Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron has been accused of 'shilling for UK's biggest security threat'. UK Foreign office silent on nature of ties.

UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron concealing conflicts of interest with China?

Pakistan's former Prime Minister and incumbent Prime Minister's brother Nawaz Sharif is on a 5-day 'private' visit to China. Sharif departed Pakistan on Monday evening. Both Sharif's family and his party are keeping the visit low profile.

Pakistan former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in China for mystery 5-day visit

The Philippines has sent intelligence officers to investigate potential national-security threats in the province of Cagayan following a controversial surge in Chinese nationals that lawmakers have warned could be spies. Watch in for more details!

Philippines probe rising influx of Chinese students

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - UK passes Rwanda migrant plan - UN urges to reconsider Rwanda plan - Spying: 5 suspects arrested in UK & Germany - Police crackdown on NYU protesters - Apple falls in China - India orders spice makers to furnish details

Apple falls in China | India orders spice makers to furnish details

Get Ready With Me (GRWM) is one of the most popular social media trends worldwide, but in China, a new, but related&nbsp;trend has taken over with people posting their videos labelled&nbsp;"disgusting", "ugliest", or "gross" outfits as&nbsp;"Outfit of the Day (OOTD)".&nbsp;

In the GRWM video, people generally demonstrate the step-by-step process of getting ready. From make-up to outfit selection and styling, the bloggers show every detail. In China, young workers have taken steps backwards, for reasons open to speculation.&nbsp;

People have shared OOTD videos on Chinese social media platforms donning weird combinations for office, such as cartoon cotton socks with heels, pyjamas with knee-high boots, and colours and prints usually considered inappropriate formal wear.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-worlds-first-japan-launches-horizontally-recycled-diapers-713999">In a world's first, Japan launches 'horizontally recycled' diapers</a>&nbsp;

The hashtag "Why do young people always wear ugly clothes to work," has over 90 million reads on the Chinese microblogging platform Weibo. On Douyin, which is a Chinese version of TikTok, videos of people showing ugly work outfits have garnered millions of views.&nbsp;

Hashtags like #grossoutfitforwork and #uglyclothesshouldbeforwork remain popular with the trend. They also asked the users to choose who wore it worst.&nbsp;

The trend seems to have begun after a social media post by a chilly restaurant worker in September last year. As per reports, she had claimed that her warmth-prioritising outfit made the boss angry.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beirut-turns-into-cancer-hotspot-as-lebanon-fails-to-wean-from-diesel-generators-713947">Beirut turns into cancer hotspot as Lebanon fails to curb use of diesel generators</a>&nbsp;

Since then, people have been expressing their dissatisfaction and anger towards their boring, underpaid and long-hour jobs just by wearing "ugliest" clothes to workplaces. Also, a way of telling that they would rather wear whatever they have instead of purchasing new clothes.&nbsp;

Some of the rebellions are posing reasons for picking such clothes with one woman writing: "My coworker says I dress like a wild man." She shared an image of herself wearing a neon yellow vest and baggy knee-length shorts.&nbsp;

Another said, "My boss gave me 50 yuan to wash my clothes and I was forbidden to shake hands with clients ever again" and showed off a dirty yellow and blue jacket.&nbsp;

Another post read, "Earning such little salary, with ugly coworkers, what else do you expect from my outfit?"&nbsp;

Hu Wei, who is a young office worker in Shanghai, told local news agency Shangguan News in February, "I have to leave no later than 8:10 in the morning, then take two subway lines for at least 45 minutes to work. Sometimes I even bring breakfast to the office. How can I have time to pick out nice outfits?"&nbsp;

Though people have given various reasons for picking such outfits, not everyone understands them. Some social media users called out the trend of sloppy work attire as lazy or highlighting young workers' lack of ambition. "Dressing properly will help improve your financial prospects…if you dress clean and smart for work, your mental state will be the same," read one comment on Weibo.&nbsp;

Get Ready With Me (GRWM) is one of the most popular social media trends worldwide, but in China, a new, but related trend has taken over with people posting their videos labelled "disgusting", "ugliest", or "gross" outfits as "Outfit of the Day (OOTD)".

Get Ready With Me (GRWM) is one of the most popular social media trends worldwide, but in China, a new, but related trend has taken over with people posting their videos labelled "disgusting", "ugliest", or "gross" outfits as "Outfit of the Day (OOTD)". In the GRWM video, people generally demonstrate the step-by-step process of getting ready. From make-up to outfit selection and styling, the bloggers show every detail. In China, young workers have taken steps backwards, for reasons open to speculation. People have shared OOTD videos on Chinese social media platforms donning weird combinations for office, such as cartoon cotton socks with heels, pyjamas with knee-high boots, and colours and prints usually considered inappropriate formal wear. Also read: In a world's first, Japan launches 'horizontally recycled' diapers The hashtag "Why do young people always wear ugly clothes to work," has over 90 million reads on the Chinese microblogging platform Weibo. On Douyin, which is a Chinese version of TikTok, videos of people showing ugly work outfits have garnered millions of views. Hashtags like #grossoutfitforwork and #uglyclothesshouldbeforwork remain popular with the trend. They also asked the users to choose who wore it worst. The trend seems to have begun after a social media post by a chilly restaurant worker in September last year. As per reports, she had claimed that her warmth-prioritising outfit made the boss angry. Also read: Beirut turns into cancer hotspot as Lebanon fails to curb use of diesel generators Since then, people have been expressing their dissatisfaction and anger towards their boring, underpaid and long-hour jobs just by wearing "ugliest" clothes to workplaces. Also, a way of telling that they would rather wear whatever they have instead of purchasing new clothes. Some of the rebellions are posing reasons for picking such clothes with one woman writing: "My coworker says I dress like a wild man." She shared an image of herself wearing a neon yellow vest and baggy knee-length shorts. Another said, "My boss gave me 50 yuan to wash my clothes and I was forbidden to shake hands with clients ever again" and showed off a dirty yellow and blue jacket. Another post read, "Earning such little salary, with ugly coworkers, what else do you expect from my outfit?" Hu Wei, who is a young office worker in Shanghai, told local news agency Shangguan News in February, "I have to leave no later than 8:10 in the morning, then take two subway lines for at least 45 minutes to work. Sometimes I even bring breakfast to the office. How can I have time to pick out nice outfits?" Though people have given various reasons for picking such outfits, not everyone understands them. Some social media users called out the trend of sloppy work attire as lazy or highlighting young workers' lack of ambition. "Dressing properly will help improve your financial prospects…if you dress clean and smart for work, your mental state will be the same," read one comment on Weibo.

Young officegoers in China opting for 'disgusting' and 'ugly' clothes as work outfits. Here's why

In China, futuristic urinals have come up in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, offering automated health monitoring through urine analysis. These smart toilets, as reported by the New York Post, quickly and accurately test urine on-site for approximately $2.76 (₹230). They provide a convenient way for people to manage their health while using public restrooms.

Shanghai-based documentary filmmaker Christian Petersen-Clausen posted a picture of one of these urinals and detailed his experience in a series of tweets.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Recently Health Checking Urinals have begun popping up in Men's restrooms all over Shanghai. 
 
A private company is offering the urine analysis for RMB 20. Naturally I tried that out. 
 
Here's how that went. <a href="https://t.co/1enzII4b7E">pic.twitter.com/1enzII4b7E</a>
— Christian Petersen-Clausen (@chris__pc) <a href="https://twitter.com/chris__pc/status/1782245409857102262?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He wrote, ''Recently Health Checking Urinals have begun popping up in Men's restrooms all over Shanghai. A private company is offering the urine analysis for RMB 20. Naturally, I tried that out.''

''The whole process is about as easy as one might think. I paid my fee via WeChat and before I even made it down the escalator had my results,'' he further wrote as he shared pictures of a man using the toilet and getting his results.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/red-alert-sounded-in-china-amid-fears-of-massive-once-a-century-floods-714109">Also read |&nbsp;Red alert sounded in China amid fears of massive 'once-a-century' floods</a>

His results, which said he lacked calcium, were "otherwise unremarkable",&nbsp;he said.

A few days later, he encountered another one of these urinals and conducted another test. "Seems like I've been consuming enough milk by now," he wrote, indicating that the tests were quite thorough. He informed users that his calcium levels had improved.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I don't think this shall replace a visit to your doctor but it might very well prompt one. 
 
A cardiologist told me that thanks to Apple Watches he now saw more people before they had heart attacks. 
 
That's kind of what I am hoping for here. <a href="https://t.co/VpTOHYa97Y">pic.twitter.com/VpTOHYa97Y</a>
— Christian Petersen-Clausen (@chris__pc) <a href="https://twitter.com/chris__pc/status/1782248579555541230?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

''The company seems to be installing them all over China and given how important early detection of health issues is I think this is quite good. I don't think this shall replace a visit to your doctor but it might very well prompt one. A cardiologist told me that thanks to Apple Watches he now saw more people before they had heart attacks. That's kind of what I am hoping for here,'' he added.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Floods swamp southern China

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/floods-swamp-southern-china-714144/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

In China, futuristic urinals have come up in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, offering automated health monitoring through urine analysis. These smart toilets, as reported by the New York Post, quickly and accurately test urine on-site for approximately $2.

In China, futuristic urinals have come up in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, offering automated health monitoring through urine analysis. These smart toilets, as reported by the New York Post, quickly and accurately test urine on-site for approximately $2.76 (₹230). They provide a convenient way for people to manage their health while using public restrooms. Shanghai-based documentary filmmaker Christian Petersen-Clausen posted a picture of one of these urinals and detailed his experience in a series of tweets. Recently Health Checking Urinals have begun popping up in Men's restrooms all over Shanghai. A private company is offering the urine analysis for RMB 20. Naturally I tried that out. Here's how that went. pic.twitter.com/1enzII4b7E — Christian Petersen-Clausen (@chris__pc) April 22, 2024 × He wrote, ''Recently Health Checking Urinals have begun popping up in Men's restrooms all over Shanghai. A private company is offering the urine analysis for RMB 20. Naturally, I tried that out.'' ''The whole process is about as easy as one might think. I paid my fee via WeChat and before I even made it down the escalator had my results,'' he further wrote as he shared pictures of a man using the toilet and getting his results. Also read | Red alert sounded in China amid fears of massive 'once-a-century' floods His results, which said he lacked calcium, were "otherwise unremarkable", he said. A few days later, he encountered another one of these urinals and conducted another test. "Seems like I've been consuming enough milk by now," he wrote, indicating that the tests were quite thorough. He informed users that his calcium levels had improved. I don't think this shall replace a visit to your doctor but it might very well prompt one. A cardiologist told me that thanks to Apple Watches he now saw more people before they had heart attacks. That's kind of what I am hoping for here. pic.twitter.com/VpTOHYa97Y — Christian Petersen-Clausen (@chris__pc) April 22, 2024 × ''The company seems to be installing them all over China and given how important early detection of health issues is I think this is quite good. I don't think this shall replace a visit to your doctor but it might very well prompt one. A cardiologist told me that thanks to Apple Watches he now saw more people before they had heart attacks. That's kind of what I am hoping for here,'' he added. Also watch | Floods swamp southern China (With inputs from agencies)

This hi-tech toilet in China checks your urine to see how healthy you are. Here's how

The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA ) has demanded an investigation into the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) decision to not act on Chinese swimmers who tested&nbsp;positive for a banned substance. The Chinese athletes were found to have trimetazidine (TMZ) in their blood samples months before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics which were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

WADA had decided not to put sanctions on the swimmers and offered an explanation regarding the same.

"I mean, obviously, the whole situation is a tragedy for clean athletes around the world. The fact that, you know, the rules weren't followed. And obviously, that was one thing that was, you know, acknowledged by the WADA press conference that CHINADA should have announced the violation. They should have disqualified the athletes. They should have been provisionally suspended, although they claimed there was some exceptions that maybe applied there," said the USADA CEO Travis Tygart as reported by the news agency Reuters.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-aitana-bonmati-win-top-honours-at-laureus-awards-714031">Novak Djokovic, Aitana Bonmati win top honours at Laureus Awards</a>

The Chinese authority or CHINADA had ruled after an investigation that the swimmers who had tested positive were staying at the same hotel where traces of TMZ were found in the kitchen, the extraction unit above the hall and drainage units. China, however, offered no explanation on how the drug made its way to the hotel.

“I think WADA has a responsibility to provide all evidence and publicly disclose all evidence when it comes to what they've received – emails – to build confidence. And if there's nothing to hide, then surely they should be willing to put everything out for an independent review outside the sports industry – in fact, give it to police authorities," demanded Global Athlete director general Rob Koehler.

The 30-member Chinese swimming contingent had won six medals at the Tokyo Olympics, which included three gold medals.

The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA ) has demanded an investigation into the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) decision to not act on Chinese swimmers who tested positive for a banned substance.

The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA ) has demanded an investigation into the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) decision to not act on Chinese swimmers who tested positive for a banned substance. The Chinese athletes were found to have trimetazidine (TMZ) in their blood samples months before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics which were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. WADA had decided not to put sanctions on the swimmers and offered an explanation regarding the same. "I mean, obviously, the whole situation is a tragedy for clean athletes around the world. The fact that, you know, the rules weren't followed. And obviously, that was one thing that was, you know, acknowledged by the WADA press conference that CHINADA should have announced the violation. They should have disqualified the athletes. They should have been provisionally suspended, although they claimed there was some exceptions that maybe applied there," said the USADA CEO Travis Tygart as reported by the news agency Reuters. Also Read: Novak Djokovic, Aitana Bonmati win top honours at Laureus Awards The Chinese authority or CHINADA had ruled after an investigation that the swimmers who had tested positive were staying at the same hotel where traces of TMZ were found in the kitchen, the extraction unit above the hall and drainage units. China, however, offered no explanation on how the drug made its way to the hotel. “I think WADA has a responsibility to provide all evidence and publicly disclose all evidence when it comes to what they've received – emails – to build confidence. And if there's nothing to hide, then surely they should be willing to put everything out for an independent review outside the sports industry – in fact, give it to police authorities," demanded Global Athlete director general Rob Koehler. The 30-member Chinese swimming contingent had won six medals at the Tokyo Olympics, which included three gold medals.

USADA demands investigation into WADA for allowing Chinese swimmers to participate in Tokyo Olympics

David Cameron under fire over china ties, UK Foreign office cites 'privacy reasons'

#Gravitas | The US Navy is plannong on transforming its oil rigs into mobile missile defense and resupply bases amid escalating missile threats in the Pacific, especially from China. The ambitious project is part of a broader effort to enhance US military capabilities in the region.

US Converts Oil Rigs Into 'Floating Fortresses' Amid China Threat in the Pacific

#Gravitas | The U.S. has imposed sanctions on three Chinese and 1 Belarusian company for supplying parts to Pakistan's ballistic missile program. Pakistan has denied the allegations. The U.S. move is part of its efforts to disrupt and target 'proliferators of weapons of mass destruction'.

Gravitas: The Dangerous Pak-China Nuclear Nexus | Missile Parts Suppliers to Pak Sanctioned by US

Chinese scientists claim they are developing a sci-fi technology that will help Chinese submarines travel at the speed of sound. What's more, the scientists claim the submarines will also become 'silent' and will not be detected by enemy radar.

China developing super fast, stealth submarines?

Floods have swamped cities in southern China's densely populated Pearl River delta. This follows record-breaking rains, sparking worries about the region's defences against bigger deluges induced by extreme weather events.

Floods swamp southern China

The struggling Chinese economy has a new headache. Layoffs across global corporations have reached the world's second-biggest economy. Tesla, Ericsson, and Morgan Stanley are among the big corporate names who have slashed their China workforce.

Tesla, Ericsson and Morgan Stanley slash China workforce

Major rivers, waterways and reservoirs in China’s Guangdong province are threatening to unleash dangerous floods, forcing the government on April 21 to enact emergency response plans to protect more than 127 million people.

China raises emergency response level for flooding in Guangdong

The US’ is pushing to triple tariffs on Chinese steel imports, but analysts say the impact will be minimal. China's steel industry faces bigger challenges domestically.

China's steel industry struggles amid falling demand

The US Commerce Secretary, Gina Raimondo, claims that export controls are hindering China's ability to develop advanced chip technology. This comes after Huawei, a Chinese telecom giant restricted by the U.S. Since 2019, unveiled its Mate 60 pro phone.

US Commerce secretary says Huawei chip not as advanced

As we celebrate Earth Day, we turn our focus to the economics of sustainability. For years, eco-friendly products have been flying off the shelves. But what about sustainability itself? It's not just a trend, it's the key to our future. Take a look at this report for more...

Firms look to meet demand for eco-friendly products

In what is being termed as the biggest shakeup of China's military in over a decade Chinese president Xi Jinping has ordered a major overhaul of the PLA with extensive Focus now to strengthen China's cyber warfare capabilities. Watch i for more details!

China: Xi decrees new branch creation to streamline PLA's Cyber capabilities

Scientists developing China’s next-generation nuclear submarine technology say they have found a way to significantly improve the efficiency of the laser propellers that could one day drive the underwater vessel. Watch in for more details!

China develops superfast, stealthy submarine technology

Warning bells have been sounded in the Philippines by the unusual influx of Chinese nationals in a region very critical for its national security. Lawmakers have warned that these nationals could very well be “spies,” prompting the government to dispatch units to the province of Cagayan to investigate the matter.

It has been reported that a whopping 4,600 Chinese nationals have arrived in the province, located on the northern tip of Luzon Island facing Taiwan, and enrolled into private universities.

Jonathan Malaya, assistant director general of the National Security Council, said Saturday (Apr 20), “Our intelligence units have been assigned to take a look at the situation there. Is this a case of a national security threat, or is this just a case of people wanting to study in the Philippines?”

<h2>‘Creeping invasion’</h2>

Some hawkish congressmen have termed the trend as a “creeping invasion”, with Congressman Robert Ace Barbers emerging as the strongest voice.

Barbers said the motive of the Chinese students was not clear and they could be “spies or members of sleeper cells sent to gather intelligence.”

“Why are they all there in Cagayan close to the EDCA site? Why are there so many enrolling there? Isn’t it that if you want to pursue a master’s degree, you would go to a big university overseas?” Barbers said. “Is there really that much interest to get a master’s degree from the Philippines?”

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwig_YzD_9WFAxX03jgGHWWwBpYQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/indo-pacific-is-regaining-salience-amid-west-asia-crisis-us-china-strategic-contestation-711405" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/indo-pacific-is-regaining-salience-amid-west-asia-crisis-us-china-strategic-contestation-711405&amp;ved=2ahUKEwig_YzD_9WFAxX03jgGHWWwBpYQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE">Indo-Pacific is regaining salience amid West Asia crisis, US-China strategic contestation</a>

He also mentioned about a recent police raid in the province where a 24-year-old Chinese national was held for possessing high-powered firearms, including a tactical helmet with “CHINA” markings and a Chinese flag.

<h2>Significance</h2>

The region, where the influx is happening, hosts three new sites in the region under the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), a pact with the United States that allows for large-scale joint military exercises.

Watch:&nbsp;US-Philippines troops begin joint-maritime drills

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-philippines-troops-begin-joint-maritime-drills-713912/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

This makes it an extremely sensitive security zone, with implications for the country’s national security and joint co-operation with the US, a fierce rival of China.

(With inputs from agencies)

Warning bells have been sounded in the Philippines by the unusual influx of Chinese nationals in a region very critical for its national security. Lawmakers have warned that these nationals could very well be “spies,” prompting the government to dispatch units to the province of Cagayan to investigate the matter.

Warning bells have been sounded in the Philippines by the unusual influx of Chinese nationals in a region very critical for its national security. Lawmakers have warned that these nationals could very well be “spies,” prompting the government to dispatch units to the province of Cagayan to investigate the matter. It has been reported that a whopping 4,600 Chinese nationals have arrived in the province, located on the northern tip of Luzon Island facing Taiwan, and enrolled into private universities. Jonathan Malaya, assistant director general of the National Security Council, said Saturday (Apr 20), “Our intelligence units have been assigned to take a look at the situation there. Is this a case of a national security threat, or is this just a case of people wanting to study in the Philippines?” ‘Creeping invasion’ Some hawkish congressmen have termed the trend as a “creeping invasion”, with Congressman Robert Ace Barbers emerging as the strongest voice. Barbers said the motive of the Chinese students was not clear and they could be “spies or members of sleeper cells sent to gather intelligence.” “Why are they all there in Cagayan close to the EDCA site? Why are there so many enrolling there? Isn’t it that if you want to pursue a master’s degree, you would go to a big university overseas?” Barbers said. “Is there really that much interest to get a master’s degree from the Philippines?” Also read: Indo-Pacific is regaining salience amid West Asia crisis, US-China strategic contestation He also mentioned about a recent police raid in the province where a 24-year-old Chinese national was held for possessing high-powered firearms, including a tactical helmet with “CHINA” markings and a Chinese flag. Significance The region, where the influx is happening, hosts three new sites in the region under the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), a pact with the United States that allows for large-scale joint military exercises. Watch: US-Philippines troops begin joint-maritime drills × This makes it an extremely sensitive security zone, with implications for the country’s national security and joint co-operation with the US, a fierce rival of China. (With inputs from agencies)

Philippines stunned as Chinese ‘sleeper cells’ take over sensitive security zone

Chinese province of Guangdong braces for historic floods

China's burgeoning artificial intelligence (AI) sector is leading to the creation of numerous data centers with high water usage. Watch to know more.

China's AI data centers to exceed South Korea's water needs by 2023: Study

The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, will visit China from April 24th to 26th. According to the US State Department, he will hold talks on bilateral and global issues with Chinese officials. Watch in for more details!

US secretary of state Antony Blinken to visit China

US: Antony Blinken to visit China to prevent conflict and manage rivalry

Watch in top headlines of the hour: - China's farmers hit by major floods - Pakistan, Iran sign 8 agreements - Erdogan in Iraq, bid to reset tense ties - Russia seizes East Ukrainian village - PM Sunak bats for Rwanda bill

China's farmers hit by major floods | Pakistan, Iran sign 8 agreements in Islamabad

Massive floods threaten millions in China's Guangdong province

China's AI data centers could harm scarce water resources says Report

Nearly 17,000 Filipino and American troops will begin a controversial three-week joint combat training exercise in the Philippines on Monday (April 22) involving maritime drills in the South China Sea where Manila and Beijing have sparred over maritime borders.

All about Balikatan annual drills by US & Philippines amid tensions with China

Major rivers, waterways, and reservoirs in China's Guangdong Province are threatening to unleash dangerous floods. 11 people have been declared missing it's forcing the government to enact emergency response plans to protect more than 127 million people.

Heavy rains and flooding lash China, 11 missing

Chinese state media reported on Sunday (April 21) that certain regions of southern China are bracing for severe floods, described as occurring approximately once every hundred years, due to heavy rainfall.

The downpours have affected large&nbsp;areas of Guangdong province since Thursday, causing rivers in the Pearl River Delta, a key manufacturing hub in China, to swell.

Weather advisories have been issued for significant portions of central Guangdong, with the national meteorological agency cautioning about severe storms along the coast until Monday evening.

On Sunday, aerial footage captured by state broadcaster CCTV showed murky floodwaters reaching close to street level in certain towns, submerging low-lying buildings and revealing a towering pagoda amidst the deluge.

According to CCTV, citing the provincial hydrology bureau, three locations within the Bei River basin are expected to witness flooding of a magnitude occurring approximately once every century, attributed to heavy precipitation. These areas are projected to experience floods reaching up to 5.8 metres&nbsp;(19 feet) above the designated warning level starting early Monday morning.

Additionally, several other regions are anticipated to encounter floods of a magnitude typically seen once every 50 years.

Also watch |&nbsp;China: Xi Jinping decrees expansion of cyberwarfare capabilities

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-xi-jinping-decrees-expansion-of-cyberwarfare-capabilities-713541/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Pearl River Delta, housing approximately 127 million people in Guangdong alone, stands as one of China's most densely populated regions.

Despite the unfolding situation, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or widespread evacuations.

In response to the crisis, authorities have initiated a level-three emergency response in Guangdong, which is the second lowest level in a four-tier system, as per CCTV reports.

Parts of neighbouring provinces such as Jiangxi and Fujian are also expected to face severe rainstorms on Sunday evening.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/baby-dragons-to-rescue-china-here-is-why-beijing-is-counting-on-2024-to-fix-its-population-woes-681243">Also read |&nbsp;'Baby dragons' to rescue China? Beijing is counting on 2024 to fix its population woes - Here's Why</a>

While extreme weather events are not uncommon in China, recent years have witnessed the nation grappling with severe floods, prolonged droughts, and record-breaking heat. The increasing frequency and intensity of these events can be attributed to climate change driven by human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, with China being the world's largest emitter.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese state media reported on Sunday (April 21) that certain regions of southern China are bracing for severe floods, described as occurring approximately once every hundred years, due to heavy rainfall.

Chinese state media reported on Sunday (April 21) that certain regions of southern China are bracing for severe floods, described as occurring approximately once every hundred years, due to heavy rainfall. The downpours have affected large areas of Guangdong province since Thursday, causing rivers in the Pearl River Delta, a key manufacturing hub in China, to swell. Weather advisories have been issued for significant portions of central Guangdong, with the national meteorological agency cautioning about severe storms along the coast until Monday evening. On Sunday, aerial footage captured by state broadcaster CCTV showed murky floodwaters reaching close to street level in certain towns, submerging low-lying buildings and revealing a towering pagoda amidst the deluge. According to CCTV, citing the provincial hydrology bureau, three locations within the Bei River basin are expected to witness flooding of a magnitude occurring approximately once every century, attributed to heavy precipitation. These areas are projected to experience floods reaching up to 5.8 metres (19 feet) above the designated warning level starting early Monday morning. Additionally, several other regions are anticipated to encounter floods of a magnitude typically seen once every 50 years. Also watch | China: Xi Jinping decrees expansion of cyberwarfare capabilities The Pearl River Delta, housing approximately 127 million people in Guangdong alone, stands as one of China's most densely populated regions. Despite the unfolding situation, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or widespread evacuations. In response to the crisis, authorities have initiated a level-three emergency response in Guangdong, which is the second lowest level in a four-tier system, as per CCTV reports. Parts of neighbouring provinces such as Jiangxi and Fujian are also expected to face severe rainstorms on Sunday evening. Also read | 'Baby dragons' to rescue China? Beijing is counting on 2024 to fix its population woes - Here's Why While extreme weather events are not uncommon in China, recent years have witnessed the nation grappling with severe floods, prolonged droughts, and record-breaking heat. The increasing frequency and intensity of these events can be attributed to climate change driven by human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, with China being the world's largest emitter. (With inputs from agencies)

China gears up for ‘once a century’ floods amid heavy rainfall

The official newspaper of the Chinese military, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), on Friday (Apr 19) accused the United States of “militarising space” by building a spy satellite network with Elon Musk’s SpaceX. This comes after a&nbsp;report by news agency Reuters said that SpaceX was building hundreds of spy satellites for a US intelligence agency.

<h2>About the Starshield satellite network</h2>

A report by Reuters, last month, citing five sources familiar with the programme said SpaceX’s Starshield business unit is building a network of hundreds of spy satellites under a $1.8 billion classified contract signed in 2021 with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), an American intelligence agency which manages spy satellites.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blinken-says-us-not-involved-in-any-offensive-operation-713037">US says ‘not involved in any offensive operation’ after Israel carries out retaliatory attacks against Iran</a>

Days after the report was published, PLA’s newspaper on the Chinese social media platform Weibo said that the reported programme exposed Washington’s “shamelessness and double standards” as the US has previously accused Chinese tech companies of threatening United States security.&nbsp;

It added, “We urge U.S. companies to not help a villain do evil.” The post on Chinese social media also warned all countries to be “vigilant and protect against new and even bigger security threats created by the U.S. government.”&nbsp;

Sources told Reuters that if successful, it would significantly advance the ability of the US government and military to spot potential targets “almost anywhere on the globe.”

“No one can hide,” said&nbsp;one of the sources speaking about the network’s capabilities. As per the reported plan, SpaceX would set up a “powerful new spy system with hundreds of satellites bearing Earth-imaging capabilities that can operate as a swarm in low orbits.”&nbsp;

<h2>What did the PLA say?</h2>

PLA Daily said that the Starshield could potentially “warn and intercept missiles and control unmanned combat platforms remotely,” and could play “an extremely important role on the battlefield,” as quoted by the South China Morning Post (SCMP).&nbsp;

The official newspaper of the Chinese military in its commentary criticises the US for “militarising the transformation and development of low-orbit satellites” and said by doing so Washington has highlighted its ambition to “seize orbital resources and pursue space hegemony”.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-countries-to-give-more-air-defence-systems-to-ukraine-says-stoltenberg-713126">NATO countries to give more air defence systems to Ukraine, says Stoltenberg</a>

The paper&nbsp;noted that such a system posed “huge challenges to information and space asset security to other countries”.&nbsp;

The PLA Daily also said that in recent conflicts the US has relied on its “space military capabilities” to intervene and help other countries by providing them with information.&nbsp;

This could be a reference to how Musk provided the Starlink internet service to Ukraine in the early stages of the Russian invasion, but since last year the US government has been covering the costs for it.&nbsp;

More recently, as per SCMP, Starlink was also given a licence to operate in Israel and parts of the Gaza Strip amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The official newspaper of the Chinese military, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), on Friday (Apr 19) accused the United States of “militarising space” by building a spy satellite network with Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

The official newspaper of the Chinese military, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), on Friday (Apr 19) accused the United States of “militarising space” by building a spy satellite network with Elon Musk’s SpaceX. This comes after a report by news agency Reuters said that SpaceX was building hundreds of spy satellites for a US intelligence agency. About the Starshield satellite network A report by Reuters, last month, citing five sources familiar with the programme said SpaceX’s Starshield business unit is building a network of hundreds of spy satellites under a $1.8 billion classified contract signed in 2021 with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), an American intelligence agency which manages spy satellites. Also Read | US says ‘not involved in any offensive operation’ after Israel carries out retaliatory attacks against Iran Days after the report was published, PLA’s newspaper on the Chinese social media platform Weibo said that the reported programme exposed Washington’s “shamelessness and double standards” as the US has previously accused Chinese tech companies of threatening United States security. It added, “We urge U.S. companies to not help a villain do evil.” The post on Chinese social media also warned all countries to be “vigilant and protect against new and even bigger security threats created by the U.S. government.” Sources told Reuters that if successful, it would significantly advance the ability of the US government and military to spot potential targets “almost anywhere on the globe.” “No one can hide,” said one of the sources speaking about the network’s capabilities. As per the reported plan, SpaceX would set up a “powerful new spy system with hundreds of satellites bearing Earth-imaging capabilities that can operate as a swarm in low orbits.” What did the PLA say? PLA Daily said that the Starshield could potentially “warn and intercept missiles and control unmanned combat platforms remotely,” and could play “an extremely important role on the battlefield,” as quoted by the South China Morning Post (SCMP). The official newspaper of the Chinese military in its commentary criticises the US for “militarising the transformation and development of low-orbit satellites” and said by doing so Washington has highlighted its ambition to “seize orbital resources and pursue space hegemony”. Also Read | NATO countries to give more air defence systems to Ukraine, says Stoltenberg The paper noted that such a system posed “huge challenges to information and space asset security to other countries”. The PLA Daily also said that in recent conflicts the US has relied on its “space military capabilities” to intervene and help other countries by providing them with information. This could be a reference to how Musk provided the Starlink internet service to Ukraine in the early stages of the Russian invasion, but since last year the US government has been covering the costs for it. More recently, as per SCMP, Starlink was also given a licence to operate in Israel and parts of the Gaza Strip amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. (With inputs from agencies)

China accuses US of ‘militarising space’ using Musk’s satellite network

china

China, News on China, stories on China, articles on China, China stories at Wion, China news, China latest news