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!

Xi Jinping in France: Xi's visit to France marks 60 years of China-France diplomatic ties

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Israeli tanks seen on Gazan side of Rafah - China not aiding Russia in Ukraine: Xi - India's top court hears Kejriwal's bail plea - S. Korea records hottest April in 50 years - Israel delegation to discuss Hamas proposal - India votes in Phase 3 today

China not aiding Russia in Ukraine: Xi | S. Korea records hottest April in 50 years

China is suspected of hacking a UK Ministry of Defence contractor's IT system, British media reported on Tuesday (May 7).

The personal details of UK military personnel were targeted in the cyber attack, Financial Times reported.&nbsp;

Sky News reported that the hack did not affect UK Ministry of Defence's central network but the hacker is understood to be the Chinese state.&nbsp;

<h2>Britain defence personnel hack: What happened?</h2>

The hack reportedly affected an IT system containing the names and bank details of all serving regular military personnel and reservists, as well as several thousand veterans.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-give-details-of-cyber-security-threat-it-says-is-posed-by-china-704027">UK to give details of cyber security threat it says is posed by China</a>

According to the Financial Times, an initial investigation by the Ministry of Defence found no evidence that any information has been removed from the hacked IT system.&nbsp;

<h2>What next?</h2>

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's administration has called in the country's private security specialists to assist with the defence ministry's investigation into the hack.

An external contractor has been roped in to monitor the internet to check if any information from the hacked source has been leaked online.

Earlier, the UK government had publicly blamed China for two cyber campaigns that targeted Britain's elections watchdog as well as parliamentarians.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-chief-says-chinese-hackers-pose-threat-to-us-critical-infrastructure-713162">FBI chief says Chinese hackers pose threat to US critical infrastructure</a>

The National Cyber Security Centre, a branch of signals intelligence agency UK's Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), assessed that a China state-affiliated cyber entity was "highly likely" to have been responsible for an attack on the Electoral Commission between 2021 and 2022, UK's Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden told the House of Commons last month.

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas | Did China hack into Indian government offices?

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UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron had said it was "completely unacceptable that China state-affiliated organisations and individuals have targeted our democratic institutions and political processes".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-announces-sanctions-against-chinese-hackers-for-targeting-critical-infrastructure-704266">US announces sanctions against Chinese hackers for years-long cyber attack campaign</a>

The Chinese embassy in London had said back then: "The so-called cyber attacks by China against the UK are completely fabricated and malicious slanders. We strongly oppose such accusations."

(With inputs from agencies)

China is suspected of hacking a UK Ministry of Defence contractor's IT system, British media reported on Tuesday (May 7). The personal details of UK military personnel were targeted in the cyber attack, Financial Times reported.

China is suspected of hacking a UK Ministry of Defence contractor's IT system, British media reported on Tuesday (May 7). The personal details of UK military personnel were targeted in the cyber attack, Financial Times reported. Sky News reported that the hack did not affect UK Ministry of Defence's central network but the hacker is understood to be the Chinese state. Britain defence personnel hack: What happened? The hack reportedly affected an IT system containing the names and bank details of all serving regular military personnel and reservists, as well as several thousand veterans. Also read | UK to give details of cyber security threat it says is posed by China According to the Financial Times, an initial investigation by the Ministry of Defence found no evidence that any information has been removed from the hacked IT system. What next? Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's administration has called in the country's private security specialists to assist with the defence ministry's investigation into the hack. An external contractor has been roped in to monitor the internet to check if any information from the hacked source has been leaked online. Earlier, the UK government had publicly blamed China for two cyber campaigns that targeted Britain's elections watchdog as well as parliamentarians. Also read | FBI chief says Chinese hackers pose threat to US critical infrastructure The National Cyber Security Centre, a branch of signals intelligence agency UK's Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), assessed that a China state-affiliated cyber entity was "highly likely" to have been responsible for an attack on the Electoral Commission between 2021 and 2022, UK's Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden told the House of Commons last month. Also watch | Gravitas | Did China hack into Indian government offices? × UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron had said it was "completely unacceptable that China state-affiliated organisations and individuals have targeted our democratic institutions and political processes". Also read | US announces sanctions against Chinese hackers for years-long cyber attack campaign The Chinese embassy in London had said back then: "The so-called cyber attacks by China against the UK are completely fabricated and malicious slanders. We strongly oppose such accusations." (With inputs from agencies)

Suspected Chinese cyber attack targets UK military personnel

Chinese President Xi Jinping is on a keenly watched trip to Europe for his first stop Xi has arrived in Paris. This is the Chinese President's first visit to the region after the COVID pandemic as Beijing looks for greater trade and strategic ties with the region.

Xi Jinping in Paris on a two-day visit; Ukraine, trade & investment top agenda

Chinese President Xi Jinping made a rare visit to Paris on Sunday. The President lauded the bilateral ties between China and France. This praise comes in the backdrop of ongoing trade disputes with the EU. Not just the EU but several major economies, including the US, have raised concerns over China’s trade practices.

Xi Jinping makes ‘rare’ visit to Paris amid trade disputes

China's services sector witnessed a slight moderation in its expansion pace in April, but remained firmly in growth territory, according to the latest Caixin/S&amp;P Global services purchasing managers' index (PMI) report, as cited by Reuters. <o:p></o:p>

The PMI figure eased marginally to 52.5 from 52.7 in March, marking the 16th consecutive month of expansion. <o:p></o:p>

Despite the moderation, the index remained above the crucial 50-mark threshold, indicating continued growth in the sector.<o:p></o:p>

The sustained expansion in services activity has been a positive sign for the broader economic recovery, while ongoing challenges such as a prolonged property market slump and subdued domestic demand continue.<o:p></o:p>

Despite these setbacks, the latest PMI data suggests strength in the services sector, supported by new business growth and improved business sentiment. <o:p></o:p>

One of the notable highlights of the April PMI report was the uptick in new orders, reaching their highest level since May last year. <o:p></o:p>

This growth was supported by increased demand from overseas markets and a resurgence in tourism activity, contributing to the strongest pace of new export orders in ten months. <o:p></o:p>

The positive momentum in new business inflows has reinforced optimism among Chinese service providers, with business confidence for the year ahead reaching its peak for 2024. <o:p></o:p>

However, firms continue to struggle with rising input costs, particularly for materials, labour, and energy, which have prompted adjustments in pricing strategies.<o:p></o:p>

Despite the overall optimism reflected in the PMI data, economists caution that challenges persist for China's economic recovery. <o:p></o:p>

The economy, while showing signs of resilience, is still grappling with the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, complicated by structural issues within the property sector. <o:p></o:p>

While the first quarter GDP report provided pockets of strength, indicating a potential path towards recovery, economists emphasise the need for sustained efforts to increase confidence and stimulate demand. <o:p></o:p>

Structural reforms along with targeted stimulus measures are viewed as essential components for fostering a robust and sustainable economic revival.<o:p></o:p>

The composite PMI, which tracks both the services and manufacturing sectors, witnessed a slight uptick in April, rising to 52.8 from 52.7 in March. <o:p></o:p>

This composite figure, reflecting the overall health of China's economy, marked the fastest pace since May 2023. <o:p></o:p>

However, analysts caution that a solid post-COVID revival remains indefinable, necessitating continued policy support and structural adjustments. <o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

China's services sector witnessed a slight moderation in its expansion pace in April, but remained firmly in growth territory, according to the latest Caixin/S&P Global services purchasing managers' index (PMI) report, as cited by Reuters.

China's services sector witnessed a slight moderation in its expansion pace in April, but remained firmly in growth territory, according to the latest Caixin/S&P Global services purchasing managers' index (PMI) report, as cited by Reuters. The PMI figure eased marginally to 52.5 from 52.7 in March, marking the 16th consecutive month of expansion. Despite the moderation, the index remained above the crucial 50-mark threshold, indicating continued growth in the sector. The sustained expansion in services activity has been a positive sign for the broader economic recovery, while ongoing challenges such as a prolonged property market slump and subdued domestic demand continue. Despite these setbacks, the latest PMI data suggests strength in the services sector, supported by new business growth and improved business sentiment. One of the notable highlights of the April PMI report was the uptick in new orders, reaching their highest level since May last year. This growth was supported by increased demand from overseas markets and a resurgence in tourism activity, contributing to the strongest pace of new export orders in ten months. The positive momentum in new business inflows has reinforced optimism among Chinese service providers, with business confidence for the year ahead reaching its peak for 2024. However, firms continue to struggle with rising input costs, particularly for materials, labour, and energy, which have prompted adjustments in pricing strategies. Despite the overall optimism reflected in the PMI data, economists caution that challenges persist for China's economic recovery. The economy, while showing signs of resilience, is still grappling with the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, complicated by structural issues within the property sector. While the first quarter GDP report provided pockets of strength, indicating a potential path towards recovery, economists emphasise the need for sustained efforts to increase confidence and stimulate demand. Structural reforms along with targeted stimulus measures are viewed as essential components for fostering a robust and sustainable economic revival. The composite PMI, which tracks both the services and manufacturing sectors, witnessed a slight uptick in April, rising to 52.8 from 52.7 in March. This composite figure, reflecting the overall health of China's economy, marked the fastest pace since May 2023. However, analysts caution that a solid post-COVID revival remains indefinable, necessitating continued policy support and structural adjustments. (With inputs from Reuters)

China's services sector shows resilience despite slowing growth, Caixin PMI reveals

Chinese scientists have developed a water-based battery that contains nearly double the energy density of traditional lithium batteries. This innovation holds promise for potential use&nbsp;in&nbsp;electric vehicles.

The research, published in a paper in Nature Energy on April 23 by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), outlines the iodine and bromine-based aqueous battery's impressive energy density of 1200 watt-hours per litre (Wh/L), surpassing the 700Wh/L of non-aqueous lithium batteries.

Additionally, the researchers also spoke about&nbsp;the safety advantages of their aqueous battery over non-aqueous lithium batteries, which are known for their high flammability.

The stable battery “shows promising potential for the development of next-generation high-energy-density and safe rechargeable aqueous batteries”, the researchers wrote, as quoted by the South China Morning Post (SCMP).

Their findings “may expand aqueous battery applications in the power battery field”, said corresponding author Li Xianfeng, a professor at the CAS Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, who was quoted in a statement from the academy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chinese-scientists-find-fountain-of-youth-in-young-can-boost-upto-130-years-718066">Also read |&nbsp;Chinese scientists find 'fountain of youth' in blood of young that can extend life up to 130 years</a>

<h2>How are lithium batteries different from aqueous batteries?</h2>

Lithium batteries are popular all around the world because they can hold a large amount of energy. In the past, these batteries used a liquid that could easily catch fire to function.

Also watch |&nbsp;Chinese President Jinping in Paris on a two-day visit; Ukraine, trade &amp; investment top agenda

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinese-president-jinping-in-paris-on-a-two-day-visit-ukraine-trade-investment-top-agenda-718438/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Aqueous batteries use a water-based electrolyte, which means they don't have the same safety concerns. Despite this advantage, these batteries usually have lower energy density, meaning they store less energy per unit of weight or volume, compared to non-aqueous batteries, as noted by the team.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese scientists have developed a water-based battery that contains nearly double the energy density of traditional lithium batteries. This innovation holds promise for potential use in electric vehicles.

Chinese scientists have developed a water-based battery that contains nearly double the energy density of traditional lithium batteries. This innovation holds promise for potential use in electric vehicles. The research, published in a paper in Nature Energy on April 23 by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), outlines the iodine and bromine-based aqueous battery's impressive energy density of 1200 watt-hours per litre (Wh/L), surpassing the 700Wh/L of non-aqueous lithium batteries. Additionally, the researchers also spoke about the safety advantages of their aqueous battery over non-aqueous lithium batteries, which are known for their high flammability. The stable battery “shows promising potential for the development of next-generation high-energy-density and safe rechargeable aqueous batteries”, the researchers wrote, as quoted by the South China Morning Post (SCMP). Their findings “may expand aqueous battery applications in the power battery field”, said corresponding author Li Xianfeng, a professor at the CAS Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, who was quoted in a statement from the academy. Also read | Chinese scientists find 'fountain of youth' in blood of young that can extend life up to 130 years How are lithium batteries different from aqueous batteries? Lithium batteries are popular all around the world because they can hold a large amount of energy. In the past, these batteries used a liquid that could easily catch fire to function. Also watch | Chinese President Jinping in Paris on a two-day visit; Ukraine, trade & investment top agenda Aqueous batteries use a water-based electrolyte, which means they don't have the same safety concerns. Despite this advantage, these batteries usually have lower energy density, meaning they store less energy per unit of weight or volume, compared to non-aqueous batteries, as noted by the team. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese scientists invent ‘water battery’ with higher energy storage than lithium cells

Xi Jinping in France: Xi Jinping in Paris on a two-day visit, Ukraine, tade & investment top agenda

The US has shared astonishing evidence along with the UK - it indicated a strong possibility that the Covid virus originated from a Chinese lab in January 2021.

US shared Covid lab leak information with UK, Mike Pompeo presented info; say reports

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 calls for closer ties with EU at opening of Paris talks

US officials shared Covid lab file leaks with the UK at the height of the pandemic which suggests the origins of the virus comes from a Chinese lab. Watch in for more details!

US presented evidence of Covid originating from Chinese lab to UK

China's Xi Jinping in France: Ukraine, trade and investment top agenda

Xi Jinping in Paris on a two-day visit, mark  60 years of China-France diplomatic ties

Chinese President Jinping in Paris on a two-day visit; Ukraine, trade & investment top agenda

Chinese President Xi Jinping will embark on a trip to three European countries beginning Sunday (5 May). Watch to know more.

Chinese President Xi sets off on diplomatic trip to Europe

Xi's France visit: Xi Jinping's first trip to Europe after Covid Pandemic outbreak

Chinese scientists claim to have discovered an anti-ageing component in the blood of young mice, with the longest surviving mouse in their study living for up to 1,266 days - equivalent to 120-130 human years. Watch to know more.

Chinese scientists test theory on ageing mice

Xi's France visit: China's Xi Jinping will meet French President Emmanuel Macron

Xi's France visit: France-China to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic ties

China's anti-ageing component isolated from blood

Chinese President Xi to land in France on Sunday afternoon

A 27-year-old Chinese lady was devastated to learn that she is biologically a male, a truth that she struggled to stomach days ahead of her planned wedding. The lady, Li Yuan (not real name), from central China’s Hubei province, has been diagnosed with a rare disorder: Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH). While Li looks like a female, she actually has male sex chromosomes. She also discovered that she had her testicle hidden in her abdomen, which posed a high risk of cancer.

<h2>Abnormal hormone levels</h2>

Li was first diagnosed with abnormal hormone levels and potential ovarian failure at the age of 18.

She had concerns about not menstruating like normal females and a delayed breast development since puberty.

Doctors had advised Li and her family to take chromosome tests at the time but the family didn’t consider it.

But when she underwent a thorough examination days ahead of her marriage; Duan Jie, a veteran gynaecologist, revealed the complicated situation.

The doctor revealed Li had CAH, a rare disease only found in about 1 in 50,000 newborns.

Li also suffers from osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency, the test results revealed.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjDuLicxfWFAxVgU2wGHevsBAsQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/delta-airlines-boeings-emergency-exit-slide-detaches-mid-air-report-says-715633" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/trending/delta-airlines-boeings-emergency-exit-slide-detaches-mid-air-report-says-715633&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjDuLicxfWFAxVgU2wGHevsBAsQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Delta Airlines Boeing plane`s emergency exit slide detaches mid-air: Report</a>

In early April, Li got her testicles removed through surgery after doctors recommended she do so.

“Socially, Li is female. But chromosomally, she is male,” Duan explained.

<h2>Genetic disorder</h2>

According to media reports, both of Li’s parents have recessive disease-causing genes. It means that Li had up to one-fourth chance of developing the rare disease.

The woman now requires regular follow-up tests and long-term hormone therapy.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjDuLicxfWFAxVgU2wGHevsBAsQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/century-old-time-capsule-found-during-us-high-school-demolition-716291" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/trending/century-old-time-capsule-found-during-us-high-school-demolition-716291&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjDuLicxfWFAxVgU2wGHevsBAsQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE">100-year-old time capsule found during US high school demolition</a>

People on social media shared sympathy with Li, with some saying she was&nbsp;brave and courageous.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A 27-year-old Chinese lady was devastated to learn that she is biologically a male, a truth that she struggled to stomach days ahead of her planned wedding. The lady, Li Yuan (not real name), from central China’s Hubei province, has been diagnosed with a rare disorder: Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH).

A 27-year-old Chinese lady was devastated to learn that she is biologically a male, a truth that she struggled to stomach days ahead of her planned wedding. The lady, Li Yuan (not real name), from central China’s Hubei province, has been diagnosed with a rare disorder: Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH). While Li looks like a female, she actually has male sex chromosomes. She also discovered that she had her testicle hidden in her abdomen, which posed a high risk of cancer. Abnormal hormone levels Li was first diagnosed with abnormal hormone levels and potential ovarian failure at the age of 18. She had concerns about not menstruating like normal females and a delayed breast development since puberty. Doctors had advised Li and her family to take chromosome tests at the time but the family didn’t consider it. But when she underwent a thorough examination days ahead of her marriage; Duan Jie, a veteran gynaecologist, revealed the complicated situation. The doctor revealed Li had CAH, a rare disease only found in about 1 in 50,000 newborns. Li also suffers from osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency, the test results revealed. Also read: Delta Airlines Boeing plane`s emergency exit slide detaches mid-air: Report In early April, Li got her testicles removed through surgery after doctors recommended she do so. “Socially, Li is female. But chromosomally, she is male,” Duan explained. Genetic disorder According to media reports, both of Li’s parents have recessive disease-causing genes. It means that Li had up to one-fourth chance of developing the rare disease. The woman now requires regular follow-up tests and long-term hormone therapy. Also read: 100-year-old time capsule found during US high school demolition People on social media shared sympathy with Li, with some saying she was brave and courageous. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese lady stunned after discovering hidden testicle in stomach, doctors say she is actually a man

China has been usurping territory in South China Sea for several years. While It did not face a lot of resistance, but now, one country is challenging its might - Philippines. While it is still a David and Goliath face-off, under the leadership of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Philippines is posturing itself strongly against China and holding its ground despite all Chinese attempts to intimidate and scare. What is Philippines’ Game Plan? Watch Game Plan only on WION with Shivan Chana

South China Sea face-off: The Philippines that China was not prepared for

The world powers are engaging in a bit of a race to get the most advanced submarine warfare Pakistan has acquired the first of the eight newly built Chinese submarines. While Islamabad's addition of the stealth submarine has raised concerns about Beijing's influence in the South China Sea and also the larger Indian Ocean region.

Pakistan acquires China's stealth submarine

US sets up 'squad' against China assertion in Indian Ocean region

China's ambitious space program could take a significant stride ahead with the launch of an unmanned lunar mission on Friday that aims to return samples from the moon's far side for the first time.

China launches lunar probe to study dark side of moon

Pakistan's Chinese submarine raises concerns for India

China launches lunar probe mission, world's 1st mission to study lunar samples

Taiwan's defence ministry said on Friday it had detected a renewed incursion by Chinese military aircraft across the sensitive Taiwan Strait, as China reported its navy had carried out combat drills with landing craft.

Over the past four years, China's military has significantly ramped up its activities around democratically-governed Taiwan. Beijing views the island as its own territory, a position the government in Taipei strongly rejects.

The defence ministry, in its daily morning update on Chinese activities in the previous 24 hours, said 14 Chinese military aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait's median line, getting as close as 41 nautical miles (76 km) to the northern Taiwanese port city of Keelung, home to a major navy base.

The median line previously served as an unofficial border between the two sides, but Chinese military aircraft now regularly cross it. China says it does not recognise the line's existence.

Taiwan said on Thursday that China had carried out a "joint combat readiness patrol" near the island for the second time in a week.

China's defence ministry did not answer calls seeking comment on Friday, the country being in the middle of its Labour Day holiday.

On Thursday, the Eastern Theatre Command of China's People's Liberation Army, which is responsible for the area around Taiwan, showed pictures on its WeChat social media account of ships carrying out what it called live combat landing drills.

It did not say when or where exactly the exercises took place, but showed images of ship-mounted guns opening fire and operating in formation.

"The vanguard of the landing team are always ready to fight," it said in text to accompany the pictures.

The island's top security official said on Wednesday that Taiwan is on alert for China to carry out military exercises following the inauguration of President-elect Lai Ching-te later this month.

Taiwan National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen said China had begun using unusual new tactics, including staging night time combat patrols and using landing ships and minesweepers in those patrols.

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China's coast guard this week has also been carrying out more patrols around the Taiwan-controlled Kinmen islands which sit next to the Chinese coast. The patrols began in February following a dispute about the death of two Chinese nationals who tried fleeing Taiwan's coast guard upon entering prohibited waters.

Chinese state media said Friday's "normal law enforcement inspection" by its coast guard near Kinmen was to help protect fishermen. Taiwan has decried the patrols as an intimidation tactic.

Lai, who is inaugurated on May 20 after winning election in January, is strongly disliked by China which believes him to be a dangerous separatist. China's government has rejected his repeated offers of talks, including one made last week.

Lai, like current President Tsai Ing-wen, rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims; both say only the island's people can decide their future. 
Lai has been Taiwan's vice president for the past four years.

Taiwan's defence ministry said on Friday it had detected a renewed incursion by Chinese military aircraft across the sensitive Taiwan Strait, as China reported its navy had carried out combat drills with landing craft.

Taiwan's defence ministry said on Friday it had detected a renewed incursion by Chinese military aircraft across the sensitive Taiwan Strait, as China reported its navy had carried out combat drills with landing craft. Over the past four years, China's military has significantly ramped up its activities around democratically-governed Taiwan. Beijing views the island as its own territory, a position the government in Taipei strongly rejects. The defence ministry, in its daily morning update on Chinese activities in the previous 24 hours, said 14 Chinese military aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait's median line, getting as close as 41 nautical miles (76 km) to the northern Taiwanese port city of Keelung, home to a major navy base. The median line previously served as an unofficial border between the two sides, but Chinese military aircraft now regularly cross it. China says it does not recognise the line's existence. Taiwan said on Thursday that China had carried out a "joint combat readiness patrol" near the island for the second time in a week. China's defence ministry did not answer calls seeking comment on Friday, the country being in the middle of its Labour Day holiday. On Thursday, the Eastern Theatre Command of China's People's Liberation Army, which is responsible for the area around Taiwan, showed pictures on its WeChat social media account of ships carrying out what it called live combat landing drills. It did not say when or where exactly the exercises took place, but showed images of ship-mounted guns opening fire and operating in formation. "The vanguard of the landing team are always ready to fight," it said in text to accompany the pictures. The island's top security official said on Wednesday that Taiwan is on alert for China to carry out military exercises following the inauguration of President-elect Lai Ching-te later this month. Taiwan National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen said China had begun using unusual new tactics, including staging night time combat patrols and using landing ships and minesweepers in those patrols. Also read: 'Vishwaguru' India can be a global leader in deterring China from attacking Taiwan China's coast guard this week has also been carrying out more patrols around the Taiwan-controlled Kinmen islands which sit next to the Chinese coast. The patrols began in February following a dispute about the death of two Chinese nationals who tried fleeing Taiwan's coast guard upon entering prohibited waters. Chinese state media said Friday's "normal law enforcement inspection" by its coast guard near Kinmen was to help protect fishermen. Taiwan has decried the patrols as an intimidation tactic. Lai, who is inaugurated on May 20 after winning election in January, is strongly disliked by China which believes him to be a dangerous separatist. China's government has rejected his repeated offers of talks, including one made last week. Lai, like current President Tsai Ing-wen, rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims; both say only the island's people can decide their future. Lai has been Taiwan's vice president for the past four years.

Chinese planes cross median line, carry out landing drills: Taiwan

China is looking for new economic growth. Does it need to unlock the potential of the ‘she-conomy’? Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas | Xi's China needs to unlock the potential of ‘She-conomy’?

Are there secret negotiations underway to establish American military bases in Pakistan? Have the talks between Washington and Pakistan's military establishment resumed? What strategic interests does the U.S. have in establishing a base in Pakistan? Is it to keep an eye on Afghanistan, or perhaps on China and Iran?

Gravitas | Are US, Pakistan holding secret talks to establish long-term American military bases?

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