Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Biden hosts summit with Japan & Philippines amid Chinese provocation. White House says US was not involved in Damascus air attack. AAP leader Manish Sisodia moves Delhi Court, seeking interim bail. Watch in for more details!

US-Japan-Philippines Summit: Biden hosts summit amid Chinese provocation

Following Prime Minister Modi's remarks expressing the need for a resolution between India and China on their border disputes Beijing has now responded stressing that both Nations should urgently address the prolonged situation emphasizing that sound and stable ties serve the common interests of China and India.

China responds to PM Modi's remark on border issue

Major US airlines and aviation unions have united, urging the Biden administration to pause approvals of additional flights between China and the United States. The move comes amid concerns over the alleged advantage Chinese carriers hold, stemming from continued access to Russian airspace, a privilege US carriers relinquished amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

US Aviation seeks review of China routes

An escalating diplomatic row and China-Philippines maritime run-ins have made the South China Sea a potential flashpoint between Washington and Beijing. Here's a look at the US-Philippines enhanced defense cooperation agreement, South China Sea tensions and Washington's presence in the region.

Bid to checkmate China? Key US defence pact with Manila; Washington expands Asia military presence

China's military aggression and dominance in the Indo-Pacific region have brought together the US, Japan and the Philippines. White House hosted the first trilateral meeting between the leaders of these nations. Keep watching to know more!

US ramps up ties with Japan, Philippines to counter China at sea

Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday (Apr 10) held talks with the pro-China former president of Taiwan in Beijing. The meeting comes ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of the new leader in the island state. Ma Ying-jeou, who remained president of Taiwan from 2008 to 2016, is on an 11-day tour across China. The meeting is highly significant as it’s the first time that a former president of Taiwan, which China sees as its own territory, has been hosted by China’s top leader. Previously, the two leaders met in Singapore in 2015.

<h2>Xi opposes ‘Taiwan’s independence’</h2>

In his remarks during the meeting, Xi Jinping praised Ma for opposing ‘Taiwan’s independence’ and promoting “cross-strait exchanges and agreeing that both sides of the strait belong to one China.”

“Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are all Chinese people. There is no grudge that cannot be resolved, no issue that cannot be discussed and no force that can separate us,” Xi said. “External interference cannot stop the historic trend of the reunion of the family and the country,” he added.

In response, Ma agreed that both people belonged to the Chinese nation, despite the other side of the strait developing under different conditions.

“If a war breaks out between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, it will be an unbearable burden for the Chinese nation,” Ma said. “I sincerely hope that both sides respect the values and way of life treasured by the people and maintain peace across the strait,” the ex-Taiwan leader added.

<h2>Anti-China sentiments in Taiwan</h2>

Even as Xi Jinping doubles down on the idea of reunification with Taiwan, anti-China sentiments in the island state have risen significantly.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwinxLzflriFAxVNxDgGHayPD2kQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/stable-peaceful-ties-between-india-and-china-are-important-pm-modi-709892" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/stable-peaceful-ties-between-india-and-china-are-important-pm-modi-709892&amp;ved=2ahUKEwinxLzflriFAxVNxDgGHayPD2kQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Stable, peaceful ties between India and China are important: PM Modi</a>

Beijing’s threatening posture has turned more and more Taiwanese away and reinforced their belief in the democratic lifestyle.

Meanwhile, the Ma-Jinping summit in Beijing comes at a time when Washington DC is set to host leaders from Japan and the Philippines. Both nations have grown concerned about China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday (Apr 10) held talks with the pro-China former president of Taiwan in Beijing. The meeting comes ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of the new leader in the island state.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday (Apr 10) held talks with the pro-China former president of Taiwan in Beijing. The meeting comes ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of the new leader in the island state. Ma Ying-jeou, who remained president of Taiwan from 2008 to 2016, is on an 11-day tour across China. The meeting is highly significant as it’s the first time that a former president of Taiwan, which China sees as its own territory, has been hosted by China’s top leader. Previously, the two leaders met in Singapore in 2015. Xi opposes ‘Taiwan’s independence’ In his remarks during the meeting, Xi Jinping praised Ma for opposing ‘Taiwan’s independence’ and promoting “cross-strait exchanges and agreeing that both sides of the strait belong to one China.” “Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are all Chinese people. There is no grudge that cannot be resolved, no issue that cannot be discussed and no force that can separate us,” Xi said. “External interference cannot stop the historic trend of the reunion of the family and the country,” he added. In response, Ma agreed that both people belonged to the Chinese nation, despite the other side of the strait developing under different conditions. “If a war breaks out between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, it will be an unbearable burden for the Chinese nation,” Ma said. “I sincerely hope that both sides respect the values and way of life treasured by the people and maintain peace across the strait,” the ex-Taiwan leader added. Anti-China sentiments in Taiwan Even as Xi Jinping doubles down on the idea of reunification with Taiwan, anti-China sentiments in the island state have risen significantly. Also read: Stable, peaceful ties between India and China are important: PM Modi Beijing’s threatening posture has turned more and more Taiwanese away and reinforced their belief in the democratic lifestyle. Meanwhile, the Ma-Jinping summit in Beijing comes at a time when Washington DC is set to host leaders from Japan and the Philippines. Both nations have grown concerned about China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea. (With inputs from agencies)

‘No force can separate us’: China’s Xi Jinping holds meeting with pro-Beijing ex-president of Taiwan

The People's Bank of China (PBOC) has set a daily reference rate for the yuan at 7.0968 per dollar, a move indicating the country's efforts to support its currency while the dollar gains strength.<o:p></o:p>

According to Bloomberg, this rate was set within the recent trading range, after the offshore yuan experienced its most a major weakening in three weeks. <o:p></o:p>

The fixing, set by the PBOC at 9:15 a.m. local time, determines the range within which the yuan can trade, a range limited to 2 per cent.<o:p></o:p>

The gap between the set fixing and the market's expectations reached 1597 pips, marking the widest disparity recorded since Bloomberg began its daily survey in 2018. <o:p></o:p>

“The strong fix simply underscores policymakers’ desire and will to pursue RMB stability,” Bloomberg quoted Christopher Wong, an FX strategist at Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp, as saying. <o:p></o:p>

He further added, “Clearly the fix is outside of consensus estimates, but the strong fix shows that policymakers want to send a strong message to markets.”<o:p></o:p>

The daily reference rate has been under scrutiny by China watchers, aiming to discern Beijing's intentions regarding the yuan's direction. <o:p></o:p>

This scrutiny comes as the yuan wobbled close to the lower boundary of its trading range. <o:p></o:p>

Despite the possible benefits a weaker currency could offer to the country's exporters, officials remain vigilant against yuan pressures that could adversely affect local stocks and bonds.<o:p></o:p>

On Wednesday, the offshore yuan concluded trading at a two-week low, influenced by a surge in US inflation that bolstered the dollar and Treasury yields. <o:p></o:p>

According to derivative markets, there are indications that the Federal Reserve might reduce interest rates only twice this year, with the first cut expected in September. <o:p></o:p>

Following the fixing, the offshore yuan saw a modest rise of 0.1 per cent.<o:p></o:p>

The PBOC's emphasis on yuan stability is rooted in the belief that abrupt drops in the yuan could trigger a vicious cycle of capital outflows and further currency devaluation. <o:p></o:p>

As the yuan serves as a stabilising force in the global foreign exchange market and acts as an anchor for regional currencies, heightened yuan volatility could potentially affect other currencies, including the dollar.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Bloomberg)<o:p></o:p>

The People's Bank of China (PBOC) has set a daily reference rate for the yuan at 7.0968 per dollar, a move indicating the country's efforts to support its currency while the dollar gains strength.

The People's Bank of China (PBOC) has set a daily reference rate for the yuan at 7.0968 per dollar, a move indicating the country's efforts to support its currency while the dollar gains strength. According to Bloomberg, this rate was set within the recent trading range, after the offshore yuan experienced its most a major weakening in three weeks. The fixing, set by the PBOC at 9:15 a.m. local time, determines the range within which the yuan can trade, a range limited to 2 per cent. The gap between the set fixing and the market's expectations reached 1597 pips, marking the widest disparity recorded since Bloomberg began its daily survey in 2018. “The strong fix simply underscores policymakers’ desire and will to pursue RMB stability,” Bloomberg quoted Christopher Wong, an FX strategist at Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp, as saying. He further added, “Clearly the fix is outside of consensus estimates, but the strong fix shows that policymakers want to send a strong message to markets.” The daily reference rate has been under scrutiny by China watchers, aiming to discern Beijing's intentions regarding the yuan's direction. This scrutiny comes as the yuan wobbled close to the lower boundary of its trading range. Despite the possible benefits a weaker currency could offer to the country's exporters, officials remain vigilant against yuan pressures that could adversely affect local stocks and bonds. On Wednesday, the offshore yuan concluded trading at a two-week low, influenced by a surge in US inflation that bolstered the dollar and Treasury yields. According to derivative markets, there are indications that the Federal Reserve might reduce interest rates only twice this year, with the first cut expected in September. Following the fixing, the offshore yuan saw a modest rise of 0.1 per cent. The PBOC's emphasis on yuan stability is rooted in the belief that abrupt drops in the yuan could trigger a vicious cycle of capital outflows and further currency devaluation. As the yuan serves as a stabilising force in the global foreign exchange market and acts as an anchor for regional currencies, heightened yuan volatility could potentially affect other currencies, including the dollar. (With inputs from Bloomberg)

China bolsters Yuan Support amidst record fixing gap

China's consumer prices saw a second consecutive monthly increase in March, while factory price deflation continued, indicating that the economy, though showing signs of improvement, still faces challenges. <o:p></o:p>

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.1 per cent year-on-year in March, following a 0.7 per cent uptick in February. <o:p></o:p>

This was the first gain in six months and surpassed the 0.4 per cent increase predicted by economists in a Reuters poll.<o:p></o:p>

However, the monthly comparison paints a less optimistic picture, as the CPI fell by 1.0 per cent from the previous month. <o:p></o:p>

This cooling is sharper than the 1 per cent gain seen in February and worse than the 0.5 per cent decline forecasted by economists.<o:p></o:p>

On the other hand, the Producer Price Index (PPI) continued its downward trend, falling by 2.8 per cent year-on-year in March, compared to a 2.7 per cent decline in the previous month. <o:p></o:p>

Factory-gate prices have been on the decline for the past year and a half, with companies reducing selling prices to sustain sales amid falling commodity prices.<o:p></o:p>

Although the government has made efforts to stimulate household spending, including relaxed car loan regulations, consumers remain wary of major purchases due to concerns about the weakening economy and the subdued job market. <o:p></o:p>

The central bank of China has recently said that it would take measures to intensify efforts to strengthen domestic demand and enhance confidence in the economy.<o:p></o:p>

Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, stood at 0.6 per cent year-on-year in March, a deceleration from 1.2 per cent in February, further highlighting the subdued demand conditions in the country.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

China's consumer prices saw a second consecutive monthly increase in March, while factory price deflation continued, indicating that the economy, though showing signs of improvement, still faces challenges.

China's consumer prices saw a second consecutive monthly increase in March, while factory price deflation continued, indicating that the economy, though showing signs of improvement, still faces challenges. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.1 per cent year-on-year in March, following a 0.7 per cent uptick in February. This was the first gain in six months and surpassed the 0.4 per cent increase predicted by economists in a Reuters poll. However, the monthly comparison paints a less optimistic picture, as the CPI fell by 1.0 per cent from the previous month. This cooling is sharper than the 1 per cent gain seen in February and worse than the 0.5 per cent decline forecasted by economists. On the other hand, the Producer Price Index (PPI) continued its downward trend, falling by 2.8 per cent year-on-year in March, compared to a 2.7 per cent decline in the previous month. Factory-gate prices have been on the decline for the past year and a half, with companies reducing selling prices to sustain sales amid falling commodity prices. Although the government has made efforts to stimulate household spending, including relaxed car loan regulations, consumers remain wary of major purchases due to concerns about the weakening economy and the subdued job market. The central bank of China has recently said that it would take measures to intensify efforts to strengthen domestic demand and enhance confidence in the economy. Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, stood at 0.6 per cent year-on-year in March, a deceleration from 1.2 per cent in February, further highlighting the subdued demand conditions in the country. (With inputs from Reuters)

China's consumer prices rise for second consecutive month, factory deflation continues

Alarm is growing over Chinese belligerence in the Indo-Pacific and India is playing a key role in helping uphold the international rules-based order amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific. Several Nations have assessed that the risk of conflict is indeed increasing defence budgets have surged.

Breaking News | US lauds India's role in the Indo-Pacific

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with former Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou in Beijing in a bid to promote unification between the sides that separated amid civil war in 1949. Watch in for more details!

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets former Taiwan leader Ma Ying-Jeou in Beijing

Video of a robot-like waitress serving at a Chinese restaurant has left the internet confused, about whether it’s an actual robot or a woman. Watch in for more details!

China's robotic waitress: Video of robot-like waitress serving food at a restaurant puzzles netizens

Canada has levelled allegations against China for allegedly interfering with its 2019 as well as 2021 elections. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reiterated the allegation that China tried to meddle in the last two Canadian elections.

Canada alleges China interfered in elections

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the stable relation between India and China is important not just for the two nations, but for the entire region and world. He urges urgent resolution to border dispute.

PM Modi: Urgent need to address prolonged India-China border dispute

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida touted increased joint military cooperation and a new missile defence system on Wednesday, strengthening their alliance with an eye on aggressive actions by China and Russia.

"This is the most significant upgrade in our alliance since it was first established," Biden said at a joint White House news conference with Kishida, after about two hours of talks that focused on the restive Indo-Pacific region, Ukraine and the Gaza conflict.

Kishida said the two leaders also discussed tense relations between Taiwan and China, and pledged to uphold international order based on the rule of law.

“Unilateral attempts to change status quo by force or coercion is absolutely unacceptable, wherever it may be,” Kishida said. The US&nbsp;and Japan will continue to respond to such actions, including challenges from China, he said.

WATCH |&nbsp;Japan PM Fumio Kishida arrives in Washington, set to address US Congress

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-pm-fumio-kishida-arrives-in-washington-set-to-address-us-congress-709210/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“Regarding Russia’s aggression of Ukraine... Ukraine today may be East Asia tomorrow,” Kishida said.

The announcements from Biden and Kishida brought the two old World War II enemies into the closest collaboration they have had since they became allies decades ago.

Biden said their militaries will cooperate with a joint command structure and they will, together with Australia, develop a new air missile defence network. The two leaders also announced that Japanese astronauts will participate in NASA moon missions.

Japan, often described as the US's most important Asia ally and its largest source of foreign direct investment, is taking on a stepped-up global role after a series of security law changes in the past decade that have transformed its pacifist constitution.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-to-visit-beijing-soon-lavrovs-china-visit-lays-groundwork-as-two-countries-defy-west-709744">Putin to visit Beijing soon? Lavrov's China visit lays groundwork as the two countries defy West</a>

Kishida will address the US&nbsp;Congress on Thursday and join Biden and Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr&nbsp;for a meeting expected to focus on Beijing's South China Sea incursions.

<h2>SOUTH CHINA SEA INCURSIONS</h2>

Overall, the US&nbsp;and Japan have hammered out about 70 agreements on defence cooperation, including moves to upgrade the US&nbsp;military command structure in Japan to make it better able to work with Japanese forces in a crisis.

The meeting comes as China steps up pressure on the Philippines in the South China Sea over area Beijing claims but international law says belongs to the Philippines.

China is attempting to isolate Japan and the Philippines, a US&nbsp;official said. By meeting the leaders of those two nations this week in Washington, Biden is aiming to "flip the script and isolate China."

Fitch cut its outlook on China's sovereign credit rating to negative on Wednesday, citing risks to public finances as the economy faces increasing uncertainty in its shift to new growth models.

On Thursday, Biden will hold a bilateral meeting with Marcos, whom he welcomed in Washington just last year before the two join Kishida for a trilateral summit.

The visit may give a political boost to Kishida, whose popularity has waned at home. He is being greeted with great fanfare, with Japanese flags on display throughout Washington.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fumio-kishida-begins-us-state-visit-as-bidens-welcome-japan-pm-in-white-house-709706">Fumio Kishida begins US state visit as the Bidens welcome Japan PM to White House</a>

The two leaders were to attend a lavish state dinner in the White House on Wednesday. Biden and his wife Jill took Kishida and his wife Yuko to a private dinner at a local restaurant on Tuesday night.

Overshadowing the visit is a controversy over the planned $15 billion acquisition of American steel maker US&nbsp;Steel by Japan's Nippon Steel, a deal some say is "on life support" after criticism by Biden and former President Donald Trump, his rival in November's US&nbsp;election.

Kishida, asked about the deal, said he hoped discussions about it would bear fruit.

"We wish to cement this win-win relationship," he said.

Biden said he stood by his commitment to union workers on the issue.

Also looming are Japanese concerns that if Trump wins a second term he might seek a deal with China that could destabilise the region.

US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida touted increased joint military cooperation and a new missile defence system on Wednesday, strengthening their alliance with an eye on aggressive actions by China and Russia.

US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida touted increased joint military cooperation and a new missile defence system on Wednesday, strengthening their alliance with an eye on aggressive actions by China and Russia. "This is the most significant upgrade in our alliance since it was first established," Biden said at a joint White House news conference with Kishida, after about two hours of talks that focused on the restive Indo-Pacific region, Ukraine and the Gaza conflict. Kishida said the two leaders also discussed tense relations between Taiwan and China, and pledged to uphold international order based on the rule of law. “Unilateral attempts to change status quo by force or coercion is absolutely unacceptable, wherever it may be,” Kishida said. The US and Japan will continue to respond to such actions, including challenges from China, he said. WATCH | Japan PM Fumio Kishida arrives in Washington, set to address US Congress “Regarding Russia’s aggression of Ukraine... Ukraine today may be East Asia tomorrow,” Kishida said. The announcements from Biden and Kishida brought the two old World War II enemies into the closest collaboration they have had since they became allies decades ago. Biden said their militaries will cooperate with a joint command structure and they will, together with Australia, develop a new air missile defence network. The two leaders also announced that Japanese astronauts will participate in NASA moon missions. Japan, often described as the US's most important Asia ally and its largest source of foreign direct investment, is taking on a stepped-up global role after a series of security law changes in the past decade that have transformed its pacifist constitution. Also Read | Putin to visit Beijing soon? Lavrov's China visit lays groundwork as the two countries defy West Kishida will address the US Congress on Thursday and join Biden and Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr for a meeting expected to focus on Beijing's South China Sea incursions. SOUTH CHINA SEA INCURSIONS Overall, the US and Japan have hammered out about 70 agreements on defence cooperation, including moves to upgrade the US military command structure in Japan to make it better able to work with Japanese forces in a crisis. The meeting comes as China steps up pressure on the Philippines in the South China Sea over area Beijing claims but international law says belongs to the Philippines. China is attempting to isolate Japan and the Philippines, a US official said. By meeting the leaders of those two nations this week in Washington, Biden is aiming to "flip the script and isolate China." Fitch cut its outlook on China's sovereign credit rating to negative on Wednesday, citing risks to public finances as the economy faces increasing uncertainty in its shift to new growth models. On Thursday, Biden will hold a bilateral meeting with Marcos, whom he welcomed in Washington just last year before the two join Kishida for a trilateral summit. The visit may give a political boost to Kishida, whose popularity has waned at home. He is being greeted with great fanfare, with Japanese flags on display throughout Washington. Also Read | Fumio Kishida begins US state visit as the Bidens welcome Japan PM to White House The two leaders were to attend a lavish state dinner in the White House on Wednesday. Biden and his wife Jill took Kishida and his wife Yuko to a private dinner at a local restaurant on Tuesday night. Overshadowing the visit is a controversy over the planned $15 billion acquisition of American steel maker US Steel by Japan's Nippon Steel, a deal some say is "on life support" after criticism by Biden and former President Donald Trump, his rival in November's US election. Kishida, asked about the deal, said he hoped discussions about it would bear fruit. "We wish to cement this win-win relationship," he said. Biden said he stood by his commitment to union workers on the issue. Also looming are Japanese concerns that if Trump wins a second term he might seek a deal with China that could destabilise the region.

US President Biden, Japan's PM Kishida pledge united front against China

Indian PM Modi says ties with China 'important', urgent need to address border tensions

Former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou on Thursday (April 11) said that Taiwan and China can peacefully resolve their differences following his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

Former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou on Thursday (April 11) said that Taiwan and China can peacefully resolve their differences following his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. It was the second time both the leaders crossed paths after the 2015 summit in Singapore when Ma was Taiwan's President. The 2015 summit marked the first time Chinese and Taiwanese leaders had met since the end of the civil war in 1949. The Republic of China government lost that civil war to Mao Zedong’s communists and fled to Taiwan. Also read: ‘No force can separate us’: China’s Xi Jinping holds meeting with pro-Beijing ex-president of Taiwan Ma Ying-jeou said he hoped young Taiwanese could put aside ideology and realize the historical and cultural links between Taiwan and China. China has always claimed Taiwan as its territory and has been asserting these claims by putting political pressure on democratically-governed Taiwan. Ma said that the youth on either side of the strait were “descendants of the Yan and Yellow Emperors.” In addition, Ma stated that all people on either side of the strait are members of "the Republic of China," although he later corrected himself to say “the Chinese people,” referring to those who are Chinese ethnically or culturally. An identical blunder was made by Ma during his meeting with Xi, as seen in footage shown by Taiwanese media stations. China's government, formerly known as the People's Republic of China, does not recognise the Republic of China, Taiwan's official name, making Xi's attendance during the slip-up extremely contentious. Ma did not respond when asked if the language was deliberate.

Former Taiwan president says Taiwan, China can peacefully resolve differences

China attempted to interfere in the last two Canadian elections, however the attempt was deemed "improbable" and the results were unaffected. According to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Beijing favored one party over another on Wednesday, according to an official investigation.

China tried to meddle but Canadians decided the last two elections: PM Trudeau

China's robotic waitress: Video of robot-like waitress serving food at a restaurant puzzles internet

India-China need to urgently address border issues, says PM Modi

Video of robot-like waitress serving food at a restaurant in China puzzles internet

China's Xi Jinping hosts former Taiwan president Ma Ying-Jeou in Beijing

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with former Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou in Beijing Wednesday in a bid to promote unification between the sides that separated amid civil war in 1949.

China's Xi meets former Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stated on Wednesday that he is presently looking for details regarding the purported "gentleman's agreement" between China and former President Rodrigo Duterte regarding the West Philippine Sea, stating that he was "horrified" by its provisions.

Philippines questions secret deal with China, deal bars Manila from sending materials in S China Sea

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers and shipping companies are witnessing an exceptional surge in demand for car-carrying vessels, attributed to the country's booming EV exports, Reuters reported.<o:p></o:p>

This surge is pushing China towards having the world's fourth-largest fleet of car carriers by 2028, according to data from shipping consultancy Veson Nautical. <o:p></o:p>

Presently, China ranks eighth globally in terms of its fleet size, with 33 car-carrying ships. <o:p></o:p>

However, with 47 ships on order, constituting a quarter of global orders, China's fleet expansion is set to change the industry.<o:p></o:p>

Specific buyers include major automakers like SAIC Motor, Chery Automobile, and EV giant BYD, along with shippers such as COSCO and China Merchants, acting on behalf of Chinese automakers.<o:p></o:p>

Analysts predict a huge increase in China's controlled car carrier fleet, jumping from the current 2.4 per cent to 8.7 per cent upon delivery of the ordered vessels. <o:p></o:p>

Reuters cited Andrea de Luca, an analyst at Veson, who said that the establishment of new trade routes primarily catering to Chinese automakers could e anticipated. <o:p></o:p>

According to her, a major part of these orders have been channelled to Chinese shipyards, securing 82 per cent of global orders, as Chinese companies capitalise on the burgeoning export market for EVs.<o:p></o:p>

The increase in demand for car-carrying ships mirrors China's growing prominence as a key player in the global automotive export market. <o:p></o:p>

Last year, China surpassed Japan as the world's largest auto exporter, with manufacturers like BYD contributing to this achievement.<o:p></o:p>

BYD alone exported over 240,000 vehicles in 2023, accounting for approximately 8 per cent of its global sales, with plans to push exports to 400,000 units this year. <o:p></o:p>

Additionally, foreign automakers like Tesla and Volkswagen have also increased their production in China, leveraging its cost-effective supply chain for exports.<o:p></o:p>

Despite the thriving market conditions for car carriers, there have been concerns surrounding the possible consequences of an increase in China's exports.<o:p></o:p>

Both the US and the European Union have called China out for flooding their markets with competitively priced products, citing unfair trade practices. <o:p></o:p>

These concerns have been complicated by increasing shipping costs and accusations of China's attempts to address excess industrial capacity through export expansion. <o:p></o:p>

However, Chinese officials have strongly refuted claims of overcapacity, downplaying the role of state support in driving growth.<o:p></o:p>

While regarding potential market saturation and trade imbalances loom large, experts like senior economist Xu Tianchen from the Economist Intelligence Unit noted specific opportunities where the demand may not have peaked, including car cargo ships. <o:p></o:p>

Against this backdrop, discussions surrounding trade practices and market dynamics might intensify, with the US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and China's Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao in talks to address the issues at hand.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers and shipping companies are witnessing an exceptional surge in demand for car-carrying vessels, attributed to the country's booming EV exports, Reuters reported.

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers and shipping companies are witnessing an exceptional surge in demand for car-carrying vessels, attributed to the country's booming EV exports, Reuters reported. This surge is pushing China towards having the world's fourth-largest fleet of car carriers by 2028, according to data from shipping consultancy Veson Nautical. Presently, China ranks eighth globally in terms of its fleet size, with 33 car-carrying ships. However, with 47 ships on order, constituting a quarter of global orders, China's fleet expansion is set to change the industry. Specific buyers include major automakers like SAIC Motor, Chery Automobile, and EV giant BYD, along with shippers such as COSCO and China Merchants, acting on behalf of Chinese automakers. Analysts predict a huge increase in China's controlled car carrier fleet, jumping from the current 2.4 per cent to 8.7 per cent upon delivery of the ordered vessels. Reuters cited Andrea de Luca, an analyst at Veson, who said that the establishment of new trade routes primarily catering to Chinese automakers could e anticipated. According to her, a major part of these orders have been channelled to Chinese shipyards, securing 82 per cent of global orders, as Chinese companies capitalise on the burgeoning export market for EVs. The increase in demand for car-carrying ships mirrors China's growing prominence as a key player in the global automotive export market. Last year, China surpassed Japan as the world's largest auto exporter, with manufacturers like BYD contributing to this achievement. BYD alone exported over 240,000 vehicles in 2023, accounting for approximately 8 per cent of its global sales, with plans to push exports to 400,000 units this year. Additionally, foreign automakers like Tesla and Volkswagen have also increased their production in China, leveraging its cost-effective supply chain for exports. Despite the thriving market conditions for car carriers, there have been concerns surrounding the possible consequences of an increase in China's exports. Both the US and the European Union have called China out for flooding their markets with competitively priced products, citing unfair trade practices. These concerns have been complicated by increasing shipping costs and accusations of China's attempts to address excess industrial capacity through export expansion. However, Chinese officials have strongly refuted claims of overcapacity, downplaying the role of state support in driving growth. While regarding potential market saturation and trade imbalances loom large, experts like senior economist Xu Tianchen from the Economist Intelligence Unit noted specific opportunities where the demand may not have peaked, including car cargo ships. Against this backdrop, discussions surrounding trade practices and market dynamics might intensify, with the US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and China's Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao in talks to address the issues at hand. (With inputs from Reuters)

China's EV export surge spurs record demand for car-carrying ships

Russia and China agreed to deepen security cooperation across Eurasia to oppose US and Western influence. According to Lavrov, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed such a move, and the two countries agreed to "start a dialogue with the involvement of our other like-minded people on this issue."

Russia-China relations: Lavrov hits out at west over 'illegal sanctions'

China and Russia agree to boost ties

Watch in top headlines of the hour: - Ukraine, UK ink deal on arms production - Fitch cuts China's ratings outlook - Flood devastation in Russia's Urals - South Korea: Exit polls predict opposition win - Russia: Rocket launch aborted again

Ukraine, UK ink deal on arms production | Fitch cuts China's ratings outlook

An official investigation that's been conducted by Canada has found that India did not meddle with its elections. The Canadian officials have now denied any Indian involvement in the North American nation's electoral process. Watch in for more details!

Canadian inquiry finds 'China interfered in Canadian elections'

The U.S, Britain and Australia are set to begin talks on bringing new members into AUKUS. Washington pushes for Japan to be involved as a deterrent against China, as per reports. Britain's defence ministry said it too would like to involve more allies in this work, subject to a joint agreement. Watch to know more.

AUKUS nations mull expansion of security pact to deter China | WION Originals

92% of Japanese population considers China a threat to their national security. A majority of the population also supports an increased spending on defence. How will this deteriorating opinion of China impact the fast-changing geopolitics in the Indo-Pacific?

Gravitas: 92% of Japanese consider Xi Jinping's China a threat, here's why

China and Russia agree to boost ties in opposition to West

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