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.

Chinese drills comes after Taiwan's Presidential polls result

China holds military drills around Taiwan, drills come after Taiwan's Presidential Polls

The exercise in Taiwanese waters and air space has pushed the self-ruled island to the edge. The United Nations has also urged restraint from all sides to avoid tensions in the region.

China's joint Sword-2024A exercise: Day 2

UN warns of friction between Taiwan & China

China launches 'Joint sword-2024A' exercise against Taiwan

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A man fatally stabbed eight people to death and injured one in central China, reported state media. The incident occurred on Thursday morning (May 23) in Xiaogan, Hubei province, as per CCTV footage.

The 53-year-old suspect, identified as Lu, had a history of mental illness. He is currently in police custody, and an investigation is underway. The injured person's condition is stable and not life-threatening, news agency Xinhua stated.

While violent crime is uncommon in China due to strict gun control laws, there has been an increase in stabbing incidents recently.

Also watch | UK: 7% year-on-year rise in knife offenses, restricting knives gets trickier
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<h2>Knife attack becoming commonplace in China </h2>

Earlier this week, a woman armed with a fruit knife killed two people and wounded four others at a primary school in Jiangxi province.

The incident occurred around midday in Guixi, as reported by the national television broadcaster CCTV. Despite rescue efforts, two victims succumbed to their injuries. Four others sustained non-life-threatening injuries, while an additional six suffered minor scratches.

CCTV did not disclose the ages of the victims.

The suspect, identified as 45-year-old Pan, is currently in police custody, and the case is under investigation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/melbourne-police-searching-for-two-haryana-students-following-fatal-stabbing-incident-718584">Also read | Melbourne police searching for two Haryana students following fatal stabbing&nbsp;incident</a>

<h2>Similar episodes in other countries </h2>

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Last month, six people were killed and several others injured when a man went on a stabbing spree in a Sydney shopping mall, marking one of Australia's worst mass killings in recent years. The suspect was shot dead by the police.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/salman-rushdies-knife-cuts-open-an-empowering-defence-of-free-speech-717946">Also read | Salman Rushdie's 'Knife' cuts open an empowering defence of free speech</a>

Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of "pandemonium" as they escaped the attack, with many taking refuge in shops. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attack as "beyond words and understanding."

In a similar case, a man armed with a sword carried out a 22-minute rampage in east London, resulting in the death of a 14-year-old boy and injuries to four others.
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(With inputs from agencies)
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A man fatally stabbed eight people to death and injured one in central China, reported state media. The incident occurred on Thursday morning (May 23) in Xiaogan, Hubei province, as per CCTV footage.

A man fatally stabbed eight people to death and injured one in central China, reported state media. The incident occurred on Thursday morning (May 23) in Xiaogan, Hubei province, as per CCTV footage. The 53-year-old suspect, identified as Lu, had a history of mental illness. He is currently in police custody, and an investigation is underway. The injured person's condition is stable and not life-threatening, news agency Xinhua stated. While violent crime is uncommon in China due to strict gun control laws, there has been an increase in stabbing incidents recently. Also watch | UK: 7% year-on-year rise in knife offenses, restricting knives gets trickier Knife attack becoming commonplace in China Earlier this week, a woman armed with a fruit knife killed two people and wounded four others at a primary school in Jiangxi province. The incident occurred around midday in Guixi, as reported by the national television broadcaster CCTV. Despite rescue efforts, two victims succumbed to their injuries. Four others sustained non-life-threatening injuries, while an additional six suffered minor scratches. CCTV did not disclose the ages of the victims. The suspect, identified as 45-year-old Pan, is currently in police custody, and the case is under investigation. Also read | Melbourne police searching for two Haryana students following fatal stabbing incident Similar episodes in other countries Last month, six people were killed and several others injured when a man went on a stabbing spree in a Sydney shopping mall, marking one of Australia's worst mass killings in recent years. The suspect was shot dead by the police. Also read | Salman Rushdie's 'Knife' cuts open an empowering defence of free speech Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of "pandemonium" as they escaped the attack, with many taking refuge in shops. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attack as "beyond words and understanding." In a similar case, a man armed with a sword carried out a 22-minute rampage in east London, resulting in the death of a 14-year-old boy and injuries to four others. (With inputs from agencies)

China: 53-year-old man goes on stabbing rampage in Xiaogan, killing 8

Taiwan's military mobilised its forces and said that it was confident that it could protect the island and this comes after China started two days of what they called 'punishment drills' around Taiwan.

China begins 'punishment drills' around Taiwan, latter condemns military drills

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. Mohammed Saleh speaks to Former Army Commander Lt Gen Raj Shukla for more.

China's 'punishment military drills' to crush Taiwan's autonomy

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.

China surrounds Taiwan with 'punishment drills'

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? #Gravitas brings you the real story behind the war games.

Chinese warships, fighter jets surround Taiwan, Xi sends a message to America

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Taiwan's military assembled its forces and said it was confident it could protect the island, after China started two days of ‘punishment’ drills around Taiwan on Thursday (May 23).

The exercises, conducted in the Taiwan Strait and near clusters of islands controlled by Taiwan adjacent to the Chinese coast, comes after three days of Lai Ching-te&nbsp;taking&nbsp;office as Taiwan's new president.

Lai is regarded by Beijing as a "separatist."

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China, which sees democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory,&nbsp;condemned Lai's inauguration speech in which he called on China to stop its threats.

Although, Lai has repeatedly offered talks with China but been rebuffed. He says only Taiwan's people can decide their future, and rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims.

The Eastern Theatre Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) stated that it had started joint military drills, involving the army, navy, air force and rocket force, in areas around Taiwan at 7:45 a.m. (2345 GMT).

The exercises are taking place in various locations, including the Taiwan Strait, the northern, southern, and eastern regions of Taiwan, and areas surrounding the Taiwan-controlled islands of Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu, and Dongyin, according to a statement from the command.

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Taiwan's defense ministry denounced the drills, stating that it had deployed forces to areas around the island and expressed confidence in its ability to defend its territory.

"The launch of military exercises on this occasion highlights China's militaristic mentality," the ministry said.

However, there was no sign of alarm in Taiwan, where people are long used to Chinese military activity.

<h2>China releases map of drills held in areas around Taiwan</h2>

Notably, Chinese state media published a map of the drills zones, in areas all around Taiwan and the islands Taiwan controls near the Chinese coast.

A statement was also published with details of what has been dubbed 'punishment' drills around Taiwan. Beijing said the two-day exercises from May 23 to May 24 were a response to 'separatist acts'.

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(With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan's military assembled its forces and said it was confident it could protect the island, after China started two days of ‘punishment’ drills around Taiwan on Thursday (May 23).

Taiwan's military assembled its forces and said it was confident it could protect the island, after China started two days of ‘punishment’ drills around Taiwan on Thursday (May 23). The exercises, conducted in the Taiwan Strait and near clusters of islands controlled by Taiwan adjacent to the Chinese coast, comes after three days of Lai Ching-te taking office as Taiwan's new president. Lai is regarded by Beijing as a "separatist." Also read: Nikki Haley says she will vote for Donald Trump in US presidential elections China, which sees democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, condemned Lai's inauguration speech in which he called on China to stop its threats. Although, Lai has repeatedly offered talks with China but been rebuffed. He says only Taiwan's people can decide their future, and rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims. The Eastern Theatre Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) stated that it had started joint military drills, involving the army, navy, air force and rocket force, in areas around Taiwan at 7:45 a.m. (2345 GMT). The exercises are taking place in various locations, including the Taiwan Strait, the northern, southern, and eastern regions of Taiwan, and areas surrounding the Taiwan-controlled islands of Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu, and Dongyin, according to a statement from the command. Also read: UK PM Rishi Sunak springs a surprise, announces general elections on July 4 Taiwan's defense ministry denounced the drills, stating that it had deployed forces to areas around the island and expressed confidence in its ability to defend its territory. "The launch of military exercises on this occasion highlights China's militaristic mentality," the ministry said. However, there was no sign of alarm in Taiwan, where people are long used to Chinese military activity. China releases map of drills held in areas around Taiwan Notably, Chinese state media published a map of the drills zones, in areas all around Taiwan and the islands Taiwan controls near the Chinese coast. A statement was also published with details of what has been dubbed 'punishment' drills around Taiwan. Beijing said the two-day exercises from May 23 to May 24 were a response to 'separatist acts'. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan sends out forces around island after China starts 'punishment' drills

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Chinese citizen journalist Zhang Zhan has been released from prison after serving four years for her coverage of Beijing's Covid-19 response, according to a video released by media watchdog Reporters Without Borders.

However, rights groups said Zhang was still under surveillance and that her freedom was extremely limited.&nbsp;

Zhang, a former lawyer, travelled to the central city of Wuhan in February 2020 to report on the chaos at the pandemic's epicentre, questioning the authorities' handling of the outbreak in her smartphone videos.

She was detained in May 2020 and sentenced seven months later to four years in jail for "picking quarrels and provoking trouble" -- a charge routinely used to suppress dissent.

Zhang was due to be released on May 13 but a lack of information about her whereabouts had sparked concern among rights groups and activists that she could still be detained.

A short video featuring a pyjama-clad Zhang shared by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) on Wednesday appeared to show she had been released as scheduled.

"Police released me from prison at five in the morning on May 13 and sent me to my older brother's home in Shanghai," Zhang said in the video, in a soft, halting voice.

"Thank you everyone for your help and concern, I wish you all the best... there is not much more that I can say," Zhang said.

It was unclear who filmed the video, with RSF saying it was released "via an intermediary".

While Zhang appears to have been released, "her contact with the outside world and daily life are all under surveillance", Jane Wang, a UK-based activist involved in the campaign to release and locate Zhang, wrote on social media platform X.

"She only has limited freedom," Wang said.

Activists as well as the United Nations' rights office have expressed concern about 40-year-old Zhang's health after she conducted several hunger strikes in prison to protest against her conviction.

"RSF remains concerned by her situation and emphasises that partial freedom is not freedom at all," the media watchdog wrote in a statement on Wednesday.

"Diplomatic intervention remains crucial to ensure her full and unconditional release without delay," RSF said.

Chinese citizen journalist Zhang Zhan has been released from prison after serving four years for her coverage of Beijing's Covid-19 response, according to a video released by media watchdog Reporters Without Borders.

Chinese citizen journalist Zhang Zhan has been released from prison after serving four years for her coverage of Beijing's Covid-19 response, according to a video released by media watchdog Reporters Without Borders. However, rights groups said Zhang was still under surveillance and that her freedom was extremely limited. Zhang, a former lawyer, travelled to the central city of Wuhan in February 2020 to report on the chaos at the pandemic's epicentre, questioning the authorities' handling of the outbreak in her smartphone videos. She was detained in May 2020 and sentenced seven months later to four years in jail for "picking quarrels and provoking trouble" -- a charge routinely used to suppress dissent. Zhang was due to be released on May 13 but a lack of information about her whereabouts had sparked concern among rights groups and activists that she could still be detained. A short video featuring a pyjama-clad Zhang shared by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) on Wednesday appeared to show she had been released as scheduled. "Police released me from prison at five in the morning on May 13 and sent me to my older brother's home in Shanghai," Zhang said in the video, in a soft, halting voice. "Thank you everyone for your help and concern, I wish you all the best... there is not much more that I can say," Zhang said. It was unclear who filmed the video, with RSF saying it was released "via an intermediary". While Zhang appears to have been released, "her contact with the outside world and daily life are all under surveillance", Jane Wang, a UK-based activist involved in the campaign to release and locate Zhang, wrote on social media platform X. "She only has limited freedom," Wang said. Activists as well as the United Nations' rights office have expressed concern about 40-year-old Zhang's health after she conducted several hunger strikes in prison to protest against her conviction. "RSF remains concerned by her situation and emphasises that partial freedom is not freedom at all," the media watchdog wrote in a statement on Wednesday. "Diplomatic intervention remains crucial to ensure her full and unconditional release without delay," RSF said.

China releases journalist jailed for Covid-19 coverage

Matthew Trickett, 37, who was allegedly charged with spying for China died under 'unexplained' circumstances, and a police investigation is ongoing. Watch to know more.

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Keeping focus on China's territorial ambitions and intention to unify Taiwan and the mainland is leveraging decades of sustained military modernisation.

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The Eastern Theatre Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army said it had started joint military drills. The drills involve the army, navy, air force and rocket force, in areas around Taiwan. Watch this video for all details.

China-Taiwan tensions: Why has China announced 'punishment' drills around Taiwan?

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Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping again in July, said Moscow’s top diplomat during a meeting with China’s foreign minister, on Monday (May 20).&nbsp;

<h2>Putin and Xi to meet again</h2>

During a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Russia’s top diplomat Sergey Lavrov said that the leaders of the two countries will meet on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in July.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Xi-Putin meeting confirmed at SCO Foreign Ministers' meet

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“Our schedule of contacts is very, very intensive. We look forward to welcoming you, Mr. Minister, dear friend, at a session of the BRICS foreign ministers in Nizhny Novgorod in less than a month,” Lavrov told Wang during a meeting, according to a statement by the Russian news agency Interfax.&nbsp;

He added, “Our leaders will meet during an SCO summit here in Astana in July.” The upcoming meeting with the two world leaders would be the second one in around two months.&nbsp;

The meeting between Lavrov and Wang took place on the sidelines of the SCO foreign ministers’ meeting where the Chinese foreign minister also told Russia’s top diplomat that the two countries should ramp up support for each other to ensure stability in their shared region.

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“The two sides should prepare for bilateral engagement in the course of the year, continue to increase mutual support, stabilise the fundamentals of cooperation and maintain security and stability in the common Chinese-Russian neighbourhood,” Wang said, according to the Chinese foreign ministry.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Russian foreign ministry said that the two diplomats also exchanged views on “various pressing issues” including the Middle East “peace process”, developments in the Red Sea region and the situation on the Korean peninsula.&nbsp;

China and Russia are the founding members of the SCO, a Eurasian political, economic, international security and defence organisation set up in 2001. India and Pakistan officially joined the grouping in 2017, and Iran became a full member just last year.

<h2>Putin’s visit to China</h2>

The Chinese president recently hosted his Russian counterpart during his state visit to China where Xi said the China-Russia ties are “conducive to peace,” while, in a similar statement, Putin stated that the ties between the two nations are ‘stabilising” for the world.

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The visit to China was also Putin’s first trip abroad since his March reelection and a second one to Beijing in just over six months.&nbsp;

“Relations between Russia and China are not opportunistic and not directed against anyone,” Putin said, according to a statement by the Kremlin.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping again in July, said Moscow’s top diplomat during a meeting with China’s foreign minister, on Monday (May 20).

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping again in July, said Moscow’s top diplomat during a meeting with China’s foreign minister, on Monday (May 20). Putin and Xi to meet again During a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Russia’s top diplomat Sergey Lavrov said that the leaders of the two countries will meet on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in July. WATCH | Xi-Putin meeting confirmed at SCO Foreign Ministers' meet “Our schedule of contacts is very, very intensive. We look forward to welcoming you, Mr. Minister, dear friend, at a session of the BRICS foreign ministers in Nizhny Novgorod in less than a month,” Lavrov told Wang during a meeting, according to a statement by the Russian news agency Interfax. He added, “Our leaders will meet during an SCO summit here in Astana in July.” The upcoming meeting with the two world leaders would be the second one in around two months. The meeting between Lavrov and Wang took place on the sidelines of the SCO foreign ministers’ meeting where the Chinese foreign minister also told Russia’s top diplomat that the two countries should ramp up support for each other to ensure stability in their shared region. Also Read | Xi Jinping, Putin advocate 'political solution' to Ukraine war “The two sides should prepare for bilateral engagement in the course of the year, continue to increase mutual support, stabilise the fundamentals of cooperation and maintain security and stability in the common Chinese-Russian neighbourhood,” Wang said, according to the Chinese foreign ministry. Meanwhile, the Russian foreign ministry said that the two diplomats also exchanged views on “various pressing issues” including the Middle East “peace process”, developments in the Red Sea region and the situation on the Korean peninsula. China and Russia are the founding members of the SCO, a Eurasian political, economic, international security and defence organisation set up in 2001. India and Pakistan officially joined the grouping in 2017, and Iran became a full member just last year. Putin’s visit to China The Chinese president recently hosted his Russian counterpart during his state visit to China where Xi said the China-Russia ties are “conducive to peace,” while, in a similar statement, Putin stated that the ties between the two nations are ‘stabilising” for the world. Also Read | Russia, China have their differences but Putin and Xi are not talking about them The visit to China was also Putin’s first trip abroad since his March reelection and a second one to Beijing in just over six months. “Relations between Russia and China are not opportunistic and not directed against anyone,” Putin said, according to a statement by the Kremlin. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin and Xi to meet again in July after Russian president’s recent visit to China

Multiple warnings have gone unheard in Taiwan as the island chose Lai Ching-te as its next President. Beijing had said choosing the Democratic Progressive Party leader would mean choosing war, but it still failed to sway voters. Taiwan says China has to face the reality, but China remains stern in its stance as it continues to remind the World that reunification is inevitable. Watch in for more details!

China warns Taiwan of reprisals as Beijing slams new President Lai Ching-Te's inauguration speech

UK police probing death of the man accused of spying for China

China slams new President Lai' Ching-Te's inauguration speech, warns Taiwan of reprisals

UK man accused of spying for China found dead

Earlier this month, a man was charged with assisting Hong Kong's foreign intelligence service in the UK. Matthew Trickett, a Home Office immigration officer, appeared in court charged under the National Security Act. However, he was found dead by a member of the public in a park in Maidenhead, Berkshire few days back.

UK police investigate unexplained death of man charged with spying for China

China says Lai Ching-Te's speech 'confession of Taiwan's independence'

A man accused of helping Hong Kong authorities gather intelligence in the UK has died under unexplained circumstances, British police reported on Tuesday (May 21.)

37-year-old Matthew Trickett was among three men charged earlier this month with agreeing to engage in collecting information, surveillance and acts of deception that were likely&nbsp;assist the Hong Kong intelligence service from late 2023 to May 2 this year.&nbsp;

The prosecutors further alleged that the accused forced entry into a UK residential address on May 1.

All three men had been bailed and were due to appear at London’s Central Criminal Court for a hearing on Friday (May 24).

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As per the Thames Valley police, Trickett was found dead in a park in Maidenhead, west of London, on Sunday (May 19). An investigation is underway into his death, which is being treated as unexplained.

According to British media reports, Trickett was formerly a Royal Marine who worked as a Home Office immigration enforcement officer. He was reportedly the director of a security consultancy too.

Trickett, along with 38-year-old Chi Leung (Peter) Wai, and 63-year-old Chung Biu Yuen were detained. The men appeared at a brief court hearing to confirm their identities on May 13.

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Hong Kong authorities have confirmed that Yuen was the office manager of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London.

Trickett’s lawyer, Julian Hayes, expressed his shock at Tuesday’s news and stated that he was supporting Trickett’s family.&nbsp;

He declined to comment further due to the ongoing investigations. As of late Tuesday, a police cordon remained in place at Grenfell Park in Maidenhead, with several officers stationed near a black forensics tent close to a children’s playground.

However, Chinese authorities in both the UK and Hong Kong have condemned the charges, saying they were the latest in a series of groundless accusations that the UK government has leveled against China.

Hong Kong’s government demanded that the UK provide full details on the allegations.

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The spying charges came amid tensions between UK and China. UK have been vocal in warning about security threats from Beijing, and recently accused China of being behind a string of cyberespionage operations targeting politicians and Britain’s election watchdog.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said Britain is facing an increasingly dangerous future because of threats from an “axis of authoritarian states,” including Russia, China, Iran and North Korea.

In a separate ongoing court case, two men, including a parliamentary researcher, were recently charged with espionage for China.&nbsp;

Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry are accused of violating the Official Secrets Act by supplying information or documents that could be useful to an enemy—China—and "prejudicial to the safety or interests" of the UK between late 2021 and February 2023.

(With inputs from agencies)

A man accused of helping Hong Kong authorities gather intelligence in the UK has died under unexplained circumstances, British police reported on Tuesday (May 21.

A man accused of helping Hong Kong authorities gather intelligence in the UK has died under unexplained circumstances, British police reported on Tuesday (May 21.) 37-year-old Matthew Trickett was among three men charged earlier this month with agreeing to engage in collecting information, surveillance and acts of deception that were likely assist the Hong Kong intelligence service from late 2023 to May 2 this year. The prosecutors further alleged that the accused forced entry into a UK residential address on May 1. All three men had been bailed and were due to appear at London’s Central Criminal Court for a hearing on Friday (May 24). Also read: Tornado leaves multiple dead and dozens injured in Iowa, homes in ruins As per the Thames Valley police, Trickett was found dead in a park in Maidenhead, west of London, on Sunday (May 19). An investigation is underway into his death, which is being treated as unexplained. According to British media reports, Trickett was formerly a Royal Marine who worked as a Home Office immigration enforcement officer. He was reportedly the director of a security consultancy too. Trickett, along with 38-year-old Chi Leung (Peter) Wai, and 63-year-old Chung Biu Yuen were detained. The men appeared at a brief court hearing to confirm their identities on May 13. Also read: Key takeaways from primary races in Idaho, Kentucky, Oregon and California Hong Kong authorities have confirmed that Yuen was the office manager of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London. Trickett’s lawyer, Julian Hayes, expressed his shock at Tuesday’s news and stated that he was supporting Trickett’s family. He declined to comment further due to the ongoing investigations. As of late Tuesday, a police cordon remained in place at Grenfell Park in Maidenhead, with several officers stationed near a black forensics tent close to a children’s playground. However, Chinese authorities in both the UK and Hong Kong have condemned the charges, saying they were the latest in a series of groundless accusations that the UK government has leveled against China. Hong Kong’s government demanded that the UK provide full details on the allegations. Also read: Norway recognises Palestine statehood, Ireland to make move next The spying charges came amid tensions between UK and China. UK have been vocal in warning about security threats from Beijing, and recently accused China of being behind a string of cyberespionage operations targeting politicians and Britain’s election watchdog. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said Britain is facing an increasingly dangerous future because of threats from an “axis of authoritarian states,” including Russia, China, Iran and North Korea. In a separate ongoing court case, two men, including a parliamentary researcher, were recently charged with espionage for China. Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry are accused of violating the Official Secrets Act by supplying information or documents that could be useful to an enemy—China—and "prejudicial to the safety or interests" of the UK between late 2021 and February 2023. (With inputs from agencies)

UK man accused of spying for Hong Kong dies under ‘unexplained circumstances’

Chinese authorities are exerting "extreme pressure" to force rural Tibetans into mass relocation from their villages, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW).&nbsp;These new findings were revealed in a 71-page report, titled ‘Educate the Masses to Change Their Minds’: China’s Coercive Relocation of Rural Tibetans.&nbsp;

The treatment of Tibetans by the Chinese government has been a subject of intense international scrutiny and controversy for decades. Now the report put a spotlight on the mass relocation.

The report pointed out that since 2016, officials have relocated or are in the process of relocating 500 villages in the Tibet Autonomous Region, displacing over 140,000 residents to distant locations.

According to the report, these programmes amount to forced evictions in breach of international law that countries are supposed to adhere to.&nbsp;

The report is based on over 1,000 official Chinese media articles from 2016 to 2023 and includes three case studies with video evidence.

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It revealed how Chinese officials pressure residents into "consenting" to relocate through intense “publicity work” and “door-to-door ideological work” during home visits.&nbsp;

One particular instance is now raising eyebrows where 200 out of 262 households in a Nagchu Municipality village initially resisted relocation but eventually agreed "voluntarily."&nbsp;

However, the report said that in many of these instances, Chinese officials resorted to repeated visits and threats of service cuts.

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Acting China director at Human Rights Watch&nbsp;Maya Wang said,&nbsp;“The Chinese government says that the relocation of Tibetan villages is voluntary, but official media reports contradict this claim."

“Those reports make clear that when a whole village is targeted for relocation, it is practically impossible for the residents to refuse to move without facing serious repercussions,” Wang added.&nbsp;

<h2>Poor families targeted&nbsp;</h2>

HRW found that officials use pressure and threats of administrative and criminal penalties against dissenters.&nbsp;Additionally, officials employ “individual household relocation,” targeting poorer families for moves to areas purportedly better for income generation.

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Between 2016 and 2020, an estimated 567,000 people were relocated under this programme.

Many relocated individuals struggle to find employment, having been moved to peri-urban areas where their farming or herding skills are irrelevant.

HRW warned that these relocations are part of China's efforts to destroy Tibetan culture which threatens to devastate Tibetan communities. Forced to abandon traditional livelihoods, many Tibetans find themselves seeking work in unfamiliar industries, eroding their cultural heritage.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese authorities are exerting "extreme pressure" to force rural Tibetans into mass relocation from their villages, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW).

Chinese authorities are exerting "extreme pressure" to force rural Tibetans into mass relocation from their villages, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW). These new findings were revealed in a 71-page report, titled ‘Educate the Masses to Change Their Minds’: China’s Coercive Relocation of Rural Tibetans. The treatment of Tibetans by the Chinese government has been a subject of intense international scrutiny and controversy for decades. Now the report put a spotlight on the mass relocation. The report pointed out that since 2016, officials have relocated or are in the process of relocating 500 villages in the Tibet Autonomous Region, displacing over 140,000 residents to distant locations. According to the report, these programmes amount to forced evictions in breach of international law that countries are supposed to adhere to. The report is based on over 1,000 official Chinese media articles from 2016 to 2023 and includes three case studies with video evidence. Also Read | California Court reviews law on app-based drivers' classification as contractors It revealed how Chinese officials pressure residents into "consenting" to relocate through intense “publicity work” and “door-to-door ideological work” during home visits. One particular instance is now raising eyebrows where 200 out of 262 households in a Nagchu Municipality village initially resisted relocation but eventually agreed "voluntarily." However, the report said that in many of these instances, Chinese officials resorted to repeated visits and threats of service cuts. Also Read | Thousands at Iran's late president Raisi's funeral procession in Tehran Acting China director at Human Rights Watch Maya Wang said, “The Chinese government says that the relocation of Tibetan villages is voluntary, but official media reports contradict this claim." “Those reports make clear that when a whole village is targeted for relocation, it is practically impossible for the residents to refuse to move without facing serious repercussions,” Wang added. Poor families targeted HRW found that officials use pressure and threats of administrative and criminal penalties against dissenters. Additionally, officials employ “individual household relocation,” targeting poorer families for moves to areas purportedly better for income generation. Watch | Hush Money Trial: Trump's hush money trial near its end × Between 2016 and 2020, an estimated 567,000 people were relocated under this programme. Many relocated individuals struggle to find employment, having been moved to peri-urban areas where their farming or herding skills are irrelevant. HRW warned that these relocations are part of China's efforts to destroy Tibetan culture which threatens to devastate Tibetan communities. Forced to abandon traditional livelihoods, many Tibetans find themselves seeking work in unfamiliar industries, eroding their cultural heritage. (With inputs from agencies)

China using 'extreme forms of pressure to coerce' Tibetan villagers into mass relocation

Zimbabwe is in discussions with China Railway Group Ltd. to revitalise the state-owned National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) with an ambitious plan coming to $533 million. <o:p></o:p>

Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube revealed in a recent interview that the collaboration aims to leverage China's expertise and financial resources to modernise the country's railway infrastructure, addressing both fixed and rolling stocks as well as signalling systems.<o:p></o:p>

"We believe that we could make use of their expertise and financial muscle to improve the NRZ," Bloomberg quoted Minister Ncube as saying, stressing on the urgent need for upgrades to bring the NRZ on par with its regional counterparts. <o:p></o:p>

Zimbabwe has fallen behind neighbouring countries like Mozambique and Zambia in terms of railway development and aims to bridge this gap through strategic partnerships.<o:p></o:p>

A memorandum of understanding has been signed between NRZ and China Railway, marking the initiation of the project. <o:p></o:p>

A feasibility report is expected to be completed by the end of June, with plans to announce the formal agreement between the two parties during the upcoming Forum for China and Africa scheduled for August and September. <o:p></o:p>

This collaboration signifies China Railway's continued involvement in regional infrastructure projects, building on its extensive portfolio in the continent.<o:p></o:p>

Zimbabwe Railways estimates that approximately $533 million will be required to execute the comprehensive recovery plan. <o:p></o:p>

Despite a decline in freight volumes, which currently stand at around 3 million tons annually compared to peak volumes of 5 million tons, NRZ remains a crucial player in transporting a variety of goods for export, including lithium, coal, chrome, and granite. <o:p></o:p>

Most of these mineral exports are destined for Asian markets, particularly China.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

Zimbabwe is in discussions with China Railway Group Ltd. to revitalise the state-owned National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) with an ambitious plan coming to $533 million.

Zimbabwe is in discussions with China Railway Group Ltd. to revitalise the state-owned National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) with an ambitious plan coming to $533 million. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube revealed in a recent interview that the collaboration aims to leverage China's expertise and financial resources to modernise the country's railway infrastructure, addressing both fixed and rolling stocks as well as signalling systems. "We believe that we could make use of their expertise and financial muscle to improve the NRZ," Bloomberg quoted Minister Ncube as saying, stressing on the urgent need for upgrades to bring the NRZ on par with its regional counterparts. Zimbabwe has fallen behind neighbouring countries like Mozambique and Zambia in terms of railway development and aims to bridge this gap through strategic partnerships. A memorandum of understanding has been signed between NRZ and China Railway, marking the initiation of the project. A feasibility report is expected to be completed by the end of June, with plans to announce the formal agreement between the two parties during the upcoming Forum for China and Africa scheduled for August and September. This collaboration signifies China Railway's continued involvement in regional infrastructure projects, building on its extensive portfolio in the continent. Zimbabwe Railways estimates that approximately $533 million will be required to execute the comprehensive recovery plan. Despite a decline in freight volumes, which currently stand at around 3 million tons annually compared to peak volumes of 5 million tons, NRZ remains a crucial player in transporting a variety of goods for export, including lithium, coal, chrome, and granite. Most of these mineral exports are destined for Asian markets, particularly China. (With inputs from Reuters)

Zimbabwe eyes $533 million railway revamp in partnership with China

China took steps to shore up its property market, which has hampered its growth momentum. Economists say the plan is too small to end the crisis. This next report aims to understand what analysts have to say about china's strongest measures to address the property crisis.

Is China's housing policy package just the beginning?

Zimbabwe's state-owned National Railways of Zimbabwe, or NRZ, is seeking a major upgrade. Freight volumes have shrunk from a peak of 5 million tons annually to just 3 million tons currently. This decline has left NRZ lagging behind regional competitors like Mozambique and Zambia.

Zimbabwe in rail modernisation talks with China railway group

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