As Beijing intensifies its pressure campaign against the island republic, China is getting ready to invade Taiwan with an armada of ferries and civilian vessels. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) could fill the void left by the lack of amphibious landing craft by staging an invasion akin to the one witnessed on D-Day with the help of civilian vessels.

Taiwan-China tensions: Taiwan detects Chinese planes as China plans Taiwan invasion

The global landscape is shifting. The US and China, the world's two largest economies, are locked in an uneasy rivalry. China boasts a massive manufacturing sector but remains reliant on western markets. This creates a complex dynamic, particularly for Europe.

US and EU pressure on China over Russian support & overcapacity

After a hiatus of over four years, leaders from China, South Korea, and Japan convened in Seoul for a trilateral summit. This meeting looks to address regional challenges and revive economic cooperation. A key focus is the relaunch of free trade agreement negotiations, previously stalled due to political tensions.

China, South Korea, Japan resume talks after four-year hiatus

Watch top headlines of the hour: - Israel's Rafah strike: At least 35 killed - Three way talks: China, South Korea & Japan leaders meet - China preparing armada of ferries to invade Taiwan - Over 670 dead in Papua New Guinea landslide - Hamas fires rockets towards Tel Aviv - Macron in Germany: First visit by French President in 24 years

China preparing armada of ferries to invade Taiwan | Over 670 dead in Papua New Guinea landslide

As Beijing intensifies its pressure campaign on Taiwan, According to report China is getting ready to invade the self-ruled island with a fleet of ferries and civilian vessels. Watch in for more details!

Taiwan-China tensions: China preparing armada of ferries to invade Taiwan, says Report

Taiwan-China tensions: Taiwan calls China's drills 'irrational provocations'

China continues to mark its presence around Taiwan. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence spotted China operating near its territory. Around 21 Chinese military aircraft, 11 naval vessels and four coast guard vessels were operating near Taiwan.

China's invasion plan using civilian vessels? Launches mock missile strikes on Taiwan

China stepping up pressure campaign againt Taiwan | What do China's latest military drills mean?

The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Monday that China will welcome Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi as well as a number of other Arab leaders to Beijing this week.

China to host Egypt's El-Sisi, Arab leaders to attend China-Arab Forum Meet

As Beijing intensifies its pressure campaign, reports suggest china is getting ready to invade the self-rules island with a fleet of ferries and civilian vessels. What is china planning? Political analyst Greg Swenson joins us to discuss.

Taiwan-China tensions: Is China preparing to invade Taiwan?

Strong Arab-China ties: Egypt's el-Sisi and other Arab leaders to head to China this week

<p>Chinese leader Xi Jinping's reign in Beijing's corridors of power has went on uninterrupted since March 2013. But something about the&nbsp;post-pandemic boom of Artificial Intelligence chatbots has kept Communist party technocrats on their feet. What if AI chatbots like ChatGPT start giving anti-communist party results? The challenge to manipulate the freedom of thought that Beijing has long suppressed to ensure the Communist Party's opposition-less rule in China has now found a friend.</p>

<p>That friend is being dubbed as 'Chat Xi PT', an artificial intelligence chatbot trained on the thoughts of Chinese top leader Xi Jinping.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a report in the Financial Times, China's newest Large Language Model (LLM) has been learning from Xi Jinping's philosophy known as "Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era", as well as related communist literature provided by the Chinese internet regulator Cyberspace Administration of China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The expertise and authority of the corpus ensures the professionalism of the generated content," CAC's magazine said in a social media post about the new Large Language Model.</p>

<p>At the time of filing this report, the new model is being used at a research centre of the Chinese internet regulator. But it is expected to be released for wider use in the immediate future.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>ChatGPT and 'Chat Xi PT': Similarities and differences</strong></h2>

<p>The Chinese Large Language Model, like ChatGPT, can answer questions, create reports and summarise information.</p>

<p>It can also translate between Chinese and English.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Unlike ChatGPT, this Chinese model follows extensive efforts by Chinese officials to spread Xi's ideas on politics, economics and culture.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;GPT-4o: ChatGPT can now interact like humans</strong></p>

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<p>Dozens of text documents on which Large Language Model (LLM) has been trained, reportedly contain 86,314 mentions of Xi Jinping.</p>

<p>"Let us unite more closely around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core," reads one line, Financial Times reported.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/openai-secures-major-content-deal-with-news-corp-724479">OpenAI secures major content deal with News Corp</a></strong></p>

<p>We must "ensure that in thought, politics, and action, we are always in high alignment with the Party Central Committee with General Secretary Xi Jinping at its core," says another.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Chinese leader Xi Jinping's reign in Beijing's corridors of power has went on uninterrupted since March 2013. But something about the post-pandemic boom of Artificial Intelligence chatbots has kept Communist party technocrats on their feet.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping's reign in Beijing's corridors of power has went on uninterrupted since March 2013. But something about the post-pandemic boom of Artificial Intelligence chatbots has kept Communist party technocrats on their feet. What if AI chatbots like ChatGPT start giving anti-communist party results? The challenge to manipulate the freedom of thought that Beijing has long suppressed to ensure the Communist Party's opposition-less rule in China has now found a friend. That friend is being dubbed as 'Chat Xi PT', an artificial intelligence chatbot trained on the thoughts of Chinese top leader Xi Jinping. According to a report in the Financial Times, China's newest Large Language Model (LLM) has been learning from Xi Jinping's philosophy known as "Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era", as well as related communist literature provided by the Chinese internet regulator Cyberspace Administration of China. "The expertise and authority of the corpus ensures the professionalism of the generated content," CAC's magazine said in a social media post about the new Large Language Model. At the time of filing this report, the new model is being used at a research centre of the Chinese internet regulator. But it is expected to be released for wider use in the immediate future. ChatGPT and 'Chat Xi PT': Similarities and differences The Chinese Large Language Model, like ChatGPT, can answer questions, create reports and summarise information. It can also translate between Chinese and English. Unlike ChatGPT, this Chinese model follows extensive efforts by Chinese officials to spread Xi's ideas on politics, economics and culture. Also watch | GPT-4o: ChatGPT can now interact like humans × Dozens of text documents on which Large Language Model (LLM) has been trained, reportedly contain 86,314 mentions of Xi Jinping. "Let us unite more closely around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core," reads one line, Financial Times reported. Also read | OpenAI secures major content deal with News Corp We must "ensure that in thought, politics, and action, we are always in high alignment with the Party Central Committee with General Secretary Xi Jinping at its core," says another. (With inputs from agencies)

China says hello to 'Chat Xi PT', AI chatbot trained on Xi Jinping's thoughts

<p>Chinese leader Xi Jinping's relentless pursuit of multi-storied housing projects has pushed country's once flourishing real estate sector into deep uncertainty. Now a study has found that China's middle-class families remain vary of spending on property.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a quarterly survey of household wealth and income, researchers at a Chinese university found that their index of families' expected future spending was even lower than the early days of Covid pandemic, South China Morning Post reported.</p>

<p>In the China Household Wealth Index Survey conducted by Southwestern University of Finance and Economics in Chengdu, Sichuan province, the index of spending expectations fell to 101.9 in the first quarter of this year, down from 103.0 in the fourth quarter of 2023.</p>

<p>The survey measures the spending plans of households with an average of 1.5 million yuan (US$207,000) in combined property and financial assets.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Is China's housing policy package just the beginning?</strong></p>

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<p>The families in the survey expressed particular caution about buying real estate. The proportion of households buying new homes fell to 6.4 per cent in the first quarter of this year from 7.5 per cent in the final quarter of 2023.</p>

<p>Only 6.8 per cent of households said they planned to buy property in the next three months. Over 20 per cent of households said they would take a wait-and-watch approach.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>In the spending index, a reading of 100 is the dividing line between expansion in spending plans and contraction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>China's economic expansion has been largely manufacturing-based. But given the US-China trade war headwinds, Beijing is now focusing on driving the economy on a more consumption-based vehicle. But with exports facing external headwinds and in debt weighing on investment prospects, the road to further expansion of the economy looks gloomier than previously expected.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/from-free-wives-to-insolvency-decoding-chinas-real-estate-turmoil-683134">From free wives to insolvency: Decoding China's real estate turmoil</a></strong></p>

<p>China’s GDP expanded 5.3 per cent year on year in the first quarter, with domestic consumption contributing 73.7 per cent to economic growth, according to the country's National Bureau of Statistics.</p>

<p>The report on the university’s survey also said that 62.3 per cent of respondents were not optimistic about economic prospects in the next 12 months, down from 66.4 per cent three months earlier.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Chinese leader Xi Jinping's relentless pursuit of multi-storied housing projects has pushed country's once flourishing real estate sector into deep uncertainty. Now a study has found that China's middle-class families remain vary of spending on property.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping's relentless pursuit of multi-storied housing projects has pushed country's once flourishing real estate sector into deep uncertainty. Now a study has found that China's middle-class families remain vary of spending on property. In a quarterly survey of household wealth and income, researchers at a Chinese university found that their index of families' expected future spending was even lower than the early days of Covid pandemic, South China Morning Post reported. In the China Household Wealth Index Survey conducted by Southwestern University of Finance and Economics in Chengdu, Sichuan province, the index of spending expectations fell to 101.9 in the first quarter of this year, down from 103.0 in the fourth quarter of 2023. The survey measures the spending plans of households with an average of 1.5 million yuan (US$207,000) in combined property and financial assets. Also watch | Is China's housing policy package just the beginning? × The families in the survey expressed particular caution about buying real estate. The proportion of households buying new homes fell to 6.4 per cent in the first quarter of this year from 7.5 per cent in the final quarter of 2023. Only 6.8 per cent of households said they planned to buy property in the next three months. Over 20 per cent of households said they would take a wait-and-watch approach. What does it mean? In the spending index, a reading of 100 is the dividing line between expansion in spending plans and contraction. China's economic expansion has been largely manufacturing-based. But given the US-China trade war headwinds, Beijing is now focusing on driving the economy on a more consumption-based vehicle. But with exports facing external headwinds and in debt weighing on investment prospects, the road to further expansion of the economy looks gloomier than previously expected. Also read | From free wives to insolvency: Decoding China's real estate turmoil China’s GDP expanded 5.3 per cent year on year in the first quarter, with domestic consumption contributing 73.7 per cent to economic growth, according to the country's National Bureau of Statistics. The report on the university’s survey also said that 62.3 per cent of respondents were not optimistic about economic prospects in the next 12 months, down from 66.4 per cent three months earlier. (With inputs from agencies)

China's real estate crisis throws middle class off housing dream edge

<p>Scientists at China's Hebei Medical University have engineered a virus using parts of the Ebola, apparently to analyse the disease and its symptoms, but raising fears as this pathogen could potentially kill in three days. The genetically modified virus turned out to be a variant that reportedly killed lab hamsters within just three days of exposure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The world can see it as a new threat coming from China amid already existing conspiracy theories that coronavirus (COVID-19), which killed millions, was leaked from a lab in Wuhan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The recent <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1995820X24000361#sec2">study</a>&nbsp;, published in Science Direct, revealed that researchers used a glycoprotein found in the Ebola virus, which leads the virus to infect cells and spread throughout the human body, to create the pathogen in the lab.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They created a strain that caused severe systemic illnesses similar to those seen in human Ebola patients, including multi-organ failure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the study, some hamsters developed scabs over the surface of their eyeballs, which eventually affected their vision.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worlds-life-expectancy-is-lowest-in-over-a-decade-due-to-covid-who-725276">World's life expectancy is lowest in over a decade due to Covid: WHO</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>As quoted by Science Direct, the researchers said, "It is a sign that 3-week-old Syrian hamsters infected with the virus have the possibility of playing a role in the study of optic nerve disorders caused by EVD."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The study mentioned that animal experiments were performed after it was approved by the animal experimental committee of the Laboratory Animal Center, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ever since Covid was declared a public health emergency of international concern in January 2020, several claims and counterclaims have been made over its origin. Many assumed that it spread in a live animal market before spreading throughout the world. But some also claimed it was leaked from a lab.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/raw-milk-contaminated-with-bird-flu-virus-damaging-multiple-organs-of-mice-study-725263">Raw milk contaminated with bird-flu virus damaging multiple organs of mice: study</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>However, in this study, the Chinese researchers highlighted that their aim was to replicate Ebola symptoms in a controlled laboratory environment. They wanted to understand and facilitate prevention strategies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the scientists and researchers used a different virus, vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), to transport Ebola glycoprotein as the deadly Ebola requires exceptionally secure Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) facilities. The mentioned protein is critical for the virus's ability to enter and infect host cells.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by Science Direct, the researchers said, "Overall, this surrogate model represents a safe, effective, and economical tool for rapid preclinical evaluation of medical countermeasures against EBOV (Ebola virus) under BSL-2 conditions, which would accelerate technological advances and breakthroughs in confronting Ebola virus disease."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Scientists at China's Hebei Medical University have engineered a virus using parts of the Ebola, apparently to analyse the disease and its symptoms, but raising fears as this pathogen could potentially kill in three days.

Scientists at China's Hebei Medical University have engineered a virus using parts of the Ebola, apparently to analyse the disease and its symptoms, but raising fears as this pathogen could potentially kill in three days. The genetically modified virus turned out to be a variant that reportedly killed lab hamsters within just three days of exposure. The world can see it as a new threat coming from China amid already existing conspiracy theories that coronavirus (COVID-19), which killed millions, was leaked from a lab in Wuhan. The recent study , published in Science Direct, revealed that researchers used a glycoprotein found in the Ebola virus, which leads the virus to infect cells and spread throughout the human body, to create the pathogen in the lab. They created a strain that caused severe systemic illnesses similar to those seen in human Ebola patients, including multi-organ failure. As per the study, some hamsters developed scabs over the surface of their eyeballs, which eventually affected their vision. Also read: World's life expectancy is lowest in over a decade due to Covid: WHO As quoted by Science Direct, the researchers said, "It is a sign that 3-week-old Syrian hamsters infected with the virus have the possibility of playing a role in the study of optic nerve disorders caused by EVD." The study mentioned that animal experiments were performed after it was approved by the animal experimental committee of the Laboratory Animal Center, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science. Ever since Covid was declared a public health emergency of international concern in January 2020, several claims and counterclaims have been made over its origin. Many assumed that it spread in a live animal market before spreading throughout the world. But some also claimed it was leaked from a lab. Also read: Raw milk contaminated with bird-flu virus damaging multiple organs of mice: study However, in this study, the Chinese researchers highlighted that their aim was to replicate Ebola symptoms in a controlled laboratory environment. They wanted to understand and facilitate prevention strategies. Notably, the scientists and researchers used a different virus, vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), to transport Ebola glycoprotein as the deadly Ebola requires exceptionally secure Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) facilities. The mentioned protein is critical for the virus's ability to enter and infect host cells. As quoted by Science Direct, the researchers said, "Overall, this surrogate model represents a safe, effective, and economical tool for rapid preclinical evaluation of medical countermeasures against EBOV (Ebola virus) under BSL-2 conditions, which would accelerate technological advances and breakthroughs in confronting Ebola virus disease." (With inputs from agencies)

Another Covid-like threat? Scientists in China create virus in lab that can kill in THREE days

<p>Italian Senator Giulio Terzi di Sant'Agata has raised alarm over China's use of deepfake technology, espionage via Chinese-made devices, and the leveraging of its cultural institutions for propaganda purposes.</p>

<p>During a seminar titled “Hong Kong: Beijing's expansion to stifle dissent globally,” held at the Italian Senate, last week, the senator gave the example of a Ukrainian student at the University of Pennsylvania who discovered a deep fake video of herself speaking Mandarin, selling products, and propagating anti-Western messages.</p>

<p>Such manipulative tactics, according to Terzi, mirror China’s modus operandi, which people of Hong Kong and Taiwan have long been acquainted with. He highlighted the case of a Taiwanese woman who found footage of the earthquake recorded by her home security camera on a Chinese social media platform, emphasising the infiltration of Chinese-made devices into Taiwan.</p>

<p>Addressing the economic relationship between the European Union (EU) and China, Terzi pointed out that it is not balanced, and lopsided for the union. “The EU and China are the main economic partners with 2.3 billion euros of trade goods per day. However, with an EU trade deficit of almost 400 billion euros, this ratio is critically and structurally unbalanced,” he remarked.</p>

<p>He also emphasised the importance of China honouring its commitments in Hong Kong and welcomed the EU's efforts to engage in dialogue on human rights issues with China. “The EU reiterated its deep concerns about the human rights situation in China, especially violations of systematic human rights in Xinjiang and Tibet, the workforce, the treatment of human rights defenders and women people belonging to minorities, as well as the continued erosion of fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong, where China should honour its previous commitments,” Senator Terzi stated.</p>

<p>Giulio Terzi di Sant'Agata, who has served as Italy's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Ambassador to the United States, expressed concern about the role of Chinese cultural institutions, such as the Confucius Institutes, accusing them of spreading Chinese propaganda and censorship.</p>

<p>“They present to our young people the narrative produced by the Chinese Communist Party, which aims not only to rewrite history but to eradicate and erase different cultures, especially democratic ones, by manipulating maps of China with Taiwan or misrepresenting the reality of Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Tibet,” he warned.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Italian Senator Giulio Terzi di Sant'Agata has raised alarm over China's use of deepfake technology, espionage via Chinese-made devices, and the leveraging of its cultural institutions for propaganda purposes.

Italian Senator Giulio Terzi di Sant'Agata has raised alarm over China's use of deepfake technology, espionage via Chinese-made devices, and the leveraging of its cultural institutions for propaganda purposes. During a seminar titled “Hong Kong: Beijing's expansion to stifle dissent globally,” held at the Italian Senate, last week, the senator gave the example of a Ukrainian student at the University of Pennsylvania who discovered a deep fake video of herself speaking Mandarin, selling products, and propagating anti-Western messages. Such manipulative tactics, according to Terzi, mirror China’s modus operandi, which people of Hong Kong and Taiwan have long been acquainted with. He highlighted the case of a Taiwanese woman who found footage of the earthquake recorded by her home security camera on a Chinese social media platform, emphasising the infiltration of Chinese-made devices into Taiwan. Addressing the economic relationship between the European Union (EU) and China, Terzi pointed out that it is not balanced, and lopsided for the union. “The EU and China are the main economic partners with 2.3 billion euros of trade goods per day. However, with an EU trade deficit of almost 400 billion euros, this ratio is critically and structurally unbalanced,” he remarked. He also emphasised the importance of China honouring its commitments in Hong Kong and welcomed the EU's efforts to engage in dialogue on human rights issues with China. “The EU reiterated its deep concerns about the human rights situation in China, especially violations of systematic human rights in Xinjiang and Tibet, the workforce, the treatment of human rights defenders and women people belonging to minorities, as well as the continued erosion of fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong, where China should honour its previous commitments,” Senator Terzi stated. Giulio Terzi di Sant'Agata, who has served as Italy's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Ambassador to the United States, expressed concern about the role of Chinese cultural institutions, such as the Confucius Institutes, accusing them of spreading Chinese propaganda and censorship. “They present to our young people the narrative produced by the Chinese Communist Party, which aims not only to rewrite history but to eradicate and erase different cultures, especially democratic ones, by manipulating maps of China with Taiwan or misrepresenting the reality of Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Tibet,” he warned. (With inputs from agencies)

Italian Senator Giulio Terzi raises concerns over China using deepfakes, tech espionage

In a veiled reference to China, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently implied that the country might weaponise weather for strategic gains. Reports have said that weather warfare could give China an edge in future conflicts. Modifying weather for warfare gains is an old concept and has been used in previous wars. So what is weather warfare? WION Decodes the story.

Destruction more severe than nuclear war: What is weather warfare? | WION Decodes

<p>Taiwan President Lai Ching-te again offered talks with China on Sunday following two days of Chinese war games near the island, saying he looked forward to enhancing mutual understanding and reconciliation.</p>

<p>China, which views democratically-governed Taiwan as its own territory, carried out the military drills on Thursday and Friday, saying it was "punishment" after Lai's inauguration speech on Monday which Beijing called another push for the island's formal independence.</p>

<p>China has repeatedly lambasted Lai, saying he is a "separatist". Lai rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims and says only Taiwan's people can decide their future. He has repeatedly offered talks but been rebuffed.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-hamas-says-it-captured-israeli-soldiers-in-jabalia-israel-denies-725455">Gaza war: Hamas says it captured Israeli soldiers in Jabalia; IDF denies claims</a></p>

<p>Speaking at a meeting of his ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in the southern city of Tainan, Lai called on China to "share the heavy responsibility of regional stability with Taiwan", according to comments provided by his party.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-army-vessels-supporting-gaza-aid-pier-washed-away-in-heavy-seas-centcom-725451">US Army vessels supporting Gaza aid pier washed away in heavy seas: CENTCOM</a></p>

<p>Lai, who won election in January, said he also "looked forward to enhancing mutual understanding and reconciliation with China via exchanges and cooperation, creating mutual benefit and moving towards a position of peace and common prosperity".</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mob-attacks-christians-in-pakistan-province-5-injured-725463">Mob attacks Christians in Pakistan province, 5 injured</a></strong></p>

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<p>He thanked the United States and other countries for their expressions of concern about the Chinese exercises. "The international community will not accept any country creating waves in the Taiwan Strait and affecting regional stability," Lai added.</p>

<p>Taiwan's government has condemned China's war games. Over the past four years, China has staged regular military activities around Taiwan as it seeks to pressure the island's government.</p>


Taiwan President Lai Ching-te again offered talks with China on Sunday following two days of Chinese war games near the island, saying he looked forward to enhancing mutual understanding and reconciliation.

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te again offered talks with China on Sunday following two days of Chinese war games near the island, saying he looked forward to enhancing mutual understanding and reconciliation. China, which views democratically-governed Taiwan as its own territory, carried out the military drills on Thursday and Friday, saying it was "punishment" after Lai's inauguration speech on Monday which Beijing called another push for the island's formal independence. China has repeatedly lambasted Lai, saying he is a "separatist". Lai rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims and says only Taiwan's people can decide their future. He has repeatedly offered talks but been rebuffed. Also Read | Gaza war: Hamas says it captured Israeli soldiers in Jabalia; IDF denies claims Speaking at a meeting of his ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in the southern city of Tainan, Lai called on China to "share the heavy responsibility of regional stability with Taiwan", according to comments provided by his party. Also Read | US Army vessels supporting Gaza aid pier washed away in heavy seas: CENTCOM Lai, who won election in January, said he also "looked forward to enhancing mutual understanding and reconciliation with China via exchanges and cooperation, creating mutual benefit and moving towards a position of peace and common prosperity". Watch | Mob attacks Christians in Pakistan province, 5 injured × He thanked the United States and other countries for their expressions of concern about the Chinese exercises. "The international community will not accept any country creating waves in the Taiwan Strait and affecting regional stability," Lai added. Taiwan's government has condemned China's war games. Over the past four years, China has staged regular military activities around Taiwan as it seeks to pressure the island's government.

After China drills, Taiwan president again offers talks

Why China's 'Punishment Military Drills' are a precursor for an invasion of Taiwan? Russia tests tactical nuclear drills as Ukraine war intensifies France accuses Azerbaijan of fomenting trouble in New Caledonia Mohammed Saleh gets you an in-depth analysis of the world's biggest warzones of the week in World At War.

Why China's 'Punishment Military Drills' are a precursor for an invasion of Taiwan?

<p>China announced the end of two days of military drills around Taiwan late Friday (May 24), which it said simulated attacks to test its ability to seize the self-governed island. Taiwan on Saturday slammed China for the drills, calling it a “blatant provocation to the international order”.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>China announces end of military drills</strong></h2>

<p>The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has “successfully completed” the ‘Joint Sword-2024A’ drill against Taiwan, reported CCTV-7, China’s state-run military news channel, in a broadcast late Friday (May 24), as per AFP news agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The drills came days after Taiwan President Lai Ching-te – who China has previously called a “separatist” – took office. Lai’s speech during his inauguration was also denounced by Beijing as a “confession of independence”.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Is China preparing to invade Taiwan?</strong></p>

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<p>China had also called the two-day military drill a “punishment” for the recentl inauguration speech of the new Taiwanese president, during which he said two sides of the Taiwan Strait were “not subordinate to each other,” which Beijing viewed as a declaration that the two are separate countries.</p>

<p>China has long considered democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, a claim which the self-governed island has rejected.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lai also said that only Taiwan’s people can decide their future, and rejected Beijing’s sovereignty claims.&nbsp;</p>

<p>China has regularly staged military activities around Taiwan, including large-scale war games in 2022 as well as last year, in what is being seen as an escalating campaign of intimidation by Beijing against the self-governed island.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Blatant provocation’ to world order</strong></h2>

<p>“China’s recent unilateral provocation not only undermines the status quo of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait but it is also a blatant provocation to the international order, triggering serious concern and condemnation from the international community,” said a statement attributed to Taiwan’s Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo, as quoted by AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She added that Taiwan hopes "China will take the safety and happiness of the people on both sides into consideration, pursue mutual benefit, coexistence... stop all kinds of political and military intimidations on Taiwan and the region".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking about China's various military actions, Kuo&nbsp;said that "the president and the national security team have a full grasp of the situation" and called for the public to "rest assured".</p>

<h2><strong>Taiwan reports Chinese warplane, warship surge</strong></h2>

<p>Taiwan’s defence ministry on Saturday said a total of 111 Chinese aircraft and dozens of naval vessels took part in the two-day drills surrounding the island.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-detects-62-chinese-aircraft-around-island-on-day-two-of-beijings-military-drills-725039">Taiwan detects 62 Chinese aircraft around island on day two of Beijing's military drills</a></strong></p>

<p>As of Saturday at 6:00 am (local time), around 62 Chinese warplanes and 27 PLAN vessels were detected around the self-governed island, said Taiwan’s defence ministry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It also reported that 47 Chinese warplanes crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the island’s southwestern, southeastern, and eastern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taiwan Strait’s median line has previously served as an unofficial barrier between the two sides.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“ROC (Republic of China) Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and coastal missile systems in response to the detected activities,” said Taiwan’s defence ministry. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Dozens of Chinese aircraft which included advanced Su-30 fighters and nuclear-capable H-6 bombers, flew in the strait as well as down into the Bashi Channel, which separates Taiwan from the Philippines, reported the self-governed island’s defence ministry.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Closer than ever before’</strong></h2>

<p>Chinese military analyst Tong Zhen, an expert from the Academy of Military Sciences, told state news agency Xinhua that the PLA vessels had inched “closer than ever before” to Taiwan’s shores.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The exercises involved simulating strikes targeting the island’s leaders as well as its ports and airports, as per Xinhua.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This would “cut off the island’s ‘blood vessels’ and block out its ‘foreign aid regiments’,” Tong was quoted as saying.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


China announced the end of two days of military drills around Taiwan late Friday (May 24), which it said simulated attacks to test its ability to seize the self-governed island.

China announced the end of two days of military drills around Taiwan late Friday (May 24), which it said simulated attacks to test its ability to seize the self-governed island. Taiwan on Saturday slammed China for the drills, calling it a “blatant provocation to the international order”. China announces end of military drills The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has “successfully completed” the ‘Joint Sword-2024A’ drill against Taiwan, reported CCTV-7, China’s state-run military news channel, in a broadcast late Friday (May 24), as per AFP news agency. The drills came days after Taiwan President Lai Ching-te – who China has previously called a “separatist” – took office. Lai’s speech during his inauguration was also denounced by Beijing as a “confession of independence”. WATCH | Is China preparing to invade Taiwan? China had also called the two-day military drill a “punishment” for the recentl inauguration speech of the new Taiwanese president, during which he said two sides of the Taiwan Strait were “not subordinate to each other,” which Beijing viewed as a declaration that the two are separate countries. China has long considered democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, a claim which the self-governed island has rejected. Lai also said that only Taiwan’s people can decide their future, and rejected Beijing’s sovereignty claims. China has regularly staged military activities around Taiwan, including large-scale war games in 2022 as well as last year, in what is being seen as an escalating campaign of intimidation by Beijing against the self-governed island. ‘Blatant provocation’ to world order “China’s recent unilateral provocation not only undermines the status quo of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait but it is also a blatant provocation to the international order, triggering serious concern and condemnation from the international community,” said a statement attributed to Taiwan’s Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo, as quoted by AFP. She added that Taiwan hopes "China will take the safety and happiness of the people on both sides into consideration, pursue mutual benefit, coexistence... stop all kinds of political and military intimidations on Taiwan and the region". Speaking about China's various military actions, Kuo said that "the president and the national security team have a full grasp of the situation" and called for the public to "rest assured". Taiwan reports Chinese warplane, warship surge Taiwan’s defence ministry on Saturday said a total of 111 Chinese aircraft and dozens of naval vessels took part in the two-day drills surrounding the island. Also Read | Taiwan detects 62 Chinese aircraft around island on day two of Beijing's military drills As of Saturday at 6:00 am (local time), around 62 Chinese warplanes and 27 PLAN vessels were detected around the self-governed island, said Taiwan’s defence ministry. It also reported that 47 Chinese warplanes crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the island’s southwestern, southeastern, and eastern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). Taiwan Strait’s median line has previously served as an unofficial barrier between the two sides. “ROC (Republic of China) Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and coastal missile systems in response to the detected activities,” said Taiwan’s defence ministry. Dozens of Chinese aircraft which included advanced Su-30 fighters and nuclear-capable H-6 bombers, flew in the strait as well as down into the Bashi Channel, which separates Taiwan from the Philippines, reported the self-governed island’s defence ministry. ‘Closer than ever before’ Chinese military analyst Tong Zhen, an expert from the Academy of Military Sciences, told state news agency Xinhua that the PLA vessels had inched “closer than ever before” to Taiwan’s shores. The exercises involved simulating strikes targeting the island’s leaders as well as its ports and airports, as per Xinhua. This would “cut off the island’s ‘blood vessels’ and block out its ‘foreign aid regiments’,” Tong was quoted as saying. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan slams China for 'blatant provocation' after Beijing's military drills around self-ruled island ends

China's outsized role in world trade is alarming global finance chiefs. They are poised to forge a united front for their nations to challenge "Harmful practices" in global trade. Here's more on that.

G7 draft raises alarm at 'harmful' trade

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<p>After radical modification and what is&nbsp;being called&nbsp;as&nbsp;“sinicisation", China's last&nbsp;major&nbsp;mosque - which once had Arabic-style architectural features&nbsp;- has now lost its domes and minarets, according to a report published in The Guardian.</p>

<p>China’s&nbsp;grandest mosque, the Grand Mosque of Shadian, is&nbsp;located&nbsp;in a small town in southwestern Yunnan province.</p>

<p>Till last year, the 21,000 square metre complex was a large building with a tiled green dome at the top which was adorned with a crescent moon. Four long minarets and two small domes&nbsp;flanked the big dome.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blatant-provocation-taiwan-slams-china-after-announces-end-of-military-drills-around-self-ruled-island-725215">Taiwan slams China for 'blatant provocation' after Beijing's military drills around self-ruled island ends</a></p>

<p>However, in the latest photographs, the dome appears to have been replaced with a Han Chinese-style pagoda rooftop, as per the report.</p>

<p>Also, the heights of minarets have been decreased and they have been converted into pagoda towers. It has also been reported that there is a faint trace of the crescent moon and star tiles.</p>

<h2><strong>China's 'Sinification of Islam'</strong></h2>

<p>Nearly 100 miles from Shadian,&nbsp;another landmark mosque of Yunnan was also renovated recently and its Arabic features were removed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Chinese government in 2018 published&nbsp;a five-year plan on the “sinification of Islam”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A part of the plan was to resist “foreign architectural styles” and to promote “Islamic architecture … that is full of Chinese characteristics”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a leaked&nbsp;memo of the Chinese Communist party, it was seen that local authorities were asked to “adhere to the principle of demolishing more and building less”.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;China-Taiwan tensions: Is China preparing to invade Taiwan?</strong></p>

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<p>Speaking to The Guardian, Anthropologist at Cornell University Ruslan Yusupov said, “Sinification of these two landmark mosques marks the success of the campaign. Even if there are small mosques left of Arab style in villages, it will be difficult for local communities to contest their sinicisation”.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, &nbsp;a historian of Islam in China at the University of Plymouth Hannah Theaker said that the&nbsp;mosque sinicisation campaign was moved ahead “province by province”, with Yunnan being the farthest province from the capital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“By 2023, there was a sense among communities that architectural sinicisation would reach the famous Yunnanese mosques, as the last major&nbsp;unsinicised&nbsp;mosques in China," Theaker&nbsp;said.</p>

<p>The Grand Mosque of Shadian was first built in the Ming dynasty and destroyed amid the cultural revolution in an uprising which was called the Shadian incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


After radical modification and what is being called as “sinicisation", China's last major mosque - which once had Arabic-style architectural features - has now lost its domes and minarets, according to a report published in The Guardian.

After radical modification and what is being called as “sinicisation", China's last major mosque - which once had Arabic-style architectural features - has now lost its domes and minarets, according to a report published in The Guardian. China’s grandest mosque, the Grand Mosque of Shadian, is located in a small town in southwestern Yunnan province. Till last year, the 21,000 square metre complex was a large building with a tiled green dome at the top which was adorned with a crescent moon. Four long minarets and two small domes flanked the big dome. Also Read: Taiwan slams China for 'blatant provocation' after Beijing's military drills around self-ruled island ends However, in the latest photographs, the dome appears to have been replaced with a Han Chinese-style pagoda rooftop, as per the report. Also, the heights of minarets have been decreased and they have been converted into pagoda towers. It has also been reported that there is a faint trace of the crescent moon and star tiles. China's 'Sinification of Islam' Nearly 100 miles from Shadian, another landmark mosque of Yunnan was also renovated recently and its Arabic features were removed. The Chinese government in 2018 published a five-year plan on the “sinification of Islam”. A part of the plan was to resist “foreign architectural styles” and to promote “Islamic architecture … that is full of Chinese characteristics”. In a leaked memo of the Chinese Communist party, it was seen that local authorities were asked to “adhere to the principle of demolishing more and building less”. Watch: China-Taiwan tensions: Is China preparing to invade Taiwan? Speaking to The Guardian, Anthropologist at Cornell University Ruslan Yusupov said, “Sinification of these two landmark mosques marks the success of the campaign. Even if there are small mosques left of Arab style in villages, it will be difficult for local communities to contest their sinicisation”. Meanwhile, a historian of Islam in China at the University of Plymouth Hannah Theaker said that the mosque sinicisation campaign was moved ahead “province by province”, with Yunnan being the farthest province from the capital. “By 2023, there was a sense among communities that architectural sinicisation would reach the famous Yunnanese mosques, as the last major unsinicised mosques in China," Theaker said. The Grand Mosque of Shadian was first built in the Ming dynasty and destroyed amid the cultural revolution in an uprising which was called the Shadian incident. (With inputs from agencies)

Domes, minarets disappear from China’s last Arabic-style mosque, replaced by pagoda rooftop, towers

China has put Taiwan on notice with its deadly military drills. 49 Chinese aircraft were detected since Beijing launched its two-day military exercises that it called 'punishment drills' after self-ruled Taiwan's new leader vowed to defend the island's democracy. The Chinese military has surrounded Taiwan. Beijing is carrying out what it is calling 'Punishment' drills. What is China punishing Taiwan for? Or is it the U.S. the drills are aimed at?

China-Taiwan tensions: 62 Chinese jets detected around Taiwan | Is China preparing to invade Taiwan?

<p>Taiwan on Friday (May 24) detected 62 Chinese aircraft around it as Beijing warned of war and said it would ramp up countermeasures until "complete reunification" was achieved with the island — a statement that can seen as China's declaration of war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taiwan's defence ministry said that Chinese warships and fighter jets encircled Taiwan on the second day of exercises, with Beijing saying that the drills were a test of its ability to seize the island.&nbsp;</p>

<p>China started the military exercises on Thursday morning, with Beijing surrounding the self-ruled Taiwan with naval vessels and military aircraft.&nbsp;China vowed that the blood of "independence forces" would flow.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-court-orders-israel-to-immediately-halt-offensive-in-rafah-725010">World court orders Israel to 'immediately halt' offensive in Rafah</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Taiwan considers itself a distinct nation from China, but Beijing claims Taipei as its own territory since the Chinese civil war of the 1940s. China says that the island nation will defy the one-nation policy by pushing for formal independence. Beijing even claimed that, if needed, it would use force to unite the two territories.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The drills came three days after Taiwan's new President Lai Ching-te was sworn in. Lai has vowed to strengthen Taiwan’s security through the imports of advanced fighters and other technology and strengthen its domestic defence industry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When Lai took oath, Beijing said that changes in Taiwan's politics do not alter the "fact" that it is part of China. "No matter how the internal political situation in Taiwan changes, it will not change the historical and legal fact that both sides of the strait belong to one China," foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-53-year-old-man-goes-on-stabbing-rampage-in-xiaogan-killing-8-724855">China: 53-year-old man goes on stabbing rampage in Xiaogan, killing 8</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;China holds military drills around Taiwan, releases 3D VR animation of attack&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>Taipei's defence ministry said on Friday that since 7:14 am (2314 Thursday), it had detected 62 aircraft, including fighter jets, bombers and transport patrol planes around Taiwan.&nbsp;This is the highest number of aircraft seen this year in a 24-hour window.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the ministry, among the 62 aircraft, "47 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central and southern ADIZ (air defence identification zone) to collaborate with 27 naval vessels and coast guard ships in military exercises".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The first day of the drills was dubbed "Joint Sword-2024A". Taipei detected a total of 49 Chinese aircraft around Taiwan on day 1.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Taiwan independence' provokes us: China</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>A Chinese military spokesman had said the war games were meant to test the "capability of joint seizure of power, joint strikes and control of key territories".&nbsp;</p>

<p>But on Friday, Beijing's defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian said that Lai "has seriously challenged the one-China principle... pushing our compatriots in Taiwan into a perilous situation of war and danger".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Every time 'Taiwan independence' provokes us, we will push our countermeasures one step further, until the complete reunification of the motherland is achieved," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Taiwan on Friday (May 24) detected 62 Chinese aircraft around it as Beijing warned of war and said it would ramp up countermeasures until "complete reunification" was achieved with the island — a statement that can seen as China's declaration of war.

Taiwan on Friday (May 24) detected 62 Chinese aircraft around it as Beijing warned of war and said it would ramp up countermeasures until "complete reunification" was achieved with the island — a statement that can seen as China's declaration of war. Taiwan's defence ministry said that Chinese warships and fighter jets encircled Taiwan on the second day of exercises, with Beijing saying that the drills were a test of its ability to seize the island. China started the military exercises on Thursday morning, with Beijing surrounding the self-ruled Taiwan with naval vessels and military aircraft. China vowed that the blood of "independence forces" would flow. Also read: World court orders Israel to 'immediately halt' offensive in Rafah Taiwan considers itself a distinct nation from China, but Beijing claims Taipei as its own territory since the Chinese civil war of the 1940s. China says that the island nation will defy the one-nation policy by pushing for formal independence. Beijing even claimed that, if needed, it would use force to unite the two territories. The drills came three days after Taiwan's new President Lai Ching-te was sworn in. Lai has vowed to strengthen Taiwan’s security through the imports of advanced fighters and other technology and strengthen its domestic defence industry. When Lai took oath, Beijing said that changes in Taiwan's politics do not alter the "fact" that it is part of China. "No matter how the internal political situation in Taiwan changes, it will not change the historical and legal fact that both sides of the strait belong to one China," foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said. Also read: China: 53-year-old man goes on stabbing rampage in Xiaogan, killing 8 Watch: China holds military drills around Taiwan, releases 3D VR animation of attack × Taipei's defence ministry said on Friday that since 7:14 am (2314 Thursday), it had detected 62 aircraft, including fighter jets, bombers and transport patrol planes around Taiwan. This is the highest number of aircraft seen this year in a 24-hour window. According to the ministry, among the 62 aircraft, "47 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central and southern ADIZ (air defence identification zone) to collaborate with 27 naval vessels and coast guard ships in military exercises". The first day of the drills was dubbed "Joint Sword-2024A". Taipei detected a total of 49 Chinese aircraft around Taiwan on day 1. 'Taiwan independence' provokes us: China A Chinese military spokesman had said the war games were meant to test the "capability of joint seizure of power, joint strikes and control of key territories". But on Friday, Beijing's defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian said that Lai "has seriously challenged the one-China principle... pushing our compatriots in Taiwan into a perilous situation of war and danger". "Every time 'Taiwan independence' provokes us, we will push our countermeasures one step further, until the complete reunification of the motherland is achieved," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan detects 62 Chinese aircraft around island on day two of Beijing's military drills

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China-Taiwan tensions: Is China preparing to invade Taiwan?

Taiwan scrambled jets and put missile, naval and land units on alert over Chinese military exercises. China's military said the two-day exercises around Taiwan were punishment for separatist forces seeking independence. A senior US General says Chinese military drills in the straits of Taiwan in 2023 practised manoeuvres key to an invasion of the island, although an actual attack was not imminent or inevitable.

PLA, Chinese Navy, Airforce & ground forces partake in drills; Taiwan asks to stop 'intimidation'

China has put Taiwan on notice with its deadly military drills. 49 Chinese aircraft were detected since Beijing launched its two-day military exercises that it called 'punishment drills' after self-ruled Taiwan's new leader vowed to defend the island's democracy.

China Joint Sword-2024A exercise: China military drills come after Taiwan's Presidential polls

<p>When Kenya's President William Ruto touched down in Washington DC, a shiny red carpet welcomed him on the tarmac alongside cordons of the American troops standing in attention.</p>

<p>A special emissary greeted his plane: the first lady Jill Biden.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moving forward, the US President Joe Biden named Kenya as a "major non-NATO ally", the first in sub-Saharan Africa, and hosted a lavish state dinner on the White House South Lawn.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is a powerful symbol of the close relationship our two countries share, and we welcome the increased cooperation on security and mutual priorities this action signals," a White House joint statement said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But in Biden's extraordinary courting of Ruto, there is a lingering competition for influence with China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kenya is China's key partner in Xi Jinping's flagship Belt and Road Initiative. A 50-kilometre highway between capital Nairobi and Thika, Mombassa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway funded with billions in loans from Chinese state banks.</p>

<h2><strong>What does Kenya's non-NATO ally status mean?</strong></h2>

<p>Washington DC under Biden administration is betting big on its military partnership with Kenya. The current administration is hoping that Nairobi can help turn the tide on the White House’s struggling Africa policy and solve conflicts on the continent.</p>

<p>But Kenya’s promotion to a major non-NATO ally is not as big a deal as it sounds, according to the former US officials who worked on Africa and NATO policy.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;60 years of Kenya-US diplomatic ties, Biden designates Kenya as an 'important non-NATO ally'</strong></p>

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<p>It "doesn’t mean much", former US Ambassador to NATO Kurt Volker told NatSec Daily.</p>

<p>It simply shows that the US values Kenya but it does not give Nairobi the same privileges afforded to NATO allies and members of the Five Eyes alliance.</p>

<p>From 2000 to 2022, Beijing lent $6.7 billion to Kenya to fund the development initiatives, according to Boston University’s Chinese Loans to Africa database. Kenya’s debt is projected to reach a level of 74 per cent of its economic output, with the country paying an increasing share of government revenue on rising interest costs.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-visa-free-travel-indians-can-now-tick-kenyas-maasai-mara-off-their-travel-list-670149">With 'visa-free' travel, Indians can now add Kenya's Maasai Mara to their bucket list</a></strong></p>

<p>"Too many nations are forced to make a choice between development and debt, between investing in their people and paying back their creditors," Biden said during a joint press conference with Ruto.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


When Kenya's President William Ruto touched down in Washington DC, a shiny red carpet welcomed him on the tarmac alongside cordons of the American troops standing in attention.

When Kenya's President William Ruto touched down in Washington DC, a shiny red carpet welcomed him on the tarmac alongside cordons of the American troops standing in attention. A special emissary greeted his plane: the first lady Jill Biden. Moving forward, the US President Joe Biden named Kenya as a "major non-NATO ally", the first in sub-Saharan Africa, and hosted a lavish state dinner on the White House South Lawn. "This is a powerful symbol of the close relationship our two countries share, and we welcome the increased cooperation on security and mutual priorities this action signals," a White House joint statement said. But in Biden's extraordinary courting of Ruto, there is a lingering competition for influence with China. Kenya is China's key partner in Xi Jinping's flagship Belt and Road Initiative. A 50-kilometre highway between capital Nairobi and Thika, Mombassa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway funded with billions in loans from Chinese state banks. What does Kenya's non-NATO ally status mean? Washington DC under Biden administration is betting big on its military partnership with Kenya. The current administration is hoping that Nairobi can help turn the tide on the White House’s struggling Africa policy and solve conflicts on the continent. But Kenya’s promotion to a major non-NATO ally is not as big a deal as it sounds, according to the former US officials who worked on Africa and NATO policy. Also watch | 60 years of Kenya-US diplomatic ties, Biden designates Kenya as an 'important non-NATO ally' × It "doesn’t mean much", former US Ambassador to NATO Kurt Volker told NatSec Daily. It simply shows that the US values Kenya but it does not give Nairobi the same privileges afforded to NATO allies and members of the Five Eyes alliance. From 2000 to 2022, Beijing lent $6.7 billion to Kenya to fund the development initiatives, according to Boston University’s Chinese Loans to Africa database. Kenya’s debt is projected to reach a level of 74 per cent of its economic output, with the country paying an increasing share of government revenue on rising interest costs. Also read | With 'visa-free' travel, Indians can now add Kenya's Maasai Mara to their bucket list "Too many nations are forced to make a choice between development and debt, between investing in their people and paying back their creditors," Biden said during a joint press conference with Ruto. (With inputs from agencies)

Kenya is now 'major non-NATO ally' of the US. Here's what it means

China-Taiwan tensions: Chinese exercise stimulates full-scale war around Taiwan

China-Taiwan tensions: China holds military drills around Taiwan, releases 3D VR animation of attack

Watch top headlines of the hour: - China's mock missile strikes on Taiwan - Putin wants ceasefire on frontlines - Heatwave in Pakistan till May 30 - Musk opposes China tariffs

China's mock missile strikes on Taiwan | Heatwave in Pakistan till May 30

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