presidential elections in January, and Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen has repeatedly accused Beijing of seeking to undermine Taiwan's democracy and has vowed to defend the island and its freedoms. Wei, in a clear reference to the United States, also said: "Some countries from outside the region come to the South China Sea to flex muscles in the name of freedom of navigation." This week will mark 30 years since a bloody Chinese military crackdown on protesters around Beijing's Tiananmen Square, refocusing scrutiny on China's approach to security threats. Taking questions from the floor, Wei defended the government's handling of the Tiananmen "incident", a rare official acknowledgement of the events of June 4, 1989; references to it are heavily censored in China. "The government was decisive in stopping the turbulence," Wei said of the Tiananmen Square crackdown. "Due to this, China has enjoyed stability, and if you visit China you can understand that part of history." On the ongoing trade war, which has shaken financial markets around the world, Wei said China would "fight to the end" if the United States wanted a fight. But if Washington wanted to talk, "we will keep the door open". Trade tensions escalated sharply last month after Trump's administration accused China of having "reneged" on its previous promises to make structural changes to its economic practices. Washington later slapped additional tariffs of up to 25% on $200 billion of Chinese goods, prompting Beijing to retaliate. Speaking at a hastily arranged news conference in Beijing, Chinese Vice Commerce Minister Wang Shouwen said it was irresponsible of the United States to accuse China of backtracking. "If the US side wants to use extreme pressure, to escalate the trade friction, to force China to submit and make concessions, this is absolutely impossible," said Wang, who has been part of China's trade negotiating team.

China says war with US would be a disaster as tensions mount

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-should-stop-incorrect-action-on-huawei-to-avoid-additional-harm-to-china-us-economic-and-trade-relations-china-219157">US should stop incorrect action on Huawei to avoid additional harm to China-US economic and trade relations: China</a>

China today warned the United States against further harming trade ties after President Donald Trump effectively barred Chinese telecom giant Huawei from the US market and put it on a blacklist.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-killed-twenty-trapped-in-shanghai-building-collapse-219177">Five killed, twenty trapped in Shanghai building collapse</a>

Five people were killed on Thursday when the roof of a Shanghai commercial building caved in upon construction workers who were renovating it, the city government said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-mayor-bill-de-blasio-announces-2020-us-presidential-bid-219173">New York mayor Bill de Blasio announces 2020 US presidential bid</a>

New York mayor Bill de Blasio has announced his presidential bid to challenge President Trump in the 2020 elections.

De Blasio, 57, has added his name to the growing Democrats list which includes former US Vice President Joe Biden, US Senators Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts among others.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-fines-five-major-banks-1-billion-euros-for-currency-collusion-219183">European Union fines five major banks $1.2 billion for currency collusion</a>

The EU's powerful anti-trust authority on Thursday fined five major banks -- including Barclays and Citigroup -- more than a billion euros for collusion in the massive foreign exchange currency market.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-gifts-two-mi-24-attack-helicopters-to-afghan-air-force-219184">India gifts two Mi 24 attack helicopters to Afghan Air Force</a>

India on Thursday handed over two Mi 24 attack helicopters to Afghan defence minister Asadullah Khalid at the Kabul Air Force base.

Indian envoy to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar handed over the helicopters. The helicopters are replacement of the four attack helicopters gifted previously by India to Afghanistan in 2015.

&nbsp;

US should stop incorrect action on Huawei to avoid additional harm to China-US economic and trade relations: China China today warned the United States against further harming trade ties after President Donald Trump effectively barred Chinese telecom giant Huawei from the US market and put it on a blacklist.

US should stop incorrect action on Huawei to avoid additional harm to China-US economic and trade relations: China China today warned the United States against further harming trade ties after President Donald Trump effectively barred Chinese telecom giant Huawei from the US market and put it on a blacklist. Five killed, twenty trapped in Shanghai building collapse Five people were killed on Thursday when the roof of a Shanghai commercial building caved in upon construction workers who were renovating it, the city government said. New York mayor Bill de Blasio announces 2020 US presidential bid New York mayor Bill de Blasio has announced his presidential bid to challenge President Trump in the 2020 elections. De Blasio, 57, has added his name to the growing Democrats list which includes former US Vice President Joe Biden, US Senators Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts among others. European Union fines five major banks $1.2 billion for currency collusion The EU's powerful anti-trust authority on Thursday fined five major banks -- including Barclays and Citigroup -- more than a billion euros for collusion in the massive foreign exchange currency market. India gifts two Mi 24 attack helicopters to Afghan Air Force India on Thursday handed over two Mi 24 attack helicopters to Afghan defence minister Asadullah Khalid at the Kabul Air Force base. Indian envoy to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar handed over the helicopters. The helicopters are replacement of the four attack helicopters gifted previously by India to Afghanistan in 2015.

News brief: Big stories of the day

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get the lastes updates.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the day, May 15th, 2019

US President Donald Trump has vowed to strike a trade deal with China but on terms dictated by Washington. Listen in.

US President Donald Trump vows to strike trade deal with China

China on Tuesday accused the United States of "political motivations" behind sweeping charges against <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trudeau-sacks-canadian-ambassador-to-china-after-huawei-controversy-193039">Chinese telecom giant Huawei</a> in a case that has ratcheted up tensions between the two superpowers.

The Justice Department Monday unveiled 13 charges against <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/prince-charless-charity-to-stop-taking-huawei-donations-192509">Huawei Technologies, its chief financial </a>officer Meng Wanzhou - the daughter of the company's founder - and two affiliates related to violating US sanctions on Iran.

The firm was also accused of technology theft on the same day China's top trade negotiator arrived in Washington for high-stakes talks with US officials, possibly complicating the discussions ahead of a March deadline to avert a deepening of their trade war.

Canada has been dragged into the dispute since it arrested Meng at the behest of the United States last month, sparking a diplomatic crisis between Ottawa and Beijing, which renewed calls for her release and for the US to drop its warrant against her.

China's foreign ministry said there were "strong political motivations and political manipulations" behind the charges.

"For some time, the US has used state power to smear and suppress specific Chinese companies in an attempt to stifle their legitimate business activities," ministry spokesman Geng Shaung said at a regular briefing.

"We strongly urge the US to stop the unreasonable suppression of Chinese companies including Huawei and to treat them fairly and objectively. China will also resolutely defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises."

The twin indictments are the latest setback for the company, with its equipment having been barred from domestic networks in the United States, Australia and New Zealand amid security fears.

In addition to fraud charges linked to Iran sanctions violations against Meng and the company, two Huawei affiliates were charged with stealing robot technology from T-Mobile.

"Both sets of charges expose Huawei's brazen and persistent actions to exploit American companies and financial institutions, and to threaten the free and fair global marketplace," said FBI director Christopher Wray.

Acting US Attorney General Matthew Whitaker said there was nothing in the indictment that alleged Chinese government involvement in either case.

However, he added, "As I told Chinese officials in August, China must hold its citizens and Chinese companies accountable for complying with the law."

In a statement sent to AFP, Huawei said it was "disappointed" and denied that it committed any of the allegations.&nbsp;

It added that it was "not aware of any wrongdoing by Ms Meng (Wanzhou), and believes the US courts will ultimately reach the same conclusion."

The United States have filed a formal extradition request for Meng, according to Canadian broadcaster CBC, and she faces a court hearing on February 6.

Nine days after her arrest in Vancouver on December 1, Chinese authorities detained two Canadians in what is seen as an act of retaliation to pressure Ottawa.

The charges against Meng, filed in federal court in New York, allege that between 2007 and 2017 she, Huawei and the subsidiaries sought to mask their business with Iran in violation of US and UN sanctions on the country.

Meng in particular "repeatedly lied" to bankers about the relationships between the companies, especially with Skycom, a Huawei affiliate in Iran, according to the charges.

That violated US laws, the Justice Department said, because the Iran business involved US-dollar transactions processed by banks through the United States.

Huawei and the affiliates also lied to US authorities, obstructing the investigation, they said.

The indictment also mentions that Huawei's founder -- Ren Zhengfei, a former People's Liberation Army engineer identified only as "Individual-1" in the court documents -- had "falsely stated" that the company had "not dealt directly with any Iranian company" in an interview with FBI in July 2007.

Ren, however, has not been charged.

The second case charged that Huawei made a concerted effort to steal technology related to a phone-testing robot dubbed Tappy from a T-Mobile USA lab in Washington state.&nbsp;

Engineers of Huawei -- which was supplying T-Mobile with phones -- took pictures and made measurements of parts of the robot, "even stealing a piece of it," said Whitaker.

The Justice Department charged that the Chinese company had, in July 2013, offered bonuses to employees "based on the value of information they stole from other companies around the world, and provided to Huawei via an encrypted email address."&nbsp;

The indictments came as Chinese Vice Premier Liu He arrived in Washington on Monday to lead trade talks this week.

Speaking together with Justice Department officials announcing the indictments, US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross said they were "wholly separate from our trade negotiations with China."

However, he added: "Commerce will continue to work with our interagency partners to protect US national security interests."

China on Tuesday accused the United States of "political motivations" behind sweeping charges against Chinese telecom giant Huawei in a case that has ratcheted up tensions between the two superpowers.

China on Tuesday accused the United States of "political motivations" behind sweeping charges against Chinese telecom giant Huawei in a case that has ratcheted up tensions between the two superpowers. The Justice Department Monday unveiled 13 charges against Huawei Technologies, its chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou - the daughter of the company's founder - and two affiliates related to violating US sanctions on Iran. The firm was also accused of technology theft on the same day China's top trade negotiator arrived in Washington for high-stakes talks with US officials, possibly complicating the discussions ahead of a March deadline to avert a deepening of their trade war. Canada has been dragged into the dispute since it arrested Meng at the behest of the United States last month, sparking a diplomatic crisis between Ottawa and Beijing, which renewed calls for her release and for the US to drop its warrant against her. China's foreign ministry said there were "strong political motivations and political manipulations" behind the charges. "For some time, the US has used state power to smear and suppress specific Chinese companies in an attempt to stifle their legitimate business activities," ministry spokesman Geng Shaung said at a regular briefing. "We strongly urge the US to stop the unreasonable suppression of Chinese companies including Huawei and to treat them fairly and objectively. China will also resolutely defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises." The twin indictments are the latest setback for the company, with its equipment having been barred from domestic networks in the United States, Australia and New Zealand amid security fears. In addition to fraud charges linked to Iran sanctions violations against Meng and the company, two Huawei affiliates were charged with stealing robot technology from T-Mobile. "Both sets of charges expose Huawei's brazen and persistent actions to exploit American companies and financial institutions, and to threaten the free and fair global marketplace," said FBI director Christopher Wray. Acting US Attorney General Matthew Whitaker said there was nothing in the indictment that alleged Chinese government involvement in either case. However, he added, "As I told Chinese officials in August, China must hold its citizens and Chinese companies accountable for complying with the law." In a statement sent to AFP, Huawei said it was "disappointed" and denied that it committed any of the allegations. It added that it was "not aware of any wrongdoing by Ms Meng (Wanzhou), and believes the US courts will ultimately reach the same conclusion." The United States have filed a formal extradition request for Meng, according to Canadian broadcaster CBC, and she faces a court hearing on February 6. Nine days after her arrest in Vancouver on December 1, Chinese authorities detained two Canadians in what is seen as an act of retaliation to pressure Ottawa. The charges against Meng, filed in federal court in New York, allege that between 2007 and 2017 she, Huawei and the subsidiaries sought to mask their business with Iran in violation of US and UN sanctions on the country. Meng in particular "repeatedly lied" to bankers about the relationships between the companies, especially with Skycom, a Huawei affiliate in Iran, according to the charges. That violated US laws, the Justice Department said, because the Iran business involved US-dollar transactions processed by banks through the United States. Huawei and the affiliates also lied to US authorities, obstructing the investigation, they said. The indictment also mentions that Huawei's founder -- Ren Zhengfei, a former People's Liberation Army engineer identified only as "Individual-1" in the court documents -- had "falsely stated" that the company had "not dealt directly with any Iranian company" in an interview with FBI in July 2007. Ren, however, has not been charged. The second case charged that Huawei made a concerted effort to steal technology related to a phone-testing robot dubbed Tappy from a T-Mobile USA lab in Washington state. Engineers of Huawei -- which was supplying T-Mobile with phones -- took pictures and made measurements of parts of the robot, "even stealing a piece of it," said Whitaker. The Justice Department charged that the Chinese company had, in July 2013, offered bonuses to employees "based on the value of information they stole from other companies around the world, and provided to Huawei via an encrypted email address." The indictments came as Chinese Vice Premier Liu He arrived in Washington on Monday to lead trade talks this week. Speaking together with Justice Department officials announcing the indictments, US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross said they were "wholly separate from our trade negotiations with China." However, he added: "Commerce will continue to work with our interagency partners to protect US national security interests."

US should stop unreasonable suppression of Huawei: China

China has developed a massive bomb, said to be the country's answer to the US-built 'Mother of All Bombs', the most powerful non-nuclear weapon, official media reported on Friday.&nbsp;

China's defence industry giant NORINCO for the first time showcased the aerial bomb, the country's largest non-nuclear bomb, state-run Global Times reported.

It is dubbed as the Chinese version of the "Mother of All Bombs" due to its huge destructive potential that is claimed to be only second to nuclear weapons, the daily said.

The bomb was airdropped by an H-6K bomber and caused a gigantic explosion, showed a promotional video released by China North Industries Group Corporation Limited (NORINCO) on its website at the end of December.&nbsp;

This is the first time the new bomb's destructive powers have been shown in public, state-run Xinhua News Agency reported.&nbsp;

Last year, while waging war against militants in Afghanistan, the US military dropped a GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) weapon, more commonly known as the "Mother of All Bombs," on the Islamic State.

Although China is using the same nickname for its bomb, said to weigh several tonnes, the Chinese weapon is smaller and lighter than its American counterpart.&nbsp;

Judging from the video and the size of the H-6K's bomb bay, the bomb is approximately five to six meters long, Beijing-based military analyst Wei Dongxu told the Global Times on Thursday.

"The massive blast can easily and completely wipe out fortified ground targets such as reinforced buildings, bastions and defence shelters," Wei said.

It can also be used to clear a landing zone for troops on helicopters to rappel down, in case the area is covered by obstacles such as forests, Wei noted.

Wei said that the Chinese bomb is smaller and lighter than the US one, enabling it to be deployed on the H-6K bomber.

"The US bomb is so large that it has to be carried by a larger transport aircraft rather than a bomber," Wei said, noting that a bomber can fly faster and is better at targeting than a transport aircraft, and the Chinese bomb's designer must have had this in mind when it produced the bomb to fit the H-6K.

To match the US weapon, Russia developed the "Father of All Bombs" which is both bigger and thermobaric, meaning it uses gas to create a huge fireball rather than a shockwave, Wired reported.

A NORINCO representative clarified that the bomb shown in the video is not a thermobaric weapon, but did not provide additional details, the Global Times report said.&nbsp;

China's defence industry giant NORINCO for the first time showcased the aerial bomb, the country's largest non-nuclear bomb, state-run Global Times reported.

China has developed a massive bomb, said to be the country's answer to the US-built 'Mother of All Bombs', the most powerful non-nuclear weapon, official media reported on Friday. China's defence industry giant NORINCO for the first time showcased the aerial bomb, the country's largest non-nuclear bomb, state-run Global Times reported. It is dubbed as the Chinese version of the "Mother of All Bombs" due to its huge destructive potential that is claimed to be only second to nuclear weapons, the daily said. The bomb was airdropped by an H-6K bomber and caused a gigantic explosion, showed a promotional video released by China North Industries Group Corporation Limited (NORINCO) on its website at the end of December. This is the first time the new bomb's destructive powers have been shown in public, state-run Xinhua News Agency reported. Last year, while waging war against militants in Afghanistan, the US military dropped a GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) weapon, more commonly known as the "Mother of All Bombs," on the Islamic State. Although China is using the same nickname for its bomb, said to weigh several tonnes, the Chinese weapon is smaller and lighter than its American counterpart. Judging from the video and the size of the H-6K's bomb bay, the bomb is approximately five to six meters long, Beijing-based military analyst Wei Dongxu told the Global Times on Thursday. "The massive blast can easily and completely wipe out fortified ground targets such as reinforced buildings, bastions and defence shelters," Wei said. It can also be used to clear a landing zone for troops on helicopters to rappel down, in case the area is covered by obstacles such as forests, Wei noted. Wei said that the Chinese bomb is smaller and lighter than the US one, enabling it to be deployed on the H-6K bomber. "The US bomb is so large that it has to be carried by a larger transport aircraft rather than a bomber," Wei said, noting that a bomber can fly faster and is better at targeting than a transport aircraft, and the Chinese bomb's designer must have had this in mind when it produced the bomb to fit the H-6K. To match the US weapon, Russia developed the "Father of All Bombs" which is both bigger and thermobaric, meaning it uses gas to create a huge fireball rather than a shockwave, Wired reported. A NORINCO representative clarified that the bomb shown in the video is not a thermobaric weapon, but did not provide additional details, the Global Times report said.

China develops its own 'Mother of All Bombs': Report

Foreign powers, including<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-now-says-he-told-putin-we-cant-have-meddling-in-us-elections-152735"> Russia</a>, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-denies-meddling-in-us-mid-term-elections-166628">China</a> and Iran, sought to influence voters in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-moves-to-crack-down-on-asylum-seekers-ahead-of-us-elections-174989">US&nbsp;2018 mid-term elections</a>, but there is no evidence of any penetration into US&nbsp;voting systems, the top US&nbsp;intelligence official said on Friday.

US&nbsp;Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats added that the intelligence community did not assess the impact of the foreign influence efforts on the election results.

The findings were included in a report that Coats submitted to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/hours-ahead-of-midnight-deadline-trump-meets-republican-senators-to-thrash-out-wall-funding-dilemma-185729">US&nbsp;President Donald Trump</a> and US&nbsp;agencies involved in election security as required by an executive order signed by Trump in September.

The order declared election interference a national emergency in the wake of an intelligence assessment that Russia conducted an influence operation to sway the 2016 presidential vote to Trump over his Democratic challenger Hillary Clinton.

Russia denies that it interfered in the 2016 contest.

"At this time, the intelligence community does not have intelligence reporting that indicates any compromise of our nation's election infrastructure that would have prevented voting, changed vote counts or disrupted the ability to tally votes," Coats said in a statement on the 2018 election report.

"The activity we did see was consistent with what we shared in the weeks leading up to the election," he continued. "Russia, and other foreign countries, including China and Iran, conducted influence activities and messaging campaigns targeted at the United States to promote their strategic interests."

Coats did not elaborate on details of the foreign influence operations, and he said that the intelligence community did not assess their impact on voters who last month elected a new US&nbsp;Congress, state legislatures, governors and other officials.

"The Russians did not go away after the 2016 election," Mark Warner, the senior Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said in a statement on the new report.

"Now that the Russian playbook is out in the open, we're going to see more and more adversaries trying to take advantage of the openness of our society to sow division and attempt to manipulate Americans," Warner added.

Special Counsel <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/lawyer-says-mueller-can-interview-trump-only-over-my-dead-body-184611">Robert Mueller</a> is investigating possible collusion during the 2016 presidential race between Russia and the Trump campaign. Trump denies any cooperation and has repeatedly denounced Mueller's probe as a "witch hunt."

Foreign powers, including Russia, China and Iran, sought to influence voters in the US 2018 mid-term elections, but there is no evidence of any penetration into US voting systems, the top US intelligence official said on Friday.

Foreign powers, including Russia, China and Iran, sought to influence voters in the US 2018 mid-term elections, but there is no evidence of any penetration into US voting systems, the top US intelligence official said on Friday. US Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats added that the intelligence community did not assess the impact of the foreign influence efforts on the election results. The findings were included in a report that Coats submitted to US President Donald Trump and US agencies involved in election security as required by an executive order signed by Trump in September. The order declared election interference a national emergency in the wake of an intelligence assessment that Russia conducted an influence operation to sway the 2016 presidential vote to Trump over his Democratic challenger Hillary Clinton. Russia denies that it interfered in the 2016 contest. "At this time, the intelligence community does not have intelligence reporting that indicates any compromise of our nation's election infrastructure that would have prevented voting, changed vote counts or disrupted the ability to tally votes," Coats said in a statement on the 2018 election report. "The activity we did see was consistent with what we shared in the weeks leading up to the election," he continued. "Russia, and other foreign countries, including China and Iran, conducted influence activities and messaging campaigns targeted at the United States to promote their strategic interests." Coats did not elaborate on details of the foreign influence operations, and he said that the intelligence community did not assess their impact on voters who last month elected a new US Congress, state legislatures, governors and other officials. "The Russians did not go away after the 2016 election," Mark Warner, the senior Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said in a statement on the new report. "Now that the Russian playbook is out in the open, we're going to see more and more adversaries trying to take advantage of the openness of our society to sow division and attempt to manipulate Americans," Warner added. Special Counsel Robert Mueller is investigating possible collusion during the 2016 presidential race between Russia and the Trump campaign. Trump denies any cooperation and has repeatedly denounced Mueller's probe as a "witch hunt."

Russia, China, Iran sought to influence midterm elections: US spy chief

Chinese President Xi Jinping speaking at the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-and-china-called-a-truce-in-the-trade-war-now-what-181070">Great Hall in Beijing to mark </a>the 40th anniversary of reforms, said that no one can "dictate" to China what "it should or shouldn't do".

"No one is in a position to dictate to the Chinese people what should or should not be done," Xi told communist party leaders congregated at the Great Hall.

During his address to the nation, Xi vowed to "reform and open up" the economy. Xi also called both the state economy and the "non-state economy" to help in the development process.

"We must resolutely reform what should and can be changed, we must resolutely not reform what shouldn't and can't be changed," he said

"We will reinforce the development of the state economy while guiding the development of the non-state economy," Xi added in Beijing's Great Hall of the People.

"Opening brings progress while closure leads to backwardness," he concluded.

Xi's statement comes amid heightened trade war with the US which has since abated after the Chinese president met President Trump at G20 to call for a 90-day truce.&nbsp;

The Chinese president was speaking at the landmark event in China's communist party&nbsp;history which occurred on December 18, 1978 when the party ratified the reforms of Deng Xiaoping leading to China's growth which fuelled the economy and moved millions out of poverty.

"The leadership of the Communist Party of China is the most essential feature of socialism with Chinese characteristics and the greatest advantage of the socialist system with Chinese characteristics," he observed.

Chinese President Xi Jinping speaking at the Great Hall in Beijing to mark the 40th anniversary of reforms, said that no one can "dictate" to China what "it should or shouldn't do".

Chinese President Xi Jinping speaking at the Great Hall in Beijing to mark the 40th anniversary of reforms, said that no one can "dictate" to China what "it should or shouldn't do". "No one is in a position to dictate to the Chinese people what should or should not be done," Xi told communist party leaders congregated at the Great Hall. During his address to the nation, Xi vowed to "reform and open up" the economy. Xi also called both the state economy and the "non-state economy" to help in the development process. "We must resolutely reform what should and can be changed, we must resolutely not reform what shouldn't and can't be changed," he said "We will reinforce the development of the state economy while guiding the development of the non-state economy," Xi added in Beijing's Great Hall of the People. "Opening brings progress while closure leads to backwardness," he concluded. Xi's statement comes amid heightened trade war with the US which has since abated after the Chinese president met President Trump at G20 to call for a 90-day truce. The Chinese president was speaking at the landmark event in China's communist party history which occurred on December 18, 1978 when the party ratified the reforms of Deng Xiaoping leading to China's growth which fuelled the economy and moved millions out of poverty. "The leadership of the Communist Party of China is the most essential feature of socialism with Chinese characteristics and the greatest advantage of the socialist system with Chinese characteristics," he observed.

No one can dictate to China what it should or shouldn't do: President Xi

At the recently held G20 Summit, India’s participation in the Quad meeting and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's informal meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and US Vice President Mike Pence can be seen as an effort to build balanced and cordial relationships with the major global players.

India has a set of convergences and divergences of interests with China, USA and Russia. We have so far been able to keep these relations separate from one another.&nbsp;

India’s differences with China on certain aspects of Sino-Pak nexus, South China Sea row and India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) can also be viewed as a convergence of interests with the US.&nbsp;

Similarly, India’s differences with the US on trade, climate change, and CAATSA, in the context of Russia, can be seen as the convergence of interests with China.

The silver lining is that the US, being our strategic partner, will like to have India's support it in its military operations in case Pakistan does not serve its strategic interest. The US waiver on Chabahar port and import of Iranian oil for the next six months is a welcome step by the US towards India. &nbsp;

After India's suggestion to expand the scope and dimension of QUAD, opening it up to other affected countries, there is a general feeling amongst other QUAD members that India is perhaps getting softer towards China.&nbsp;

The reality is that India has an independent foreign policy. &nbsp;In the Indo-Pacific region, it stands with US, Japan and Australia in checking Chinese encroachment of global commons like the South China Sea. India seeks to enable seamless movement in international water and rule-based order.&nbsp;

India, therefore, has to maintain harmonious relations with all its strategic partners and neighbours to pursue its national interest. Despite such complexities, the silver lining is that the US, as well as China, want better relations with India.

Russia also will not like to lose the largest purchaser of its military hardware and a strategic partnership which stood the test of time even in ‘Heated Cold War’ era.

 The number of bilateral and trilateral meetings attended by India at the G20 Summit clearly explains the balanced diplomatic exercises carried out by India as per its national interest. Indian participation in two significant trilateral meetings - US-Japan-India and China-Russia-India clearly indicates the efforts required to balance relations with two separate groupings.&nbsp;

At G20, India flagged the issue of cooperation in dealing with the fugitive offenders and countering terrorism besides many other issues that represent India’s strategic interest. 
 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

At the recently held G20 Summit, India’s participation in the Quad meeting and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's informal meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and US Vice President Mike Pence can be seen as an effort to build balanced and cordial relationships with the major global players.

At the recently held G20 Summit, India’s participation in the Quad meeting and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's informal meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and US Vice President Mike Pence can be seen as an effort to build balanced and cordial relationships with the major global players. India has a set of convergences and divergences of interests with China, USA and Russia. We have so far been able to keep these relations separate from one another. India’s differences with China on certain aspects of Sino-Pak nexus, South China Sea row and India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) can also be viewed as a convergence of interests with the US. Similarly, India’s differences with the US on trade, climate change, and CAATSA, in the context of Russia, can be seen as the convergence of interests with China. The silver lining is that the US, being our strategic partner, will like to have India's support it in its military operations in case Pakistan does not serve its strategic interest. The US waiver on Chabahar port and import of Iranian oil for the next six months is a welcome step by the US towards India. After India's suggestion to expand the scope and dimension of QUAD, opening it up to other affected countries, there is a general feeling amongst other QUAD members that India is perhaps getting softer towards China. The reality is that India has an independent foreign policy. In the Indo-Pacific region, it stands with US, Japan and Australia in checking Chinese encroachment of global commons like the South China Sea. India seeks to enable seamless movement in international water and rule-based order. India, therefore, has to maintain harmonious relations with all its strategic partners and neighbours to pursue its national interest. Despite such complexities, the silver lining is that the US, as well as China, want better relations with India. Russia also will not like to lose the largest purchaser of its military hardware and a strategic partnership which stood the test of time even in ‘Heated Cold War’ era.  The number of bilateral and trilateral meetings attended by India at the G20 Summit clearly explains the balanced diplomatic exercises carried out by India as per its national interest. Indian participation in two significant trilateral meetings - US-Japan-India and China-Russia-India clearly indicates the efforts required to balance relations with two separate groupings. At G20, India flagged the issue of cooperation in dealing with the fugitive offenders and countering terrorism besides many other issues that represent India’s strategic interest. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

India displayed smart diplomacy at G20 Summit

By Greg Raymond 
 
There is no evidence that China has ever contemplated using its nuclear weapons to coerce another state. Instead, China has maintained a “no first use policy” on nuclear weapons. Surprising as it may sound to many, China wants to build an image of itself as a responsible power.

But the fact remains that China could threaten to use those weapons to force the Australian government into, say, ceasing its patrols of the South China Sea, regardless of the much-debated US “nuclear umbrella” in East Asia.

This is the reality that Australian defence planners have lived with for some 50 years. Australian defence force planning has long accepted the premise that our self-reliance needs to be viewed within an alliance context. As recently as 2009, the government plainly conceded that the Australian Defence Force was not expected to deal with a situation:

…where we were under threat from a major power whose military capabilities were simply beyond our capacity to resist.

In such a situation, we don’t expect to be alone.

This point is important to bear in mind when we consider recent discussions of a “Plan B” to strengthen Australia’s defence posture.

Commentators have suggested recently that Australia’s strategic risk is increasing and the A$195 billion defence spending plan announced in the 2016 Defence White Paper is now insufficient.

Australian taxpayers would certainly be interested to know why a plan that doubles our submarine fleet, significantly expands our navy and adds 100 of the most advanced and expensive combat aircraft ever invented would now be seen as insufficient.

The answer lies in the shifting strategic landscape in the Asia-Pacific region, which has led to greater concerns about China’s long-term intentions and rising tensions between China and the US. So what exactly has changed? 
 
China’s recent activities in the region

Since the last Defence White Paper in 2016, Australian defence observers have been alarmed by four things:

<ol>
	<li>China’s rejection of the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s ruling that deemed its nine-dash line claim in the South China Sea illegal 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>China’s conversion of its South China Sea artificial islands into military bases, which was largely complete by the end of 2016, despite a pledge President Xi Jinping gave then-President Barack Obama that China had “no intention to militarise” the islands 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Reports in April of this year that China was establishing partnerships with Pacific nations like Vanuatu for potential future military bases and other arrangements&nbsp; 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The election of Donald Trump as US president and the uncertainty this has brought to the region due to his disparaging of traditional alliances and disdain for multilateral institutions</li>
</ol>

These events have occurred against a backdrop of China’s rapidly expanding global footprint. This includes the establishment of its first overseas military base in Djibouti on the Horn of Africa, and its growing access to regional ports such as the controversial Hambantota port in Sri Lanka, which the Sri Lankan government ceded to Beijing on a 99-year lease.

These regional shifts have also come amid growing illiberalism in China, evidence of increasing Chinese intelligence and influence operations in Australia (especially the Dastyari affair) and bullying behaviour from Chinese officials in their meetings with Australian politicians.

In addition, Trump appears to mark a significant break with the strategic priorities of previous US administrations. He’s threatened to walk away from America’s support for the traditional allies and global trade institutions that have characterised US foreign policy since the Second World War. This has put unprecedented distance between the United States and Australia, which as a middle power needs healthy global institutions.

But in China, it’s different. The Trump administration and importantly, the US security apparatus, share Australia’s darkening view of China to the point we may now be seeing a new Cold War developing in the region.

Case in point: the recent announcement of US participation in the development of a joint naval base with Australia on Papua New Guinea’s Manus Island. This is clear evidence of the US’s new willingness to compete with China and a signal the US wants to dispel the uncertainty left in the region in the wake of Obama’s problematic “pivot” to Asia.

Assessing the risks for Australia 
 
In assessing whether Australia needs a steep increase in its defence spending, there are two questions we must ask: Firstly, what regional developments could the 2016 Defence White Paper not have anticipated? And of these, which equate to risks that increased defence spending can obviate?

Our defence planners have been well aware since at least 2009 of China’s gradually modernising defence forces and steadily growing navy. China’s moves toward a blue-water fleet, including new carriers and cruisers, were also well understood in 2016.

While the artificial islands in the South China Sea were still being built, their eventual militarisation was also anticipated by Australian defence leaders, despite China’s protestations to the contrary.

But even knowing all of this, Australia’s defence planners essentially decided in the 2016 White Paper to continue with the “Force 2030” force structure they envisaged in 2009. There have been some additions like shore-based anti-ship missiles, but our plan has largely been focused on enablers – that is, the capability to make the force operate with greater certainty, precision and coordination. Importantly, this White Paper did not envisage Australia fighting China on its own.

Of the strategic developments involving China since 2016 – from the revelations of its influence operations to its new-found interest in the Pacific – the question defence planners should now be asking is whether any undermine the fundamental judgements of the 2016 White Paper. Do they point to a need to radically change Australia’s defence posture?

Combating China’s illicit influence in Australia is being dealt with through our stronger foreign influence laws. Offsetting China’s influence in the Pacific will be best undertaken through Australia’s aid and diplomatic programmes.

This leaves the big question of the role of the US in the Asia-Pacific region – the most critical of defence planning factors. Will Australia be left on its own in the foreseeable future?

And here we must observe that despite Trump’s anti-alliance rhetoric, the American force posture in the Western Pacific actually remains unchanged. There have been no base closures and no force draw-downs as of yet from the bases encircling China in Guam, Japan and South Korea, though Trump has threatened this.

Moreover, the hardening US view against China means a likely strengthening of its Asia-Pacific posture under the new National Security Statement, the cardinal US security policy document.

In fact, the US is now expanding its presence in the region with the announcement of the new joint naval base on Manus Island. The US also recently put its nuclear deterrence guarantee to Australia in writing for the first time in history. And the American Marine build-up in Darwin continues.

Although China’s military advances are making the task of possibly defeating its navy more challenging, the fact remains that it will be a long time before it’s able to start a war with the US confident of victory. The US also seems unwilling to leave China to dominate Asia.

In these circumstances, would China use its forces against other countries in the region, like Australia, without the US getting involved? In my view, it could not.

Therefore, while every responsible government should continue to assess defence planning and ensure appropriate levels of readiness, the case for a sharply increased defence spending plan is not at this point compelling. 
 
(Greg Raymond is Research fellow, Australian National University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/with-china-us-tensions-on-the-rise-does-australia-need-a-new-defence-strategy-106515">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

By Greg Raymond There is no evidence that China has ever contemplated using its nuclear weapons to coerce another state. Instead, China has maintained a “no first use policy” on nuclear weapons.

By Greg Raymond There is no evidence that China has ever contemplated using its nuclear weapons to coerce another state. Instead, China has maintained a “no first use policy” on nuclear weapons. Surprising as it may sound to many, China wants to build an image of itself as a responsible power. But the fact remains that China could threaten to use those weapons to force the Australian government into, say, ceasing its patrols of the South China Sea, regardless of the much-debated US “nuclear umbrella” in East Asia. This is the reality that Australian defence planners have lived with for some 50 years. Australian defence force planning has long accepted the premise that our self-reliance needs to be viewed within an alliance context. As recently as 2009, the government plainly conceded that the Australian Defence Force was not expected to deal with a situation: …where we were under threat from a major power whose military capabilities were simply beyond our capacity to resist. In such a situation, we don’t expect to be alone. This point is important to bear in mind when we consider recent discussions of a “Plan B” to strengthen Australia’s defence posture. Commentators have suggested recently that Australia’s strategic risk is increasing and the A$195 billion defence spending plan announced in the 2016 Defence White Paper is now insufficient. Australian taxpayers would certainly be interested to know why a plan that doubles our submarine fleet, significantly expands our navy and adds 100 of the most advanced and expensive combat aircraft ever invented would now be seen as insufficient. The answer lies in the shifting strategic landscape in the Asia-Pacific region, which has led to greater concerns about China’s long-term intentions and rising tensions between China and the US. So what exactly has changed? China’s recent activities in the region Since the last Defence White Paper in 2016, Australian defence observers have been alarmed by four things: China’s rejection of the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s ruling that deemed its nine-dash line claim in the South China Sea illegal China’s conversion of its South China Sea artificial islands into military bases, which was largely complete by the end of 2016, despite a pledge President Xi Jinping gave then-President Barack Obama that China had “no intention to militarise” the islands Reports in April of this year that China was establishing partnerships with Pacific nations like Vanuatu for potential future military bases and other arrangements The election of Donald Trump as US president and the uncertainty this has brought to the region due to his disparaging of traditional alliances and disdain for multilateral institutions These events have occurred against a backdrop of China’s rapidly expanding global footprint. This includes the establishment of its first overseas military base in Djibouti on the Horn of Africa, and its growing access to regional ports such as the controversial Hambantota port in Sri Lanka, which the Sri Lankan government ceded to Beijing on a 99-year lease. These regional shifts have also come amid growing illiberalism in China, evidence of increasing Chinese intelligence and influence operations in Australia (especially the Dastyari affair) and bullying behaviour from Chinese officials in their meetings with Australian politicians. In addition, Trump appears to mark a significant break with the strategic priorities of previous US administrations. He’s threatened to walk away from America’s support for the traditional allies and global trade institutions that have characterised US foreign policy since the Second World War. This has put unprecedented distance between the United States and Australia, which as a middle power needs healthy global institutions. But in China, it’s different. The Trump administration and importantly, the US security apparatus, share Australia’s darkening view of China to the point we may now be seeing a new Cold War developing in the region. Case in point: the recent announcement of US participation in the development of a joint naval base with Australia on Papua New Guinea’s Manus Island. This is clear evidence of the US’s new willingness to compete with China and a signal the US wants to dispel the uncertainty left in the region in the wake of Obama’s problematic “pivot” to Asia. Assessing the risks for Australia In assessing whether Australia needs a steep increase in its defence spending, there are two questions we must ask: Firstly, what regional developments could the 2016 Defence White Paper not have anticipated? And of these, which equate to risks that increased defence spending can obviate? Our defence planners have been well aware since at least 2009 of China’s gradually modernising defence forces and steadily growing navy. China’s moves toward a blue-water fleet, including new carriers and cruisers, were also well understood in 2016. While the artificial islands in the South China Sea were still being built, their eventual militarisation was also anticipated by Australian defence leaders, despite China’s protestations to the contrary. But even knowing all of this, Australia’s defence planners essentially decided in the 2016 White Paper to continue with the “Force 2030” force structure they envisaged in 2009. There have been some additions like shore-based anti-ship missiles, but our plan has largely been focused on enablers – that is, the capability to make the force operate with greater certainty, precision and coordination. Importantly, this White Paper did not envisage Australia fighting China on its own. Of the strategic developments involving China since 2016 – from the revelations of its influence operations to its new-found interest in the Pacific – the question defence planners should now be asking is whether any undermine the fundamental judgements of the 2016 White Paper. Do they point to a need to radically change Australia’s defence posture? Combating China’s illicit influence in Australia is being dealt with through our stronger foreign influence laws. Offsetting China’s influence in the Pacific will be best undertaken through Australia’s aid and diplomatic programmes. This leaves the big question of the role of the US in the Asia-Pacific region – the most critical of defence planning factors. Will Australia be left on its own in the foreseeable future? And here we must observe that despite Trump’s anti-alliance rhetoric, the American force posture in the Western Pacific actually remains unchanged. There have been no base closures and no force draw-downs as of yet from the bases encircling China in Guam, Japan and South Korea, though Trump has threatened this. Moreover, the hardening US view against China means a likely strengthening of its Asia-Pacific posture under the new National Security Statement, the cardinal US security policy document. In fact, the US is now expanding its presence in the region with the announcement of the new joint naval base on Manus Island. The US also recently put its nuclear deterrence guarantee to Australia in writing for the first time in history. And the American Marine build-up in Darwin continues. Although China’s military advances are making the task of possibly defeating its navy more challenging, the fact remains that it will be a long time before it’s able to start a war with the US confident of victory. The US also seems unwilling to leave China to dominate Asia. In these circumstances, would China use its forces against other countries in the region, like Australia, without the US getting involved? In my view, it could not. Therefore, while every responsible government should continue to assess defence planning and ensure appropriate levels of readiness, the case for a sharply increased defence spending plan is not at this point compelling. (Greg Raymond is Research fellow, Australian National University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

With China-US tensions on the rise, does Australia need a new defence strategy?

China challenged the United States Friday to show evidence to support charges that Beijing backed a scheme by Chinese and Taiwanese companies to steal trade secrets from a US-based semiconductor firm.

US Attorney General Jeff Sessions accused the companies on Thursday of stealing an estimated $8.75 billion worth of know-how from semiconductor giant Micron.

The Justice Department unveiled criminal charges against Chinese state-owned Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit Co., and United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) of Taiwan, along with three UMC officials.

It said they conspired to steal US-based Micron's advanced designs to turn Fujian Jinhua into a major player in the global computer chip market.

"If the US side is really concerned, they should provide concrete examples that can withstand the test of evidence and facts," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a regular press briefing.

The charges were the latest in a series of cases targeting what Washington calls an ongoing Beijing programme to steal valuable US industrial and commercial secrets in order to advance the Chinese economy.

"Taken together, these cases and many others like them paint a grim picture of a country bent on stealing its way up the ladder of economic development and doing so at American expense," Sessions said.

"This behaviour is illegal. It is wrong. It is a threat to our national security. And it must stop."

US President Donald Trump has cited China's alleged theft of US technological know-how among a litany of grievances in his trade war with the Asian power.

Trump and Xi spoke on the phone about trade and other issues hours after the charges were announced, and the US leader tweeted that the pair had a "very good" conversation.

Xi said he was "very happy" to talk to Trump again and that he would like to see him at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires later this month, adding that the two countries should "push for a mutually acceptable solution to China-US economic and trade issues", according to state media.

- Chip designs - 
The indictment released in the US district court in San Jose, California alleges that three former Micron employees in Taiwan -- Stephen Chen Zhengkun, He Jianting and Kenny Wang Yungming -- joined UMC in 2015 and 2016 with the express plan to hand over to the company Micron's design and manufacturing processes for specific dynamic random access memory (DRAM) semiconductors.

Those would then be transferred to Fujian Jinhua under an contract set by Chen.

Prior to the plot, US prosecutors said, neither the Chinese nor the Taiwanese company had any DRAM production capability.

But China had set out the goal of acquiring DRAM capability in its current strategic economy plan.

Chen was originally a top executive at Micron's Taiwan operation. He moved in 2015 to lead UMC, a contract chip manufacturer listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and subsequently became president of Fujian Jinhua.

- Competitive threat to Micron - 
The theft posed a major threat to Micron, a company valued at around $100 billion and which controls 20-25 percent of the global market for DRAM chips.

The indictment came four months after Fujian Jinhua won a patent dispute with Micron in a Chinese court, gaining an order for the US company to stop sales in China of more than a dozen solid-state drives, memory sticks and chips.

In retaliation, the US Commerce Department on Monday placed heavy restrictions on Fujian Jinhua's ability to buy US machinery and materials for its factories that would boost its DRAM production capabilities.

In addition to the criminal charges announced Thursday, the Justice Department filed a civil lawsuit to block imports of any UMC and Fujian Jinhua products using stolen Micron technology.

In recent years Washington has stepped up its fight against China's alleged ongoing economic espionage programme to obtain all sorts of advanced technologies, from agriculture to heavy manufacturing.

"China is probably, over the long term, the biggest challenge, national security challenge that faces our country," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday in an interview with Fox News' Laura Ingraham.

"Where the semiconductor piece fits in is, it's part of a mosaic of our strategic effort to push back against this continued Chinese effort."

China challenged the United States Friday to show evidence to support charges that Beijing backed a scheme by Chinese and Taiwanese companies to steal trade secrets from a US-based semiconductor firm.

China challenged the United States Friday to show evidence to support charges that Beijing backed a scheme by Chinese and Taiwanese companies to steal trade secrets from a US-based semiconductor firm. US Attorney General Jeff Sessions accused the companies on Thursday of stealing an estimated $8.75 billion worth of know-how from semiconductor giant Micron. The Justice Department unveiled criminal charges against Chinese state-owned Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit Co., and United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) of Taiwan, along with three UMC officials. It said they conspired to steal US-based Micron's advanced designs to turn Fujian Jinhua into a major player in the global computer chip market. "If the US side is really concerned, they should provide concrete examples that can withstand the test of evidence and facts," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a regular press briefing. The charges were the latest in a series of cases targeting what Washington calls an ongoing Beijing programme to steal valuable US industrial and commercial secrets in order to advance the Chinese economy. "Taken together, these cases and many others like them paint a grim picture of a country bent on stealing its way up the ladder of economic development and doing so at American expense," Sessions said. "This behaviour is illegal. It is wrong. It is a threat to our national security. And it must stop." US President Donald Trump has cited China's alleged theft of US technological know-how among a litany of grievances in his trade war with the Asian power. Trump and Xi spoke on the phone about trade and other issues hours after the charges were announced, and the US leader tweeted that the pair had a "very good" conversation. Xi said he was "very happy" to talk to Trump again and that he would like to see him at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires later this month, adding that the two countries should "push for a mutually acceptable solution to China-US economic and trade issues", according to state media. - Chip designs - The indictment released in the US district court in San Jose, California alleges that three former Micron employees in Taiwan -- Stephen Chen Zhengkun, He Jianting and Kenny Wang Yungming -- joined UMC in 2015 and 2016 with the express plan to hand over to the company Micron's design and manufacturing processes for specific dynamic random access memory (DRAM) semiconductors. Those would then be transferred to Fujian Jinhua under an contract set by Chen. Prior to the plot, US prosecutors said, neither the Chinese nor the Taiwanese company had any DRAM production capability. But China had set out the goal of acquiring DRAM capability in its current strategic economy plan. Chen was originally a top executive at Micron's Taiwan operation. He moved in 2015 to lead UMC, a contract chip manufacturer listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and subsequently became president of Fujian Jinhua. - Competitive threat to Micron - The theft posed a major threat to Micron, a company valued at around $100 billion and which controls 20-25 percent of the global market for DRAM chips. The indictment came four months after Fujian Jinhua won a patent dispute with Micron in a Chinese court, gaining an order for the US company to stop sales in China of more than a dozen solid-state drives, memory sticks and chips. In retaliation, the US Commerce Department on Monday placed heavy restrictions on Fujian Jinhua's ability to buy US machinery and materials for its factories that would boost its DRAM production capabilities. In addition to the criminal charges announced Thursday, the Justice Department filed a civil lawsuit to block imports of any UMC and Fujian Jinhua products using stolen Micron technology. In recent years Washington has stepped up its fight against China's alleged ongoing economic espionage programme to obtain all sorts of advanced technologies, from agriculture to heavy manufacturing. "China is probably, over the long term, the biggest challenge, national security challenge that faces our country," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday in an interview with Fox News' Laura Ingraham. "Where the semiconductor piece fits in is, it's part of a mosaic of our strategic effort to push back against this continued Chinese effort."

China challenges US to provide 'evidence' in trade secrets case

US defence secretary James Mattis met his Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghe on Friday and declared that both countries should "try to keep on a path of transparency and stability".

"We want a military relationship that is a source of stability between our two countries," Mattis said after meeting Fenghe.

The US and Chinese military have been on edge over tensions in the South China Sea with US jets periodically flying over the disputed islands, a move which China has often criticised.

"We do not want tensions, we want a constructive relationship and we'll continue to cooperate where ever we can," Mattis said, adding,"we are concerned about the militarisation of the features in the South China Sea because of the inhibition of free and open commerce of all nations no matter what size."

The South China Sea islands are claimed by a string of countries including Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei leading to tensions with China.&nbsp;

Wei Fenghe and James Mattis decided to deepen mutual trust between the two militaries as tensions have mounted over the past few months.

Wei, however, added that China stands firm on principles guiding issues of Taiwan and the South China Sea, and that the Chinese military takes "unswerving stance"&nbsp;on safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development.

During the meeting held on the sidelines of the5th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus in Singapore, Mattis said differences between the two countries does not mean confrontation adding that "competition doesn't mean hostility".

Ahead of the meeting, China's Taiwan affairs spokesman &nbsp;Ma Xiaoguang had said that China was opposed to any "official contact or military ties" in any form between the United States and Taiwan.

"China's position on this issue is consistent and clear. The Taiwan issue, vital for China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, concerns China's core interests," Xiaoguang said, cautioning that all the parties involved to act prudently, so as not to "harm the peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait."

US defence secretary James Mattis met his Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghe on Friday and declared that both countries should "try to keep on a path of transparency and stability".

US defence secretary James Mattis met his Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghe on Friday and declared that both countries should "try to keep on a path of transparency and stability". "We want a military relationship that is a source of stability between our two countries," Mattis said after meeting Fenghe. The US and Chinese military have been on edge over tensions in the South China Sea with US jets periodically flying over the disputed islands, a move which China has often criticised. "We do not want tensions, we want a constructive relationship and we'll continue to cooperate where ever we can," Mattis said, adding,"we are concerned about the militarisation of the features in the South China Sea because of the inhibition of free and open commerce of all nations no matter what size." The South China Sea islands are claimed by a string of countries including Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei leading to tensions with China. Wei Fenghe and James Mattis decided to deepen mutual trust between the two militaries as tensions have mounted over the past few months. Wei, however, added that China stands firm on principles guiding issues of Taiwan and the South China Sea, and that the Chinese military takes "unswerving stance" on safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development. During the meeting held on the sidelines of the5th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus in Singapore, Mattis said differences between the two countries does not mean confrontation adding that "competition doesn't mean hostility". Ahead of the meeting, China's Taiwan affairs spokesman Ma Xiaoguang had said that China was opposed to any "official contact or military ties" in any form between the United States and Taiwan. "China's position on this issue is consistent and clear. The Taiwan issue, vital for China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, concerns China's core interests," Xiaoguang said, cautioning that all the parties involved to act prudently, so as not to "harm the peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait."

Want military relationship with China that is source of stability: Mattis

The US&nbspState Department has brought a group of diplomats home from Guangzhou, China, over concerns they were suffering from a mysterious malady that resembles a brain injury and has already affected US&nbsppersonnel in Cuba, its spokeswoman said on Wednesday.

After confirming one government employee had "suffered a medical incident" in the southern Chinese city, the department deployed a team to screen employees and family members at its consulate there, spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement.

"As a result of the screening process so far, the department has sent a number of individuals for further evaluation and a comprehensive assessment of their symptoms and findings in the United States," Nauert said.

"Medical professionals will continue to conduct full evaluations to determine the cause of the reported symptoms and whether the findings are consistent with those noted in previously affected government personnel or possibly completely unrelated," she said.

The New York Times reported on Wednesday that the State Department had evacuated at least two Americans who fell ill after hearing strange noises in China.

Last year, 24 US&nbspgovernment employees and family members in Cuba displayed the symptoms, which were similar to those related to concussions and mild traumatic brain injury, according to the State Department.

The illnesses among the American diplomats stationed in Havana heightened tensions between the old cold war foes.

Secretary of state Mike Pompeo released a statement on Tuesday saying the department established a task force last month "to direct a multi-agency response to the unexplained health incidents."

"The precise nature of the injuries suffered by the affected personnel, and whether a common cause exists for all cases, has not yet been established," Pompeo said.

The New York Times reported on Wednesday that the State Department had evacuated at least two Americans

The US&nbspState Department has brought a group of diplomats home from Guangzhou, China, over concerns they were suffering from a mysterious malady that resembles a brain injury and has already affected US&nbsppersonnel in Cuba, its spokeswoman said on Wednesday. After confirming one government employee had "suffered a medical incident" in the southern Chinese city, the department deployed a team to screen employees and family members at its consulate there, spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement. "As a result of the screening process so far, the department has sent a number of individuals for further evaluation and a comprehensive assessment of their symptoms and findings in the United States," Nauert said. "Medical professionals will continue to conduct full evaluations to determine the cause of the reported symptoms and whether the findings are consistent with those noted in previously affected government personnel or possibly completely unrelated," she said. The New York Times reported on Wednesday that the State Department had evacuated at least two Americans who fell ill after hearing strange noises in China. Last year, 24 US&nbspgovernment employees and family members in Cuba displayed the symptoms, which were similar to those related to concussions and mild traumatic brain injury, according to the State Department. The illnesses among the American diplomats stationed in Havana heightened tensions between the old cold war foes. Secretary of state Mike Pompeo released a statement on Tuesday saying the department established a task force last month "to direct a multi-agency response to the unexplained health incidents." "The precise nature of the injuries suffered by the affected personnel, and whether a common cause exists for all cases, has not yet been established," Pompeo said.

Diplomats brought back from China due to mystery illness: US

In response to the reports of US diplomats getting sick from a mysterious disease, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said that it has conducted an investigation and "found no cause or clues" regarding the reports.

She said, "relevant authorities of China have conducted investigations and given the feedback to the US. We haven't found the cause or the clues that led to the situation mentioned by the US".&nbsp;

While speaking in a regular media briefing, she informed that it has conducted an invetigation after the first case came out.

The United States state department on Thursday evacuated a group of diplomats back to the US from Guangzhou, China over concerns that they are suffering from a mysterious illness similar to the report of a personnel suffering in Cuba. which according to reports resembles brain injury.

After confirming one government employee had "suffered a medical incident" in the southern Chinese city, the department deployed a team to screen employees and family members at its consulate there, spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement.

"As a result of the screening process so far, the department has sent a number of individuals for further evaluation and a comprehensive assessment of their symptoms and findings in the United States," Nauert said.

"Medical professionals will continue to conduct full evaluations to determine the cause of the reported symptoms and whether the findings are consistent with those noted in previously affected government personnel or possibly completely unrelated," she said.

The New York Times reported on Wednesday that the State Department had evacuated at least two Americans who fell ill after hearing strange noises in China.

Last year, 24 US&nbsp;government employees and family members in Cuba displayed the symptoms, which were similar to those related to concussions and mild traumatic brain injury, according to the State Department.

Also read: <a href="http://wionews.com/world/diplomats-brought-back-from-china-due-to-mystery-illness-us-142708">Diplomats brought back from China due to mystery illness: US</a>

(With inputs from Reuters)

Hua Chunying said, 'we haven't found the cause or the clues that led to the situation mentioned by the US'

In response to the reports of US diplomats getting sick from a mysterious disease, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said that it has conducted an investigation and "found no cause or clues" regarding the reports. She said, "relevant authorities of China have conducted investigations and given the feedback to the US. We haven't found the cause or the clues that led to the situation mentioned by the US". While speaking in a regular media briefing, she informed that it has conducted an invetigation after the first case came out. The United States state department on Thursday evacuated a group of diplomats back to the US from Guangzhou, China over concerns that they are suffering from a mysterious illness similar to the report of a personnel suffering in Cuba. which according to reports resembles brain injury. After confirming one government employee had "suffered a medical incident" in the southern Chinese city, the department deployed a team to screen employees and family members at its consulate there, spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement. "As a result of the screening process so far, the department has sent a number of individuals for further evaluation and a comprehensive assessment of their symptoms and findings in the United States," Nauert said. "Medical professionals will continue to conduct full evaluations to determine the cause of the reported symptoms and whether the findings are consistent with those noted in previously affected government personnel or possibly completely unrelated," she said. The New York Times reported on Wednesday that the State Department had evacuated at least two Americans who fell ill after hearing strange noises in China. Last year, 24 US government employees and family members in Cuba displayed the symptoms, which were similar to those related to concussions and mild traumatic brain injury, according to the State Department. Also read: Diplomats brought back from China due to mystery illness: US (With inputs from Reuters)

China says 'no clue' on mystery illness striking US diplomats

Tensions between US and China over South China would continue to brew after defence secretary Jim Mattis said the United States will continue its &nbsp"freedom of navigation" drills in the contentious area.

"You'll notice there's only one country that seems to take active steps to rebuff (such operations) or state their resentment of them, but it's international waters and a lot of nations want to see freedom of navigation, so we will continue that," Mattis said.

US warships have been conducting drills in the South China Sea, an act which has greatly angered China. On Sunday, two US warships sailed near the South China Sea islands claimed by China.

The Higgins guided-missile destroyer and the Antietam, a guided-missile cruiser reportedly came within 12 nautical miles of the Paracel Islands.

"When they (Chinese) do things that are opaque to the rest of us, then we cannot cooperate in areas that we would otherwise cooperate in," Mattis said, adding,"we are going out of our way to cooperate with Pacific nations, that's the way we do business in the world, but we are also going to confront what we believe is out of step with international law."&nbsp

China's territorial claims in the area is disputed by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. China on its part has been flying its bombers on the disputed islands as part of its training exercise.

China's territorial claims in the area is disputed by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Tensions between US and China over South China would continue to brew after defence secretary Jim Mattis said the United States will continue its "freedom of navigation" drills in the contentious area. "You'll notice there's only one country that seems to take active steps to rebuff (such operations) or state their resentment of them, but it's international waters and a lot of nations want to see freedom of navigation, so we will continue that," Mattis said. US warships have been conducting drills in the South China Sea, an act which has greatly angered China. On Sunday, two US warships sailed near the South China Sea islands claimed by China. The Higgins guided-missile destroyer and the Antietam, a guided-missile cruiser reportedly came within 12 nautical miles of the Paracel Islands. "When they (Chinese) do things that are opaque to the rest of us, then we cannot cooperate in areas that we would otherwise cooperate in," Mattis said, adding,"we are going out of our way to cooperate with Pacific nations, that's the way we do business in the world, but we are also going to confront what we believe is out of step with international law." China's territorial claims in the area is disputed by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. China on its part has been flying its bombers on the disputed islands as part of its training exercise.

Want to see freedom of navigation so will continue operations in South China Sea: US

In a bid to soften his stand, US president Donald Trump said today that different &nbspstructure was needed for trade deals with China as the present one was "too hard to get done."

Chinese and US officials had met last week to discuss import of agricultural goods in Beijing after the US president had turned the heat on President Xi's regime over Chinese goods entering the US.

Deputy Commissioner of Customs Zhang Jiwen and US Under Secretary of Agriculture Ted McKinney discussed access to &nbspChinese cooked poultry products, citrus fruits and date exports and US exports to China of poultry, rice, feed additives and other products.

"Our Trade Deal with China is moving along nicely, but in the end we will probably have to use a different structure in that this will be too hard to get done and to verify results after completion," Trump said in his Twitter post.

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Our Trade Deal with China is moving along nicely, but in the end we will probably have to use a different structure in that this will be too hard to get done and to verify results after completion.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/999257533327073281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The US president's move comes amid softening of stand between China and the US over trade issues which has riled US officials including Trump. Chinese state media recently said the two countries had huge potential for "win-win business cooperation".

The US has been putting pressure on China to narrow its trade deficit with China which currently stands at &nbsp$335 billion annually. In the early rounds the US had insisted that China reduce its trade surplus by $200 billion, but toned down later.

The US has been putting pressure on China to narrow its trade deficit with China which currently stands at $335 billion annually.

In a bid to soften his stand, US president Donald Trump said today that different &nbspstructure was needed for trade deals with China as the present one was "too hard to get done." Chinese and US officials had met last week to discuss import of agricultural goods in Beijing after the US president had turned the heat on President Xi's regime over Chinese goods entering the US. Deputy Commissioner of Customs Zhang Jiwen and US Under Secretary of Agriculture Ted McKinney discussed access to &nbspChinese cooked poultry products, citrus fruits and date exports and US exports to China of poultry, rice, feed additives and other products. "Our Trade Deal with China is moving along nicely, but in the end we will probably have to use a different structure in that this will be too hard to get done and to verify results after completion," Trump said in his Twitter post. Our Trade Deal with China is moving along nicely, but in the end we will probably have to use a different structure in that this will be too hard to get done and to verify results after completion. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 23, 2018 × The US president's move comes amid softening of stand between China and the US over trade issues which has riled US officials including Trump. Chinese state media recently said the two countries had huge potential for "win-win business cooperation". The US has been putting pressure on China to narrow its trade deficit with China which currently stands at $335 billion annually. In the early rounds the US had insisted that China reduce its trade surplus by $200 billion, but toned down later.

Different structure needed for trade deal with China, declares Trump

China and the US have agreed to abandon a threatened trade war, the news agency Xinhua reported Saturday.&nbsp;

The two countries have also agreed not to raise tariffs on each other.&nbsp;

The report came after Chinese Vice-Premier Liu He led a high-level delegation to the US.&nbsp;

"The two sides reached a consensus, will not fight a trade war, and will stop increasing tariffs on each other," Xinhua reported He as saying.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-agrees-to-import-more-from-us-no-sign-of-us-200-billion-figure-138324">China agrees to import more from </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-agrees-to-import-more-from-us-no-sign-of-us-200-billion-figure-138324">US</a>

The state-owned news agency added that the two sides agreed to take effective measures to substantially decrease the US trade deficit in goods with China.

And that China will significantly increase its purchase of US goods and services to meet the consumption needs of the Chinese people.

Xinhua added that the two countries also agreed to meaningfully increase the export of US agriculture and energy products.&nbsp;

'The two sides reached a consensus, will not fight a trade war, and will stop increasing tariffs on each other," Xinhua reported Chinese Vice-Premier Liu He as saying

China and the US have agreed to abandon a threatened trade war, the news agency Xinhua reported Saturday. The two countries have also agreed not to raise tariffs on each other. The report came after Chinese Vice-Premier Liu He led a high-level delegation to the US. "The two sides reached a consensus, will not fight a trade war, and will stop increasing tariffs on each other," Xinhua reported He as saying. Also read: China agrees to import more from US The state-owned news agency added that the two sides agreed to take effective measures to substantially decrease the US trade deficit in goods with China. And that China will significantly increase its purchase of US goods and services to meet the consumption needs of the Chinese people. Xinhua added that the two countries also agreed to meaningfully increase the export of US agriculture and energy products.

China-US agree to abandon trade war, not raise tariffs: Xinhua

The Trump administration will have a "frank discussion" with the Chinese leadership on a series of trade issues, according to US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin who is leading a high-powered trade delegation to Beijing later this week.

"We're looking to have a very frank discussion on trade, on the issues of the trade imbalance. President (Donald) Trump has been very clear for the last year that he's very focused on the trade deficit and we're looking to correct that," Mnuchin told Fox News in an interview today.

Mnuchin would be accompanied by Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer. Trump's top advisers on trade and economic policies Larry Kudlow and Peter Navarro would also be part of the US delegation, the White House said.

In the last one month, Trump has taken a series of measures to address the challenge of massive $500 billion trade deficit with China. Prominent among them being increasing import duties on steel and aluminium and proposing to do the same with several hundred other Chinese items.

China too has responded by retaliatory actions. Trump has said that such a huge trade deficit with China is not acceptable to his administration.

"We are definitely going to be talking to them about intellectual property rights, about forged technology, forged joined ventures, those are all important issues that are on our list," Mnuchin said, adding that he is cautiously optimistic about the meetings.

Ahead of the US trade delegation visit to China, the Alliance for American Manufacturing said that bilateral meetings with Chinese government officials present an opportunity to affect meaningful change in the United States' lopsided trade relationship with that country, but "results-oriented," enforceable commitments must be their goal.

"Withdrawing the threat of tariffs without achieving meaningful results would be tantamount to waving the white flag of trade surrender signalling to China and other trade cheats that there will be no consequences for predatory trade behaviours," its president Scott N Paul, wrote in a letter addressed to Mnuchin, Navarro, Lighthizer, and Kudlow.

"If a negotiated solution with specific disciplines and automatic enforcement provisions can be agreed to, then, and only then, should we look at lifting tariffs. Otherwise, as I believe you know, we would be abandoning the best leverage we've had in years," he said.

Paul alleged that China is not holding up its end of the bargain, at the World Trade Organization or via its bilateral relationships and kicking the can further down the road is simply not a smart trade policy strategy.

"The past 20 years of seemingly endless dialogue with China show that polite requests to curtail state-driven industrial overcapacity or to refrain from forced technology transfers and joint ownership partnerships in exchange for market access do not yield meaningful results," he said.

In the letter, the alliance strongly urged against any rush to make trade concessions to China in exchange for promises of reforms.

"Any deal with China must be comprehensive, binding, enforceable, and backed by strong penalties if Beijing fails to live up to its words as has repeatedly been the case under previous administrations of both political parties," Paul said.

Trump has said that huge trade deficit with China is not acceptable to his administration.

The Trump administration will have a "frank discussion" with the Chinese leadership on a series of trade issues, according to US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin who is leading a high-powered trade delegation to Beijing later this week. "We're looking to have a very frank discussion on trade, on the issues of the trade imbalance. President (Donald) Trump has been very clear for the last year that he's very focused on the trade deficit and we're looking to correct that," Mnuchin told Fox News in an interview today. Mnuchin would be accompanied by Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer. Trump's top advisers on trade and economic policies Larry Kudlow and Peter Navarro would also be part of the US delegation, the White House said. In the last one month, Trump has taken a series of measures to address the challenge of massive $500 billion trade deficit with China. Prominent among them being increasing import duties on steel and aluminium and proposing to do the same with several hundred other Chinese items. China too has responded by retaliatory actions. Trump has said that such a huge trade deficit with China is not acceptable to his administration. "We are definitely going to be talking to them about intellectual property rights, about forged technology, forged joined ventures, those are all important issues that are on our list," Mnuchin said, adding that he is cautiously optimistic about the meetings. Ahead of the US trade delegation visit to China, the Alliance for American Manufacturing said that bilateral meetings with Chinese government officials present an opportunity to affect meaningful change in the United States' lopsided trade relationship with that country, but "results-oriented," enforceable commitments must be their goal. "Withdrawing the threat of tariffs without achieving meaningful results would be tantamount to waving the white flag of trade surrender signalling to China and other trade cheats that there will be no consequences for predatory trade behaviours," its president Scott N Paul, wrote in a letter addressed to Mnuchin, Navarro, Lighthizer, and Kudlow. "If a negotiated solution with specific disciplines and automatic enforcement provisions can be agreed to, then, and only then, should we look at lifting tariffs. Otherwise, as I believe you know, we would be abandoning the best leverage we've had in years," he said. Paul alleged that China is not holding up its end of the bargain, at the World Trade Organization or via its bilateral relationships and kicking the can further down the road is simply not a smart trade policy strategy. "The past 20 years of seemingly endless dialogue with China show that polite requests to curtail state-driven industrial overcapacity or to refrain from forced technology transfers and joint ownership partnerships in exchange for market access do not yield meaningful results," he said. In the letter, the alliance strongly urged against any rush to make trade concessions to China in exchange for promises of reforms. "Any deal with China must be comprehensive, binding, enforceable, and backed by strong penalties if Beijing fails to live up to its words as has repeatedly been the case under previous administrations of both political parties," Paul said.

Looking to have frank discussion on trade with China: US

China's newly-released opening-up measures have nothing to do with the ongoing trade friction with the United States, said Gao Feng, spokesman of Chinese Ministry of Commerce.

Gao made the remarks Thursday at a regular press conference over the recent trade friction between China and the US.

"China's major strategic decisions of opening-up are made based on an accurate estimation of the country's current development level, which is a major strategic decision to elevate opening-up in the new era to a higher level, and is for its own sake. It has nothing to do with the trade friction with the US," said Gao.

Gao said China has scored remarkable success since it carried out reform and opening up, noting that China can develop only through reform and opening up, which is a basic state policy and also shows its responsibility to the world development.

"The opening up measures are totally China's proactive moves, which enable countries around the world to board the express train of China's economic development. We hope some Americans do not misjudge the situation. China's opening up won't be disrupted by any external pressure," said Gao.

China's Ministry of Commerce said the country had scored remarkable success since it carried out reform and opening up, noting that China can develop only through reform

China's newly-released opening-up measures have nothing to do with the ongoing trade friction with the United States, said Gao Feng, spokesman of Chinese Ministry of Commerce. Gao made the remarks Thursday at a regular press conference over the recent trade friction between China and the US. "China's major strategic decisions of opening-up are made based on an accurate estimation of the country's current development level, which is a major strategic decision to elevate opening-up in the new era to a higher level, and is for its own sake. It has nothing to do with the trade friction with the US," said Gao. Gao said China has scored remarkable success since it carried out reform and opening up, noting that China can develop only through reform and opening up, which is a basic state policy and also shows its responsibility to the world development. "The opening up measures are totally China's proactive moves, which enable countries around the world to board the express train of China's economic development. We hope some Americans do not misjudge the situation. China's opening up won't be disrupted by any external pressure," said Gao.

Decision to open economy not related to trade friction with US: China

Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai said Thursday China would fight to the end to defend its own legitimate interests with all necessary measures if the US really wants to start a trade war.

Cui said China does not want to have a trade war with the United States or with anybody else, but China is not afraid of and will not recoil from one if somebody imposes a trade war on it.

Cui&#39;s remarks came after US President Donald Trump on Thursday signed a memorandum that could impose tariffs on up to 60 billion US dollars of imports from China, the latest unilateral move that poses a threat to global trade.

&quot;As far as a possible trade war is concerned, we never wanted to start, but if somebody imposed a trade war on us, will fight to the end. As for the overall China-US relationship, we always believe that the right approach is to base ourselves on better mutual respect and expand our cooperation, manage possible differences in a constructive way, and achieve a win-win outcome. We still follow this approach, and we hope there will be reciprocity on the US side,&quot; said Cui in the interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN).

Trump has directed US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to publish a list of proposed Chinese goods that could be subject to tariffs in 15 days, while the US Treasury Department will have 60 days to propose restrictions on Chinese investment in the United States, according to the presidential memorandum.

The tariffs &quot;could be about 60 billion&quot; dollars, Trump said on Thursday at the White House before signing the memorandum.&nbsp;

But a senior White House official told reporters earlier in the day that the number would be close to 50 billion dollars.

The memorandum is based on a so-called Section 301 investigation into alleged Chinese intellectual property and technology transfer practices, launched by the Trump administration in August 2017.

The ambassador said the US accusations are totally groundless and called them a form of discrimination, noting that China always encourages innovation and that Chinese people are capable of immense innovation.

&quot;I think such accusations are totally groundless. China encourages innovation. Chinese laws protect intellectual property rights. This applies to Chinese companies and American companies and other companies alike. We will do our utmost to make sure that intellectual property rights are protected, whether they are from Chinese companies or American companies. At the same time, I hope people here would understand or would realize, people in China and people in other developing countries are also fully capable of innovation. They should not believe that they have a monopoly over innovation, and everybody else is just stealing from them. I think this is a kind of discrimination,&quot; Cui said.

The Chinese ambassador believes the nature of China-US economic relations and trade features mutually-beneficial and win-win results.&nbsp;

He called on the United States to opt for cooperation rather than confrontation to promote the healthy and stable development of China-US economic relations and trade in the long run.

&quot;You see, we always advocate the idea of building up a new model of international relations and together with everybody else to build a community of mankind for a shared future. This is our philosophy. This is our basic approach to international relations, including our relationship with the United States, and we still stick to this. And I hope people in the US would have a better understanding of China&#39;s approach and would make the best choice. Actually, this is the choice between cooperation and confrontation, between constructiveness and disruptiveness, between win-win and lose-lose. I hope everybody will have really a good understanding of where their best interests lie, the long-term interest of both the Chinese people and the American people, if you have these long-term interests in mind the choice is clear,&quot; Cui said.

The memorandum follows Trump&#39;s recent tariff plan on steel and aluminium imports and January&#39;s tariffs levied on imported solar panels and washing machines. These unilateral moves have prompted strong opposition and warnings from business groups around the world.

Cui's remarks came after Trump signed a memorandum that could impose tariffs on up to 60 billion US dollars of imports from China

Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai said Thursday China would fight to the end to defend its own legitimate interests with all necessary measures if the US really wants to start a trade war. Cui said China does not want to have a trade war with the United States or with anybody else, but China is not afraid of and will not recoil from one if somebody imposes a trade war on it. Cui's remarks came after US President Donald Trump on Thursday signed a memorandum that could impose tariffs on up to 60 billion US dollars of imports from China, the latest unilateral move that poses a threat to global trade. "As far as a possible trade war is concerned, we never wanted to start, but if somebody imposed a trade war on us, will fight to the end. As for the overall China-US relationship, we always believe that the right approach is to base ourselves on better mutual respect and expand our cooperation, manage possible differences in a constructive way, and achieve a win-win outcome. We still follow this approach, and we hope there will be reciprocity on the US side," said Cui in the interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN). Trump has directed US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to publish a list of proposed Chinese goods that could be subject to tariffs in 15 days, while the US Treasury Department will have 60 days to propose restrictions on Chinese investment in the United States, according to the presidential memorandum. The tariffs "could be about 60 billion" dollars, Trump said on Thursday at the White House before signing the memorandum. But a senior White House official told reporters earlier in the day that the number would be close to 50 billion dollars. The memorandum is based on a so-called Section 301 investigation into alleged Chinese intellectual property and technology transfer practices, launched by the Trump administration in August 2017. The ambassador said the US accusations are totally groundless and called them a form of discrimination, noting that China always encourages innovation and that Chinese people are capable of immense innovation. "I think such accusations are totally groundless. China encourages innovation. Chinese laws protect intellectual property rights. This applies to Chinese companies and American companies and other companies alike. We will do our utmost to make sure that intellectual property rights are protected, whether they are from Chinese companies or American companies. At the same time, I hope people here would understand or would realize, people in China and people in other developing countries are also fully capable of innovation. They should not believe that they have a monopoly over innovation, and everybody else is just stealing from them. I think this is a kind of discrimination," Cui said. The Chinese ambassador believes the nature of China-US economic relations and trade features mutually-beneficial and win-win results. He called on the United States to opt for cooperation rather than confrontation to promote the healthy and stable development of China-US economic relations and trade in the long run. "You see, we always advocate the idea of building up a new model of international relations and together with everybody else to build a community of mankind for a shared future. This is our philosophy. This is our basic approach to international relations, including our relationship with the United States, and we still stick to this. And I hope people in the US would have a better understanding of China's approach and would make the best choice. Actually, this is the choice between cooperation and confrontation, between constructiveness and disruptiveness, between win-win and lose-lose. I hope everybody will have really a good understanding of where their best interests lie, the long-term interest of both the Chinese people and the American people, if you have these long-term interests in mind the choice is clear," Cui said. The memorandum follows Trump's recent tariff plan on steel and aluminium imports and January's tariffs levied on imported solar panels and washing machines. These unilateral moves have prompted strong opposition and warnings from business groups around the world.

China will not start a trade war but will fight ones imposed on it: Chinese ambassador

While the Pentagon plays down patrols close to Chinese-controlled reefs and islands in the South China Sea, Beijing is sounding the alarm about them, seeking to justify what experts say will be an even greater presence in the disputed region.

Chinese officials publicized the latest US&nbsp;&quot;freedom of navigation patrol&quot;, protesting the deployment last week of the destroyer USS Hopper to within 12 nautical miles of Scarborough Shoal, an atoll west of the Philippines which Beijing disputes with Manila.

It was the second time in recent months that confirmation of a patrol came from Beijing, not Washington, which had previously announced or leaked details.

Bonnie Glaser, a security expert at Washington&#39;s Center for Strategic and International Studies, said while the administration of US&nbsp;President Donald Trump had a policy of keeping the patrols regular but low key, China was willing to publicly exploit them to further their military ends.

&quot;It is difficult to conclude otherwise,&quot; she said.

&quot;Even as it pushes ahead with these (patrols), I don&#39;t think the Trump administration has really come to terms with what it will tolerate from China in the South China Sea, and what it simply won&#39;t accept, and Beijing seems to grasp this.&quot;

In official statements, Chinese foreign ministry official Lu Kang said China would take &quot;necessary measures to firmly safeguard its sovereignty&quot; in the resource-rich sea.

Some regional diplomats and security analysts believe that will involve increased Chinese deployments and the quicker militarization of China&#39;s expanded facilities across the Spratlys archipelago.

While US&nbsp;officials did not target China in their comments, couching freedom-of-navigation patrols as a &quot;routine&quot; assertions of international law, Beijing was quick to cast Washington as the provocateur.

The Communist Party&#39;s official People&#39;s Daily newspaper on Monday accused the US&nbsp;of upsetting recent peace and co-operation and &quot;wantonly provoking trouble&quot;, saying China had must now strengthen its presence in the strategic waterway.

In recent years, China has built up several reefs and islets into large-scale airstrips and bases as it seeks to assert and enforce its claims to much of the sea, through which some $3 trillion in trade passes annually. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei, as well as Taiwan, hold rival claims.

Chinese coastguard and People&#39;s Liberation Army navy ships patrol vast swathes of the South China Sea, routinely shadowing US&nbsp;and other international naval deployments, regional naval officers say.

Zhang Baohui, a mainland security analyst at Hong Kong&#39;s Lingnan University, told Reuters he believed Beijing was rattled by Trump&#39;s sharpening Asia strategy and they might be tempted to react in the South China Sea, even after months of relative calm.

&quot;We can perhaps expect the Chinese to push ahead with militarisation as retaliation,&quot; he said.

A new U.S. national defence strategy unveiled last week stressed the need to counter the rising authoritarian powers of China and Russia, outlining a need to better support allies and newer partners against coercion.

While most analysts and regional envoys believe China remains keen to avoid an actual conflict with the significantly more powerful US&nbsp;navy in the South China Sea, it is working to close the gap.

China has added bunkers, hangars and advanced radars on its new runways in the Spratlys, although it has not fully equipped them with the advanced surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles they use to protect the Paracels grouping further north.

Similarly, Beijing has yet to land jet fighters in the Spratlys - test flights some experts are expecting this year.

The latest patrol was at least the fifth such patrol under the Trump administration and the first to Scarborough - one of the more contentious features in the region.

Scarborough, once a US&nbsp;bombing range, was blockaded by the Chinese in 2012, prompting the Philippines to launch its successful legal case in the Hague against China&#39;s excessive territorial claims.

China allowed Filipino fishermen back to Scarborough&#39;s rich waters last year, but it remains a potential flashpoint as both sides claim sovereignty and China maintains a steady presence of ships nearby.

While experts and regional envoys expect China to ramp up operations from the Spratlys, none expect it to build on Scarborough - something widely believed to be a red line that would provoke the United States, given its long-standing security treaty with the Philippines.

Shi Yinhong, who heads the Center for American Studies at Beijing&#39;s Renmin University, said China had &quot;lived with&quot; US&nbsp;patrols for several years but the key facts on the ground remained in China&#39;s favour and broader tensions had &quot;improved remarkably&quot;.

&quot;These islands, especially those with reclaimed land and military capability already deployed, they&#39;re still in Chinese hands,&quot; Shi, who has advised the Chinese government on diplomacy, told Reuters.

&quot;I don&#39;t think Trump has the stomach and the guts to change this fundamental status quo.&quot;

It was the second time in recent months that confirmation of a patrol came from Beijing, not Washington, which had previously announced or leaked details.

While the Pentagon plays down patrols close to Chinese-controlled reefs and islands in the South China Sea, Beijing is sounding the alarm about them, seeking to justify what experts say will be an even greater presence in the disputed region. Chinese officials publicized the latest US "freedom of navigation patrol", protesting the deployment last week of the destroyer USS Hopper to within 12 nautical miles of Scarborough Shoal, an atoll west of the Philippines which Beijing disputes with Manila. It was the second time in recent months that confirmation of a patrol came from Beijing, not Washington, which had previously announced or leaked details. Bonnie Glaser, a security expert at Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies, said while the administration of US President Donald Trump had a policy of keeping the patrols regular but low key, China was willing to publicly exploit them to further their military ends. "It is difficult to conclude otherwise," she said. "Even as it pushes ahead with these (patrols), I don't think the Trump administration has really come to terms with what it will tolerate from China in the South China Sea, and what it simply won't accept, and Beijing seems to grasp this." In official statements, Chinese foreign ministry official Lu Kang said China would take "necessary measures to firmly safeguard its sovereignty" in the resource-rich sea. Some regional diplomats and security analysts believe that will involve increased Chinese deployments and the quicker militarization of China's expanded facilities across the Spratlys archipelago. While US officials did not target China in their comments, couching freedom-of-navigation patrols as a "routine" assertions of international law, Beijing was quick to cast Washington as the provocateur. The Communist Party's official People's Daily newspaper on Monday accused the US of upsetting recent peace and co-operation and "wantonly provoking trouble", saying China had must now strengthen its presence in the strategic waterway. In recent years, China has built up several reefs and islets into large-scale airstrips and bases as it seeks to assert and enforce its claims to much of the sea, through which some $3 trillion in trade passes annually. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei, as well as Taiwan, hold rival claims. Chinese coastguard and People's Liberation Army navy ships patrol vast swathes of the South China Sea, routinely shadowing US and other international naval deployments, regional naval officers say. Zhang Baohui, a mainland security analyst at Hong Kong's Lingnan University, told Reuters he believed Beijing was rattled by Trump's sharpening Asia strategy and they might be tempted to react in the South China Sea, even after months of relative calm. "We can perhaps expect the Chinese to push ahead with militarisation as retaliation," he said. A new U.S. national defence strategy unveiled last week stressed the need to counter the rising authoritarian powers of China and Russia, outlining a need to better support allies and newer partners against coercion. While most analysts and regional envoys believe China remains keen to avoid an actual conflict with the significantly more powerful US navy in the South China Sea, it is working to close the gap. China has added bunkers, hangars and advanced radars on its new runways in the Spratlys, although it has not fully equipped them with the advanced surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles they use to protect the Paracels grouping further north. Similarly, Beijing has yet to land jet fighters in the Spratlys - test flights some experts are expecting this year. The latest patrol was at least the fifth such patrol under the Trump administration and the first to Scarborough - one of the more contentious features in the region. Scarborough, once a US bombing range, was blockaded by the Chinese in 2012, prompting the Philippines to launch its successful legal case in the Hague against China's excessive territorial claims. China allowed Filipino fishermen back to Scarborough's rich waters last year, but it remains a potential flashpoint as both sides claim sovereignty and China maintains a steady presence of ships nearby. While experts and regional envoys expect China to ramp up operations from the Spratlys, none expect it to build on Scarborough - something widely believed to be a red line that would provoke the United States, given its long-standing security treaty with the Philippines. Shi Yinhong, who heads the Center for American Studies at Beijing's Renmin University, said China had "lived with" US patrols for several years but the key facts on the ground remained in China's favour and broader tensions had "improved remarkably". "These islands, especially those with reclaimed land and military capability already deployed, they're still in Chinese hands," Shi, who has advised the Chinese government on diplomacy, told Reuters. "I don't think Trump has the stomach and the guts to change this fundamental status quo."

South China Sea row: Will take necessary measures to safeguard sovereignty, says China

President Donald Trump`s national security team is looking at options to counter the threat of China spying on U.S. phone calls that include the government building a super-fast 5G wireless network, a senior administration official said on Sunday.

 
The official, confirming the gist of a report from Axios.com, said the option was being debated at a low level in the administration and was six to eight months away from being considered by the president himself.

 
The 5G network concept is aimed at addressing what officials see as China`s threat to U.S. cyber security and economic security.

 
The Trump administration has taken a harder line on policies initiated by predecessor Barack Obama on issues ranging from Beijing`s role in restraining North Korea to Chinese efforts to acquire U.S. strategic industries.

 
This month AT&amp;T was forced to scrap a plan to offer its customers handsets built by China`s Huawei after some members of Congress lobbied against the idea with federal regulators, sources told Reuters.&nbsp;

 
In 2012, Huawei and ZTE Corp were the subject of a U.S. investigation into whether their equipment provided an opportunity for foreign espionage and threatened critical US&nbsp;infrastructure.&nbsp; 
Some members of the House intelligence committee remain troubled by security threats posed by Huawei and ZTE, according to a congressional aide.

 
Issues raised in a 2012 committee report about the Chinese firms have &quot;never subsided,&quot; the aide said, adding that there was newer classified intelligence that recently resurfaced those concerns. 
&quot;We want to build a network so the Chinese can`t listen to your calls,&quot; the senior official told Reuters.

 
&quot;We have to have a secure network that doesn`t allow bad actors to get in. We also have to ensure the Chinese don`t take over the market and put every non-5G network out of business.&quot;

 
In Beijing on Monday, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said China prohibited all forms of hacking, but did not specifically address the 5G network security issue.

 
&quot;We believe that the international community should, on the basis of mutual respect and trust, strengthen dialogue and cooperation and join hands in addressing the threat of cyber attacks,&quot; Hua told a regular news briefing.

 
Major wireless carriers have spent billions of dollars buying spectrum to launch 5G networks, and it is unclear if the U.S. government would have enough spectrum to build its own 5G network.

 
Furthermore, Accenture has estimated that wireless operators will invest as much as $275 billion in the United States over seven years as they build out 5G.

 
Last year, T-Mobile US Inc spent $8 billion and Dish Network Corp $6.2 billion to win the bulk of broadcast airwaves spectrum for sale in a government auction.&nbsp;

An AT&amp;T spokesman said they could not comment on something they have not seen, and added, &quot;Thanks to multi-billion dollar investments made by American companies, the work to launch 5G service in the United States is already well down the road.&quot;

 
Later this year, AT&amp;T is set to be the first to launch mobile 5G service in 12 US&nbsp;locations, the spokesman said.

 
A Verizon spokesman declined to comment. Representatives for Sprint and T-Mobile did not immediately respond to requests for comment.&nbsp;

 
Another option includes having a 5G network built by a consortium of wireless carriers, the US&nbsp;official said.

 
&quot;We want to build a secure 5G network and we have to work with industry to figure out the best way to do it,&quot; the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

 
Axios published documents it said were from a presentation from a National Security Council official. If the government built the network, it would rent access to carriers, Axios said.

 
A looming concern laid out in the presentation was China`s growing presence in the manufacture and operation of wireless networks. A concerted government push could help the US&nbsp;compete on that front, according to the presentation.

 
A 5G network is expected to offer significantly faster speeds, more capacity and shorter response times, which could be utilized for new technologies ranging from self-driving cars to remote surgeries. Telecom companies and their suppliers consider it to be a multibillion-dollar revenue opportunity.

The Trump administration has taken a harder line on policies initiated by predecessor Barack Obama

President Donald Trump`s national security team is looking at options to counter the threat of China spying on U.S. phone calls that include the government building a super-fast 5G wireless network, a senior administration official said on Sunday. The official, confirming the gist of a report from Axios.com, said the option was being debated at a low level in the administration and was six to eight months away from being considered by the president himself. The 5G network concept is aimed at addressing what officials see as China`s threat to U.S. cyber security and economic security. The Trump administration has taken a harder line on policies initiated by predecessor Barack Obama on issues ranging from Beijing`s role in restraining North Korea to Chinese efforts to acquire U.S. strategic industries. This month AT&T was forced to scrap a plan to offer its customers handsets built by China`s Huawei after some members of Congress lobbied against the idea with federal regulators, sources told Reuters. In 2012, Huawei and ZTE Corp were the subject of a U.S. investigation into whether their equipment provided an opportunity for foreign espionage and threatened critical US infrastructure. Some members of the House intelligence committee remain troubled by security threats posed by Huawei and ZTE, according to a congressional aide. Issues raised in a 2012 committee report about the Chinese firms have "never subsided," the aide said, adding that there was newer classified intelligence that recently resurfaced those concerns. "We want to build a network so the Chinese can`t listen to your calls," the senior official told Reuters. "We have to have a secure network that doesn`t allow bad actors to get in. We also have to ensure the Chinese don`t take over the market and put every non-5G network out of business." In Beijing on Monday, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said China prohibited all forms of hacking, but did not specifically address the 5G network security issue. "We believe that the international community should, on the basis of mutual respect and trust, strengthen dialogue and cooperation and join hands in addressing the threat of cyber attacks," Hua told a regular news briefing. Major wireless carriers have spent billions of dollars buying spectrum to launch 5G networks, and it is unclear if the U.S. government would have enough spectrum to build its own 5G network. Furthermore, Accenture has estimated that wireless operators will invest as much as $275 billion in the United States over seven years as they build out 5G. Last year, T-Mobile US Inc spent $8 billion and Dish Network Corp $6.2 billion to win the bulk of broadcast airwaves spectrum for sale in a government auction. An AT&T spokesman said they could not comment on something they have not seen, and added, "Thanks to multi-billion dollar investments made by American companies, the work to launch 5G service in the United States is already well down the road." Later this year, AT&T is set to be the first to launch mobile 5G service in 12 US locations, the spokesman said. A Verizon spokesman declined to comment. Representatives for Sprint and T-Mobile did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Another option includes having a 5G network built by a consortium of wireless carriers, the US official said. "We want to build a secure 5G network and we have to work with industry to figure out the best way to do it," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Axios published documents it said were from a presentation from a National Security Council official. If the government built the network, it would rent access to carriers, Axios said. A looming concern laid out in the presentation was China`s growing presence in the manufacture and operation of wireless networks. A concerted government push could help the US compete on that front, according to the presentation. A 5G network is expected to offer significantly faster speeds, more capacity and shorter response times, which could be utilized for new technologies ranging from self-driving cars to remote surgeries. Telecom companies and their suppliers consider it to be a multibillion-dollar revenue opportunity.

Trump's NSA eyeing 5G network to counter China 'spying' threat

A former CIA official who lives in Hong Kong was arrested by US authorities in New York airport on Monday after FBI agents allegedly found classified information in his hotel room, including two small books containing information on details of true names and numbers of spy recruits and covert CIA employees.&nbsp;

Jerry Chun Shing Lee, 53, a US citizen was produced before a federal magistrate on Tuesday, the judge ordered Lee to be held without bail.

According to the FBI agent, Lee served in the US Army from 1982 to 1986 and worked for the CIA from 1994 to 2007.

The FBI said the documents could cause &quot;exceptionally grave damage&quot; to the national security of the United States.

Lee was earlier interviewed by the CIA in 2013 but did not disclose he had the documents, reports said.

Lee has been&nbsp;reportedly linked to China&#39;s dismantling of CIA&#39;s network of undercover operatives inside China five years ago.

This is the third arrest in one year of US officials suspected of helping Chinese spies. In June last year, ex-CIA official, Kevin Mallory was arrested for allegedly hading over US secrets to Chinese agents for $25,000.&nbsp;

In February, 2017, a US diplomat Candace Claiborne was arrested and charged with accepting cash and gifts from Chinese intelligence officials. 
&nbsp;

According to the FBI agent, Lee served in the US Army from 1982 to 1986 and worked for the CIA from 1994 to 2007.

A former CIA official who lives in Hong Kong was arrested by US authorities in New York airport on Monday after FBI agents allegedly found classified information in his hotel room, including two small books containing information on details of true names and numbers of spy recruits and covert CIA employees. Jerry Chun Shing Lee, 53, a US citizen was produced before a federal magistrate on Tuesday, the judge ordered Lee to be held without bail. According to the FBI agent, Lee served in the US Army from 1982 to 1986 and worked for the CIA from 1994 to 2007. The FBI said the documents could cause "exceptionally grave damage" to the national security of the United States. Lee was earlier interviewed by the CIA in 2013 but did not disclose he had the documents, reports said. Lee has been reportedly linked to China's dismantling of CIA's network of undercover operatives inside China five years ago. This is the third arrest in one year of US officials suspected of helping Chinese spies. In June last year, ex-CIA official, Kevin Mallory was arrested for allegedly hading over US secrets to Chinese agents for $25,000. In February, 2017, a US diplomat Candace Claiborne was arrested and charged with accepting cash and gifts from Chinese intelligence officials.

US arrests ex-CIA official linked to spying for China

China&#39;s president Xi Jinping called US president Trump today as the two leaders spoke on the North Korean crisis.

China&#39;s state media said President Xi Jinping told Trump that easing of tensions on the Korean peninsula must continue.

During the phone call, pointed out that the situation on the Korean peninsula has shown some &quot;positive changes&quot;, Xinhua news service reported.

North and South Korean officials have been meeting for th past two weeks after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un expressed the hope to send a delegation for the Winter Olympics to be held in Pyeongchang, South Korea next month.

&quot;All sides concerned should make joint efforts to keep up the hard-won momentum for the easing of the situation on the Korean peninsula and create conditions to restart talks,&quot; Xi told Trump during the brief phone call.

Xi also urged Trump to take a &quot;hardline&quot; on trade imbalance between the two countries and to adopt &quot;constructive means&quot; to properly settle economic and trade issue.

Xi also urged Trump to take a "hardline" on trade imbalance between the two countries and to adopt "constructive means" to properly settle economic and trade issue.

China's president Xi Jinping called US president Trump today as the two leaders spoke on the North Korean crisis. China's state media said President Xi Jinping told Trump that easing of tensions on the Korean peninsula must continue. During the phone call, pointed out that the situation on the Korean peninsula has shown some "positive changes", Xinhua news service reported. North and South Korean officials have been meeting for th past two weeks after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un expressed the hope to send a delegation for the Winter Olympics to be held in Pyeongchang, South Korea next month. "All sides concerned should make joint efforts to keep up the hard-won momentum for the easing of the situation on the Korean peninsula and create conditions to restart talks," Xi told Trump during the brief phone call. Xi also urged Trump to take a "hardline" on trade imbalance between the two countries and to adopt "constructive means" to properly settle economic and trade issue.

President Xi calls up Trump to talk on North Korea

A US warship on Sunday sailed close to a disputed island in the South China Sea that is claimed by China, media reports said. 
&nbsp; 
The USS Stethem sailed within 12 nautical miles of Triton Island in the Paracel archipelago, which is claimed by China, Vietnam and Taiwan. 
&nbsp; 
Beijing said the passage of the US warship was a &quot;serious political and military provocation&quot;, adding that it would take &quot;all necessary means to defend national sovereignty and security&quot;. 
&nbsp; 
China had dispatched military vessels and fighter planes in response, foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said in a statement late Sunday, according to state news agency Xinhua. 
&nbsp; 
&quot;The Chinese side strongly urges the US side to immediately stop such kind of provocative operations that violate China&#39;s sovereignty and threaten China&#39;s security,&quot; the spokesman said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The US Navy was conducting a &quot;freedom of navigation exercise&quot; in the disputed waters. 
&nbsp; 
This came just hours before a scheduled phone call between President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. 
&nbsp; 
It was the second operation of its kind carried out by the US since Trump took office. 
&nbsp; 
In May, the USS Dewey sailed less than 12 nautical miles from an artificial island built by China called Mischief Reef. 
&nbsp;

The USS Stethem sailed within 12 nautical miles of Triton Island in the Paracel archipelago, which is claimed by China, Vietnam and Taiwan

A US warship on Sunday sailed close to a disputed island in the South China Sea that is claimed by China, media reports said. The USS Stethem sailed within 12 nautical miles of Triton Island in the Paracel archipelago, which is claimed by China, Vietnam and Taiwan. Beijing said the passage of the US warship was a "serious political and military provocation", adding that it would take "all necessary means to defend national sovereignty and security". China had dispatched military vessels and fighter planes in response, foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said in a statement late Sunday, according to state news agency Xinhua. "The Chinese side strongly urges the US side to immediately stop such kind of provocative operations that violate China's sovereignty and threaten China's security," the spokesman said. The US Navy was conducting a "freedom of navigation exercise" in the disputed waters. This came just hours before a scheduled phone call between President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. It was the second operation of its kind carried out by the US since Trump took office. In May, the USS Dewey sailed less than 12 nautical miles from an artificial island built by China called Mischief Reef.

US warship sails close to disputed island in South China Sea, Beijing calls it 'provocation'

China told the United States today&nbsp;that it should play a constructive role in safeguarding peace in the disputed South China Sea, as US&nbsp;secretary of state John Kerry called for talks and a peaceful resolution.

China claims most of the South China Sea&nbsp;through which $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei have overlapping claims, as well as close military ties with the United States.

China has been angered by what it views as provocative US&nbsp;military patrols close to islands China controls in the South China Sea. The United States says the patrols are to protect freedom of navigation.

Speaking at the end of high-level Sino-US&nbsp;talks in Beijing, State Councillor Yang Jiechi, China&#39;s top diplomat who outranks the foreign minister, said China had the right to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.

&quot;China respects and protects the right that all countries enjoy under international law to freedom of navigation and overflight,&quot; Yang said.

Disputes should be resolved by the parties involved through consultation, he said.

&quot;China hopes the US&nbsp;will scrupulously abide by its promise to not take sides in relevant territorial disputes and play a constructive role in safeguarding peace and stability in the South China Sea,&quot; Yang said.

US&nbsp;defence secretary Ashton Carter said on Saturday the US&nbsp;approach to the Asia-Pacific remained &quot;one of commitment, strength and inclusion&quot;. But he also warned China against provocative behaviour in the South China Sea.

Kerry said the United States did not take a position on the sovereignty of any land features in the South China Sea but thought all claimants should exercise restraint.

&quot;We reiterated America&#39;s fundamental support for negotiations and a peaceful resolution based on the rule of law as well as our concern about any unilateral steps by any party ... to alter the status quo,&quot; Kerry said.

Kerry added that he and Yang reaffirmed their governments&#39; commitment to upholding the freedom of navigation and overflight.

The Philippines is hoping for a favourable ruling from a tribunal in The Hague this month after it went to court in 2013 seeking clarification on its economic entitlements in the South China Sea.

China has said it will not respect the court&#39;s decision and there are fears in Manila that China may retaliate by declaring an air defence identification zone in the disputed waters or by reclaiming disputed Scarborough Shoal.

Gregory Poling, director of Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at the US&nbsp;Center for Strategic and International Studies, said China would not risk an escalation if it knew the United States would try to deter its actions on Scarborough Shoal.

&quot;What we&#39;ve seen over and over in the last years, China is unwilling to risk activities that threaten deadly force,&quot; said Poling.

&quot;It is possible to deter them. We&#39;ll have to keep deterring them over and over. That is the test for next 10 to 15 years in this game of whack-a-mole until the Chinese decide that this is not the way to do international relations.&quot;

Angered by US military patrols in China-controlled island of the South China Sea, China says it has the right to safeguard its territorial sovereignity

China told the United States today that it should play a constructive role in safeguarding peace in the disputed South China Sea, as US secretary of state John Kerry called for talks and a peaceful resolution. China claims most of the South China Sea through which $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei have overlapping claims, as well as close military ties with the United States. China has been angered by what it views as provocative US military patrols close to islands China controls in the South China Sea. The United States says the patrols are to protect freedom of navigation. Speaking at the end of high-level Sino-US talks in Beijing, State Councillor Yang Jiechi, China's top diplomat who outranks the foreign minister, said China had the right to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights. "China respects and protects the right that all countries enjoy under international law to freedom of navigation and overflight," Yang said. Disputes should be resolved by the parties involved through consultation, he said. "China hopes the US will scrupulously abide by its promise to not take sides in relevant territorial disputes and play a constructive role in safeguarding peace and stability in the South China Sea," Yang said. US defence secretary Ashton Carter said on Saturday the US approach to the Asia-Pacific remained "one of commitment, strength and inclusion". But he also warned China against provocative behaviour in the South China Sea. Kerry said the United States did not take a position on the sovereignty of any land features in the South China Sea but thought all claimants should exercise restraint. "We reiterated America's fundamental support for negotiations and a peaceful resolution based on the rule of law as well as our concern about any unilateral steps by any party ... to alter the status quo," Kerry said. Kerry added that he and Yang reaffirmed their governments' commitment to upholding the freedom of navigation and overflight. The Philippines is hoping for a favourable ruling from a tribunal in The Hague this month after it went to court in 2013 seeking clarification on its economic entitlements in the South China Sea. China has said it will not respect the court's decision and there are fears in Manila that China may retaliate by declaring an air defence identification zone in the disputed waters or by reclaiming disputed Scarborough Shoal. Gregory Poling, director of Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at the US Center for Strategic and International Studies, said China would not risk an escalation if it knew the United States would try to deter its actions on Scarborough Shoal. "What we've seen over and over in the last years, China is unwilling to risk activities that threaten deadly force," said Poling. "It is possible to deter them. We'll have to keep deterring them over and over. That is the test for next 10 to 15 years in this game of whack-a-mole until the Chinese decide that this is not the way to do international relations."

China tells US to play constructive South China Sea role

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