About 50 kilometers north of Beijing city center, construction is wrapping up on what is expected to be the world's brightest X-ray light source.

China achieves new progress in high-energy photon source object.

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus is making strategic moves to deepen ties with China, positioning Bangladesh as a key player in economic expansion. However, his outreach has raised concerns in India, stirring political and economic debates.

Yunus strengthens ties with China, sparks controversy in India

#Gravitas The United States appears to be shifting its military focus solely towards China. A secret Pentagon memo revealed that the U.S. military is being realigned to counter a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan, while reducing its presence in other global hotspots.

Secret Pentagon memo names China number 1 enemy

Taiwan is facing mounting pressure as China intensifies its military presence around the island. Seven Chinese navy ships have been detected near Taiwanese waters, fueling concerns of a possible invasion. Meanwhile, the US is urging Taiwan to boost its defense spending.

US pressures Taiwan amid Chinese threat, internal differences widen

A leaked Pentagon memo calls for the US military to prioritize resources against China, labeling it the "sole threat." The guidance emphasizes troop presence and warns against a potential Taiwan takeover.

Pentagon memo urges US military to prioritise its resources on China

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said that the Trump administration would boost military ties with the Philippines to strengthen deterrence against “threats from the communist Chinese” and ensure freedom of navigation in the disputed South China Sea.

US vows military ties with Philippines amid Chinese aggression

Bangladesh has signed nine agreements with China as President Xi Jinping reaffirms Beijing’s commitment to being a "good neighbor and good friend" to Dhaka. The agreements come during Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus' four-day visit to China amid cooling relations with India. Officials have hailed the Xi-Yunus meeting as a "great success." Watch this report for more details!

Bangladesh, China sign nine agreements to strengthen bilateral ties

Chinese leader Xi Jinping warned of "severe challenges" to global trade amid rising "unilateralism and protectionism," vowing to further open China's doors to foreign firms. Watch in for more details!

China's Xi Jinping warns of severe global trade challenges

Bangladesh Interim government chief Muhammad Yunus on Friday met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing and discussed issues related to bilateral ties amid strained relations with India.

Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Yunus meets Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing

#GRAVITAS | A Chinese influencer has been deported from Taiwan back to China after she heaped praise for Beijing online.  
The influencer backed Beijing’s ambitions to conquer Taiwan by force. But via this move, do Taiwanese authorities stand to lose balance between protecting its democracy and cracking down on freedom of expression. Watch this video to find out more. 


Liu Zhenya deported for promoting Chinese invasion of Taiwan

The Trump administration has placed dozens of Chinese entities on its export blacklist, marking its first major effort to limit China's progress in artificial intelligence and advanced computing.

US blacklists over 50 Chinese companies, targeting AI and chip capabilities | World News

The Mariana Trench, which is the lowest point on planet Earth, reaching more than 7 miles below the surface of the Pacific Ocean. This crescent-shaped trench is in the Western Pacific just east of the Mariana Islands near Guam, and because Guam is a US Territory and the 15 Northern Mariana Islands are governed by a US Commonwealth. Watch in for more details!

Chinese drone conquers Earth’s deepest point

#Gravitas A declassified report from U.S. intelligence has shed light on the financial dealings of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s family, revealing that they control assets exceeding $1 billion.

Xi’s anti-corruption drive 'hypocritical' as family’s millions exposed

India and China have reviewed the situation along the Line of Actual Control or the LAC. The two countries have agreed on the early resumption of cross-border cooperation and exchanges, including on trans-border rivers and the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. Watch in for more details!

India, China review situation along LAC, agree on early resumption of cross-border cooperation

China is using artificial intelligence to combat wildfires! In Tianjin, a quadruped robot participated in a forest firefighting drill, responding swiftly to simulated fires. This advanced AI-driven technology could revolutionize wildfire response and disaster management.

Quadruped robot engages in forest firefighting drill in China

India and China on Tuesday held a fresh edition of diplomatic talks in Beijing, focusing on ensuring effective border management and early resumption of cross-border cooperation and exchanges, including on trans-border rivers and Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra. Watch to know more!

India, China discuss cross-border cooperation, Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra in Beijing

China has expelled several Japanese fishing vessels that had allegedly entered China's territorial waters. The Chinese Coast Guard has accused the boats of unlawfully entering the disputed waters around Diaoyu Dao. Over the span of four days, from Friday to Monday, four Japanese fishing vessels have been expelled from the waters of China's Diaoyu Dao. Watch this report for more details!

China coastguard drives off Japanese fishing boats amid island dispute

Lingling, a woman in China, suffered severe disability after spending $332,000 on breast implants. What came to the fore later was shocking! Traces of cattle and moose DNA were discovered in her test reports.
It was in 2017 when Lingling showed interest in a scheme run by a local beauty parlour, which was an innovative breast augmentation technique.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/in-a-first-orangutan-seen-applying-medicinal-herbs-to-face-wound-717513">In a first, orangutan seen applying medicinal herbs to face wound. What could it mean?</a>
The nightmarish procedure made her go through nine surgeries, which included repairs and implant insertion, and with that her bill went up to $329,496. The cosmetic clinic in Beijing which assured Lingling of the safety, had claimed that the method would only extract and cultivate collagen from her body and reinject it into her breasts to create a &ldquo;self-derived, self-used&rdquo; result. This, they claimed, would reduce the rejection, which is usually the worry when you inject a foreign substance into the body.
Talking to news outlet Jiangxi Television, Fu, a beauty industry insider, said that in the past, DNA traces of camels, bats, and gorillas have been found in patients' test reports. &ldquo;These non-human materials can cause adverse reactions, like immune rejection,&rdquo; Fu added.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/prostate-cancer-surgery-innovation-reduces-odds-of-post-op-erectile-dysfunction-8886130">Prostate cancer surgery innovation reduces odds of post-op erectile dysfunction</a>
Lingling's surgical procedure was carried out at Beijing Creating Medical Cosmetic Clinic under the supervision of head surgeon Bai Jin, who at that time had assured it was all safe. Now, the centre's business licence has been revoked, and another 398 medical malpractice disputes have been highlighted. Bai's medical licence's current status says: unregistered.
&nbsp;

Lingling, a woman in China, suffered severe disability after spending $332,000 on breast implants. What came to the fore later was shocking! Traces of cattle and moose DNA were discovered in her test reports. World news

Lingling, a woman in China, suffered severe disability after spending $332,000 on breast implants. What came to the fore later was shocking! Traces of cattle and moose DNA were discovered in her test reports. It was in 2017 when Lingling showed interest in a scheme run by a local beauty parlour, which was an innovative breast augmentation technique. Also read: In a first, orangutan seen applying medicinal herbs to face wound. What could it mean? The nightmarish procedure made her go through nine surgeries, which included repairs and implant insertion, and with that her bill went up to $329,496. The cosmetic clinic in Beijing which assured Lingling of the safety, had claimed that the method would only extract and cultivate collagen from her body and reinject it into her breasts to create a “self-derived, self-used” result. This, they claimed, would reduce the rejection, which is usually the worry when you inject a foreign substance into the body. Talking to news outlet Jiangxi Television, Fu, a beauty industry insider, said that in the past, DNA traces of camels, bats, and gorillas have been found in patients' test reports. “These non-human materials can cause adverse reactions, like immune rejection,” Fu added. Also read: Prostate cancer surgery innovation reduces odds of post-op erectile dysfunction Lingling's surgical procedure was carried out at Beijing Creating Medical Cosmetic Clinic under the supervision of head surgeon Bai Jin, who at that time had assured it was all safe. Now, the centre's business licence has been revoked, and another 398 medical malpractice disputes have been highlighted. Bai's medical licence's current status says: unregistered.

SHOCKING! Cattle and moose DNA found in woman's $332,000 breast implants

On May 3rd last year, China launched its Chang'e Luna 6 probe. On June 25th of 2024, its returner landed in North China, bringing back nearly 2 kg of samples from the far side of the moon. This report is about what those samples tell us. Watch in for more details!

China's Chang'e-6 lunar probe brings samples; findings offer insights into early evolution

China Coast Guard expels 4 Japanese vessels for unlawfully entering waters of Diaoyu Dao

China's coast guard has expelled four Japanese vessels from waters near the Diaoyu Islands, reinforcing its territorial claims. Beijing has warned Japan to cease "illegal activities" and vowed to conduct regular enforcement operations. Watch this report for more details!

China expels Japanese vessels, asserts sovereignty over Diaoyu islands

China’s Chang’e-6 lunar probe has successfully brought back samples from the Moon’s South Pole-Aitken (SPA) Basin, the largest, deepest, and oldest impact crater. Scientists are analyzing the samples to uncover insights into the Moon’s early evolution.

China's Chang'e-6 probe returns lunar samples for study

Canada's spy agency on Monday (Mar 24) alleged that India and China were likely to interfere in the country's upcoming general elections, scheduled for April 28.
<h2>Canada's accusations against&nbsp;India and China?</h2>
Addressing a press conference, Vanessa Lloyd, deputy director of operations at Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) said hostile state actors were increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence to meddle in elections.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/so-america-can-own-us-canadian-pm-carney-accuses-trump-of-trying-to-break-canada-8883415">'So America can own us': Canadian PM Carney accuses Trump of trying to 'break Canada'</a>
She said, "The PRC (People's Republic of China) is highly likely to use AI-enabled tools to attempt to interfere with Canada's democratic process in this current election."
While Lloyd did not reveal exactly what Canada thinks India might do, she claimed that "We have also seen that the government of India has the intent and capability to interfere in Canadian communities and democratic processes".
"It's often very difficult to establish a direct link between foreign interference activities and election results ... Nevertheless, threat activities can erode public trust in the integrity of Canada's democratic processes and institutions," she added, as quoted by Reuters.
However, Lloyd did not provide any evidence to back her claims.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-legacy-justin-trudeau-jeered-and-booed-as-he-leaves-parliament-for-last-time-as-canada-pm-watch-video-8852731">'No Legacy': Justin Trudeau jeered and booed as he leaves parliament for last time as Canada PM | Watch video</a>
<h2>Turbulent India-Canada relations</h2>
CSIS's accusations against India and China come at a time when Ottawa's relations with both New Delhi and Beijing are chilly. Both nations have earlier denied similar allegations of interference.
India and Canada have been at odds following the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani terrorist and Sikh separatist leader.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadas-new-pm-mark-carney-calls-snap-election-on-april-28-amid-donald-trump-tariff-threat-8883347">Canada&rsquo;s new PM Mark Carney calls April 28 snap election, says &lsquo;We needed to act because of Trump&rsquo;s tariffs&rsquo;</a>
During Justin Trudeau's time as the prime minister of Canada, Canada's relations with old ally India deteriorated at an alarming pace. The two nations, for months, have been at odds over Justin Trudeau's repeated accusations&mdash;without proof&mdash; that New Delhi was involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani terrorist and Sikh separatist leader.&nbsp;
Despite Trudeau's claims in Parliament that India was involved in Nijjar's death &mdash; which happened on Sept 18, 2023 &mdash; no evidence has been produced to back this up. India insists it has nothing to hide, and that it was expecting the Canadian government to justify its accusations. &nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

World | India News | Canada's spy agency has issued a warning about potential election interference by India and China, highlighting the possible use of AI in meddling.

Canada's spy agency on Monday (Mar 24) alleged that India and China were likely to interfere in the country's upcoming general elections, scheduled for April 28. Canada's accusations against India and China? Addressing a press conference, Vanessa Lloyd, deputy director of operations at Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) said hostile state actors were increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence to meddle in elections. Also read | 'So America can own us': Canadian PM Carney accuses Trump of trying to 'break Canada' She said, "The PRC (People's Republic of China) is highly likely to use AI-enabled tools to attempt to interfere with Canada's democratic process in this current election." While Lloyd did not reveal exactly what Canada thinks India might do, she claimed that "We have also seen that the government of India has the intent and capability to interfere in Canadian communities and democratic processes". "It's often very difficult to establish a direct link between foreign interference activities and election results ... Nevertheless, threat activities can erode public trust in the integrity of Canada's democratic processes and institutions," she added, as quoted by Reuters. However, Lloyd did not provide any evidence to back her claims. Also read | 'No Legacy': Justin Trudeau jeered and booed as he leaves parliament for last time as Canada PM | Watch video Turbulent India-Canada relations CSIS's accusations against India and China come at a time when Ottawa's relations with both New Delhi and Beijing are chilly. Both nations have earlier denied similar allegations of interference. India and Canada have been at odds following the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani terrorist and Sikh separatist leader. Also read | Canada’s new PM Mark Carney calls April 28 snap election, says ‘We needed to act because of Trump’s tariffs’ During Justin Trudeau's time as the prime minister of Canada, Canada's relations with old ally India deteriorated at an alarming pace. The two nations, for months, have been at odds over Justin Trudeau's repeated accusations—without proof— that New Delhi was involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani terrorist and Sikh separatist leader. Despite Trudeau's claims in Parliament that India was involved in Nijjar's death — which happened on Sept 18, 2023 — no evidence has been produced to back this up. India insists it has nothing to hide, and that it was expecting the Canadian government to justify its accusations. (With inputs from agencies)

Canada's spy agency warns against potential election interference by India and China

The US Army has confirmed that it will not conduct a live-fire test of its Typhon missile system in the Philippines, despite earlier deployments to Luzon as part of the 2024 Salaknib military drill. This clarification comes amid rising tensions and warnings from China.

Not planning to carry out live-fire in Philippines, says US army

India and China have both embraced technology for economic growth, but their approaches highlight contrasting priorities. India has focused on scalable, cost-effective digital public services like Aadhaar, UPI, and ONDC, while China has aggressively developed global tech products to challenge western dominance.

Tech war: India's services vs China’s products

On February 18, 2025, Zambia&rsquo;s Kafue River, a lifeline for agriculture, industry, and human sustenance, suffered a catastrophic environmental disaster. A tailings dam collapse at Sino-Metals Leach Zambia, a Chinese-owned copper mining facility, unleashed 50 million litres of acidic waste, laced with heavy metals, into the river.&nbsp;
<h2>An environmental catastrophe</h2>
The immediate fallout was devastating: mass fish deaths, agricultural destruction, and a severe water crisis affecting over 700,000 residents in Kitwe. Overnight, the river turned toxic, crippling the water supply to major urban and rural populations. Facing mounting public outrage and fears of long-term contamination, the Zambian government ordered Sino-Metals to cease operations. In a bid to mitigate the damage, authorities deployed the air force to neutralise the acidity with lime while mandating alternative drinking water provisions for affected communities. However, these measures exposed a deeper crisis, Zambia&rsquo;s regulatory vulnerabilities, its crippling economic dependence on China, and a broader geopolitical struggle over environmental and national sovereignty.
<h2>Zambia&rsquo;s economic dependence on China</h2>
For two decades, China has entrenched itself as Zambia&rsquo;s largest creditor, holding over $4 billion of its external debt. This financial entanglement has placed Zambia in a cycle of economic dependency, limiting its ability to assert sovereignty over strategic industries. The copper sector, which constitutes 70% of Zambia&rsquo;s export earnings, is at the heart of this relationship. Chinese companies now dominate Zambia&rsquo;s mining industry, owning critical extraction and processing facilities. While Chinese investment has fuelled job creation and infrastructure development, it has come at a steep price. Debt-servicing obligations have skyrocketed, forcing Zambia into debt restructuring negotiations that favour Chinese creditors. In exchange for financial support, China has secured vast mineral rights, allowing Chinese state-backed enterprises to operate with minimal regulatory oversight. This economic arrangement has effectively eroded Zambia&rsquo;s ability to enforce stringent environmental and labour regulations, setting the stage for disasters like the Kafue River spill. Zambia&rsquo;s debt crisis is emblematic of China&rsquo;s strategic influence over its domestic policies. In 2020, Zambia defaulted on its external debt, setting off prolonged and arduous restructuring negotiations. While a 2023 agreement restructured $6.3 billion in foreign debt, China&rsquo;s deliberate stalling of negotiations revealed its leverage over Zambia&rsquo;s financial stability. Unlike Western creditors, China sought preferential treatment, ensuring that its loans were not subjected to the same restructuring terms as others. This prolonged Zambia&rsquo;s economic uncertainty and further weakened its ability to challenge Chinese corporate practices.
<h2>A nation held hostage</h2>
Zambia&rsquo;s reliance on Chinese capital has systematically weakened its regulatory institutions, particularly in environmental protection and labour rights enforcement. Successive Zambian administrations have struggled to challenge Chinese corporate interests, fearing economic retaliation. This is evident in the lax enforcement of environmental laws, where Chinese mining companies frequently violate pollution regulations with little consequence. Regulatory bodies tasked with monitoring mining wastewater management are underfunded and politically constrained, often resorting to symbolic penalties rather than substantial enforcement. The Kafue River disaster exemplifies the consequences of this regulatory failure&mdash;an event that could have been prevented with adequate oversight and stricter compliance measures. Debt restructuring has further exposed Zambia&rsquo;s vulnerability to Chinese leverage. While Zambia managed to renegotiate $6.3 billion in external debt, China&rsquo;s reluctance to align with Western creditors led to prolonged delays, reinforcing its hegemonic influence over Zambia&rsquo;s financial stability. These negotiations illustrate how economic dependency translates into political subordination, undermining Zambia&rsquo;s ability to impose stringent environmental and corporate governance reforms.
<h2>Public backlash and rising tensions</h2>
The Kafue River disaster has intensified public resentment toward Chinese investments in Zambia. While Chinese firms have created jobs, they have also become synonymous with exploitative labour practices, environmental degradation, and economic neo-colonialism. The growing anti-China sentiment in Zambia echoes a broader pattern across Africa, where Chinese mining operations have been accused of flouting local regulations and prioritising profit over sustainability. In Zimbabwe, Cameroon, and Ghana, similar patterns of environmental destruction and labour violations have fuelled protests and government crackdowns. In Zambia, protests erupted in Kitwe and Chingola, where community activists decried the lack of corporate accountability. Civil society organisations have demanded stronger oversight, with some calling for the nationalisation of Chinese-controlled mines. However, given Zambia&rsquo;s economic dependence on Chinese funding, the government remains reluctant to challenge Beijing&rsquo;s economic stronghold.
<h2>Need for a strategic change</h2>
Zambia must break free from its dependency on China by strengthening regulatory oversight, diversifying investment partnerships, and pursuing international support for debt restructuring. Regulatory bodies must be granted full autonomy and financial backing to ensure compliance with environmental and labour laws. The government must also impose stricter penalties on foreign corporations that violate Zambian regulations, including mandatory reparations for environmental damage and the potential revocation of mining licenses. Economic diversification is crucial in reducing Zambia&rsquo;s vulnerability to Chinese financial leverage. Encouraging investment in industries beyond copper, such as renewable energy, manufacturing, and agriculture, can provide alternative revenue streams and reduce reliance on mining exports. Furthermore, Zambia must foster stronger trade relationships with regional partners and Western investors to counterbalance China&rsquo;s influence. Debt restructuring efforts must be pursued with a clear strategy to prevent future dependency. By seeking multilateral assistance through organisations such as the IMF and African Development Bank, Zambia can negotiate more equitable debt repayment terms that do not compromise its national sovereignty. Strengthening regional alliances within the African Union will also provide Zambia with collective bargaining power in debt negotiations. Zambia must also demand greater environmental accountability from foreign investors. Legislative reforms should require full disclosure of environmental impact assessments before mining licenses are granted. Furthermore, civil society organizations and grassroots activism must play a more significant role in advocating for stronger environmental protections, ensuring that local communities are no longer sidelined in decision-making processes.
<h2>What&rsquo;s next for Zambia?</h2>
Zambia stands at a critical inflection point. The Kafue River disaster is not merely an environmental catastrophe but a stark warning of the dangers of economic dependency and weak regulatory oversight. Without decisive action, Zambia risks entrenching a modern form of economic colonialism, where natural resources are exploited without accountability, and political sovereignty is eroded by foreign debt traps. Breaking free from this cycle requires a bold recalibration of Zambia&rsquo;s economic strategy. By diversifying investment sources, strengthening institutional resilience, and enforcing stringent environmental protections, Zambia can reclaim its sovereignty and safeguard its ecological future. The choices made today will shape Zambia&rsquo;s economic and environmental trajectory for decades. If Zambia is to truly assert its independence, it must confront its financial vulnerabilities head-on and demand greater accountability from foreign investors. The Kafue River crisis should not just be a tragedy&mdash;it must be a turning point for Zambia&rsquo;s future.
[Writer is an Indian Navy Veteran and Adjunct Research Faculty (Strategic &amp; Security Studies) at Naval War College, Goa]
 (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinions & Blogs | World:  In exchange for financial support, China has secured vast mineral rights, allowing Chinese state-backed enterprises to operate with minimal regulatory oversight.

On February 18, 2025, Zambia’s Kafue River, a lifeline for agriculture, industry, and human sustenance, suffered a catastrophic environmental disaster. A tailings dam collapse at Sino-Metals Leach Zambia, a Chinese-owned copper mining facility, unleashed 50 million litres of acidic waste, laced with heavy metals, into the river. An environmental catastrophe The immediate fallout was devastating: mass fish deaths, agricultural destruction, and a severe water crisis affecting over 700,000 residents in Kitwe. Overnight, the river turned toxic, crippling the water supply to major urban and rural populations. Facing mounting public outrage and fears of long-term contamination, the Zambian government ordered Sino-Metals to cease operations. In a bid to mitigate the damage, authorities deployed the air force to neutralise the acidity with lime while mandating alternative drinking water provisions for affected communities. However, these measures exposed a deeper crisis, Zambia’s regulatory vulnerabilities, its crippling economic dependence on China, and a broader geopolitical struggle over environmental and national sovereignty. Zambia’s economic dependence on China For two decades, China has entrenched itself as Zambia’s largest creditor, holding over $4 billion of its external debt. This financial entanglement has placed Zambia in a cycle of economic dependency, limiting its ability to assert sovereignty over strategic industries. The copper sector, which constitutes 70% of Zambia’s export earnings, is at the heart of this relationship. Chinese companies now dominate Zambia’s mining industry, owning critical extraction and processing facilities. While Chinese investment has fuelled job creation and infrastructure development, it has come at a steep price. Debt-servicing obligations have skyrocketed, forcing Zambia into debt restructuring negotiations that favour Chinese creditors. In exchange for financial support, China has secured vast mineral rights, allowing Chinese state-backed enterprises to operate with minimal regulatory oversight. This economic arrangement has effectively eroded Zambia’s ability to enforce stringent environmental and labour regulations, setting the stage for disasters like the Kafue River spill. Zambia’s debt crisis is emblematic of China’s strategic influence over its domestic policies. In 2020, Zambia defaulted on its external debt, setting off prolonged and arduous restructuring negotiations. While a 2023 agreement restructured $6.3 billion in foreign debt, China’s deliberate stalling of negotiations revealed its leverage over Zambia’s financial stability. Unlike Western creditors, China sought preferential treatment, ensuring that its loans were not subjected to the same restructuring terms as others. This prolonged Zambia’s economic uncertainty and further weakened its ability to challenge Chinese corporate practices. A nation held hostage Zambia’s reliance on Chinese capital has systematically weakened its regulatory institutions, particularly in environmental protection and labour rights enforcement. Successive Zambian administrations have struggled to challenge Chinese corporate interests, fearing economic retaliation. This is evident in the lax enforcement of environmental laws, where Chinese mining companies frequently violate pollution regulations with little consequence. Regulatory bodies tasked with monitoring mining wastewater management are underfunded and politically constrained, often resorting to symbolic penalties rather than substantial enforcement. The Kafue River disaster exemplifies the consequences of this regulatory failure—an event that could have been prevented with adequate oversight and stricter compliance measures. Debt restructuring has further exposed Zambia’s vulnerability to Chinese leverage. While Zambia managed to renegotiate $6.3 billion in external debt, China’s reluctance to align with Western creditors led to prolonged delays, reinforcing its hegemonic influence over Zambia’s financial stability. These negotiations illustrate how economic dependency translates into political subordination, undermining Zambia’s ability to impose stringent environmental and corporate governance reforms. Public backlash and rising tensions The Kafue River disaster has intensified public resentment toward Chinese investments in Zambia. While Chinese firms have created jobs, they have also become synonymous with exploitative labour practices, environmental degradation, and economic neo-colonialism. The growing anti-China sentiment in Zambia echoes a broader pattern across Africa, where Chinese mining operations have been accused of flouting local regulations and prioritising profit over sustainability. In Zimbabwe, Cameroon, and Ghana, similar patterns of environmental destruction and labour violations have fuelled protests and government crackdowns. In Zambia, protests erupted in Kitwe and Chingola, where community activists decried the lack of corporate accountability. Civil society organisations have demanded stronger oversight, with some calling for the nationalisation of Chinese-controlled mines. However, given Zambia’s economic dependence on Chinese funding, the government remains reluctant to challenge Beijing’s economic stronghold. Need for a strategic change Zambia must break free from its dependency on China by strengthening regulatory oversight, diversifying investment partnerships, and pursuing international support for debt restructuring. Regulatory bodies must be granted full autonomy and financial backing to ensure compliance with environmental and labour laws. The government must also impose stricter penalties on foreign corporations that violate Zambian regulations, including mandatory reparations for environmental damage and the potential revocation of mining licenses. Economic diversification is crucial in reducing Zambia’s vulnerability to Chinese financial leverage. Encouraging investment in industries beyond copper, such as renewable energy, manufacturing, and agriculture, can provide alternative revenue streams and reduce reliance on mining exports. Furthermore, Zambia must foster stronger trade relationships with regional partners and Western investors to counterbalance China’s influence. Debt restructuring efforts must be pursued with a clear strategy to prevent future dependency. By seeking multilateral assistance through organisations such as the IMF and African Development Bank, Zambia can negotiate more equitable debt repayment terms that do not compromise its national sovereignty. Strengthening regional alliances within the African Union will also provide Zambia with collective bargaining power in debt negotiations. Zambia must also demand greater environmental accountability from foreign investors. Legislative reforms should require full disclosure of environmental impact assessments before mining licenses are granted. Furthermore, civil society organizations and grassroots activism must play a more significant role in advocating for stronger environmental protections, ensuring that local communities are no longer sidelined in decision-making processes. What’s next for Zambia? Zambia stands at a critical inflection point. The Kafue River disaster is not merely an environmental catastrophe but a stark warning of the dangers of economic dependency and weak regulatory oversight. Without decisive action, Zambia risks entrenching a modern form of economic colonialism, where natural resources are exploited without accountability, and political sovereignty is eroded by foreign debt traps. Breaking free from this cycle requires a bold recalibration of Zambia’s economic strategy. By diversifying investment sources, strengthening institutional resilience, and enforcing stringent environmental protections, Zambia can reclaim its sovereignty and safeguard its ecological future. The choices made today will shape Zambia’s economic and environmental trajectory for decades. If Zambia is to truly assert its independence, it must confront its financial vulnerabilities head-on and demand greater accountability from foreign investors. The Kafue River crisis should not just be a tragedy—it must be a turning point for Zambia’s future. [Writer is an Indian Navy Veteran and Adjunct Research Faculty (Strategic & Security Studies) at Naval War College, Goa] (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Trapped by debt: China’s grip on Zambia’s future

DeepSeek shocked the global tech industry and stock markets on its arrival, signalling China&rsquo;s leap in the race for dominance in AI and computing abilities. Now, China&rsquo;s Army, the People&rsquo;s Liberation Army (PLA) is using DeepSeek AI for non-combat functions, while analysts expect that the AI model&rsquo;s use is imminent in combat support functions by the Chinese military, says an SCMP report.&nbsp;
As per reports in Chinese media, DeepSeek&rsquo;s open-source large language models (LLMs) are being used in PLA hospitals, People&rsquo;s Armed Police (PAP), and national defence mobilisation organs.
The PLA&rsquo;s Central Theatre Command announced earlier this month that it had authorised &lsquo;embedded deployment&rsquo; of DeepSeek&rsquo;s R1-70B LLM in its general hospital, where it would provide treatment plan suggestions to support doctors.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-lifts-10-million-reward-for-information-on-taliban-senior-leader-sirajuddin-haqqani-8881660" rel="dofollow">US lifts $10 million reward for information on Taliban senior leader Sirajuddin Haqqani</a>
Similar deployment has been done in the elite PLA General Hospital in Beijing, also known as &ldquo;301 Hospital&rdquo;, where senior Chinese officials and military officers receive treatment and highly sensitive personal data is believed to be stored.
The hospital assured patient privacy and data security, stating that all data was stored and processed on local servers.
Since the meteoric rise of DeepSeek, Beijing is reportedly promoting AI integration across industries, and some government agencies are increasingly utilising DeepSeek models, including for anti-corruption efforts.
Some units of the paramilitary police force, PAP, under the Central Military Commission, which also directs the PLA, are using the app for daily training and psychological counselling as soldiers use DeepSeek to address anxiety and create an exercise plan. The development was shared by Hainan PAP&rsquo;s political work department in a post on its social media account.
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Sam Bresnick, a research fellow at Georgetown University&rsquo;s Centre for Security and Emerging Technology, who focuses on military AI applications, says the use of DeepSeek&rsquo;s models in settings like hospitals and soldier training programmes offers the PLA a controlled environment for experimentation, adds the SCMP report.
By initially deploying LLMs in non-combat scenarios, the PLA could be testing the technical and operational challenges before introducing DeepSeek in more sensitive, high-risk areas, Bresnick added. The PLA had been highlighting the utility of AI in military decision-making, and the emergence of an advanced model like DeepSeek&rsquo;s R1 might help in that area, he added. The PLA has been stressing on the use of high-end technology, particularly AI, to strengthen its combat capabilities to boost the effectiveness of drone swarm tactics, improve pilot training, and support in battlefield decision-making.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/slimy-billionaire-elon-musk-blasted-for-buying-votes-in-wisconsin-court-election-as-trump-backs-brad-schimel-8880989" target="_blank" rel="noopener">'Slimy billionaire': Elon Musk blasted for &lsquo;buying votes&rsquo; in Wisconsin court election as Trump backs Brad Schimel</a>
Chinese state broadcaster CCTV had revealed in a programme back in 2023 that the PLA was testing ways to deploy hundreds of drones for swarm tactics with the help of AI and cloud computing.
A report in another Chinese newspaper, Guangming Daily, in February said that DeepSeek is playing an increasingly crucial role in the military and ushering in a new chapter in &lsquo;military intelligentisation&rsquo;.
DeepSeek is capable of processing massive amounts of battlefield data in real time, enabling precise situational awareness amid combat, it added.
Fu Qianshao, a Chinese military analyst, said DeepSeek&rsquo;s applications in non-combat operations so far show the PLA&rsquo;s commitment to fully utilising AI technology to enhance combat capabilities.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xiaomi-ceo-tosses-watermelons-to-show-off-bulletproof-strength-8876596" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Watch: Xiaomi CEO tosses watermelons to show off 'bulletproof' strength. Guess what happened</a>
&ldquo;It cannot be ruled out that DeepSeek has been used for other combat functions,&rdquo; Fu said, adding that &ldquo;the integration of AI into command systems has been under way for a considerable time&rdquo;.
Bresnick remarked that while most experts believed that the US had an edge over China in AI development, &ldquo;the ultimate advantage will belong to the nation that can integrate and deploy AI in military operations more effectively&rdquo;.

World: The PLA has been stressing on the use of high-end technology, particularly AI, to strengthen its combat capabilities to boost the effectiveness of drone swarm tactics, improve pilot training, and support in battlefield decision-making.

DeepSeek shocked the global tech industry and stock markets on its arrival, signalling China’s leap in the race for dominance in AI and computing abilities. Now, China’s Army, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is using DeepSeek AI for non-combat functions, while analysts expect that the AI model’s use is imminent in combat support functions by the Chinese military, says an SCMP report. As per reports in Chinese media, DeepSeek’s open-source large language models (LLMs) are being used in PLA hospitals, People’s Armed Police (PAP), and national defence mobilisation organs. The PLA’s Central Theatre Command announced earlier this month that it had authorised ‘embedded deployment’ of DeepSeek’s R1-70B LLM in its general hospital, where it would provide treatment plan suggestions to support doctors. Also Read | US lifts $10 million reward for information on Taliban senior leader Sirajuddin Haqqani Similar deployment has been done in the elite PLA General Hospital in Beijing, also known as “301 Hospital”, where senior Chinese officials and military officers receive treatment and highly sensitive personal data is believed to be stored. The hospital assured patient privacy and data security, stating that all data was stored and processed on local servers. Since the meteoric rise of DeepSeek, Beijing is reportedly promoting AI integration across industries, and some government agencies are increasingly utilising DeepSeek models, including for anti-corruption efforts. Some units of the paramilitary police force, PAP, under the Central Military Commission, which also directs the PLA, are using the app for daily training and psychological counselling as soldiers use DeepSeek to address anxiety and create an exercise plan. The development was shared by Hainan PAP’s political work department in a post on its social media account. Also Read | Indian father-daughter duo shot dead in US store; accused arrested Sam Bresnick, a research fellow at Georgetown University’s Centre for Security and Emerging Technology, who focuses on military AI applications, says the use of DeepSeek’s models in settings like hospitals and soldier training programmes offers the PLA a controlled environment for experimentation, adds the SCMP report. By initially deploying LLMs in non-combat scenarios, the PLA could be testing the technical and operational challenges before introducing DeepSeek in more sensitive, high-risk areas, Bresnick added. The PLA had been highlighting the utility of AI in military decision-making, and the emergence of an advanced model like DeepSeek’s R1 might help in that area, he added. The PLA has been stressing on the use of high-end technology, particularly AI, to strengthen its combat capabilities to boost the effectiveness of drone swarm tactics, improve pilot training, and support in battlefield decision-making. Also read: 'Slimy billionaire': Elon Musk blasted for ‘buying votes’ in Wisconsin court election as Trump backs Brad Schimel Chinese state broadcaster CCTV had revealed in a programme back in 2023 that the PLA was testing ways to deploy hundreds of drones for swarm tactics with the help of AI and cloud computing. A report in another Chinese newspaper, Guangming Daily, in February said that DeepSeek is playing an increasingly crucial role in the military and ushering in a new chapter in ‘military intelligentisation’. DeepSeek is capable of processing massive amounts of battlefield data in real time, enabling precise situational awareness amid combat, it added. Fu Qianshao, a Chinese military analyst, said DeepSeek’s applications in non-combat operations so far show the PLA’s commitment to fully utilising AI technology to enhance combat capabilities. Also read: Watch: Xiaomi CEO tosses watermelons to show off 'bulletproof' strength. Guess what happened “It cannot be ruled out that DeepSeek has been used for other combat functions,” Fu said, adding that “the integration of AI into command systems has been under way for a considerable time”. Bresnick remarked that while most experts believed that the US had an edge over China in AI development, “the ultimate advantage will belong to the nation that can integrate and deploy AI in military operations more effectively”.

China gearing up to deploy DeepSeek in military ops? Increasing use in non-combat support suggests so

In the 3 months after scripting history with the longest space walk of 9 hours, Chinese astronauts have concluded a 7-hour long space walk. We leave you with these breathtaking images. Thanks for watching.

China's Shengzhou-19 crew completes seven-hour spacewalk

China’s broader property market remains under stress, with home prices still falling, construction activity slowing, and demand staying weak despite government efforts to revive the sector.

As developers navigate an uncertain landscape, the road to recovery remains challenging.

Let’s delve into the latest trends shaping the market.

China home prices drop 4. 8% despite stimulus efforts

China’s broader property market remains under stress, with home prices still falling, construction activity slowing, and demand staying weak despite government efforts to revive the sector.

As developers navigate an uncertain landscape, the road to recovery remains challenging.

Let’s delve into the latest trends shaping the market.

Take a look….

Top Hong Kong developers face profit declines

DOGE head Elon Musk&rsquo;s visit to the Pentagon on Friday (March 21) sparked widespread speculation, particularly after reports suggested that he would be briefed on possible US military plans in the event of a conflict with China.
However, both Musk and US officials, including President Donald Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, strongly denied those claims.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-taps-boeing-for-f-47-fighter-jet-trump-says-enemies-wont-know-what-hit-them-8877846">Boeing to build sixth-gen fighter jet F-47, Trump says enemies &lsquo;won&rsquo;t know what hit them&rsquo;</a>
<h2>Musk's 80-minute meeting with Hegseth</h2>
Musk, who is currently heading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under Trump&rsquo;s administration, held an 80-minute meeting with Hegseth at the Pentagon. &ldquo;If there&rsquo;s anything I can do to be helpful, I would like us to have a good outcome here,&rdquo; Musk said as he left.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-no-longer-safe-for-tourists-uk-germany-issue-travel-warnings-after-woman-detained-like-hannibal-trump-immigration-crackdown-8876514">US no longer safe for tourists? UK, Germany issue travel warnings after woman detained &lsquo;like Hannibal&rsquo;</a>
<h2>'He&rsquo;s there for DOGE, not for China'</h2>
Speaking from the White House later in the day, Trump dismissed reports that the Tesla and SpaceX CEO had been shown any military strategy. &ldquo;They made that up because it&rsquo;s a good story to make up. They&rsquo;re very dishonest people,&rdquo; he said, referring to The New York Times, which initially reported on the alleged China briefing.
&ldquo;I called up Pete [Hegseth] and I said, &lsquo;Is there any truth to that?&rsquo; Absolutely not. He&rsquo;s there for DOGE, not there for China. And if you ever mentioned China, I think he&rsquo;d walk out of the room,&rdquo; Trump added.
Earlier, The New York Times cited anonymous sources claiming Musk was to be briefed on secret war plans concerning China. Other outlets, including The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post, published follow-ups citing their unnamed officials. Despite this, both Trump and Hegseth remained firm in their denials.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/could-get-jailed-in-el-salvador-prisons-trump-threatens-terrorists-harming-musk-tesla-with-20-year-jail-term-8877058">&lsquo;Could get jailed in El Salvador prisons&rsquo;: Trump threatens &lsquo;terrorists&rsquo; harming Musk, Tesla with 20-year&nbsp;jail</a>
<h2>'Meeting about innovation, efficiencies and smarter production'</h2>
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s an informal meeting about innovation, efficiencies [and] smarter production. Gonna be great!,&rdquo; Hegseth posted on X (formerly Twitter) ahead of the meeting.
Musk also took to X to respond, calling the reports &ldquo;pure propaganda.&rdquo; He added, &ldquo;I look forward to the prosecutions of those at the Pentagon who are leaking maliciously false information. They will be found.&rdquo;
Questions about Musk&rsquo;s involvement in any military plans have raised eyebrows due to his business ties in China. As the owner of Tesla and SpaceX, both of which have US government contracts, his potential access to sensitive information caused concern among critics.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-thrashes-report-claiming-pentagon-would-brief-musk-on-potential-war-with-china-calls-it-fake-news-8875389">Trump trashes report claiming Pentagon would brief Musk on potential war with China, calls it &lsquo;Fake News&rsquo;</a>
<h2>'No war plans'</h2>
When asked directly about the meeting, Trump said, &ldquo;You know, Elon has businesses in China, and he would be susceptible, perhaps, to that, but it was such a fake story.&rdquo;
Hegseth added, &ldquo;Elon Musk is a patriot. Elon Musk is an innovator. Elon Musk provides a lot of capabilities our government and our military rely on, and I&rsquo;m grateful for that.&rdquo;
He continued, &ldquo;We welcomed him today to the Pentagon to talk about DOGE, to talk about efficiencies, to talk about innovations. It was a great informal conversation. The rest of that reporting was fake. There was no war plans. There was no Chinese war plans. There was no secret plans. That&rsquo;s not what we were doing at the Pentagon.&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Musk, who is currently heading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under Trump’s administration, held an 80-minute meeting with Hegseth at the Pentagon.

DOGE head Elon Musk’s visit to the Pentagon on Friday (March 21) sparked widespread speculation, particularly after reports suggested that he would be briefed on possible US military plans in the event of a conflict with China. However, both Musk and US officials, including President Donald Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, strongly denied those claims. Also read: Boeing to build sixth-gen fighter jet F-47, Trump says enemies ‘won’t know what hit them’ Musk's 80-minute meeting with Hegseth Musk, who is currently heading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under Trump’s administration, held an 80-minute meeting with Hegseth at the Pentagon. “If there’s anything I can do to be helpful, I would like us to have a good outcome here,” Musk said as he left. Also read: US no longer safe for tourists? UK, Germany issue travel warnings after woman detained ‘like Hannibal’ 'He’s there for DOGE, not for China' Speaking from the White House later in the day, Trump dismissed reports that the Tesla and SpaceX CEO had been shown any military strategy. “They made that up because it’s a good story to make up. They’re very dishonest people,” he said, referring to The New York Times, which initially reported on the alleged China briefing. “I called up Pete [Hegseth] and I said, ‘Is there any truth to that?’ Absolutely not. He’s there for DOGE, not there for China. And if you ever mentioned China, I think he’d walk out of the room,” Trump added. Earlier, The New York Times cited anonymous sources claiming Musk was to be briefed on secret war plans concerning China. Other outlets, including The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post, published follow-ups citing their unnamed officials. Despite this, both Trump and Hegseth remained firm in their denials. Also read: ‘Could get jailed in El Salvador prisons’: Trump threatens ‘terrorists’ harming Musk, Tesla with 20-year jail 'Meeting about innovation, efficiencies and smarter production' “It’s an informal meeting about innovation, efficiencies [and] smarter production. Gonna be great!,” Hegseth posted on X (formerly Twitter) ahead of the meeting. Musk also took to X to respond, calling the reports “pure propaganda.” He added, “I look forward to the prosecutions of those at the Pentagon who are leaking maliciously false information. They will be found.” Questions about Musk’s involvement in any military plans have raised eyebrows due to his business ties in China. As the owner of Tesla and SpaceX, both of which have US government contracts, his potential access to sensitive information caused concern among critics. Also read: Trump trashes report claiming Pentagon would brief Musk on potential war with China, calls it ‘Fake News’ 'No war plans' When asked directly about the meeting, Trump said, “You know, Elon has businesses in China, and he would be susceptible, perhaps, to that, but it was such a fake story.” Hegseth added, “Elon Musk is a patriot. Elon Musk is an innovator. Elon Musk provides a lot of capabilities our government and our military rely on, and I’m grateful for that.” He continued, “We welcomed him today to the Pentagon to talk about DOGE, to talk about efficiencies, to talk about innovations. It was a great informal conversation. The rest of that reporting was fake. There was no war plans. There was no Chinese war plans. There was no secret plans. That’s not what we were doing at the Pentagon.” (With inputs from agencies)

China war or DOGE cuts? Inside Musk’s controversial Pentagon visit that Trump, Hegseth rushed to defend

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