Watch the top headlines of the hour: - US warns halting of arms supply to Israel - Hamas: Won't compromise further - Xi in Budapest for state visit to hungry - Rains interrupt rescue Ops in Brazil - Maldives Foreign Minister arrives in India

Xi in Budapest for state visit to Hungary | Hamas: Won't compromise further

UK's Ministry of Defence suffered a significant data breach. The personal information of UK military personnel has been hacked. A third-party payroll system used by the MoD was attacked. This system included names and bank details of current and past members of the armed forces.

Who is hacking UK armed forces’ personal data?

After a gap of 18 months, Chinese President Xi Jinping has appointed senior diplomat Xu Feihong as the new ambassador to India, a report said on Wednesday (May 8).&nbsp;

There is no official announcement yet at the time of filing this report, but the Chinese Foreign Ministry has confirmed to PTI news agency that Xu, a former ambassador to Afghanistan and Romania, has been appointed as China's new envoy in India.

<h2>Who is Xu Feihong?</h2>

The 60-year-old Xu Feihong was serving as assistant minister for financial and administrative affairs in the foreign ministry.

In 37 years as a Chinese diplomat, Xu’s only job in South Asia was as ambassador to Afghanistan from 2010 to 2013. He also served as envoy to Romania from 2015 to 2018.

Apart from these, most of Xu’s postings have been in the Western world, from Finland to Australia, with a specialisation in Europe.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-halts-bomb-shipment-to-israel-to-signal-concerns-over-rafah-invasion-719158">US halts bomb shipment to Israel amid signs of full-scale Rafah invasion</a>

He will succeed veteran Chinese diplomat Sun Weidong who completed his term in India in October 2022.

Sun Weidong left his post in October 2022, after a tumultuous three years that saw relations between the two neighbours plunge following border clashes in eastern Ladakh.

In April-May 2020, India and China, were locked in a military standoff in the western part of the border.

Tensions flared as Chinese forces advanced past their usual positions on the Line of Actual Control. This resulted in clashes between Chinese troops and Indian Army patrols.

The most serious incident was reported on 15 June, 2020 in the Galwan Valley, where a brutal hand-to-hand fight resulted in casualties on both sides.

India confirmed the loss of 20 soldiers, while China acknowledged at least four fatalities.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/baseless-india-rubbishes-chinas-absurd-claims-on-arunachal-pradesh-705539" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/baseless-india-rubbishes-chinas-absurd-claims-on-arunachal-pradesh-705539&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjEj4zNpP2FAxURR2wGHadaDK0QFnoECAYQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0bAyTpvVC5WmAxXkVu0NzN&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/baseless-india-rubbishes-chinas-absurd-claims-on-arunachal-pradesh-705539" target="_blank">India rubbishes&nbsp;China's&nbsp;'absurd' claims on Arunachal Pradesh</a>

Since then, at least 20 rounds of military-level talks and 13 rounds of foreign office talks have been held between the two countries.

India is pressing the People's Liberation Army to disengage from the Depsang and Demchok areas, maintaining that there cannot be restoration of normalcy in its relations with China as long as the state of the borders remains abnormal.

(With inputs from agencies)

After a gap of 18 months, Chinese President Xi Jinping has appointed senior diplomat Xu Feihong as the new ambassador to India, a report said on Wednesday (May 8).

After a gap of 18 months, Chinese President Xi Jinping has appointed senior diplomat Xu Feihong as the new ambassador to India, a report said on Wednesday (May 8). There is no official announcement yet at the time of filing this report, but the Chinese Foreign Ministry has confirmed to PTI news agency that Xu, a former ambassador to Afghanistan and Romania, has been appointed as China's new envoy in India. Who is Xu Feihong? The 60-year-old Xu Feihong was serving as assistant minister for financial and administrative affairs in the foreign ministry. In 37 years as a Chinese diplomat, Xu’s only job in South Asia was as ambassador to Afghanistan from 2010 to 2013. He also served as envoy to Romania from 2015 to 2018. Apart from these, most of Xu’s postings have been in the Western world, from Finland to Australia, with a specialisation in Europe. Also read: US halts bomb shipment to Israel amid signs of full-scale Rafah invasion He will succeed veteran Chinese diplomat Sun Weidong who completed his term in India in October 2022. Sun Weidong left his post in October 2022, after a tumultuous three years that saw relations between the two neighbours plunge following border clashes in eastern Ladakh. In April-May 2020, India and China, were locked in a military standoff in the western part of the border. Tensions flared as Chinese forces advanced past their usual positions on the Line of Actual Control. This resulted in clashes between Chinese troops and Indian Army patrols. The most serious incident was reported on 15 June, 2020 in the Galwan Valley, where a brutal hand-to-hand fight resulted in casualties on both sides. India confirmed the loss of 20 soldiers, while China acknowledged at least four fatalities. Also read: India rubbishes China's 'absurd' claims on Arunachal Pradesh Since then, at least 20 rounds of military-level talks and 13 rounds of foreign office talks have been held between the two countries. India is pressing the People's Liberation Army to disengage from the Depsang and Demchok areas, maintaining that there cannot be restoration of normalcy in its relations with China as long as the state of the borders remains abnormal. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Xu Feihong, China’s new envoy to India?

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Xi in Belgrade on a state visit to Serbia - AstraZeneca withdraws Covid-19 vaccines - Brazil floods leave 150,000 homeless - Students protests spread to Europe

Xi in Belgrade on a state visit to Serbia | AstraZeneca withdraws Covid-19 vaccines

Cambodia is building a massive new canal with China’s financial backing. The project promises to cut shipping costs and boost the Cambodian economy, but it's stirring up controversy. Watch in for more details!

Cambodia announces $1.7 billion canal project funded by China

The strategic community is in awe of China. They marvel at its visionary leaders like Mao, Deng and Xi. They gush over books like the 100-Year Marathon: China's Secret Strategy to Replace America as the Global Superpower. They quote from it extensively. The very thought that Xi Jinping has laid down timelines for the PLA to become a fully modernised force by 2035 and China to be a well-off modern socialist society by 2049 sends tingles of envy down their spine. One can almost feel it. They quote how China is a superpower. They reel out the technologies it is mastering including space, quantum, cyber and AI. They talk of its nuclear expansion. They explain how the Yuan is replacing the Dollar. They point out the rate at which China is deploying exotic weapons - stealth aircraft, powerful naval vessels and other military capabilities with its ever-expanding military budgets. They look at those who talk of China’s decline as halfwits. &nbsp;

In all the gushing about China, it will do good to remember that a nation is made of people. Not robots, AI or cyber! It is people - good, bad or ugly who make any nation into what it is. Unfortunately for China, the people are declining irreversibly. If the people are in an irreversible decline, the nation declines. Is it not? Sabe? China’s decline actually started with Deng’s ‘one child policy’. When implemented, it seemed really farsighted. Today it looks sort of idiotically myopic. As per a Chinese writer, China faces many “grey rhino” risks. However, population decline is China’s biggest and its time is running out.&nbsp;

When did the demographic grey rhino appear? A decade back. However, the eternally lying communist machinery explained away the demographic decline. As per them, it was known, anticipated and under control. After all the two-child policy was already under implementation with the usual communist gusto! Their propaganda was that the problem would only appear in the next decade. By then China and Xi Jinping would be chugging smoothly on their way to superpower status. Except that the farsighted liars were hiding the reality from the world, their people and themselves. The Chinese farsighted myopia sold the grey rhino as a silver unicorn! &nbsp;Many believed it!&nbsp;

A couple of years back when I started writing about China’s decline, the Chinese bandwagon looked at me in resigned amusement! Here was Xi Jinping talking of Global Security, Development and Civilisational Initiatives and leading China on its way to a Sino-Centric Global Order. Here I was talking of population decline - a trifling issue which might occur. By then China would be rich, prosperous and powerful. It would have the capability to divert the runaway express train bearing down on it. In 2023 the Chinese were jolted when the population dropped by 2.08 million and births by 9.02 million. The lowest level in 74 years. It was like erasing the populations of Salem and Ambala from the map. Panic! But the lying Jinping and his believers are still selling rat poison of China’s great power status, new technologies, civilisation and all that junk. &nbsp;

Why is China declining at such a fast rate? &nbsp;Simple. Its people are ageing at the fastest rate in human history! People matter after all. China might or might not be rich as per Xi Jinping’s plan. It will get old and that is for sure. In 2023, China had around 21.1% of people above 60. By the time PLA modernises fully by 2035 this will be about 30-35%. By 2049, this figure will be above 40 %! This data is derived from official UN figures. However, the official UN figures are based on falsified Chinese figures! The situation must be actually worse. So that’s our fully modern China - a superpower of the aged!&nbsp;

<img alt="China" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="684cfcc7-8d84-4f5f-b222-2997c7178c6b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/China_9.png" />

While Xi Jinping and his gang are talking of modernised China leading mankind to a common destiny through new productive forces, the common Chinese on the streets are seeing kindergartens being closed and hoping that they will be repurposed into old age homes! A simple matter of adjusting the declining child population to an increasing ageing people. This is just one issue. More profound and intractable social issues are just coming to light. The Chinese society we will see going ahead will be far different from the one in which the ‘one child policy’ was implemented or the one of today’s generation which grew up in boom times. &nbsp;

In the past one year, there has been a growing awareness that China has sleepwalked into a situation where the clock has stopped ticking. People write that the worst curse for any nation’s future would be if prosperous people have become “the last generation”. They talk of parents, raised during China’s gravy time who had high hopes for their children’s success. They see them already crumbling with ‘Tang Ping’ and ‘Bailan’ when their children might not land a decent job after graduation. Imagine the psyche of an ageing people when their two main investment avenues – property and stock are in a blind alley of an unfinished building in a ghost city.&nbsp;

Deng’s&nbsp;“one-child policy” provided free condoms and other contraceptive products to limit births and population. However, it also enabled ‘sex for pleasure and broke the traditional institution of marriage’. Marriages and births – both declined. Remember, China does not encourage childbearing outside marriage. Further, when the cost of child-rearing went up with prosperity, births declined. Overall the Chinese Communist Party has let loose a jinn out of the lamp. That jinn has already led China to a birth rate far below replacement levels. In fact, the Chinese society stands reshaped in a manner which will make Deng turn in his grave. Imagine the psychology of a country where there are no brothers or sisters or uncles or aunts. That is what is China today. What will it be tomorrow? Anyone’s guess.&nbsp;

An erudite demographics professor at a reputed Chinese university opines that a “dearth of childbirths would be a horrendous social and economic crisis since childbirth is the largest industry chain driving the economy”. Another good professor points out that even if all Chinese have three children, “China’s population would still continue dropping until the end of the century, due to a shrinking number of women of childbearing age as well as a rapidly ageing population”. Xi Jinping has a lot of work to do. At the age of 71, he might be better off if he attempts to produce his third child in the time he has left on this good earth rather than building the largest navy on god’s acre and making trouble for all his neighbours.

Turn to another aspect - pension. In March 2024, China has indicated that it will introduce a private pension fund. Something like NPS which has been around in India since 2014! When a headline screams ‘China’s private pension push marred by weak financial literacy, as people still have no idea’, one needs to wonder at Chinese foresight! People are hesitant to participate since the scheme is not attractive in economically difficult times. This is about the general pension scheme. The old age pension scheme is running out of funds anyway by 2035 and no solutions are in sight. Can you imagine the mental state of Chinese – old and young?&nbsp;

People argue that Chinese productivity can be kept up with automation and robots despite its population decline. I scratch my brain and wonder how can robots consume. &nbsp;After all the biggest economic problem is their consumption gap. Don’t agree with me? Ask Michael Pettis, the renowned expert on the Chinese economy. Another Chinese writer states ‘Beijing’s ambitions of building a powerful socialist country by the middle of this century will be out of reach if the population keeps shrinking and ageing at the current rate’. Yet another opines that ‘China’s frequent and abrupt policy changes during the pandemic undermined the government’s credibility. Beijing should start by trying to restore its credibility. The credibility problem between the government and its people is only growing.&nbsp;

One might say that such things are normal in a society under change. The difference is that a few years back Chinese demographic issues were discussed only by academics and researchers in journals that no one read. The issue is now being debated in every news portal in China regularly. New facets one could not dream of are coming up. To put it in perspective, the problem will bloom big time past 2030 in geometric proportion. The Chinese know it and they do not have answers. They are worried and probably scared stiff.

The China one sees has three layers today. One sees China economically stagnating since the hole in the property, infrastructure and debt-ridden finance sector cannot be replaced by EVs, solar panels or energy appliances. With investment staying away, the economy will become even more problematic as the steel sector is about to fall off a cliff. The second layer is an ageing Xi Jinping and a power-hungry communist party which has eschewed all paths to peace and growth through their greed and flawed policy. This dangerous layer is surging ahead militarily and technologically to seek a pinnacle in global affairs. It is doing so without a full stop - sinking buckets full of Yuan drawn from the hard-earned savings of the citizenry. The returns can only be assured through mercantile chicanery or war since all its policies have failed spectacularly. The third layer is a shrinking and ageing population who know this but have no other alternative. Some are putting their life savings in gold and many in shaky banks, worried about their future which seems bleak compared to their past. They have no choices left. All they can do is bring to the fore new aspects of the psychological stress they are coming under on an almost daily basis. No wonder that the demand for psychological counselling has increased in China as anxieties have mounted. It is a complex pressure cooker situation.&nbsp;

This in effect is the psychology of a nation in decline. All this is not my original thinking. If the Chinese accuse me of plagiarism, it will prove my case. The decline has started and the down hill slope will only be steeper as time goes on. One has to just wait for the Sino-Centric World Order to disappear into the horizon. It is a matter of time.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)&nbsp;

The strategic community is in awe of China. They marvel at its visionary leaders like Mao, Deng and Xi. They gush over books like the 100-Year Marathon: China's Secret Strategy to Replace America as the Global Superpower.

The strategic community is in awe of China. They marvel at its visionary leaders like Mao, Deng and Xi. They gush over books like the 100-Year Marathon: China's Secret Strategy to Replace America as the Global Superpower. They quote from it extensively. The very thought that Xi Jinping has laid down timelines for the PLA to become a fully modernised force by 2035 and China to be a well-off modern socialist society by 2049 sends tingles of envy down their spine. One can almost feel it. They quote how China is a superpower. They reel out the technologies it is mastering including space, quantum, cyber and AI. They talk of its nuclear expansion. They explain how the Yuan is replacing the Dollar. They point out the rate at which China is deploying exotic weapons - stealth aircraft, powerful naval vessels and other military capabilities with its ever-expanding military budgets. They look at those who talk of China’s decline as halfwits. In all the gushing about China, it will do good to remember that a nation is made of people. Not robots, AI or cyber! It is people - good, bad or ugly who make any nation into what it is. Unfortunately for China, the people are declining irreversibly. If the people are in an irreversible decline, the nation declines. Is it not? Sabe? China’s decline actually started with Deng’s ‘one child policy’. When implemented, it seemed really farsighted. Today it looks sort of idiotically myopic. As per a Chinese writer, China faces many “grey rhino” risks. However, population decline is China’s biggest and its time is running out. When did the demographic grey rhino appear? A decade back. However, the eternally lying communist machinery explained away the demographic decline. As per them, it was known, anticipated and under control. After all the two-child policy was already under implementation with the usual communist gusto! Their propaganda was that the problem would only appear in the next decade. By then China and Xi Jinping would be chugging smoothly on their way to superpower status. Except that the farsighted liars were hiding the reality from the world, their people and themselves. The Chinese farsighted myopia sold the grey rhino as a silver unicorn! Many believed it! A couple of years back when I started writing about China’s decline, the Chinese bandwagon looked at me in resigned amusement! Here was Xi Jinping talking of Global Security, Development and Civilisational Initiatives and leading China on its way to a Sino-Centric Global Order. Here I was talking of population decline - a trifling issue which might occur. By then China would be rich, prosperous and powerful. It would have the capability to divert the runaway express train bearing down on it. In 2023 the Chinese were jolted when the population dropped by 2.08 million and births by 9.02 million. The lowest level in 74 years. It was like erasing the populations of Salem and Ambala from the map. Panic! But the lying Jinping and his believers are still selling rat poison of China’s great power status, new technologies, civilisation and all that junk. Why is China declining at such a fast rate? Simple. Its people are ageing at the fastest rate in human history! People matter after all. China might or might not be rich as per Xi Jinping’s plan. It will get old and that is for sure. In 2023, China had around 21.1% of people above 60. By the time PLA modernises fully by 2035 this will be about 30-35%. By 2049, this figure will be above 40 %! This data is derived from official UN figures. However, the official UN figures are based on falsified Chinese figures! The situation must be actually worse. So that’s our fully modern China - a superpower of the aged! While Xi Jinping and his gang are talking of modernised China leading mankind to a common destiny through new productive forces, the common Chinese on the streets are seeing kindergartens being closed and hoping that they will be repurposed into old age homes! A simple matter of adjusting the declining child population to an increasing ageing people. This is just one issue. More profound and intractable social issues are just coming to light. The Chinese society we will see going ahead will be far different from the one in which the ‘one child policy’ was implemented or the one of today’s generation which grew up in boom times. In the past one year, there has been a growing awareness that China has sleepwalked into a situation where the clock has stopped ticking. People write that the worst curse for any nation’s future would be if prosperous people have become “the last generation”. They talk of parents, raised during China’s gravy time who had high hopes for their children’s success. They see them already crumbling with ‘Tang Ping’ and ‘Bailan’ when their children might not land a decent job after graduation. Imagine the psyche of an ageing people when their two main investment avenues – property and stock are in a blind alley of an unfinished building in a ghost city. Deng’s “one-child policy” provided free condoms and other contraceptive products to limit births and population. However, it also enabled ‘sex for pleasure and broke the traditional institution of marriage’. Marriages and births – both declined. Remember, China does not encourage childbearing outside marriage. Further, when the cost of child-rearing went up with prosperity, births declined. Overall the Chinese Communist Party has let loose a jinn out of the lamp. That jinn has already led China to a birth rate far below replacement levels. In fact, the Chinese society stands reshaped in a manner which will make Deng turn in his grave. Imagine the psychology of a country where there are no brothers or sisters or uncles or aunts. That is what is China today. What will it be tomorrow? Anyone’s guess. An erudite demographics professor at a reputed Chinese university opines that a “dearth of childbirths would be a horrendous social and economic crisis since childbirth is the largest industry chain driving the economy”. Another good professor points out that even if all Chinese have three children, “China’s population would still continue dropping until the end of the century, due to a shrinking number of women of childbearing age as well as a rapidly ageing population”. Xi Jinping has a lot of work to do. At the age of 71, he might be better off if he attempts to produce his third child in the time he has left on this good earth rather than building the largest navy on god’s acre and making trouble for all his neighbours. Turn to another aspect - pension. In March 2024, China has indicated that it will introduce a private pension fund. Something like NPS which has been around in India since 2014! When a headline screams ‘China’s private pension push marred by weak financial literacy, as people still have no idea’, one needs to wonder at Chinese foresight! People are hesitant to participate since the scheme is not attractive in economically difficult times. This is about the general pension scheme. The old age pension scheme is running out of funds anyway by 2035 and no solutions are in sight. Can you imagine the mental state of Chinese – old and young? People argue that Chinese productivity can be kept up with automation and robots despite its population decline. I scratch my brain and wonder how can robots consume. After all the biggest economic problem is their consumption gap. Don’t agree with me? Ask Michael Pettis, the renowned expert on the Chinese economy. Another Chinese writer states ‘Beijing’s ambitions of building a powerful socialist country by the middle of this century will be out of reach if the population keeps shrinking and ageing at the current rate’. Yet another opines that ‘China’s frequent and abrupt policy changes during the pandemic undermined the government’s credibility. Beijing should start by trying to restore its credibility. The credibility problem between the government and its people is only growing. One might say that such things are normal in a society under change. The difference is that a few years back Chinese demographic issues were discussed only by academics and researchers in journals that no one read. The issue is now being debated in every news portal in China regularly. New facets one could not dream of are coming up. To put it in perspective, the problem will bloom big time past 2030 in geometric proportion. The Chinese know it and they do not have answers. They are worried and probably scared stiff. The China one sees has three layers today. One sees China economically stagnating since the hole in the property, infrastructure and debt-ridden finance sector cannot be replaced by EVs, solar panels or energy appliances. With investment staying away, the economy will become even more problematic as the steel sector is about to fall off a cliff. The second layer is an ageing Xi Jinping and a power-hungry communist party which has eschewed all paths to peace and growth through their greed and flawed policy. This dangerous layer is surging ahead militarily and technologically to seek a pinnacle in global affairs. It is doing so without a full stop - sinking buckets full of Yuan drawn from the hard-earned savings of the citizenry. The returns can only be assured through mercantile chicanery or war since all its policies have failed spectacularly. The third layer is a shrinking and ageing population who know this but have no other alternative. Some are putting their life savings in gold and many in shaky banks, worried about their future which seems bleak compared to their past. They have no choices left. All they can do is bring to the fore new aspects of the psychological stress they are coming under on an almost daily basis. No wonder that the demand for psychological counselling has increased in China as anxieties have mounted. It is a complex pressure cooker situation. This in effect is the psychology of a nation in decline. All this is not my original thinking. If the Chinese accuse me of plagiarism, it will prove my case. The decline has started and the down hill slope will only be steeper as time goes on. One has to just wait for the Sino-Centric World Order to disappear into the horizon. It is a matter of time. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

The psychology of Chinese decline

Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold talks with his Serbian counterpart in Belgrade and as Beijing seeks to deepen its polical and economic ties with friendlier countries in Europe.

China President Xi Jinping visits Serbia for talks to boost economic ties

After an unusual delay of 18 months, China President Xi Jinping has appointed senior diplomat Xu Feihong as the new Ambassador to India while there is no official announcement by Beijing. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has confirmed the news of the appointment.

Xu Feihong: China names new envoy to India amid strained ties with the country

U.S. & Filipino troops fire missiles & artillery at a decommissioned vessel off the Philippines' northern coast. It is a part of a maritime strike exercise, which aims to deter a hypothetical aggressor force. It comes amid a backdrop of increased confrontations between Philippine & Chinese vessels around South China Sea

South China Sea war games: Philippines, US troops fire missiles and artillery

A "Malign Actor" has probably compromised the payments system used by the British military, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said after reports that china had hacked into a database holding personal information of the armed forces. UK Defence Secretary echoes Sunak and told House of Commons that, "State involvement cannot be ruled out in a hack of an armed forces payroll system". Beijing described the suggestion as a "fabricated and malicious slander".

China behind UK Defence Ministry data breach? | Personal data of Armed Forces hacked

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Gaza truce talks resume in Cairo - Students protests spread to Europe - Patients and medics flee major Rafah hospital - Trump documents trial postponed - China appoints new envoy to India

Trump Documents trial postponed | China appoints new envoy to India

Congress leader Sam Pitroda is once again making the headlines. The row over Sam Pitroda’s ‘inheritance tax’ remark has not even been settled yet. Now, the Indian Overseas Congress head stirred new trouble for the party. This time, Sam made a racist remark about Indians.

'People in east look like Chinese, South Indians like...': Congress' Sam Pitroda stokes controversy again

Serbia welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping with a military guard of honour on Wednesday. Xi's visit coincides with the 25th anniversary of NATO's accidental bombing of China's embassy in Belgrade. Watch in for more details!

China's Xi Jinping visits Serbia on anniversary of 1999 NATO bombing

China President Xi Jinping visits Serbia: Xi hails ironclad friendship between China & Serbia

The world may have its share of issues with Chinese communist leaders who run the world's second-biggest economy. But everyone appears to love the incredibly adorable creatures that pandas are. Contemporary International Relations are filled with examples of Panda Diplomacy when Beijing deployed these cute animals to the countries of its choice as goodwill gestures in zoos for better people-to-people ties.

But now a Chinese zoo has simply coloured dogs and&nbsp;dubbed them&nbsp;'panda dogs'.

The Taizhou Zoo in Jiangsu province, located over 1,000 km south of Beijing, has become the centre of attention since May 1 with the introduction of two creatures dubbed "panda dogs".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spy-balloon-panda-diplomacy-us-china-ties-in-2023-entered-a-phase-of-21st-century-cold-war-669728">Spy balloon, Panda diplomacy: US-China ties in 2023 entered a phase of 21st century cold war</a>

These furry attractions, resembling giant pandas, have both delighted and perplexed visitors.

Videos circulating on the internet have stirred confusion among netizens, with some mistaking the panda dogs for actual pandas and others questioning whether "panda dog" is a legitimate breed. Despite their striking resemblance to giant pandas, some observers noted peculiar behaviour,&nbsp;such as head shaking.

Also watch |&nbsp;Heartwarming footage offers glimpses of bonds between Panda mom &amp; cubs

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According to local reports, the panda dogs are, in fact, Chow Chows meticulously groomed and dyed to mimic the appearance of their larger bamboo-munching counterparts. An information board at the enclosure clarifies that panda dogs are not a distinct breed but rather pet dogs subjected to grooming techniques or born with natural coat patterns resembling pandas.

The zoo's initiative has proven successful in drawing crowds, according to media reports.&nbsp;

But the revelation that the captivating creatures were dogs and not pandas has come as a surprise to many.

Some people online have raised concerns about the welfare of the dyed Chow Chows. In response, the Taizhou Zoo assured the public that the dyeing process is harmless.

(With inputs from agencies)

The world may have its share of issues with Chinese communist leaders who run the world's second-biggest economy. But everyone appears to love the incredibly adorable creatures that pandas are.

The world may have its share of issues with Chinese communist leaders who run the world's second-biggest economy. But everyone appears to love the incredibly adorable creatures that pandas are. Contemporary International Relations are filled with examples of Panda Diplomacy when Beijing deployed these cute animals to the countries of its choice as goodwill gestures in zoos for better people-to-people ties. But now a Chinese zoo has simply coloured dogs and dubbed them 'panda dogs'. The Taizhou Zoo in Jiangsu province, located over 1,000 km south of Beijing, has become the centre of attention since May 1 with the introduction of two creatures dubbed "panda dogs". Also read | Spy balloon, Panda diplomacy: US-China ties in 2023 entered a phase of 21st century cold war These furry attractions, resembling giant pandas, have both delighted and perplexed visitors. Videos circulating on the internet have stirred confusion among netizens, with some mistaking the panda dogs for actual pandas and others questioning whether "panda dog" is a legitimate breed. Despite their striking resemblance to giant pandas, some observers noted peculiar behaviour, such as head shaking. Also watch | Heartwarming footage offers glimpses of bonds between Panda mom & cubs × According to local reports, the panda dogs are, in fact, Chow Chows meticulously groomed and dyed to mimic the appearance of their larger bamboo-munching counterparts. An information board at the enclosure clarifies that panda dogs are not a distinct breed but rather pet dogs subjected to grooming techniques or born with natural coat patterns resembling pandas. The zoo's initiative has proven successful in drawing crowds, according to media reports. But the revelation that the captivating creatures were dogs and not pandas has come as a surprise to many. Some people online have raised concerns about the welfare of the dyed Chow Chows. In response, the Taizhou Zoo assured the public that the dyeing process is harmless. (With inputs from agencies)

Cuteness overdose! Chinese zoo paints Chow Chow dogs to pass them off as pandas

Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Serbia on the second leg of his European tour. He was earlier in France and will be visiting Hungary next. This is Xi's first trip to Europe since 2019 and is aimed at bolstering ties with Europe.

Xi Jinping's Visit to Europe | What is Chinese President Xi Jinping's message for Europe?

Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold talks with his Serbian counterpart in Belgrade on Wednesday, as Beijing seeks to deepen its political and economic ties with friendlier countries in Europe.

China has poured billions into Serbia and neighbouring Balkan countries, particularly into mining and manufacturing, and last year Beijing and Belgrade signed a free trade agreement.&nbsp;

Xi arrived in the Serbian capital Tuesday night after a state visit to France that saw sometimes robust exchanges with President Emmanuel Macron on topics including trade and China's continued close ties to Russia despite the Ukraine war.

But the other two countries chosen by Xi for his first trip to Europe since 2019 -- with Hungary as the final stop after Serbia -- are seen as among the most sympathetic to Moscow in Europe.&nbsp;

In Belgrade, the Chinese leader will meet President Aleksandar Vucic for talks on Wednesday, before heading to Budapest.

Serbian finance minister Sinisa Mali told state broadcaster RTS that discussions Wednesday would centre on "a great project".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-in-france-calls-for-free-tibet-take-over-paris-during-chinese-leaders-state-visit-718403">Xi Jinping in France: Chants of 'Free Tibet' echo in Paris streets amid Chinese leader's state visit</a>

"We are aiming to attract a major investment from China in a very promising area," he said Tuesday, adding "I won't reveal our cards at this moment."

Streets in the Serbian capital were decked out with Chinese flags for the visit, along with posters and billboards that proclaimed a "warm welcome" to "Chinese friends".&nbsp;

<h2>NATO bombing</h2>

Xi's visit to Belgrade will also coincide with the 25th anniversary of the 1999 US bombing of the Chinese embassy there, which killed three people.&nbsp;

The embassy was hit during a months-long, US-led NATO campaign targeting Serbian security forces who were waging a brutal war against ethnic-Albanian insurgents in Kosovo.

The US later apologised, saying that outdated maps had led the pilot to strike the wrong target.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Xi wrote in Serbian daily Politika that NATO had "flagrantly bombed the Chinese embassy in Yugoslavia", warning that China would "never allow such tragic history to repeat itself".&nbsp;

He also hailed the "ironclad friendship" between China and Serbia, which he said was "forged with the blood of our compatriots".

Also watch |&nbsp;Xi Jinping's first trip to Europe in five years; after France, Xi to visit Serbia &amp; Hungary

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Stefan Vladisavljev, programme director at the Foundation BFPE for a Responsible Society, said that the date of the visit meant it will have "significant symbolic importance".

"The focus is also expected to be on promoting existing cooperation between the two countries, and announcing projects that they can implement together in the future," he added.

<h2>Ukraine fears</h2>

Serbs questioned in central Belgrade said they welcomed Xi's visit.

"I think it's an excellent thing, this visit from the president of one of the most powerful countries in the world," 67-year-old Stojan Vidovic, a retiree, told AFP.

"It's fantastic for us," agreed 69-year-old Dijana Radic, a former translator. She said she hoped there would be "results from this visit, something good for both parties".

The first leg of Xi's visit in France saw meetings with Macron and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urging Xi not to allow the export of any technology that could be used by Russia in its invasion of Ukraine and to do all it could to end the war.&nbsp;

Xi for his part warned the West not to "smear" China over the conflict and also hit back at accusations that Chinese overcapacity was causing global trade imbalances.&nbsp;

Europe is concerned that while officially neutral over the Ukraine conflict, China is essentially backing Russia, which is using Chinese machine tools in arms production.&nbsp;

After meeting with Vucic, Xi will go to Hungary, where China has invested heavily in vast battery and electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plants.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold talks with his Serbian counterpart in Belgrade on Wednesday, as Beijing seeks to deepen its political and economic ties with friendlier countries in Europe.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold talks with his Serbian counterpart in Belgrade on Wednesday, as Beijing seeks to deepen its political and economic ties with friendlier countries in Europe. China has poured billions into Serbia and neighbouring Balkan countries, particularly into mining and manufacturing, and last year Beijing and Belgrade signed a free trade agreement. Xi arrived in the Serbian capital Tuesday night after a state visit to France that saw sometimes robust exchanges with President Emmanuel Macron on topics including trade and China's continued close ties to Russia despite the Ukraine war. But the other two countries chosen by Xi for his first trip to Europe since 2019 -- with Hungary as the final stop after Serbia -- are seen as among the most sympathetic to Moscow in Europe. In Belgrade, the Chinese leader will meet President Aleksandar Vucic for talks on Wednesday, before heading to Budapest. Serbian finance minister Sinisa Mali told state broadcaster RTS that discussions Wednesday would centre on "a great project". Also read | Xi Jinping in France: Chants of 'Free Tibet' echo in Paris streets amid Chinese leader's state visit "We are aiming to attract a major investment from China in a very promising area," he said Tuesday, adding "I won't reveal our cards at this moment." Streets in the Serbian capital were decked out with Chinese flags for the visit, along with posters and billboards that proclaimed a "warm welcome" to "Chinese friends". NATO bombing Xi's visit to Belgrade will also coincide with the 25th anniversary of the 1999 US bombing of the Chinese embassy there, which killed three people. The embassy was hit during a months-long, US-led NATO campaign targeting Serbian security forces who were waging a brutal war against ethnic-Albanian insurgents in Kosovo. The US later apologised, saying that outdated maps had led the pilot to strike the wrong target. On Tuesday, Xi wrote in Serbian daily Politika that NATO had "flagrantly bombed the Chinese embassy in Yugoslavia", warning that China would "never allow such tragic history to repeat itself". He also hailed the "ironclad friendship" between China and Serbia, which he said was "forged with the blood of our compatriots". Also watch | Xi Jinping's first trip to Europe in five years; after France, Xi to visit Serbia & Hungary × Stefan Vladisavljev, programme director at the Foundation BFPE for a Responsible Society, said that the date of the visit meant it will have "significant symbolic importance". "The focus is also expected to be on promoting existing cooperation between the two countries, and announcing projects that they can implement together in the future," he added. Ukraine fears Serbs questioned in central Belgrade said they welcomed Xi's visit. "I think it's an excellent thing, this visit from the president of one of the most powerful countries in the world," 67-year-old Stojan Vidovic, a retiree, told AFP. "It's fantastic for us," agreed 69-year-old Dijana Radic, a former translator. She said she hoped there would be "results from this visit, something good for both parties". The first leg of Xi's visit in France saw meetings with Macron and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urging Xi not to allow the export of any technology that could be used by Russia in its invasion of Ukraine and to do all it could to end the war. Xi for his part warned the West not to "smear" China over the conflict and also hit back at accusations that Chinese overcapacity was causing global trade imbalances. Europe is concerned that while officially neutral over the Ukraine conflict, China is essentially backing Russia, which is using Chinese machine tools in arms production. After meeting with Vucic, Xi will go to Hungary, where China has invested heavily in vast battery and electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plants.

China's Xi in Serbia 25 years after Belgrade embassy attack

On his first visit to the EU in five years, Chinese President Xi Jinping met his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, and the European Commission President, Ursula Von Der Leyen. Xi Jinping lauded China's ties with France as a model for the international community at opening of Paris talks. Watch in for more details!

China's Xi Jinping in France: Macron, EU Chief urge China to press Russia over Ukraine

In its efforts to ramp up preparations for a possible conflict with China. The Pentagon is now funding drone thorugh its replicator program. The program is an effort to field new systems by August 2025 to help counter China.

US' 'Switchblade 600' drone: US begins funding new drone to counter China by August 2025

China's housing market faces a significant slowdown. Average daily home sales during the recent may day holiday plummeted 47% compared to the same period last year. This downturn extends beyond the past year, with sales falling roughly 30% even compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

China's home sales plummet 47% during may day holiday

French President Emmanuel Macron and EU Commission Chief Ursula Von Der Leyen hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping for critical discussions on trade and geopolitical tensions. Despite Chinese and French companies signing deals ranging from energy, finance, & transport on the sidelines, trade tensions persist.

Macron & EU leaders push for balanced trade with China

BREAKING: UK military's secrets accessed by China

A Chinese fighter jet has allegedly dropped flares above an Australian helicopter. The incident took place in the international airspace above the Yellow Sea over the weekend. Canberra says the Chinese fighter jet also dropped flares in front of the Seahawk helicopter.

Gravitas | Chinese fighter jet fires flares above Australia Seahawk helicopter

On his state visit to Paris, Chinese President Xi Jinping received two bottles of Cognac from his French counterpart Macron. What does it signify? Is Macron trying to woo Xi?

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A Chinese man has woken up after being in a coma for the last ten years. While a lot changed in those ten years, there was a constant throughout. It was his wife. She's the one who patiently nursed this man back to life.

Gravitas | Wife nurses husband back to life after 10 years of coma

The average daily home sales in China plummeted by 47 per cent during the May Day public holiday compared to the previous year.<o:p></o:p>

According to data cited by Reuters from the China Index Academy, it was revealed that home sales in 19 out of 22 surveyed cities witnessed a sharp decline during the five-day holiday period.<o:p></o:p>

Mega-cities like Guangzhou and Shanghai experienced a steep decline of over 60 per cent.<o:p></o:p>

The slump in home sales is a reflection of bigger challenges in China's real estate sector, worsened by ongoing policy adjustments and economic uncertainties. <o:p></o:p>

Although there have been efforts by Chinese authorities to strengthen the housing market, analysts argue that many policies lack long-term effectiveness and fail to address fundamental issues.<o:p></o:p>

At a recent politburo meeting, policymakers highlighted the need for improved policies to address housing inventory, noting persistent pressures within the housing market.<o:p></o:p>

Recognising the need for decisive action, analysts and industry experts have advocated for a comprehensive approach to stimulate home sales and stabilise the real estate sector. <o:p></o:p>

Suggestions include reducing the down payment ratio, lowering mortgage interest rates, and revising transaction taxes and fees to incentivise home buyers.<o:p></o:p>

Additionally, local governments have implemented measures such as easing home purchase restrictions and optimising regulations to facilitate home transactions.<o:p></o:p>

Responding to the downturn, cities like Chengdu and Beijing have implemented localised measures to alleviate pressure on the housing market. <o:p></o:p>

Chengdu recently relaxed home purchase limits, while Beijing announced "optimised measures" to facilitate new home purchases in outer districts, aimed at revitalising home sales.<o:p></o:p>

Analysts anticipate further policy easing measures and increased intervention by local governments to stimulate housing demand and absorb excess housing inventory.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

The average daily home sales in China plummeted by 47 per cent during the May Day public holiday compared to the previous year. According to data cited by Reuters from the China Index Academy, it was revealed that home sales in 19 out of 22 surveyed cities witnessed a sharp decline during the five-day holiday period.

The average daily home sales in China plummeted by 47 per cent during the May Day public holiday compared to the previous year. According to data cited by Reuters from the China Index Academy, it was revealed that home sales in 19 out of 22 surveyed cities witnessed a sharp decline during the five-day holiday period. Mega-cities like Guangzhou and Shanghai experienced a steep decline of over 60 per cent. The slump in home sales is a reflection of bigger challenges in China's real estate sector, worsened by ongoing policy adjustments and economic uncertainties. Although there have been efforts by Chinese authorities to strengthen the housing market, analysts argue that many policies lack long-term effectiveness and fail to address fundamental issues. At a recent politburo meeting, policymakers highlighted the need for improved policies to address housing inventory, noting persistent pressures within the housing market. Recognising the need for decisive action, analysts and industry experts have advocated for a comprehensive approach to stimulate home sales and stabilise the real estate sector. Suggestions include reducing the down payment ratio, lowering mortgage interest rates, and revising transaction taxes and fees to incentivise home buyers. Additionally, local governments have implemented measures such as easing home purchase restrictions and optimising regulations to facilitate home transactions. Responding to the downturn, cities like Chengdu and Beijing have implemented localised measures to alleviate pressure on the housing market. Chengdu recently relaxed home purchase limits, while Beijing announced "optimised measures" to facilitate new home purchases in outer districts, aimed at revitalising home sales. Analysts anticipate further policy easing measures and increased intervention by local governments to stimulate housing demand and absorb excess housing inventory. (With inputs from Reuters)

China home sales fall during May Day holiday, urging calls for policy adjustments

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the Pyrenees mountains on Tuesday on the second day of a trip. Xi has said he would welcome more high-level talks on trade frictions, and has denied there was a Chinese "overcapacity problem". Watch in for more details!

Macron, Xi break protocol for one-on-one visit to the Pyrenees

Massive security breach in the UK, as China hacks UK's Defence Ministry

There is some good news for Marvel fans. Joe Russo, part of the director duo Russo brothers, is coming to India in April ahead of of the release of ‘Avengers: Endgame’.&nbsp; 
 
One of the most anticipated films of the year, ‘Avengers: Endgame’has been directed by Joe and Anthony Russo. Fans have been left intrigued with two fascinating teaser trailers. Speculations and fan theories have been pouring in constantly. 
 
Indian film critic and trade analyst Taran Adarsh took to his Twitter handle to share the news. He wrote, “Marvel fans, rejoice... #AvengersEndgame director Joe Russo [of the Russo brothers] to visit #India first, ahead of his Asia-Pacific tour, in April [before the film`s release]... #AvengersEndgame releases on 26 April 2019 in #India in #English, #Hindi, #Tamil and #Telugu.”

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Marvel fans, rejoice... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AvengersEndgame?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AvengersEndgame</a> director Joe Russo [of the Russo brothers] to visit <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> first, ahead of his Asia-Pacific tour, in April [before the film's release]... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AvengersEndgame?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AvengersEndgame</a> releases on 26 April 2019 in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/English?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#English</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hindi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hindi</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tamil?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tamil</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Telugu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Telugu</a>.
— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) <a href="https://twitter.com/taran_adarsh/status/1105315601013125120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Joe is expected to be in Mumbai on April 1 and 2 to promote the upcoming film amongst Indian fans, who will be among the first in the world to interact with the director before the film hits the big screens.&nbsp; 
 
The Russo brothers, who joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’, became Marvel’s choice to direct the two of biggest films of the universe, including ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ and its follow-up, ‘Avengers: Endgame.’‘Avengers: Infinity War’ became the highest Hollywood grosser of all time in India.&nbsp; 
 
The film, which opened to good reviews, minted over Rs. 120 crore in its opening weekend.‘Avengers: Endgame’ is slated to hit the theatres on April 26.&nbsp;

There is some good news for Marvel fans. Joe Russo, part of the director duo Russo brothers, is coming to India in April ahead of of the release of ‘Avengers: Endgame’.

There is some good news for Marvel fans. Joe Russo, part of the director duo Russo brothers, is coming to India in April ahead of of the release of ‘Avengers: Endgame’. One of the most anticipated films of the year, ‘Avengers: Endgame’has been directed by Joe and Anthony Russo. Fans have been left intrigued with two fascinating teaser trailers. Speculations and fan theories have been pouring in constantly. Indian film critic and trade analyst Taran Adarsh took to his Twitter handle to share the news. He wrote, “Marvel fans, rejoice... #AvengersEndgame director Joe Russo [of the Russo brothers] to visit #India first, ahead of his Asia-Pacific tour, in April [before the film`s release]... #AvengersEndgame releases on 26 April 2019 in #India in #English, #Hindi, #Tamil and #Telugu.” Marvel fans, rejoice... #AvengersEndgame director Joe Russo [of the Russo brothers] to visit #India first, ahead of his Asia-Pacific tour, in April [before the film's release]... #AvengersEndgame releases on 26 April 2019 in #India in #English, #Hindi, #Tamil and #Telugu. — taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) March 12, 2019 × Joe is expected to be in Mumbai on April 1 and 2 to promote the upcoming film amongst Indian fans, who will be among the first in the world to interact with the director before the film hits the big screens. The Russo brothers, who joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’, became Marvel’s choice to direct the two of biggest films of the universe, including ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ and its follow-up, ‘Avengers: Endgame.’‘Avengers: Infinity War’ became the highest Hollywood grosser of all time in India. The film, which opened to good reviews, minted over Rs. 120 crore in its opening weekend.‘Avengers: Endgame’ is slated to hit the theatres on April 26.

China hospital attack: At least 2 killed, 21 injured in knife rampage

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Tuesday (May 7) that it was unacceptable for Australian defence personnel to be put at risk in international airspace by the Chinese military as they took part in an operation to enforce United Nations sanctions on North Korea.

Tensions rise after Chinese jet releases flares in an Australian helicopter's path

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