President Biden has called Beijing xenophobic and China has strongly reacted by labelling Washington as a hypocrite. Biden's comments came as he made his re-election pitch to steelworkers in an event in the swing state of Pennsylvania.

US-China ties: Joe Biden calls China 'xenophobic' while China calls out US' hypocrisy

China is bolstering its space capabilities and is using its civilian program to mask its military objectives, the head of NASA said Wednesday, warning that Washington must remain vigilant. Watch in for more details!

NASA chief warns of Chinese military presence in space

The chief of US space agency NASA has told lawmakers in Washington that China is using civilian programmes to hide military objectives in space. Watch to know more.

China 'militarising' space?

US vs China: Lunar race heats up

A leading contender to become the Solomon Islands' next prime minister has vowed to rip up a security pact with China, as the Pacific nation began counting votes Thursday in a pivotal general election.

The unfolding contest has cast the spotlight on China's efforts to stamp its mark on the South Pacific, and has been pitched in part as a referendum on Beijing's growing influence in the country.

Prominent opposition figure Peter Kenilorea further underlined the stakes by pledging to scrap a contentious security pact inked with China in 2022.

"If we are in government, we will abolish the security treaty," leadership aspirant Kenilorea told AFP from his village base on the island of Malaita.

"We don't think that it's beneficial to the Solomon Islands," the former top diplomat said.

Incumbent Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has championed deeper ties with Beijing since coming to power in 2019.

He has praised Chinese aid, trade and investment as the key to lifting living standards in one of the poorest nations in the world.

The centrepiece of Sogavare's embrace was a 2022 security pact that has seen rotating teams of Chinese police deployed in the archipelago.

The United States and Australia -- two of Solomon Islands' traditional security partners -- fear this pact could one day pave the way for a Chinese military base.

Kenilorea, a former United Nations official, lamented his country's uneasy position in the middle of the world's two largest military and economic powers, China and the United States.

"We don't have natural enemies," he said.

"It has put us on the map for the wrong reasons. To raise tensions unnecessarily here, in the geopolitical scheme of things, is something we don't really need."

<h2>'Blatantly misleading'</h2>

Ballots were trucked into a heavily guarded counting centre in the capital Honiara on Thursday morning, watched over by international teams of uniformed Fijian soldiers and Australian police.

Startling and unproven claims of foreign interference upped the ante for what was already billed as Solomon Islands' most crucial vote in a generation.

State-backed Chinese news outlets have pushed reports that the United States might orchestrate riots and unrest to block Sogavare from returning to power.

US Ambassador Ann Marie Yastishock has denounced such rumours as "blatantly misleading".

"We strongly refute allegations being made in known propaganda outlets that claim USAID and the US Government has sought to influence the upcoming election in Solomon Islands," she said in a statement.

If Sogavare fails in his bid to return as prime minister, it would not necessarily spell the end of China's ambitions in Solomon Islands.

While his most prominent rivals view Beijing with a mix of scepticism and alarm, there is no shortage of other candidates who are happy with the status quo.

China has paid tens of millions of dollars into a discretionary development fund used by Solomon Islands' politicians during the last term of government, according to Australian researchers.

Critics suggest this fund was essentially a means to curry favour with key members of the government.

<h2>Backroom bargaining</h2>

Candidates have begun winging their way back to Honiara in anticipation of the backroom bartering that will decide the new government.

Once the parliament's 50 members are decided, they will begin negotiating behind closed doors to cobble together a ruling coalition.

Prolonged and secret discussions have stoked unrest in the past, as voters begin to suspect the involvement of foreign interests.

These election "camps" are often held inside the casino hotels that line the Honiara foreshore.

"We might not know what is going to happen until a good two or three weeks after the election," Pacific watcher Graeme Smith from Australian National University told AFP in the lead-up to voting day.

"It's a very unpredictable process. It comes down, essentially, to who is the most charismatic man in the room."

Election authorities and the sizable police presence roaming the streets of Honiara have so far kept a lid on possible sources of discontent.

Chief electoral officer Jasper Anisi said Thursday that "everything is peaceful" -- no mean feat in a nation where elections have turned violent in the past.

Election officials anticipate early results should start trickling in on Friday.

A leading contender to become the Solomon Islands' next prime minister has vowed to rip up a security pact with China, as the Pacific nation began counting votes Thursday in a pivotal general election.

A leading contender to become the Solomon Islands' next prime minister has vowed to rip up a security pact with China, as the Pacific nation began counting votes Thursday in a pivotal general election. The unfolding contest has cast the spotlight on China's efforts to stamp its mark on the South Pacific, and has been pitched in part as a referendum on Beijing's growing influence in the country. Prominent opposition figure Peter Kenilorea further underlined the stakes by pledging to scrap a contentious security pact inked with China in 2022. "If we are in government, we will abolish the security treaty," leadership aspirant Kenilorea told AFP from his village base on the island of Malaita. "We don't think that it's beneficial to the Solomon Islands," the former top diplomat said. Incumbent Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has championed deeper ties with Beijing since coming to power in 2019. He has praised Chinese aid, trade and investment as the key to lifting living standards in one of the poorest nations in the world. The centrepiece of Sogavare's embrace was a 2022 security pact that has seen rotating teams of Chinese police deployed in the archipelago. The United States and Australia -- two of Solomon Islands' traditional security partners -- fear this pact could one day pave the way for a Chinese military base. Kenilorea, a former United Nations official, lamented his country's uneasy position in the middle of the world's two largest military and economic powers, China and the United States. "We don't have natural enemies," he said. "It has put us on the map for the wrong reasons. To raise tensions unnecessarily here, in the geopolitical scheme of things, is something we don't really need." 'Blatantly misleading' Ballots were trucked into a heavily guarded counting centre in the capital Honiara on Thursday morning, watched over by international teams of uniformed Fijian soldiers and Australian police. Startling and unproven claims of foreign interference upped the ante for what was already billed as Solomon Islands' most crucial vote in a generation. State-backed Chinese news outlets have pushed reports that the United States might orchestrate riots and unrest to block Sogavare from returning to power. US Ambassador Ann Marie Yastishock has denounced such rumours as "blatantly misleading". "We strongly refute allegations being made in known propaganda outlets that claim USAID and the US Government has sought to influence the upcoming election in Solomon Islands," she said in a statement. If Sogavare fails in his bid to return as prime minister, it would not necessarily spell the end of China's ambitions in Solomon Islands. While his most prominent rivals view Beijing with a mix of scepticism and alarm, there is no shortage of other candidates who are happy with the status quo. China has paid tens of millions of dollars into a discretionary development fund used by Solomon Islands' politicians during the last term of government, according to Australian researchers. Critics suggest this fund was essentially a means to curry favour with key members of the government. Backroom bargaining Candidates have begun winging their way back to Honiara in anticipation of the backroom bartering that will decide the new government. Once the parliament's 50 members are decided, they will begin negotiating behind closed doors to cobble together a ruling coalition. Prolonged and secret discussions have stoked unrest in the past, as voters begin to suspect the involvement of foreign interests. These election "camps" are often held inside the casino hotels that line the Honiara foreshore. "We might not know what is going to happen until a good two or three weeks after the election," Pacific watcher Graeme Smith from Australian National University told AFP in the lead-up to voting day. "It's a very unpredictable process. It comes down, essentially, to who is the most charismatic man in the room." Election authorities and the sizable police presence roaming the streets of Honiara have so far kept a lid on possible sources of discontent. Chief electoral officer Jasper Anisi said Thursday that "everything is peaceful" -- no mean feat in a nation where elections have turned violent in the past. Election officials anticipate early results should start trickling in on Friday.

Solomons' PM contender vows to abolish China security pact

China is bolstering its space capabilities. The head of NASA has warned that China is using civilian programs to mask military objectives in space. NASA administrator Bill Nelson cautioned that Washington must remain vigilant.

NASA chief raises alarm over increasing Chinese military presence in space

The chief of US space agency NASA has told lawmakers in Washington that China is using civilian programmes to hide military objectives in space.

"China has made extraordinary strides [in space] especially in the last 10 years, but they are very, very secretive," Bill Nelson told the appropriations committee of the US House of Representatives as he testified on the US space agency's 2025 budget request.

"We believe that a lot of their so-called civilian space programme is a military programme. And I think, in effect, we are in a race."

Nelson also stressed that it was "incumbent on us" get to the moon, first as he warned: "my concern is if China got there first and suddenly said 'ok this is our territory, you stay out'."

Also read:&nbsp;<meta name="uuid" content="uuid9VEXVM7C4oiS" /><meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="http://wionews.com/science/nasas-juno-captures-erupting-volcanoes-on-jupiters-moon-io-watch-712172" target="_blank">NASA's Juno captures closest views of erupting volcanoes on Jupiter's moon Io. Watch!</a>

The NASA chief said that the US was not going to lose its "global edge" in space, "but you got to be realistic that China is really throwing a lot of money at it and they've got a lot of room in their budget to grow."

"I think that we just better not let down our guard," Nelson added.

The NASA chief said he hoped "the Chinese space programme would come to its senses and understand that civilian space is for peaceful uses," but added: "We have not seen that demonstrated by China."

With the Artemis programme NASA wants to put humans on the moon again after more than 50 years. The moon landing mission Artemis 3 was recently postponed to September 2026.

The long-term goal of Artemis is to establish a permanent lunar base as a foundation for missions to Mars.

The chief of US space agency NASA has told lawmakers in Washington that China is using civilian programmes to hide military objectives in space. "China has made extraordinary strides [in space] especially in the last 10 years, but they are very, very secretive," Bill Nelson told the appropriations committee of the US House of Representatives as he testified on the US space agency's 2025 budget request.

The chief of US space agency NASA has told lawmakers in Washington that China is using civilian programmes to hide military objectives in space. "China has made extraordinary strides [in space] especially in the last 10 years, but they are very, very secretive," Bill Nelson told the appropriations committee of the US House of Representatives as he testified on the US space agency's 2025 budget request. "We believe that a lot of their so-called civilian space programme is a military programme. And I think, in effect, we are in a race." Nelson also stressed that it was "incumbent on us" get to the moon, first as he warned: "my concern is if China got there first and suddenly said 'ok this is our territory, you stay out'." Also read: NASA's Juno captures closest views of erupting volcanoes on Jupiter's moon Io. Watch! The NASA chief said that the US was not going to lose its "global edge" in space, "but you got to be realistic that China is really throwing a lot of money at it and they've got a lot of room in their budget to grow." "I think that we just better not let down our guard," Nelson added. The NASA chief said he hoped "the Chinese space programme would come to its senses and understand that civilian space is for peaceful uses," but added: "We have not seen that demonstrated by China." With the Artemis programme NASA wants to put humans on the moon again after more than 50 years. The moon landing mission Artemis 3 was recently postponed to September 2026. The long-term goal of Artemis is to establish a permanent lunar base as a foundation for missions to Mars.

NASA chief warns of China's secretive space militarisation, urges accelerated moon mission

NASA Chief Bill Nelson warns of China`s space militarisation, Urges accelerated moon mission

#Gravitas | The US Is boosting its Defence capabilities in the Indo-pacific region. It has deployed a new mid-range missile launcher in the Philippines' Luzon island. Is this a warning for China?

Gravitas: New threat for China: US' new missile launcher in the Indo-Pacific

China, the world's second-largest economy, has reported faster-than-expected growth in the January to March quarter. But the devil lies in the details. And, they suggest things are set to get tougher in the rest of the year.

China reports faster-than-expected growth in January to March quarter

For long, China has been the world's biggest consumer market. But that could change soon as India emerges as an economic powerhouse. Latest projections suggest that India will have a consumer base of 773 million people by 2030. That's a 46 percent increase from 529 million in 2023. China will still have a billion consumers by 2030, growing by just 15 percent in the next six years.

Rising middle class fueling India's consumption boom

In an upcoming China visit, US Secrectary of State, Antony Blinken is expected to raise concerns that Beijing is helping Russia build up its defence industrial base to fight the war in Ukraine.

China backing Russian military expansion, says US | Blinken to raise concerns dusring China visit

For long China has been the world's biggest consumer Market but that could change soon as India emerges as an economic powerhouse. Watch in for more details!

India vs China: Consumer market in 2030

North Korea is installing surveillance cameras in schools and workplaces. Reports say the government wants to monitor its citizens even more closely.

North Korea scales up surveillance of citizens with 'Chinese cameras'

Australia has unveiled its first national defence strategy that signals a new focus on deterring China's sea of tactics in line with its plans.

Australia keeps China in sight, unveils new defence strategy

Details of Blinken's trip not announced

North Korea tightens surveillance of citizens with Chinese cameras

US warns China not to aid Russia's war efforts | Blinken to raise concerns during China visit

To monitor its population even more closely, North Korea is placing surveillance cameras in schools and workplaces.

According to a report, North Korea is collecting fingerprints, photographs and other biometric information from its citizens to keep a record of the population.

The surveillance tools&nbsp;and equipment being used by North Korea are being imported from China. These surveillance tools and domestic software are shrinking the limited space for citizens to conduct private business, access foreign media, or express dissent.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-plans-new-sanctions-against-iran-hopes-allies-will-follow-footsteps-712071">US plans new sanctions against Iran, hopes allies will follow suit</a>

North Korea's ambitions for digital surveillance are hampered by its limitations. Undersupplied electricity and internet infrastructure, and a dependence on human intelligence gathering, make widespread digital monitoring difficult, according to a report by 38 North, a website specialising in North Korean affairs.

New laws and recent information on harsher penalties suggest that the government is cracking down on foreign influence and imported media, likely helped by fences and electronic monitoring systems installed on the border with China during the pandemic.

Martyn Williams, an analyst and co-author of the study with Natalia Slavney said, “Having seen that it’s possible to close the border this firmly, I think they are now devoted to keeping it that way.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-hush-money-trial-case-first-7-jurors-selected-judge-warns-against-intimidation-of-jurors-712069">First seven jurors selected in Trump's criminal hush money trial</a>

“While in terms of broader surveillance across the country, the pandemic could have played a part, but I think a much bigger role has been played by the fast-reducing cost of surveillance equipment,” Williams said.

To understand North Korean surveillance, researchers analysed domestic and international media reports, reviewed publicly announced research from North Korean institutions, and interviewed 40 escapees.

Additionally, they partnered with unidentified sources to conduct a 2023 survey of 100 current residents via encrypted phone calls, texts, and other methods to guarantee their safety.

As per the state media reports, video surveillance is becoming very common at schools, workplaces and airports. All these surveillance cameras are mostly from China and range from basic video feeds to more advanced models that include features like face recognition.

Experts have warned that China is exporting the technology that powers its AI-powered surveillance to countries around the world.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/inside-irans-attack-weapons-used-in-operation-truthful-promise-against-israel-712105">Inside Iran's attack: Weapons used in 'Operation Truthful Promise' against Israel</a>

Regardless of limitations like power shortages and existing human surveillance networks, North Korea seems to be building for a future with widespread video monitoring.&nbsp;

The report highlights research efforts at North Korean universities focused on movement detection, facial recognition, and license plate recognition technologies.&nbsp;

While they may not be fully utilising collected data yet, these developments suggest a future with more pervasive digital surveillance.

(With inputs from agencies)

To monitor its population even more closely, North Korea is placing surveillance cameras in schools and workplaces. According to a report, North Korea is collecting fingerprints, photographs and other biometric information from its citizens to keep a record of the population.

To monitor its population even more closely, North Korea is placing surveillance cameras in schools and workplaces. According to a report, North Korea is collecting fingerprints, photographs and other biometric information from its citizens to keep a record of the population. The surveillance tools and equipment being used by North Korea are being imported from China. These surveillance tools and domestic software are shrinking the limited space for citizens to conduct private business, access foreign media, or express dissent. Also read: US plans new sanctions against Iran, hopes allies will follow suit North Korea's ambitions for digital surveillance are hampered by its limitations. Undersupplied electricity and internet infrastructure, and a dependence on human intelligence gathering, make widespread digital monitoring difficult, according to a report by 38 North, a website specialising in North Korean affairs. New laws and recent information on harsher penalties suggest that the government is cracking down on foreign influence and imported media, likely helped by fences and electronic monitoring systems installed on the border with China during the pandemic. Martyn Williams, an analyst and co-author of the study with Natalia Slavney said, “Having seen that it’s possible to close the border this firmly, I think they are now devoted to keeping it that way.” Also read: First seven jurors selected in Trump's criminal hush money trial “While in terms of broader surveillance across the country, the pandemic could have played a part, but I think a much bigger role has been played by the fast-reducing cost of surveillance equipment,” Williams said. To understand North Korean surveillance, researchers analysed domestic and international media reports, reviewed publicly announced research from North Korean institutions, and interviewed 40 escapees. Additionally, they partnered with unidentified sources to conduct a 2023 survey of 100 current residents via encrypted phone calls, texts, and other methods to guarantee their safety. As per the state media reports, video surveillance is becoming very common at schools, workplaces and airports. All these surveillance cameras are mostly from China and range from basic video feeds to more advanced models that include features like face recognition. Experts have warned that China is exporting the technology that powers its AI-powered surveillance to countries around the world. Also read: Inside Iran's attack: Weapons used in 'Operation Truthful Promise' against Israel Regardless of limitations like power shortages and existing human surveillance networks, North Korea seems to be building for a future with widespread video monitoring. The report highlights research efforts at North Korean universities focused on movement detection, facial recognition, and license plate recognition technologies. While they may not be fully utilising collected data yet, these developments suggest a future with more pervasive digital surveillance. (With inputs from agencies)

North Koreans are under the lens, quite literally. Thanks to Chinese surveillance equipment

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - 'Operation true promise' revealed - Indonesia's Ruang volcano erupts - Dubai: Heavy rains cause flash floods - Morgan Stanley's profit soars - Scholz urges China to use Russia 'influence'

Indonesia's Ruang volcano erupts | Scholz urges China to use Russia 'influence'

#Gravitas | Beijing half marathon has sparked controversy. In the last stretch of the race, three African runners allegedly let the Chinese athlete win. Was the race rigged? Watch in for more details!

Gravitas: Caught on camera: African runners let Chinese runner win

In an upcoming China visit, US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken is expected to raise concerns that Beijing is helping Russia build up its defence industrial base to fight the war in Ukraine.

China backing Russian military expansion says US | Blinken to raise concerns during China visit

A Chinese company is offering 10 days of sad leave to its employees. This is over and above 40 days of paid annual leave. What's more, employees don't need manager's approval for sick leave.

Gravitas | This Chinese company offers 10 days of sad leave to employees every year

Is a recovery taking hold in China? The overall growth figure shows China's economic expansion in the march quarter beat expectations broadly. Data early on Tuesday showed factories powered China's economic growth, boosting hopes that the government can meet its lofty yearly objective.

China's economic growth beat expectations driven by industry

Data from December 2023 shows a significant increase in Copper scrap imports by China from russia, exceeding 6,400 tons. Historically, Russia hasn't been a major exporter of copper scrap. Interestingly, Russian data for the same period shows a much smaller export figure of just 73 tons. This discrepancy raises questions about the nature of the imported material.

China emerges as key trade partner for sanctioned Russia, latter's exports defy sanctions | WION

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and discussed Tehran's first-ever attack on Israel's territory. A readout from Beijing's foreign ministry said that the message was delivered to Wang in a phone call on Monday.&nbsp;

Notably, China, which is a close partner of Iran and its largest trade partner, and a top buyer of its sanctioned oil, did not condemn Iranian drone and missile strikes on Saturday.&nbsp;

China's state media reported on Tuesday (Apr 16) that Iran said it was "willing to exercise restraint". Iranian foreign minister reportedly also said that it has no intention of further escalating the situation with Israel.&nbsp;

"The current situation in the region is very sensitive, and the Iranian side is willing to exercise restraint and has no intention of further escalating the situation," Amir-Abdollahian said, according to the readout.&nbsp;

"The Islamic Republic of Iran advocates an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and supports China's positive efforts to promote a ceasefire, restore peace in the region and strengthen cooperation among regional countries," the statement added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-foreign-minister-calls-for-diplomatic-attack-against-iran-writes-to-32-nations-urging-sanctions-711815">Israel foreign minister calls for 'diplomatic attack' against Iran, writes to 32 nations urging sanctions</a>&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Wang said that China "strongly condemns and firmly opposes the attack" on the Iranian consulate in Syria, which killed 16 people. He said it also regards it as a "serious violation of international law and unacceptable", Xinhua reported.&nbsp;

The readout said China noted Iran's statement that, in response, it had taken limited action in "self-defence".&nbsp;

"China appreciates Iran's stress on not targeting regional and neighbouring countries as well as its reiteration on continuously pursuing a good-neighbourly and friendly policy," Xinhua quoted Wang as saying.&nbsp;

"It is believed that Iran can handle the situation well and spare the region further turmoil while safeguarding its own sovereignty and dignity," Wang added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-confirms-response-to-iran-attack-as-netanyahu-urges-countries-to-stand-united-711688">Israel confirms response to Iran attack as Netanyahu urges countries to 'stand united'</a>&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Iran warns Israel &amp; the US of 'severe response' in case of retaliation&nbsp;

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The call comes amid repeated calls by the United States asking China to use its influence over Tehran to manage tensions in the West Asian region.&nbsp;

Scholz and Xi discussed Ukraine and Israeli-Palestinian conflicts&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a bilateral meeting and discussed major global geopolitical issues, including the conflict in Ukraine and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.&nbsp;

The meeting was scheduled to take place at the Beijing Diaoyutai State Guesthouse as it marked the final day of Scholz's three-day visit to China.&nbsp;

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a news conference that while discussing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, both leaders expressed concerns about the serious humanitarian situation and the danger of further escalation of violence in the region.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving&nbsp;Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.&nbsp;

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and discussed Tehran's first-ever attack on Israel's territory.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and discussed Tehran's first-ever attack on Israel's territory. A readout from Beijing's foreign ministry said that the message was delivered to Wang in a phone call on Monday. Notably, China, which is a close partner of Iran and its largest trade partner, and a top buyer of its sanctioned oil, did not condemn Iranian drone and missile strikes on Saturday. China's state media reported on Tuesday (Apr 16) that Iran said it was "willing to exercise restraint". Iranian foreign minister reportedly also said that it has no intention of further escalating the situation with Israel. "The current situation in the region is very sensitive, and the Iranian side is willing to exercise restraint and has no intention of further escalating the situation," Amir-Abdollahian said, according to the readout. "The Islamic Republic of Iran advocates an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and supports China's positive efforts to promote a ceasefire, restore peace in the region and strengthen cooperation among regional countries," the statement added. Also read: Israel foreign minister calls for 'diplomatic attack' against Iran, writes to 32 nations urging sanctions Meanwhile, Wang said that China "strongly condemns and firmly opposes the attack" on the Iranian consulate in Syria, which killed 16 people. He said it also regards it as a "serious violation of international law and unacceptable", Xinhua reported. The readout said China noted Iran's statement that, in response, it had taken limited action in "self-defence". "China appreciates Iran's stress on not targeting regional and neighbouring countries as well as its reiteration on continuously pursuing a good-neighbourly and friendly policy," Xinhua quoted Wang as saying. "It is believed that Iran can handle the situation well and spare the region further turmoil while safeguarding its own sovereignty and dignity," Wang added. Also read: Israel confirms response to Iran attack as Netanyahu urges countries to 'stand united' Watch: Iran warns Israel & the US of 'severe response' in case of retaliation × The call comes amid repeated calls by the United States asking China to use its influence over Tehran to manage tensions in the West Asian region. Scholz and Xi discussed Ukraine and Israeli-Palestinian conflicts Meanwhile, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a bilateral meeting and discussed major global geopolitical issues, including the conflict in Ukraine and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The meeting was scheduled to take place at the Beijing Diaoyutai State Guesthouse as it marked the final day of Scholz's three-day visit to China. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a news conference that while discussing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, both leaders expressed concerns about the serious humanitarian situation and the danger of further escalation of violence in the region. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran willing to exercise restraint, has no intention of escalating situation, Tehran tells Beijing

German Chancellor Scholz arrived in Beijing on April 13, 2024, and is expected to meet with Xi on April 16. Watch to know more.

German chancellor Olaf Scholz arrives in Beijing, set to meet Xi Jinping and Li Qiang

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday in Beijing. Watch to know more.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Beijing

German Chancellor Scholz arrived in Beijing on April 13, 2024, and is expected to meet with Xi Jinping and Li Qiang on April 16. Watch to know more.

German chancellor arrives in Beijing, set to meet Xi Jinping and Li Qiang

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrives in Beijing, meets Xi Jinping

The Philippines has accused China of attempting to recruit its military officers to conduct Espionage activities in its exclusive economic zone sparking a controversy. China has however strongly denied the allegations. Watch in for more details!

Philippines steps up probe into alleged Chinese sleeper cells

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