Chinese aggression near Taiwan is being called the new normal. The PLA has extended its drills around the island. The Chinese military is said to have simulated an attack on Taiwan. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: China simulates an invasion of Taiwan

Presidents of the world's two largest economies, the United States and China, Joe Biden and Xi Jinping are set to meet virtually. The highly anticipated summit is expected to be one of the most extensive meetings under the Biden administration, Washington is hopeful of setting the agenda.

Biden-Xi summit: Presidents of world's two largest economies to meet, Chinese aggression in focus

UK PM Boris Johnson has unveiled a blueprint for Britain's future. WION's Palki Sharma decodes the 4 areas of importance: 1: Countering Chinese aggression 2: Indo-pacific tilt in foreign policy 3: Nuclear stockpile upgrade 4: New law against protests

Gravitas: Boris Johnson's blueprint for Britain

The outgoing US envoy Kenneth Juster on Tuesday said that India faces the prospect of sustained Chinese aggression along the Line of Actual Control.

He also said that the US has cooperated with India to counter ‘aggressive’ Chinese actions at the Line of Actual Control. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/beijing-doesnt-recognize-ladakh-union-territory-and-arunachal-pradesh-chinese-ministry-of-foreign-affairs-334959">Also read | Beijing doesn’t recognize Ladakh Union Territory and Arunachal Pradesh: Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs</a> 
 
“Our close coordination has been important as India confronts, perhaps on a sustained basis, aggressive Chinese activity on its border,” he said

In his farewell address on ''Ambition and Achievement in the US-India Partnership'', he also said America's support for India's rise as a global power is clear across the political spectrum.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/india-china-standoff-how-indias-t-90-bhishma-battle-tank-is-outflanking-chinas-pla-at-lac-328483">Also Read:&nbsp;How India's T-90 Bhishma battle tank is outflanking China's PLA at LAC</a>

He said that the Indo-Pacific region needs stability, leadership and a democratic model for development that does not threaten the sovereignty of other countries and a strong and democratic India is an important partner to promote peace and prosperity.

"We recognise India’s desire to produce more of its military equipment within the country and the United States looks forward to our growing partnership in this effort," he said.

"US and India are committed to strengthening our defence and security cooperation. In the past four years, we have purposely deepened this cooperation to keep our nation safe from a growing array of threats and to provide security beyond our own borders," he added.

Juster said that the Indo-Pacific is particularly significant for US-India relationship because "it recognises the reality that India and the Indian Ocean are inextricably tied to East Asia and Pacific".

The Ambassador also said that the Indo-Pacific region encompasses the fastest and largest growing economies in the world.

"More than 50 per cent of international trade passes through its waters. The region is rich in natural resources and it is fast becoming the centre of gravity of the evolving international system. Indeed, the tectonic plates of that system have shifted, marked especially by the rise of China and more recently by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic which has devastated health, the economy in the Indo-Pacific and elsewhere," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The outgoing US envoy Kenneth Juster on Tuesday said that India faces the prospect of sustained Chinese aggression along the Line of Actual Control. He also said that the US has cooperated with India to counter ‘aggressive’ Chinese actions at the Line of Actual Control.

The outgoing US envoy Kenneth Juster on Tuesday said that India faces the prospect of sustained Chinese aggression along the Line of Actual Control. He also said that the US has cooperated with India to counter ‘aggressive’ Chinese actions at the Line of Actual Control. Also read | Beijing doesn’t recognize Ladakh Union Territory and Arunachal Pradesh: Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs “Our close coordination has been important as India confronts, perhaps on a sustained basis, aggressive Chinese activity on its border,” he said In his farewell address on ''Ambition and Achievement in the US-India Partnership'', he also said America's support for India's rise as a global power is clear across the political spectrum. Also Read: How India's T-90 Bhishma battle tank is outflanking China's PLA at LAC He said that the Indo-Pacific region needs stability, leadership and a democratic model for development that does not threaten the sovereignty of other countries and a strong and democratic India is an important partner to promote peace and prosperity. "We recognise India’s desire to produce more of its military equipment within the country and the United States looks forward to our growing partnership in this effort," he said. "US and India are committed to strengthening our defence and security cooperation. In the past four years, we have purposely deepened this cooperation to keep our nation safe from a growing array of threats and to provide security beyond our own borders," he added. Juster said that the Indo-Pacific is particularly significant for US-India relationship because "it recognises the reality that India and the Indian Ocean are inextricably tied to East Asia and Pacific". The Ambassador also said that the Indo-Pacific region encompasses the fastest and largest growing economies in the world. "More than 50 per cent of international trade passes through its waters. The region is rich in natural resources and it is fast becoming the centre of gravity of the evolving international system. Indeed, the tectonic plates of that system have shifted, marked especially by the rise of China and more recently by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic which has devastated health, the economy in the Indo-Pacific and elsewhere," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

India faces possibility of sustained Chinese aggression on the border, says outgoing US envoy

A bipartisan group of two powerful American senators on Thursday introduced a resolution in the Senate condemning China's aggression towards India to change the status quo at the Line of Actual Control between the two Asian giants.

The resolution by Senator John Cornyn, who is the Republican Senate Majority Whip, and Senator Mark Warner, who is ranking member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, follows instances of Chinese military forces harassing Indian patrols as well as increased troop deployments and infrastructure construction in contested areas.

John Cornyn and Mark Warner are Co-Chairs of the Senate India Caucus.

"As a co-founder of the Senate India Caucus, I know firsthand the importance of a strong relationship between the United States and India," John Cornyn said.

"I commend India's commitment to standing up to China and maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. It is more important than ever that we support our Indian partners as they defend against Chinese aggression."

Indian and Chinese troops have been locked in a bitter standoff in several areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh since May 5. The situation deteriorated after the June 15 Galwan Valley clashes in which 20 Indian Army personnel were killed and an unconfirmed number of Chinese soldiers died.

"The June 15 conflict between China and India, resulting in the deaths of approximately 20 Indian soldiers, should set off alarm bells regarding the People's Republic of China's provocative actions...," said Mark Warner.

"This resolution condemns PRC's actions to change the Line of Actual Control, especially in the midst of diplomatic negotiations between the two countries; and encourages the two nations to find a diplomatic resolution that restores the April 2020 status quo at the LAC," he said.

The US has long enjoyed a partnership with India strengthened by shared democratic values, it said.

"That partnership only becomes more important as we work to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific," Mark Warner said.

In a joint press statement, the Senators said that the deadly conflict broke out on June 15, 2020, on the China-India border following weeks of minor military confrontations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) that separates the People's Republic of China (PRC or China) and the Indian regions of Ladakh and Sikkim.

A bipartisan group of two powerful American senators on Thursday introduced a resolution in the Senate condemning China's aggression towards India to change the status quo at the Line of Actual Control between the two Asian giants.

A bipartisan group of two powerful American senators on Thursday introduced a resolution in the Senate condemning China's aggression towards India to change the status quo at the Line of Actual Control between the two Asian giants. The resolution by Senator John Cornyn, who is the Republican Senate Majority Whip, and Senator Mark Warner, who is ranking member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, follows instances of Chinese military forces harassing Indian patrols as well as increased troop deployments and infrastructure construction in contested areas. John Cornyn and Mark Warner are Co-Chairs of the Senate India Caucus. "As a co-founder of the Senate India Caucus, I know firsthand the importance of a strong relationship between the United States and India," John Cornyn said. "I commend India's commitment to standing up to China and maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. It is more important than ever that we support our Indian partners as they defend against Chinese aggression." Indian and Chinese troops have been locked in a bitter standoff in several areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh since May 5. The situation deteriorated after the June 15 Galwan Valley clashes in which 20 Indian Army personnel were killed and an unconfirmed number of Chinese soldiers died. "The June 15 conflict between China and India, resulting in the deaths of approximately 20 Indian soldiers, should set off alarm bells regarding the People's Republic of China's provocative actions...," said Mark Warner. "This resolution condemns PRC's actions to change the Line of Actual Control, especially in the midst of diplomatic negotiations between the two countries; and encourages the two nations to find a diplomatic resolution that restores the April 2020 status quo at the LAC," he said. The US has long enjoyed a partnership with India strengthened by shared democratic values, it said. "That partnership only becomes more important as we work to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific," Mark Warner said. In a joint press statement, the Senators said that the deadly conflict broke out on June 15, 2020, on the China-India border following weeks of minor military confrontations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) that separates the People's Republic of China (PRC or China) and the Indian regions of Ladakh and Sikkim.

Two US senators introduce resolution to condemn Chinese aggression against India

A bipartisan group of two influential US senators has introduced a resolution in the Senate, condemning Chinese military aggression to change the status quo at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India and calling for a diplomatic solution.

Indian and Chinese troops have been locked in a bitter standoff in several areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh since May 5. The situation deteriorated after the June 15 Galwan Valley clashes in which 20 Indian Army personnel were killed and an unconfirmed number of Chinese soldiers died.

The resolution was introduced by Senator John Cornyn, Republican Senate Majority Whip, and Senator Mark Warner, ranking member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, on Thursday.

Cornyn and Warner are co-chairs of the Senate India Caucus. The Senate resolution follows the passage of a similar resolution by the House of Representatives as part of the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) last month.

"As a cofounder of the Senate India Caucus, I know firsthand the importance of a strong relationship between the US and India. I commend India's commitment to standing up to China and maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. It is more important than ever that we support our Indian partners as they defend against Chinese aggression," Cornyn said.

The June 15 conflict between China and India, resulting in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers, should set off alarm bells regarding Beijing's "provocative actions" in disputed territory, Warner said.

"This resolution condemns PRC's (People's Republic of China) actions to change the Line of Actual Control, especially in the midst of diplomatic negotiations between the two countries; and encourages the two nations to find a diplomatic resolution that restores the April 2020 status quo at the LAC," he said.

Warner said the US has long enjoyed a partnership with India strengthened by shared democratic values.

"That partnership only becomes more important as we work to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific," he said. 
In a joint press statement, the two senators said the deadly conflict broke out on June 15 on the China-India border following weeks of minor military confrontations along the LAC that separates China and the Indian regions of Ladakh and Sikkim.

The "lethal conflict" occurred in the Galwan Valley ? one of the sites of tension in recent weeks ? as the two sides were in the process of negotiating a mutual "disengagement" of forces. The last time the border conflict escalated to the point of casualties was in 1975, it noted.

The events leading up to the clashes included fistfights between Chinese and Indian soldiers stationed near Pangong Lake in India's Ladakh state, territorial advances by Chinese forces in Hot Springs and the Galwan Valley, and clashes between Chinese and Indian soldiers on the border near India's Sikkim state, the statement said.

Over the past several weeks, there has been outpouring of support from top American lawmakers, across the aisle, against Chinese efforts to grab Indian territories.

Support for India against China has come in the form of tweets, public speeches, House and Senate floor, letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India's Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, and Congressional resolutions.

Several lawmakers have also made a call to Sandhu to express their outrage against China.

Sandhu, who has been meeting top American lawmakers, virtually, on a daily basis has received multiple Congressmen and Senators expressing their strong support to India against China.

Senator Rick Scott last month wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, commending the Indian government for the continued efforts to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the boundary issue.

Congressmen George Holding and Brad Sherman, co-chairmen of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans, alongwith several other lawmakers, including Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna, in July wrote a letter to Sandhu, expressing their disappointment by the events that took place in the Galwan Valley.

Led by Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and co-sponsored by several others, including Ro Khanna, the House of Representatives in July passed an amendment to the NDAA, which says that China should work toward de-escalating the situation along the LAC with India through existing diplomatic mechanisms and not through force.

In the same month, another NDAA amendment, moved by Congressman Steve Chabot along with Indian-American lawmaker Ami Bera, noted US Congress' opposition to Chinese aggression against India in the Galwan Valley and expressed concern toward the growing territorial assertiveness of China.

A bipartisan group of two influential US senators has introduced a resolution in the Senate, condemning Chinese military aggression to change the status quo at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India and calling for a diplomatic solution.

A bipartisan group of two influential US senators has introduced a resolution in the Senate, condemning Chinese military aggression to change the status quo at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India and calling for a diplomatic solution. Indian and Chinese troops have been locked in a bitter standoff in several areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh since May 5. The situation deteriorated after the June 15 Galwan Valley clashes in which 20 Indian Army personnel were killed and an unconfirmed number of Chinese soldiers died. The resolution was introduced by Senator John Cornyn, Republican Senate Majority Whip, and Senator Mark Warner, ranking member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, on Thursday. Cornyn and Warner are co-chairs of the Senate India Caucus. The Senate resolution follows the passage of a similar resolution by the House of Representatives as part of the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) last month. "As a cofounder of the Senate India Caucus, I know firsthand the importance of a strong relationship between the US and India. I commend India's commitment to standing up to China and maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. It is more important than ever that we support our Indian partners as they defend against Chinese aggression," Cornyn said. The June 15 conflict between China and India, resulting in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers, should set off alarm bells regarding Beijing's "provocative actions" in disputed territory, Warner said. "This resolution condemns PRC's (People's Republic of China) actions to change the Line of Actual Control, especially in the midst of diplomatic negotiations between the two countries; and encourages the two nations to find a diplomatic resolution that restores the April 2020 status quo at the LAC," he said. Warner said the US has long enjoyed a partnership with India strengthened by shared democratic values. "That partnership only becomes more important as we work to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific," he said. In a joint press statement, the two senators said the deadly conflict broke out on June 15 on the China-India border following weeks of minor military confrontations along the LAC that separates China and the Indian regions of Ladakh and Sikkim. The "lethal conflict" occurred in the Galwan Valley ? one of the sites of tension in recent weeks ? as the two sides were in the process of negotiating a mutual "disengagement" of forces. The last time the border conflict escalated to the point of casualties was in 1975, it noted. The events leading up to the clashes included fistfights between Chinese and Indian soldiers stationed near Pangong Lake in India's Ladakh state, territorial advances by Chinese forces in Hot Springs and the Galwan Valley, and clashes between Chinese and Indian soldiers on the border near India's Sikkim state, the statement said. Over the past several weeks, there has been outpouring of support from top American lawmakers, across the aisle, against Chinese efforts to grab Indian territories. Support for India against China has come in the form of tweets, public speeches, House and Senate floor, letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India's Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, and Congressional resolutions. Several lawmakers have also made a call to Sandhu to express their outrage against China. Sandhu, who has been meeting top American lawmakers, virtually, on a daily basis has received multiple Congressmen and Senators expressing their strong support to India against China. Senator Rick Scott last month wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, commending the Indian government for the continued efforts to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the boundary issue. Congressmen George Holding and Brad Sherman, co-chairmen of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans, alongwith several other lawmakers, including Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna, in July wrote a letter to Sandhu, expressing their disappointment by the events that took place in the Galwan Valley. Led by Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and co-sponsored by several others, including Ro Khanna, the House of Representatives in July passed an amendment to the NDAA, which says that China should work toward de-escalating the situation along the LAC with India through existing diplomatic mechanisms and not through force. In the same month, another NDAA amendment, moved by Congressman Steve Chabot along with Indian-American lawmaker Ami Bera, noted US Congress' opposition to Chinese aggression against India in the Galwan Valley and expressed concern toward the growing territorial assertiveness of China.

Bipartisan resolution condemning Chinese aggression against India introduced in US Senate

The Indian Defence Ministry has acknowledged that Chinese troops intruded into India territory in May. A new document released by the Defence Ministry provides an assessment of the ground situation in eastern Ladakh. Watch report.

WION Dispatch: Chinese aggression on the rise since May, says MoD India

United States Navy's aircraft carrier USS Nimitz has arrived in the Indian Ocean to take part in a naval exercise with Indian warships near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

WION Dispatch: USS Nimitz entered Indian Ocean crossing Malacca strait

US Navy's USS Nimitz, the world's largest warship, is likely to conduct a drill with Indian Navy's off the coast of Andaman & Nicobar island. Nimitz is already present in the Indian ocean and came into the ocean via Malacca Strait. Watch report

Indian navy to conduct joint exercise with US warships; Strong strategic signal to China?

America's largest warship likely to exercise with Indian Navy amid Chinese aggression

Chinese aggression was discussed at the 15th India EU (virtual) summit with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi briefing the European leaders about the situation at the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Responding to a WION's question, Charles Michel, president, European Council, said, "yes we discussed this topic. PM Modi informed us about the latest development regarding this incident with China and we support all the efforts to maintain a channel of dialogue and find peace full solution"

The Ministry of External Affairs in a post-summit press conference also confirmed that the issue was discussed.&nbsp;

Vikas Swarup, Secretary west, MEA &nbsp;said," PM shared our views on India-China relations in general and the current situation at the border areas."

Increased Chinese aggressiveness has been a cause of worry for many of its neighbours including India, Japan.&nbsp;

Violent clashes broke out last month between Indian and Chinese forces at the LAC &nbsp;in Eastern Ladakh in which 20 Indian soldiers died. The face-off took place after Chinese build-up in the area which hindered Indian patroling pattern.

Chinese aggression was discussed at the 15th India EU (virtual) summit with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi briefing the European leaders about the situation at the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Chinese aggression was discussed at the 15th India EU (virtual) summit with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi briefing the European leaders about the situation at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Responding to a WION's question, Charles Michel, president, European Council, said, "yes we discussed this topic. PM Modi informed us about the latest development regarding this incident with China and we support all the efforts to maintain a channel of dialogue and find peace full solution" The Ministry of External Affairs in a post-summit press conference also confirmed that the issue was discussed. Vikas Swarup, Secretary west, MEA said," PM shared our views on India-China relations in general and the current situation at the border areas." Increased Chinese aggressiveness has been a cause of worry for many of its neighbours including India, Japan. Violent clashes broke out last month between Indian and Chinese forces at the LAC in Eastern Ladakh in which 20 Indian soldiers died. The face-off took place after Chinese build-up in the area which hindered Indian patroling pattern.

Chinese aggression discussed at India-EU Summit: European Council president

India and Canada have discussed growing Chinese aggression, something that has been a cause of worry for both the countries. The matter was discussed between Indian High Commissioner to Canada Ajay Bisaria and Canadian Foreign Minister François-Philippe Champagne (FPC) last week on June 3.&nbsp;

The Indian envoy after the meet tweeted, "Engaging conversation today with Foreign Minister of Canada Hon. @FP_Champagne. Discussed range of bilat issues, recent global events. Agreed on the role of growing economic engagement in strengthening ties between our plural, diverse democracies."

In response to a WION question, the Canadian foreign ministry said,"Minister Champagne and High Commissioner Bisaria discussed several issues of mutual concern. Minister Champagne and High Commissioner Bisaria looked forward to continuing to work together to strengthen the Canada-India relationship."

Both sides briefed each other about the ongoing situation with China. When it comes to India, Chinese build-up at Line of Actual Control has been a major cause of worry and June month saw violent face-off that killed 20 Indian soldiers. The Chinese side has been mum about casualty number on its side.&nbsp;

New Delhi has already briefed US, Russia, Japan, France and Germany on the India China violent face-off of 15th June.&nbsp;

Ties between Canada and China worsened after Canada arrested Meng Wanzhow, Chief Financial officer of Huawei which was followed by the arrests of former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig and Businessman Michael Spavor by China on charges of espionage. Canada arrested Huawei CFO on the request of the US for violating Iran sanctions.

After the new security law announced by Bejing for Hong Kong, ties have futher taken a dip with Canada suspending extradition treaty with Hong Kong.&nbsp;

India and Canada have discussed growing Chinese aggression, something that has been a cause of worry for both the countries. The matter was discussed between Indian High Commissioner to Canada Ajay Bisaria and Canadian Foreign Minister François-Philippe Champagne (FPC) last week on June 3.

India and Canada have discussed growing Chinese aggression, something that has been a cause of worry for both the countries. The matter was discussed between Indian High Commissioner to Canada Ajay Bisaria and Canadian Foreign Minister François-Philippe Champagne (FPC) last week on June 3. The Indian envoy after the meet tweeted, "Engaging conversation today with Foreign Minister of Canada Hon. @FP_Champagne. Discussed range of bilat issues, recent global events. Agreed on the role of growing economic engagement in strengthening ties between our plural, diverse democracies." In response to a WION question, the Canadian foreign ministry said,"Minister Champagne and High Commissioner Bisaria discussed several issues of mutual concern. Minister Champagne and High Commissioner Bisaria looked forward to continuing to work together to strengthen the Canada-India relationship." Both sides briefed each other about the ongoing situation with China. When it comes to India, Chinese build-up at Line of Actual Control has been a major cause of worry and June month saw violent face-off that killed 20 Indian soldiers. The Chinese side has been mum about casualty number on its side. New Delhi has already briefed US, Russia, Japan, France and Germany on the India China violent face-off of 15th June. Ties between Canada and China worsened after Canada arrested Meng Wanzhow, Chief Financial officer of Huawei which was followed by the arrests of former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig and Businessman Michael Spavor by China on charges of espionage. Canada arrested Huawei CFO on the request of the US for violating Iran sanctions. After the new security law announced by Bejing for Hong Kong, ties have futher taken a dip with Canada suspending extradition treaty with Hong Kong.

India, Canada discuss Chinese aggression, bilateral issues

At a time, when the sentiment is growing in India to boycott China-made products over tensions in Indo-China border and Beijing's mishandling of coronavirus, as a nation we must say that it is not practical immediately.

Not until India can create compelling domestic alternatives.

In a move to protect India companies from the predatory threat from foreign (Chinese) companies, govt has tightened its foreign direct investment (FDI) policy norms in listed/unlisted companies.

But India is handing over its construction projects to Chinese firms. This is for a tunnel near the national capital. The company is Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Co Ltd (STEC). It has emerged as the lowest bidder to carve an underground tunnel in the national capital region.

Five bidders participated in the process, including India’s Larsen &amp; Toubro.

STEC made the lowest bid at Rs 1,126 crore and L&amp;t had the second-lowest bid at Rs 1,170 crore.

Now, demands are being made to give the contract to an Indian firm. Financial gains of a few crores today could jeopardize national security tomorrow. No doubt, the Chinese company's bid is backed by the Chinese government.

Countries usually get carried away by such cheap Chinese services and -- lose sight of national security. Countries also lose self-reliance, their domestic companies lose the edge and in time, they start losing projects in every bid.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for self-reliance as a way to overcome the ravages of the pandemic. Self-reliance is a way to get the economy back on its feet.

Self-reliance can also be a way to overcome the Chinese aggression at the border and in the business.

At a time, when the sentiment is growing in India to boycott China-made products over tensions in Indo-China border and Beijing's mishandling of coronavirus, as a nation we must say that it is not practical immediately.

At a time, when the sentiment is growing in India to boycott China-made products over tensions in Indo-China border and Beijing's mishandling of coronavirus, as a nation we must say that it is not practical immediately. Not until India can create compelling domestic alternatives. In a move to protect India companies from the predatory threat from foreign (Chinese) companies, govt has tightened its foreign direct investment (FDI) policy norms in listed/unlisted companies. But India is handing over its construction projects to Chinese firms. This is for a tunnel near the national capital. The company is Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Co Ltd (STEC). It has emerged as the lowest bidder to carve an underground tunnel in the national capital region. Five bidders participated in the process, including India’s Larsen & Toubro. STEC made the lowest bid at Rs 1,126 crore and L&t had the second-lowest bid at Rs 1,170 crore. Now, demands are being made to give the contract to an Indian firm. Financial gains of a few crores today could jeopardize national security tomorrow. No doubt, the Chinese company's bid is backed by the Chinese government. Countries usually get carried away by such cheap Chinese services and -- lose sight of national security. Countries also lose self-reliance, their domestic companies lose the edge and in time, they start losing projects in every bid. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for self-reliance as a way to overcome the ravages of the pandemic. Self-reliance is a way to get the economy back on its feet. Self-reliance can also be a way to overcome the Chinese aggression at the border and in the business.

Self-reliance: Key to face Chinese aggression at the border and in business

Little is known about China’s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-first-domestically-built-aircraft-carrier-enters-service-268713">aircraft carrier</a> programme, which is a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-chinas-first-domestically-built-aircraft-carrier-type-001a-is-a-state-secret-262893">state secret</a>. But the government has said the new carrier’s design draws on experiences from the country’s first carrier, the Liaoning, which was bought second-hand from Ukraine in 1998 and refitted in China.

President Xi Jinping is overseeing a sweeping plan to refurbish the armed forces by developing everything from stealth jets to anti-satellite missiles, as China ramps up its presence in the South China Sea and around self-ruled Taiwan.

The carrier, the country’s second, began sea trials last year from its base in Shandong province in the northern port of Dalian, where it was built, and has now been given the official name the Shandong, state media reported, following its commissioning.

Xi oversaw the ceremony at a naval base in Sanya in the southern island province of Hainan, a major facility on the coast of the South China Sea, where China has constructed man-made islands, to alarm around the region and in Washington.

Xi boarded the ship, chatting with its crew and offering his “affirmation” for China’s success at building its own carrier, state media said.

Xi was accompanied by two close political allies, the report added - Vice Premier Liu He who has been leading trade talks with the United States, and Zhang Youxia, one of the two vice-chairmen of the Central Military Commission which is in charge of the armed forces and which Xi heads.

Last month the ship, still unnamed at the time, sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait on its way to what China called routine exercises in the South China Sea.

Taiwan, claimed by China as its sacred territory and gearing up for elections in early January, denounced the move, saying Beijing was trying to intimidate it.

China has been using the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-aircraft-carrier-spotted-in-huge-naval-drill-127317/amp">Liaoning</a> mainly for training, as the navy hones its ability to operate fighter jets at sea and with other warships.

Unlike the US&nbsp;Navy’s longer-range nuclear carriers, both of China’s feature Soviet-design ski-jump bows, intended to provide sufficient take-off lift for fighter jets. They lack the powerful catapult launch technology US&nbsp;carriers have.

State media have quoted experts as saying China <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-build-four-nuclear-aircraft-carriers-to-catch-up-with-us-navy-report-195614">needs</a> at least six carriers. The United States operates 10 and plans to build two more.

Most experts agree that developing such a force will be a decades-long task for China, but progress on a home-built carrier boosts prestige for Beijing, seen by many experts as keen to eventually erode US&nbsp;military prominence in the region.

Satellite images show the construction of a new, much bigger carrier is progressing steadily alongside expansive infrastructure work that analysts say suggests the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinas-aircraft-carrier-superior-to-indias-ins-vikrant-chinese-experts-30482">ship</a> will be the first of several large vessels produced at the site.

The images of the Jiangnan shipyard outside Shanghai were taken in September and provided to Reuters by the non-partisan Centre for Strategic and International Studies, building on satellite photos it obtained in April and September last year.

China’s military has not formally announced plans for the third carrier, but official state media have said it is being built.

It is expected to be China’s first carrier with a flat deck and catapult launch system, allowing the use of a wider range of aircraft and more heavily armed fighter jets.

China’s first two carriers are relatively small, accommodating only up to 25 aircraft launched from ramps built on their decks. US&nbsp;carriers routinely deploy with nearly four times that number.

Little is known about China’s aircraft carrier programme, which is a state secret. But the government has said the new carrier’s design draws on experiences from the country’s first carrier, the Liaoning, which was bought second-hand from Ukraine in 1998 and refitted in China.

Little is known about China’s aircraft carrier programme, which is a state secret. But the government has said the new carrier’s design draws on experiences from the country’s first carrier, the Liaoning, which was bought second-hand from Ukraine in 1998 and refitted in China. President Xi Jinping is overseeing a sweeping plan to refurbish the armed forces by developing everything from stealth jets to anti-satellite missiles, as China ramps up its presence in the South China Sea and around self-ruled Taiwan. The carrier, the country’s second, began sea trials last year from its base in Shandong province in the northern port of Dalian, where it was built, and has now been given the official name the Shandong, state media reported, following its commissioning. Xi oversaw the ceremony at a naval base in Sanya in the southern island province of Hainan, a major facility on the coast of the South China Sea, where China has constructed man-made islands, to alarm around the region and in Washington. Xi boarded the ship, chatting with its crew and offering his “affirmation” for China’s success at building its own carrier, state media said. Xi was accompanied by two close political allies, the report added - Vice Premier Liu He who has been leading trade talks with the United States, and Zhang Youxia, one of the two vice-chairmen of the Central Military Commission which is in charge of the armed forces and which Xi heads. Last month the ship, still unnamed at the time, sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait on its way to what China called routine exercises in the South China Sea. Taiwan, claimed by China as its sacred territory and gearing up for elections in early January, denounced the move, saying Beijing was trying to intimidate it. China has been using the Liaoning mainly for training, as the navy hones its ability to operate fighter jets at sea and with other warships. Unlike the US Navy’s longer-range nuclear carriers, both of China’s feature Soviet-design ski-jump bows, intended to provide sufficient take-off lift for fighter jets. They lack the powerful catapult launch technology US carriers have. State media have quoted experts as saying China needs at least six carriers. The United States operates 10 and plans to build two more. Most experts agree that developing such a force will be a decades-long task for China, but progress on a home-built carrier boosts prestige for Beijing, seen by many experts as keen to eventually erode US military prominence in the region. Satellite images show the construction of a new, much bigger carrier is progressing steadily alongside expansive infrastructure work that analysts say suggests the ship will be the first of several large vessels produced at the site. The images of the Jiangnan shipyard outside Shanghai were taken in September and provided to Reuters by the non-partisan Centre for Strategic and International Studies, building on satellite photos it obtained in April and September last year. China’s military has not formally announced plans for the third carrier, but official state media have said it is being built. It is expected to be China’s first carrier with a flat deck and catapult launch system, allowing the use of a wider range of aircraft and more heavily armed fighter jets. China’s first two carriers are relatively small, accommodating only up to 25 aircraft launched from ramps built on their decks. US carriers routinely deploy with nearly four times that number.

China's new aircraft carrier enters service at South China Sea base

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