The Chinese Communist Party puts up a great extravaganza as it celebrates its 100th founding anniversary which comes as Hong Kong marks 24 years of its handover.

Beijing celebrates 100th founding anniversary of Chinese Communist Party

President Xi Jinping has called for some comprehensive implementation of China's governance in Hong Kong as the Chinese Communist Party is celebrating its 100th founding anniversary which comes as Hong Kong for its part is marking 24 years since its handover.

Chinese Communist Party celebrates centenary of founding

Clocking in the centenary celebrations of the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from the balcony of Tiananmen Gate in Beijing, Xi Jinping highlighted the work that the party had done to transform China into a 'superpower' since its establishment in 1921 under Mao Zedong.

Xi Jinping says era of China being bullied is gone

In a move to crack down on 'historical nihilists' ahead of the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) 100th anniversary in July, the Chinese government has said it has overseen the deletion of more than 2 million posts containing “harmful” discussion of history.

A division director at the Cybersecurity Administration of China (CAC) Wen Youhua has said that “For a while, some people have disseminated harmful information with historical nihilism on the internet, under the guise of reflection and declassification. Since the beginning of the campaign, we have lawfully dealt with a large number of social media accounts that disseminated historical nihilism”.&nbsp;

“We have urged various websites to delete more than 2 million posts that violated laws or regulations," he added.

'Historical nihilism' is a term used in China to describe public doubt and scepticism over the Chinese Communist Party's description of past events.

On April 10, China's cyber regulator had launched a hotline to report online comments that defame the ruling Communist Party and its history, vowing to crack down on "historical nihilists". 
 
Gravitas: Is forced Uighur labour making your favourite Apple products?

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The hotline had allowed people to report fellow netizens who 'distort' the party's history, attack its leadership and policies, defame national heroes and 'deny the excellence of advanced socialist culture' online, Fox News reported citing a notice by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) on Friday.

The notice read: "Some with ulterior motives ... have been spreading historical nihilistic misrepresentations online, maliciously distorting, denigrating and negating the history of the Party."

"We hope that the majority of Internet users will actively play their part in supervising society ... and enthusiastically report harmful information," it added.

China’s internet is tightly censored and most foreign social media networks, search engines and news outlets are banned in the country.

Internet authorities often increase censorship and online supervision ahead of major events including historical anniversaries, political meetings and sports events.

Earlier this year, legal amendments stipulated that people who 'insult, slander and infringe upon the memories of China's national heroes and martyrs may face imprisonment for up to three years.

China has been globally criticised for its rigorous censorship of information, most notably for withholding information on the outbreak of the coronavirus.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a move to crack down on 'historical nihilists' ahead of the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) 100th anniversary in July, the Chinese government has said it has overseen the deletion of more than 2 million posts containing “harmful” discussion of history.

In a move to crack down on 'historical nihilists' ahead of the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) 100th anniversary in July, the Chinese government has said it has overseen the deletion of more than 2 million posts containing “harmful” discussion of history. A division director at the Cybersecurity Administration of China (CAC) Wen Youhua has said that “For a while, some people have disseminated harmful information with historical nihilism on the internet, under the guise of reflection and declassification. Since the beginning of the campaign, we have lawfully dealt with a large number of social media accounts that disseminated historical nihilism”. “We have urged various websites to delete more than 2 million posts that violated laws or regulations," he added. 'Historical nihilism' is a term used in China to describe public doubt and scepticism over the Chinese Communist Party's description of past events. On April 10, China's cyber regulator had launched a hotline to report online comments that defame the ruling Communist Party and its history, vowing to crack down on "historical nihilists". Gravitas: Is forced Uighur labour making your favourite Apple products? The hotline had allowed people to report fellow netizens who 'distort' the party's history, attack its leadership and policies, defame national heroes and 'deny the excellence of advanced socialist culture' online, Fox News reported citing a notice by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) on Friday. The notice read: "Some with ulterior motives ... have been spreading historical nihilistic misrepresentations online, maliciously distorting, denigrating and negating the history of the Party." "We hope that the majority of Internet users will actively play their part in supervising society ... and enthusiastically report harmful information," it added. China’s internet is tightly censored and most foreign social media networks, search engines and news outlets are banned in the country. Internet authorities often increase censorship and online supervision ahead of major events including historical anniversaries, political meetings and sports events. Earlier this year, legal amendments stipulated that people who 'insult, slander and infringe upon the memories of China's national heroes and martyrs may face imprisonment for up to three years. China has been globally criticised for its rigorous censorship of information, most notably for withholding information on the outbreak of the coronavirus. (With inputs from agencies)

'Historical nihilism': China deletes two million online posts insulting communist heroes

Two Chinese online video producers known for poking fun at Chinese President Xi Jinping have disappeared on the eve of Lunar New Year, Asia News reported. &nbsp;

The two have reported missing by the head of the Qiang Guo Wa Ha, one of several YouTube channels specialised in Ru Bao, a Mandarin term used to describe mocking the Chinese president.&nbsp;

According to the Apple Daily newspaper and Radio Free Asia, the chairperson and a manager of the Ru Mo Xin Lian She YouTube channel disappeared on last Tuesday.&nbsp;

Online, several channels have been referring to Xi as Bao Zi, a steamed bun in Mandarin, ever since he visited a chain restaurant in Beijing and ordered buns in December 2013. Ru Bao channels also depict the Chinese leader as Winnie the Pooh, the animated bear made famous by Disney.&nbsp;

YouTube has removed several videos posted from channels mocking Xi, ostensibly for violating the copyrights of Shanghai Hode Information Technology Co Ltd.&nbsp;

The Chinese Communist Party has long been accused to suppress the idea that could undermine the sweeping authority.&nbsp;

In just the past few years, the government has attempted to muzzle critics by making them disappear without a trace, ordering people to physically barge into their houses, or locking up those close to critics as a kind of blackmail.&nbsp;

In late December, a Chinese activist, who retweeted a video of 'ink girl' Dong Yaoqiang, has been charged with 'inciting subversion of state power', an offence punishable by life imprisonment. Ou Biaofeng was detained by police on December 3 after he voiced his support on Twitter for Dong.&nbsp;

In 2018, Dong had live-streamed a video of herself splashing ink on a poster of President Xi Jinping, while accusing the Communist Party of 'thought control'.&nbsp;

Dong was forcibly admitted to a psychiatric unit twice since the 2018 incident.

Two Chinese online video producers known for poking fun at Chinese President Xi Jinping have disappeared on the eve of Lunar New Year, Asia News reported. The two have reported missing by the head of the Qiang Guo Wa Ha, one of several YouTube channels specialised in Ru Bao, a Mandarin term used to describe mocking the Chinese president.

Two Chinese online video producers known for poking fun at Chinese President Xi Jinping have disappeared on the eve of Lunar New Year, Asia News reported. The two have reported missing by the head of the Qiang Guo Wa Ha, one of several YouTube channels specialised in Ru Bao, a Mandarin term used to describe mocking the Chinese president. According to the Apple Daily newspaper and Radio Free Asia, the chairperson and a manager of the Ru Mo Xin Lian She YouTube channel disappeared on last Tuesday. Online, several channels have been referring to Xi as Bao Zi, a steamed bun in Mandarin, ever since he visited a chain restaurant in Beijing and ordered buns in December 2013. Ru Bao channels also depict the Chinese leader as Winnie the Pooh, the animated bear made famous by Disney. YouTube has removed several videos posted from channels mocking Xi, ostensibly for violating the copyrights of Shanghai Hode Information Technology Co Ltd. The Chinese Communist Party has long been accused to suppress the idea that could undermine the sweeping authority. In just the past few years, the government has attempted to muzzle critics by making them disappear without a trace, ordering people to physically barge into their houses, or locking up those close to critics as a kind of blackmail. In late December, a Chinese activist, who retweeted a video of 'ink girl' Dong Yaoqiang, has been charged with 'inciting subversion of state power', an offence punishable by life imprisonment. Ou Biaofeng was detained by police on December 3 after he voiced his support on Twitter for Dong. In 2018, Dong had live-streamed a video of herself splashing ink on a poster of President Xi Jinping, while accusing the Communist Party of 'thought control'. Dong was forcibly admitted to a psychiatric unit twice since the 2018 incident.

Two Chinese online producers disappear after mocking Xi Jinping

China's&nbsp;Communist Party (CCP) is using its United Front Work Department for coercing and bullying “those who would oppose Beijing’s policies,” as per US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

The United States has imposed visa restrictions on these Chinese officials and others who have used or threatened to use violence, the release of private information or other coercive tactics to intimidate critics.

“The United Front frequently intimidates members of academia, businesses, civil society groups, and Chinese diaspora communities, including members of ethnic and religious minority communities who speak out against horrific human rights abuses taking place in Xinjiang, Tibet, and elsewhere in China,” he said, saying that its coercive tactics include the release of personal details of their targets, a practice known as “doxing.”

Pompeo said the visa restrictions would apply to those “who have engaged in the use or threat of physical violence, theft, and release of private information, espionage, sabotage, or malicious interference in domestic political affairs, academic freedom, personal privacy, or business activity.”

He accused China of seeking to “co-opt and coerce” people in the United States and elsewhere to support its “authoritarian narratives and policy preferences” and called on Beijing “to end its use of coercion and intimidation tactics to suppress freedom of expression.”

The&nbsp;United Front Work Department&nbsp;gathers intelligence on, manages relations with, and attempts to influence elite individuals and organisations inside and outside China. It is the driving force behind China's foreign influence campaigns. Under Xi Jinping, its operations have become more organised, expansive, and even insidious.

In 2017,&nbsp;the University of California, San Diego announced that the Dalai Lama will deliver a keynote speech at a commencement ceremony.&nbsp;There was a push back&nbsp;led by Chinese students and within hours of the university's announcement, the Chinese students and scholars association issued a statement. It was organised by the&nbsp;United Front Work Department.

It said: "If the university insists on acting unilaterally and inviting the Dalai Lama to give a speech at the graduation ceremony, our association vows to take further measures to firmly resist the university’s unreasonable behavior."

According to reports,&nbsp;hundreds of organisations for ethnic Chinese people have been formed in the West with each of them having&nbsp;direct or indirect links to the&nbsp;United Front Work Department.

Chinese students travelling overseas for education seems to be ideal candidates for recruitment.&nbsp;

According to reports, China's state security police recruited "long term moles" from more than half a million students studying overseas in 2018.

China's Communist Party (CCP) is using its United Front Work Department for coercing and bullying “those who would oppose Beijing’s policies,” as per US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

China's Communist Party (CCP) is using its United Front Work Department for coercing and bullying “those who would oppose Beijing’s policies,” as per US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. The United States has imposed visa restrictions on these Chinese officials and others who have used or threatened to use violence, the release of private information or other coercive tactics to intimidate critics. “The United Front frequently intimidates members of academia, businesses, civil society groups, and Chinese diaspora communities, including members of ethnic and religious minority communities who speak out against horrific human rights abuses taking place in Xinjiang, Tibet, and elsewhere in China,” he said, saying that its coercive tactics include the release of personal details of their targets, a practice known as “doxing.” Pompeo said the visa restrictions would apply to those “who have engaged in the use or threat of physical violence, theft, and release of private information, espionage, sabotage, or malicious interference in domestic political affairs, academic freedom, personal privacy, or business activity.” He accused China of seeking to “co-opt and coerce” people in the United States and elsewhere to support its “authoritarian narratives and policy preferences” and called on Beijing “to end its use of coercion and intimidation tactics to suppress freedom of expression.” The United Front Work Department gathers intelligence on, manages relations with, and attempts to influence elite individuals and organisations inside and outside China. It is the driving force behind China's foreign influence campaigns. Under Xi Jinping, its operations have become more organised, expansive, and even insidious. In 2017, the University of California, San Diego announced that the Dalai Lama will deliver a keynote speech at a commencement ceremony. There was a push back led by Chinese students and within hours of the university's announcement, the Chinese students and scholars association issued a statement. It was organised by the United Front Work Department. It said: "If the university insists on acting unilaterally and inviting the Dalai Lama to give a speech at the graduation ceremony, our association vows to take further measures to firmly resist the university’s unreasonable behavior." According to reports, hundreds of organisations for ethnic Chinese people have been formed in the West with each of them having direct or indirect links to the United Front Work Department. Chinese students travelling overseas for education seems to be ideal candidates for recruitment. According to reports, China's state security police recruited "long term moles" from more than half a million students studying overseas in 2018.

How is CCP using United Front Work Department for its sinister agendas

Approximately two million members of the&nbsp;Chinese Communist Party (CCP) are&nbsp;secretly embedded in some of the world`s biggest companies, banks, media groups, universities, and government agencies, according to the latest report.

An explosive data leak, obtained by 'The Australian'&nbsp;newspaper, comprises not only&nbsp;the names of around two million CCP agents but also, has their party position, birth-date, national ID number, and ethnicity.

According to the list of data, the companies which are being secretly infiltrated by CCP members include&nbsp;manufacturers such as Boeing and Volkswagen, pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer and AstraZeneca, and banks like ANZ and HSBC. 
 
"It is believed to be the first leak of its kind in the world," The Australian journalist and Sky News host Sharri Markson said. "What`s amazing about this database is not just that it exposes people who are members of the Communist Party, and who are now living and working all over the world, from Australia to the US to the UK, but it`s amazing because it lifts the lid on how the party operates under President and Chairman Xi Jinping," she added. 
 
Around 79,000 CCP branches have been set up inside western companies where members if called on, are answerable directly to the Communist Party and President Xi himself, the reports said. 
 
"It is also going to embarrass some global companies who appear to have no plan in place to protect their intellectual property from theft, from economic espionage," Markson said. 
 
The data was reportedly extracted from a server in Shanghai in 2016 by Chinese dissidents, who used it for counterintelligence purposes. It was later leaked to the international bipartisan group the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, before being sent to the international consortium of four media organisations--The Australian, the UK`s Mail on Sunday, Belgium`s De Standaard, and a Swedish editor. 
 
The Australian did not name the individual members on the list, only the companies they work for.

Approximately two million members of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) are secretly embedded in some of the world`s biggest companies, banks, media groups, universities, and government agencies, according to the latest report.

Approximately two million members of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) are secretly embedded in some of the world`s biggest companies, banks, media groups, universities, and government agencies, according to the latest report. An explosive data leak, obtained by 'The Australian' newspaper, comprises not only the names of around two million CCP agents but also, has their party position, birth-date, national ID number, and ethnicity. According to the list of data, the companies which are being secretly infiltrated by CCP members include manufacturers such as Boeing and Volkswagen, pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer and AstraZeneca, and banks like ANZ and HSBC. "It is believed to be the first leak of its kind in the world," The Australian journalist and Sky News host Sharri Markson said. "What`s amazing about this database is not just that it exposes people who are members of the Communist Party, and who are now living and working all over the world, from Australia to the US to the UK, but it`s amazing because it lifts the lid on how the party operates under President and Chairman Xi Jinping," she added. Around 79,000 CCP branches have been set up inside western companies where members if called on, are answerable directly to the Communist Party and President Xi himself, the reports said. "It is also going to embarrass some global companies who appear to have no plan in place to protect their intellectual property from theft, from economic espionage," Markson said. The data was reportedly extracted from a server in Shanghai in 2016 by Chinese dissidents, who used it for counterintelligence purposes. It was later leaked to the international bipartisan group the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, before being sent to the international consortium of four media organisations--The Australian, the UK`s Mail on Sunday, Belgium`s De Standaard, and a Swedish editor. The Australian did not name the individual members on the list, only the companies they work for.

Two million members of Chinese Communist Party infiltrating world's biggest companies: Report

The Trump administration Wednesday issued new rules to curtail travel to the United States by members of the Chinese Communist Party and their immediate families, a move certain to further exacerbate tensions between the countries.

The new policy, which took immediate effect, limits the maximum validity of travel visas for party members and their families to one month and a single entry, according to two people familiar with the matter. A State Department spokesman said in an emailed statement it was reducing the validity of visas for party members from 10 years to one month.

Previously, party members, like other Chinese citizens, could obtain visitor visas for the United States of up to 10 years in duration. The new measures do not affect party members’ eligibility for other kinds of visas, such as immigration, one of the people added.

In principle, the policy change could affect the travel of roughly 270 million people — China has about 92 million Communist Party members — although in practice, it might be difficult to determine who, apart from high-level officials, belongs to the party. The new visa rules add to the now yearslong conflict between the countries on trade, technology and much else.

According to the people familiar with the rules, the new guidelines allow U.S. officials to make a determination about someone’s party status based on their visa application and interview, as well as officials’ local understanding of Communist Party membership. That could mean that the policy disproportionately hits China’s top government and business leaders rather than the millions of lower-level members who join the party to get a leg up in areas as varied as business and the arts.

A spokesman for the State Department said the move was a part of “ongoing policy, regulatory, and law-enforcement action across the U.S. government to protect our nation from the CCP’s malign influence.”

“For decades we allowed the CCP free and unfettered access to U.S. institutions and businesses while these same privileges were never extended freely to U.S. citizens in China,” he added in an emailed statement.

The new rules are likely to raise hackles in Beijing for targeting the heart of China’s ruling elite. Even so, the restrictions are more moderate than an outright ban on travel by party members, which Trump administration officials had discussed this summer.

Such restrictions are likely to prompt retaliation from China’s government, though travel between China and the United States has already been hugely limited by the pandemic. In 2018, almost 3 million Chinese citizens traveled to the United States.

Coming in the twilight of the Trump administration, the new rules and the likely Chinese retaliation will be yet another challenge to the incoming administration of President-elect Joe Biden, who is inheriting a U.S.-China relationship that is in its worst state since the normalization of diplomatic ties in 1979.

While some have expected a reset of relations from Biden, his views on China have hardened since he was vice president under President Barack Obama. Biden appears to be committed to leaving in place many of the tough measures taken by the Trump administration, including tariffs and restrictions on Chinese technology. He has said he will forcefully address China’s human rights violations, including mass detentions in the western region of Xinjiang. Chinese officials have worried that Biden will be more effective at leading a broader global pushback against China.

Under Trump, the State Department has also announced other visa restrictions on various categories of Chinese citizens. These include officials responsible for the mass internment and surveillance of Muslim ethnic minorities in the Xinjiang region, journalists working in the United States and officials deemed to be responsible for the political crackdown in Hong Kong.

In May, U.S. officials said the government was canceling the visas of graduate- or higher-level students in the United States who had ties to certain Chinese military institutions. Chinese students make up the largest group of international students in the country.

The Trump administration Wednesday issued new rules to curtail travel to the United States by members of the Chinese Communist Party and their immediate families, a move certain to further exacerbate tensions between the countries.

The Trump administration Wednesday issued new rules to curtail travel to the United States by members of the Chinese Communist Party and their immediate families, a move certain to further exacerbate tensions between the countries. The new policy, which took immediate effect, limits the maximum validity of travel visas for party members and their families to one month and a single entry, according to two people familiar with the matter. A State Department spokesman said in an emailed statement it was reducing the validity of visas for party members from 10 years to one month. Previously, party members, like other Chinese citizens, could obtain visitor visas for the United States of up to 10 years in duration. The new measures do not affect party members’ eligibility for other kinds of visas, such as immigration, one of the people added. In principle, the policy change could affect the travel of roughly 270 million people — China has about 92 million Communist Party members — although in practice, it might be difficult to determine who, apart from high-level officials, belongs to the party. The new visa rules add to the now yearslong conflict between the countries on trade, technology and much else. According to the people familiar with the rules, the new guidelines allow U.S. officials to make a determination about someone’s party status based on their visa application and interview, as well as officials’ local understanding of Communist Party membership. That could mean that the policy disproportionately hits China’s top government and business leaders rather than the millions of lower-level members who join the party to get a leg up in areas as varied as business and the arts. A spokesman for the State Department said the move was a part of “ongoing policy, regulatory, and law-enforcement action across the U.S. government to protect our nation from the CCP’s malign influence.” “For decades we allowed the CCP free and unfettered access to U.S. institutions and businesses while these same privileges were never extended freely to U.S. citizens in China,” he added in an emailed statement. The new rules are likely to raise hackles in Beijing for targeting the heart of China’s ruling elite. Even so, the restrictions are more moderate than an outright ban on travel by party members, which Trump administration officials had discussed this summer. Such restrictions are likely to prompt retaliation from China’s government, though travel between China and the United States has already been hugely limited by the pandemic. In 2018, almost 3 million Chinese citizens traveled to the United States. Coming in the twilight of the Trump administration, the new rules and the likely Chinese retaliation will be yet another challenge to the incoming administration of President-elect Joe Biden, who is inheriting a U.S.-China relationship that is in its worst state since the normalization of diplomatic ties in 1979. While some have expected a reset of relations from Biden, his views on China have hardened since he was vice president under President Barack Obama. Biden appears to be committed to leaving in place many of the tough measures taken by the Trump administration, including tariffs and restrictions on Chinese technology. He has said he will forcefully address China’s human rights violations, including mass detentions in the western region of Xinjiang. Chinese officials have worried that Biden will be more effective at leading a broader global pushback against China. Under Trump, the State Department has also announced other visa restrictions on various categories of Chinese citizens. These include officials responsible for the mass internment and surveillance of Muslim ethnic minorities in the Xinjiang region, journalists working in the United States and officials deemed to be responsible for the political crackdown in Hong Kong. In May, U.S. officials said the government was canceling the visas of graduate- or higher-level students in the United States who had ties to certain Chinese military institutions. Chinese students make up the largest group of international students in the country.

US tightens visa rules for Chinese Communist Party members

A demographic time bomb has become the latest worry of the Chinese regime with the elderly population in China increasing rapidly. China's national pension fund is rapidly depleting and the fertility rates are at an all-time low as the country encourages couples to have more babies. However, the Chinese workforce is getting smaller by the day. The Communist Party is mulling increasing the retirement age as a one-shot solution for all the problems but the idea has triggered outrage even before its implemented.

China mulls increasing retirement age as demographic time bomb ticks

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chinese Communist Party supported by some Western scientists and a politically-motivated media have desperately tried to convince the world that the COVID-19 virus originated as a bat beta-coronavirus which underwent a natural mutation process and was then acquired by humans after exposure to infected animals.

Undoubtedly, such subterfuge is meant to protect certain vested interests, including the potentially devastating political and economic consequences for China, global corporate and private investment in China and a negative effect on scientific collaboration and research funding of major Western research laboratories.

In her first article, “Unusual Features of the SARS-CoV-2 Genome Suggesting Sophisticated Laboratory Modification Rather Than Natural Evolution and Delineation of Its Probable Synthetic Route,” Chinese scientist and whistleblower, Dr. Li-Meng Yan presented the biological evidence demonstrating that the COVID-19 virus was made in a laboratory.

Now, Dr. Yan has published her second scientific article “SARS-CoV-2 Is an Unrestricted Bioweapon: A Truth Revealed through Uncovering a Large-Scale, Organized Scientific Fraud,” which describes the extraordinary lengths the Chinese Communist Party has gone to cover-up the true laboratory origin of the COVID-19 virus in order to escape responsibility for the pandemic.

For months after the start of the outbreak, China flooded the scientific literature with subtle and sometimes not so subtle messages supporting its narrative that COVID-19 is a naturally-occurring disease that “jumped” from animals to humans in the Wuhan seafood market.

After endless media reports and scientific studies, the theory that the Wuhan seafood market was the source for animal–human COVID-19 transmission was totally discredited, even by the Chinese Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

On February 3, 2020, “batwoman” Dr. Zheng-Li Shi of the Wuhan Institute of Virology published an article suggesting that COVID-19 originated in bats and a bat coronavirus named RaTG13 was shown to be 96.2% identical to the COVID-19 virus, thus supporting the naturally-occurring theory.

Since then, literally hundreds of scientific articles have used RaTG13 as a basis for investigating the natural origin of the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the fact that RaTG13 exists only on paper because no live virus or intact genome of RaTG13 have ever been isolated or recovered. 
Dr. Yan and her colleagues now make multiple arguments indicating that RaTG13 is a fabricated virus.

One way to determine if a virus is related to or evolved from another virus, in this case, RaTG13 and the COVID-19 virus, is to compare the synonymous and non-synonymous mutations in the genetic code.

The DNA genetic code, which is composed of combinations of the nucleotides guanine, adenine, cytosine and thymine (G, A, C and T), determines the structure of proteins. It does so through groups of three nucleotides called codons that correspond to specific amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, and that code is redundant.

For example, the amino acid arginine can be produced by codons CGT, CGA, CTC or CGG, meaning the third nucleotide in the codon is redundant or interchangeable and will still code for arginine. Any change in the first or second nucleotide will produce a different amino acid.

So, a viral genetic code can mutate, but still produce the same amino acid or a “synonymous” outcome. A mutation in the first or second nucleotide in a codon will result in different amino acid, a “non-synonymous” outcome.

In the absence of a major natural or artificial recombinant event, viruses that are naturally related or evolve from each other, as claimed for RaTG13 and the COVID-19 virus, have roughly standard ratios comparing synonymous and non-synonymous mutations.

Dr. Yan’s data show that when the ratios of synonymous and non-synonymous mutations between a critical segment of the RaTG13 and COVID-19 viruses are compared, the result “is abnormal and a violation of the principles of natural evolution.”

The interpretation is that RaTG13 and the COVID-19 virus could not be related to each other through natural evolution and that RaTG13 is a likely fabrication.

In addition, a reconstructed RaTG13 receptor binding domain does not bind to the angiotensin converting enzyme-2 receptors in two species of horseshoe bats, implying that RaTG13 could not exist in a bat population from which it would mutate and infect humans, completely undermining the naturally-occurring theory.

Dr. Yan also questions the accuracy of China’s pangolin (scaly anteater) coronavirus data upon which dozens of scientific studies examining potential natural coronavirus recombination events are based.

In early June, another novel bat coronavirus, RmYN02, which shares a 93.3% sequence similarity to the COVID-19 virus, was identified and used to support the Communist Chinese Party’s argument that the pandemic was a natural outbreak.

In that weak attempt to buttress the naturally-occurring theory, the Chinese authors of the RmYN02 article claim that a proline-alanine-alanine (PAA) amino acid insertion represents an ancestor to the proline-arginine-arginine-alanine (PRRA) furin polybasic cleavage site found in the COVID-19 virus, but not found in any other related bat coronavirus.

The presence of the furin polybasic cleavage site is a marker for genetic manipulation and, therefore, countering that fact would be an important objective of the Chinese Communist Party's propaganda machine.&nbsp;

The RmYN02 hypothesis disintegrates under scrutiny because the PAA sequence is chemically neutral, not basic and it could not cleave anything.

RmYN02 does not even possess the arginine-serine (R-S) cleavage point found in the COVID-19 virus and all related coronaviruses and the published RmYH02 sequence seems to be out of alignment.

Dr. Yan’s second scientific article adds one more nail in the coffin of China’s false theory that the COVID-19 pandemic was naturally-occurring.

(Lawrence Sellin, Ph.D. is a retired U.S. Army Reserve colonel, who previously worked at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases and conducted basic and clinical research in the pharmaceutical industry. His email address is lawrence.sellin@gmail.com)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
&nbsp;

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chinese Communist Party supported by some Western scientists and a politically-motivated media have desperately tried to convince the world that the COVID-19 virus originated as a bat beta-coronavirus which underwent a natural mutation process and was then acquired by humans after exposure to infected animals.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chinese Communist Party supported by some Western scientists and a politically-motivated media have desperately tried to convince the world that the COVID-19 virus originated as a bat beta-coronavirus which underwent a natural mutation process and was then acquired by humans after exposure to infected animals. Undoubtedly, such subterfuge is meant to protect certain vested interests, including the potentially devastating political and economic consequences for China, global corporate and private investment in China and a negative effect on scientific collaboration and research funding of major Western research laboratories. In her first article, “Unusual Features of the SARS-CoV-2 Genome Suggesting Sophisticated Laboratory Modification Rather Than Natural Evolution and Delineation of Its Probable Synthetic Route,” Chinese scientist and whistleblower, Dr. Li-Meng Yan presented the biological evidence demonstrating that the COVID-19 virus was made in a laboratory. Now, Dr. Yan has published her second scientific article “SARS-CoV-2 Is an Unrestricted Bioweapon: A Truth Revealed through Uncovering a Large-Scale, Organized Scientific Fraud,” which describes the extraordinary lengths the Chinese Communist Party has gone to cover-up the true laboratory origin of the COVID-19 virus in order to escape responsibility for the pandemic. For months after the start of the outbreak, China flooded the scientific literature with subtle and sometimes not so subtle messages supporting its narrative that COVID-19 is a naturally-occurring disease that “jumped” from animals to humans in the Wuhan seafood market. After endless media reports and scientific studies, the theory that the Wuhan seafood market was the source for animal–human COVID-19 transmission was totally discredited, even by the Chinese Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. On February 3, 2020, “batwoman” Dr. Zheng-Li Shi of the Wuhan Institute of Virology published an article suggesting that COVID-19 originated in bats and a bat coronavirus named RaTG13 was shown to be 96.2% identical to the COVID-19 virus, thus supporting the naturally-occurring theory. Since then, literally hundreds of scientific articles have used RaTG13 as a basis for investigating the natural origin of the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the fact that RaTG13 exists only on paper because no live virus or intact genome of RaTG13 have ever been isolated or recovered. Dr. Yan and her colleagues now make multiple arguments indicating that RaTG13 is a fabricated virus. One way to determine if a virus is related to or evolved from another virus, in this case, RaTG13 and the COVID-19 virus, is to compare the synonymous and non-synonymous mutations in the genetic code. The DNA genetic code, which is composed of combinations of the nucleotides guanine, adenine, cytosine and thymine (G, A, C and T), determines the structure of proteins. It does so through groups of three nucleotides called codons that correspond to specific amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, and that code is redundant. For example, the amino acid arginine can be produced by codons CGT, CGA, CTC or CGG, meaning the third nucleotide in the codon is redundant or interchangeable and will still code for arginine. Any change in the first or second nucleotide will produce a different amino acid. So, a viral genetic code can mutate, but still produce the same amino acid or a “synonymous” outcome. A mutation in the first or second nucleotide in a codon will result in different amino acid, a “non-synonymous” outcome. In the absence of a major natural or artificial recombinant event, viruses that are naturally related or evolve from each other, as claimed for RaTG13 and the COVID-19 virus, have roughly standard ratios comparing synonymous and non-synonymous mutations. Dr. Yan’s data show that when the ratios of synonymous and non-synonymous mutations between a critical segment of the RaTG13 and COVID-19 viruses are compared, the result “is abnormal and a violation of the principles of natural evolution.” The interpretation is that RaTG13 and the COVID-19 virus could not be related to each other through natural evolution and that RaTG13 is a likely fabrication. In addition, a reconstructed RaTG13 receptor binding domain does not bind to the angiotensin converting enzyme-2 receptors in two species of horseshoe bats, implying that RaTG13 could not exist in a bat population from which it would mutate and infect humans, completely undermining the naturally-occurring theory. Dr. Yan also questions the accuracy of China’s pangolin (scaly anteater) coronavirus data upon which dozens of scientific studies examining potential natural coronavirus recombination events are based. In early June, another novel bat coronavirus, RmYN02, which shares a 93.3% sequence similarity to the COVID-19 virus, was identified and used to support the Communist Chinese Party’s argument that the pandemic was a natural outbreak. In that weak attempt to buttress the naturally-occurring theory, the Chinese authors of the RmYN02 article claim that a proline-alanine-alanine (PAA) amino acid insertion represents an ancestor to the proline-arginine-arginine-alanine (PRRA) furin polybasic cleavage site found in the COVID-19 virus, but not found in any other related bat coronavirus. The presence of the furin polybasic cleavage site is a marker for genetic manipulation and, therefore, countering that fact would be an important objective of the Chinese Communist Party's propaganda machine. The RmYN02 hypothesis disintegrates under scrutiny because the PAA sequence is chemically neutral, not basic and it could not cleave anything. RmYN02 does not even possess the arginine-serine (R-S) cleavage point found in the COVID-19 virus and all related coronaviruses and the published RmYH02 sequence seems to be out of alignment. Dr. Yan’s second scientific article adds one more nail in the coffin of China’s false theory that the COVID-19 pandemic was naturally-occurring. (Lawrence Sellin, Ph.D. is a retired U.S. Army Reserve colonel, who previously worked at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases and conducted basic and clinical research in the pharmaceutical industry. His email address is lawrence.sellin@gmail.com) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Chinese virologist reveals China’s fake science and the COVID-19 cover-up

The&nbsp;British parliament's defence committee on Wednesday highlighted&nbsp;''clear evidence of collusion'' between telecoms giant&nbsp;Huawei and the&nbsp;Chinese Communist Party.

The&nbsp;parliament committee has urged Prime Minister Boris Johnson&nbsp;to prepone the deadline set to remove all&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;equipment from the United Kingdom.

In&nbsp;July, Johnson had ordered&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;equipment to be purged from the nascent 5G network by the end of 2027. US&nbsp;President Donald Trump claimed credit for the British decision.

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"The West must urgently unite to advance a counterweight to China’s tech dominance," Tobias Ellwood, chairman of the defence committee, said. "We must not surrender our national security for the sake of short-term technological development."

The Committee did not go into detail about the exact nature of the ties but said it had seen clear evidence of&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;collusion with "the Chinese Communist Party apparatus".

Huawei&nbsp;said the report ''is built on opinion rather than fact. We’re sure people will see through these groundless accusations of collusion and remember instead what&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;has delivered for Britain over the past 20 years."&nbsp;

Trump identifies China as the United States' main geopolitical rival, and has accused the Communist Party-ruled state of taking advantage over trade and not telling the truth over the novel coronavirus outbreak, which he calls the "China plague".

Washington and its allies say&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;technology could be used to spy for China.&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;has repeatedly denied this, and says the United States is simply jealous of its success.

British ministers say the rise to global dominance of&nbsp;Huawei, founded in 1987 by a former People's Liberation Army engineer, has caught the West off-guard.

The defence committee said it supported Johnson's decision to eventually purge&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;from 5G but noted that "developments could necessitate this date being moved forward, potentially to 2025 which could be considered economically feasible."

The British parliament's defence committee on Wednesday highlighted ''clear evidence of collusion'' between telecoms giant Huawei and the Chinese Communist Party.

The British parliament's defence committee on Wednesday highlighted ''clear evidence of collusion'' between telecoms giant Huawei and the Chinese Communist Party. The parliament committee has urged Prime Minister Boris Johnson to prepone the deadline set to remove all Huawei equipment from the United Kingdom. In July, Johnson had ordered Huawei equipment to be purged from the nascent 5G network by the end of 2027. US President Donald Trump claimed credit for the British decision. "The West must urgently unite to advance a counterweight to China’s tech dominance," Tobias Ellwood, chairman of the defence committee, said. "We must not surrender our national security for the sake of short-term technological development." The Committee did not go into detail about the exact nature of the ties but said it had seen clear evidence of Huawei collusion with "the Chinese Communist Party apparatus". Huawei said the report ''is built on opinion rather than fact. We’re sure people will see through these groundless accusations of collusion and remember instead what Huawei has delivered for Britain over the past 20 years." Trump identifies China as the United States' main geopolitical rival, and has accused the Communist Party-ruled state of taking advantage over trade and not telling the truth over the novel coronavirus outbreak, which he calls the "China plague". Washington and its allies say Huawei technology could be used to spy for China. Huawei has repeatedly denied this, and says the United States is simply jealous of its success. British ministers say the rise to global dominance of Huawei, founded in 1987 by a former People's Liberation Army engineer, has caught the West off-guard. The defence committee said it supported Johnson's decision to eventually purge Huawei from 5G but noted that "developments could necessitate this date being moved forward, potentially to 2025 which could be considered economically feasible."

British parliament's defence committee says Huawei colludes with Chinese Communist Party

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba on Thursday tested positive for COVID-19 and has been withdrawn from the France squad. French head coach Didier Deschamps has confirmed that Pogba’s name has been taken out for the games against Sweden and Croatia next month after the flamboyant midfielder returned a positive COVID-19 test.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Tanguy Ndombele has also been withdrawn from the France squad for matches against Croatia and Sweden having tested positive for the dreaded coronavirus. Both the Premier League midfielders will now undergo a period of complete self-isolation and will not be considered for matches on September 5 and 8.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/several-chelsea-players-test-positive-for-covid-19-reports-323461" hreflang="en">Several Chelsea players test positive for COVID-19: reports</a>

The positive COVID-19 test results could very well keep Pogba and Ndombele out of the opening weekend of Premier League 2020-21 season, which is scheduled to get underway in just over two weeks’ time.

Meanwhile, Deschamps have called up Rennes midfielder Eduardo Camavinga to his 23-man squad while also recalling Manchester United forward Anthony Martial.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-ban-looming-for-lionel-messi-argentines-contract-situation-decoded-323445" hreflang="en">'FIFA ban' looming for Lionel Messi? Argentine's contract situation decoded</a>

Deschamps said: "I had to make a last-minute change to this list, because Paul Pogba was planned to be in this list but unfortunately for him, he took a test (for COVID-19) yesterday which turned out to be positive today, so at the last minute he was replaced by Eduardo Camavinga."

<o:p></o:p>

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba on Thursday tested positive for COVID-19 and has been withdrawn from the France squad. French head coach Didier Deschamps has confirmed that Pogba’s name has been taken out for the games against Sweden and Croatia next month after the flamboyant midfielder returned a positive COVID-19 test.

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba on Thursday tested positive for COVID-19 and has been withdrawn from the France squad. French head coach Didier Deschamps has confirmed that Pogba’s name has been taken out for the games against Sweden and Croatia next month after the flamboyant midfielder returned a positive COVID-19 test. Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Tanguy Ndombele has also been withdrawn from the France squad for matches against Croatia and Sweden having tested positive for the dreaded coronavirus. Both the Premier League midfielders will now undergo a period of complete self-isolation and will not be considered for matches on September 5 and 8. ALSO READ: Several Chelsea players test positive for COVID-19: reports The positive COVID-19 test results could very well keep Pogba and Ndombele out of the opening weekend of Premier League 2020-21 season, which is scheduled to get underway in just over two weeks’ time. Meanwhile, Deschamps have called up Rennes midfielder Eduardo Camavinga to his 23-man squad while also recalling Manchester United forward Anthony Martial. ALSO READ: 'FIFA ban' looming for Lionel Messi? Argentine's contract situation decoded Deschamps said: "I had to make a last-minute change to this list, because Paul Pogba was planned to be in this list but unfortunately for him, he took a test (for COVID-19) yesterday which turned out to be positive today, so at the last minute he was replaced by Eduardo Camavinga."

Is analysis of COVID-19 origins based on Chinese Communist Party's lie?

Dissent against Xi Jinping in China's Communist Party has been rising with voices of opposition growing louder.

The party has turned against Cai&nbsp;Xia who was a loyal member of the Communist Party and worked in China’s elite central party school.

She was expelled on Monday for criticising Xi Jinping. She had given an interview to The Guardian in June revealing widespread opposition against Xi Jinping within the party and how the Chinese president has made China the enemy of the world.

It was a scathing account from an insider. Cai&nbsp;Xia doesn’t mince words, she asserted that Xi Jinping has singlehandedly “killed a party and a country”.

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On the question of the removal of presidential term limits in 2018, Cai&nbsp;Xia said the Communist Party has become a political zombie with no ability to correct the errors.

When she was asked why would Xi Jinping make China an enemy of the world, Cai&nbsp;Xia said it is about Xi Jinping himself. She listed several factors to back her argument. First, it was an effort by Xi Jinping to consolidate his own position and authority. Second, it’s a way to divert attention from domestic issues&nbsp;and then she mentioned China’s border standoff with India, also China's battles with America.

Cai&nbsp;Xia also held Xi Jinping responsible for the pandemic. She claims that even after receiving the information the Chinese president did not raise an alarm nor did he make the information public or mobilise resources.

Cai&nbsp;Xia added that China's Communist Party is not silent, stating&nbsp;that there is opposition against Xi Jinping but it remains below the radar for two reasons - the anti-corruption crackdown, that is those who are corrupt will not question the president and those who are clean&nbsp;fear that they will be implicated under false charges.

Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign has become a machine to target rivals. However, the reason why they remain silent is due to the disciplinary code of the Communist Party which was adopted under Xi Jinping. It has a rule which states that no member can “distort” the policies of the party. Cai&nbsp;Xia says if a member has a different opinion it will be considered a violation of party discipline.

Cai&nbsp;Xia expressed her opinion and was sacked from the party. She is not the only one to meet this fate. Two more party critics have faced retribution in recent times. Xu Zhangrun, a law professor who was dismissed from his post for criticising Xi Jinping. He was even detained for a few days and Ren Zhi Qiang who called Xi Jinping a clown. He was expelled from the Communist Party accused of corruption and put under investigation.

Three other senior members questioned the president and faced action in a matter of weeks. Xi Jinping has been ruthlessly crushing dissent but he cannot hide the fact that he has been facing opposition. 
&nbsp;

Dissent against Xi Jinping in China's Communist Party has been rising with voices of opposition growing louder. The party has turned against Cai Xia who was a loyal member of the Communist Party and worked in China’s elite central party school.

Dissent against Xi Jinping in China's Communist Party has been rising with voices of opposition growing louder. The party has turned against Cai Xia who was a loyal member of the Communist Party and worked in China’s elite central party school. She was expelled on Monday for criticising Xi Jinping. She had given an interview to The Guardian in June revealing widespread opposition against Xi Jinping within the party and how the Chinese president has made China the enemy of the world. It was a scathing account from an insider. Cai Xia doesn’t mince words, she asserted that Xi Jinping has singlehandedly “killed a party and a country”. On the question of the removal of presidential term limits in 2018, Cai Xia said the Communist Party has become a political zombie with no ability to correct the errors. When she was asked why would Xi Jinping make China an enemy of the world, Cai Xia said it is about Xi Jinping himself. She listed several factors to back her argument. First, it was an effort by Xi Jinping to consolidate his own position and authority. Second, it’s a way to divert attention from domestic issues and then she mentioned China’s border standoff with India, also China's battles with America. Cai Xia also held Xi Jinping responsible for the pandemic. She claims that even after receiving the information the Chinese president did not raise an alarm nor did he make the information public or mobilise resources. Cai Xia added that China's Communist Party is not silent, stating that there is opposition against Xi Jinping but it remains below the radar for two reasons - the anti-corruption crackdown, that is those who are corrupt will not question the president and those who are clean fear that they will be implicated under false charges. Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign has become a machine to target rivals. However, the reason why they remain silent is due to the disciplinary code of the Communist Party which was adopted under Xi Jinping. It has a rule which states that no member can “distort” the policies of the party. Cai Xia says if a member has a different opinion it will be considered a violation of party discipline. Cai Xia expressed her opinion and was sacked from the party. She is not the only one to meet this fate. Two more party critics have faced retribution in recent times. Xu Zhangrun, a law professor who was dismissed from his post for criticising Xi Jinping. He was even detained for a few days and Ren Zhi Qiang who called Xi Jinping a clown. He was expelled from the Communist Party accused of corruption and put under investigation. Three other senior members questioned the president and faced action in a matter of weeks. Xi Jinping has been ruthlessly crushing dissent but he cannot hide the fact that he has been facing opposition.

Xi Jinping expels party members as dissent grows in Chinese Communist Party

The allegations, made by an ‘expert’ in the Chinese Communist Party’s tabloid Global Times, said that the Rafale was only superior to the IAF’s Sukhoi-30 MKI jets but a generation below Chinese PLA’s J-20 fighter. However, Former Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa has dismissed the claim. Watch report.

Rafale jets unsettle China: Rafales no match for J-20s, says Global times

China will be celebrating the 93rd founding anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on August 1. Formed in 1927 during the Nanchang uprising by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), PLA was formed as an armed wing to counter the Kuomintang’s anti-communist purges during the Chinese civil wars. Watch report.

Fineprint: China to celebrate 93rd foundation day on August 1 | World News

Chinese President Xi Jiping has been criss-crossing his country to reassure people even though he doesn't have to fight an election because in China even the suggestion of public discontent is seen as a challenge to the party's rule.

In the last two months, Beijing has triggered a deadly border standoff with India, forced a draconian national security law on Hong Kong and entered into a war of words with the western world but pictures beamed around the world by China’s state media have been designed to mislead.

It’s almost as if the international crises don’t exist in China. Xi Jinping is on an inspection tour of Chinese provinces and wherever he goes, the Chinese president is welcomed with wide smiles and a round of applause while Xi Jinping faces no immediate political challenge, he is still preparing for a leadership contest.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-communist-party-propaganda-push-xi-jinpings-inspection-of-chinese-provinces-315812/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Public sentiment matters to&nbsp;the Communist Party - it matters even more to&nbsp;Xi Jinping. His personal popularity cements his grip on the Communist Party. The Chinese president stayed away from the public eye during the initial months of the Wuhan virus outbreak but&nbsp;now Xi Jinping has been travelling around the country and he carries only one message - the message of Communist ideology.

On a visit to Changchun, he told the party workers why the Communist party must be strengthened at the grassroots.

"The foundation for the construction of China's governance system rests in the grassroots without a solid foundation, the Earth shakes and the mountains move. So how to build a solid foundation? It depends on the residential community management and governance. Community construction can only be strengthened, not weakened. then what's the key to community construction? the answer is strengthening the CPC leadership," the Chinese president said.

Xi Jinping has stuck to his message at the PLA aviation university. He told trainers and teachers about the need to “adhere to the correct political orientation”. The removal of term limits has paved the way for Xi Jinping to rule for life but to maintain control he needs to protect his image of a mass leader and any discontent against the Communist Party would be a direct challenge to Xi.

Therefore, the president meets the masses, and the party cracks down on dissent. Ren Zhiqiang an influential party critic has been shown the door. The former property tycoon had called Xi Jinping a clown, he reportedly went missing in March.

Now, the Communist party says Ren is guilty of severe violation of discipline and law. China is a classic case of a benevolent dictatorship. An authoritarian leader with extraordinary powers allowed to exercise his will while the masses live under an illusion.

The Communist Party’s meticulous control over China is expanding with Xi Jinping the dictator in charge.

Chinese President Xi Jiping has been criss-crossing his country to reassure people even though he doesn't have to fight an election because in China even the suggestion of public discontent is seen as a challenge to the party's rule.

Chinese President Xi Jiping has been criss-crossing his country to reassure people even though he doesn't have to fight an election because in China even the suggestion of public discontent is seen as a challenge to the party's rule. In the last two months, Beijing has triggered a deadly border standoff with India, forced a draconian national security law on Hong Kong and entered into a war of words with the western world but pictures beamed around the world by China’s state media have been designed to mislead. It’s almost as if the international crises don’t exist in China. Xi Jinping is on an inspection tour of Chinese provinces and wherever he goes, the Chinese president is welcomed with wide smiles and a round of applause while Xi Jinping faces no immediate political challenge, he is still preparing for a leadership contest. Public sentiment matters to the Communist Party - it matters even more to Xi Jinping. His personal popularity cements his grip on the Communist Party. The Chinese president stayed away from the public eye during the initial months of the Wuhan virus outbreak but now Xi Jinping has been travelling around the country and he carries only one message - the message of Communist ideology. On a visit to Changchun, he told the party workers why the Communist party must be strengthened at the grassroots. "The foundation for the construction of China's governance system rests in the grassroots without a solid foundation, the Earth shakes and the mountains move. So how to build a solid foundation? It depends on the residential community management and governance. Community construction can only be strengthened, not weakened. then what's the key to community construction? the answer is strengthening the CPC leadership," the Chinese president said. Xi Jinping has stuck to his message at the PLA aviation university. He told trainers and teachers about the need to “adhere to the correct political orientation”. The removal of term limits has paved the way for Xi Jinping to rule for life but to maintain control he needs to protect his image of a mass leader and any discontent against the Communist Party would be a direct challenge to Xi. Therefore, the president meets the masses, and the party cracks down on dissent. Ren Zhiqiang an influential party critic has been shown the door. The former property tycoon had called Xi Jinping a clown, he reportedly went missing in March. Now, the Communist party says Ren is guilty of severe violation of discipline and law. China is a classic case of a benevolent dictatorship. An authoritarian leader with extraordinary powers allowed to exercise his will while the masses live under an illusion. The Communist Party’s meticulous control over China is expanding with Xi Jinping the dictator in charge.

Xi Jinping takes domestic tour to boost popularity amid pandemic

It is the biggest victim of China's doctrine of state atheism - Falun Gong.

Falun Gong is a religious movement. It believes in the cultivation of virtue and emphasises spiritual enlightenment.

Falun gong or the "dharma wheel practice" is a system of mind and body cultivation under China's ancient Qigong tradition. It's a combination of Buddhist and Taoist teachings and believes in the cultivation of moral character through forbearance.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-did-china-harvest-organs-of-its-own-citizens-315544/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Falun Gong was established by the famous Chinese spiritual leader Li Hongzhi in May 1992. Li's movement attracted tens of millions of urban Chinese citizens. It also gained significant popularity across the world as the growth of the movement coincided with the migration of students from mainland China to the West.

Throughout the 90s Falun Gong clubs and associations began appearing in almost every part of Europe but in 1999 when the movement became a subject of international media coverage tension erupted between Falun Gong practitioners and the Chinese Communist Party.

China declared it illegal and said Falun Gong was advocating superstition. In the years that followed, the Chinese Communist Party launched a propaganda campaign to cast the movement as an "evil cult". The state media published articles blaming the Falun Gong for hoodwinking people as thousands of practitioners were arrested and detained. They were incarcerated in labour camps and subjected to torture, arbitrary execution and organ harvesting.

In 2006, a report by Canadian MP David Kilgour uncovered China's atrocities on Falun Gong practitioners. The report revealed a significant increase in China's annual organ transplant since 1999 in the same year when China began the crackdown.

In 2016, another report was released which estimated the volume of organs harvested to be around 100,000. As of today, Falun Gong does not exist in mainland China. The practitioners are mostly based overseas &nbsp;trying to draw the world's attention to their plight.

In September 2019, WION had travelled to New York to cover the UN General Assembly session. We had carried a report on the annual protests outside the UNGA headquarters. Falun Gong practitioners were seated quietly among the protesters. They have been persecuted for their beliefs, banished for their practices and robbed of their organs.

Falun Gong practitioners are still fighting for legitimacy and waiting to return home.

It is the biggest victim of China's doctrine of state atheism - Falun Gong. Falun Gong is a religious movement. It believes in the cultivation of virtue and emphasises spiritual enlightenment.

It is the biggest victim of China's doctrine of state atheism - Falun Gong. Falun Gong is a religious movement. It believes in the cultivation of virtue and emphasises spiritual enlightenment. Falun gong or the "dharma wheel practice" is a system of mind and body cultivation under China's ancient Qigong tradition. It's a combination of Buddhist and Taoist teachings and believes in the cultivation of moral character through forbearance. Falun Gong was established by the famous Chinese spiritual leader Li Hongzhi in May 1992. Li's movement attracted tens of millions of urban Chinese citizens. It also gained significant popularity across the world as the growth of the movement coincided with the migration of students from mainland China to the West. Throughout the 90s Falun Gong clubs and associations began appearing in almost every part of Europe but in 1999 when the movement became a subject of international media coverage tension erupted between Falun Gong practitioners and the Chinese Communist Party. China declared it illegal and said Falun Gong was advocating superstition. In the years that followed, the Chinese Communist Party launched a propaganda campaign to cast the movement as an "evil cult". The state media published articles blaming the Falun Gong for hoodwinking people as thousands of practitioners were arrested and detained. They were incarcerated in labour camps and subjected to torture, arbitrary execution and organ harvesting. In 2006, a report by Canadian MP David Kilgour uncovered China's atrocities on Falun Gong practitioners. The report revealed a significant increase in China's annual organ transplant since 1999 in the same year when China began the crackdown. In 2016, another report was released which estimated the volume of organs harvested to be around 100,000. As of today, Falun Gong does not exist in mainland China. The practitioners are mostly based overseas trying to draw the world's attention to their plight. In September 2019, WION had travelled to New York to cover the UN General Assembly session. We had carried a report on the annual protests outside the UNGA headquarters. Falun Gong practitioners were seated quietly among the protesters. They have been persecuted for their beliefs, banished for their practices and robbed of their organs. Falun Gong practitioners are still fighting for legitimacy and waiting to return home.

Did China steal organs of Falun Gong practitioners?

As per the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report by the US, the&nbsp;Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the state-owned companies are making their employees work in&nbsp;&nbsp;"horrendous conditions" on Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects.

On Thursday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, revealed that, according to the report, China is in Tier-3 category (lowest ranking).

"Our Trafficking in Persons Report calls out a group of nations with a state-sponsored pattern of forced labour. Among them is China, where the CCP and its state-owned enterprises often forcing citizens to work in horrendous conditions on Belt and Road project," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-plans-to-shift-army-to-face-chinese-threat-to-india-and-southeast-asia-mike-pompeo-308641">Also read|&nbsp;US plans to shift army to face Chinese threat to India and Southeast Asia: Mike Pompeo</a>

However, this is not the first time that China has been retained to Tier-3 category. China has been placed in Tier-3 category since 2017, as the US report believes that China&nbsp;"does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so".

"Despite the lack of significant efforts, the government took some steps to address trafficking, including by prosecuting and convicting some traffickers and by continuing to cooperate with international authorities to address forced and fraudulent marriages in the PRC, a key trafficking vulnerability for foreign women and girls," the report said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/book-trouble-trumps-niece-ready-to-release-tell-all-book-about-trump-family-308659">Also read|&nbsp;Book trouble: Trump's niece ready to release tell-all book about Trump family</a>

The report claims that despite these efforts, what is more troublesome is the forced labour that has been undergoing, especially with the help of the mass detention camps where reportedly millions of&nbsp;Uyghurs, ethnic Kazakhs, ethnic Kyrgyz and other Muslims have been detained in Xinjiang.

The report has urged China to put an end to the forced labour.&nbsp;"Cease the use of harassment, threats and illegal discriminatory immigration policies as measures to coerce the return to Xinjiang and subsequent forced labor of ethnic and religious minorities living abroad," it stated.

The TIP report is divided into Tier-1, Tier-2, Tier-2 watchlist, and Tier-3. Countries whose governments fully meet the TVPA`s (Trafficking Victims Protection Act) minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking are categorised as Tier-1.

Countries categorised under Tier-3 get access to only limited resources from the US.

(With inputs from agencies)

As per the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report by the US, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the state-owned companies are making their employees work in "horrendous conditions" on Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects.

As per the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report by the US, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the state-owned companies are making their employees work in "horrendous conditions" on Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects. On Thursday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, revealed that, according to the report, China is in Tier-3 category (lowest ranking). "Our Trafficking in Persons Report calls out a group of nations with a state-sponsored pattern of forced labour. Among them is China, where the CCP and its state-owned enterprises often forcing citizens to work in horrendous conditions on Belt and Road project," he said. Also read| US plans to shift army to face Chinese threat to India and Southeast Asia: Mike Pompeo However, this is not the first time that China has been retained to Tier-3 category. China has been placed in Tier-3 category since 2017, as the US report believes that China "does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so". "Despite the lack of significant efforts, the government took some steps to address trafficking, including by prosecuting and convicting some traffickers and by continuing to cooperate with international authorities to address forced and fraudulent marriages in the PRC, a key trafficking vulnerability for foreign women and girls," the report said. Also read| Book trouble: Trump's niece ready to release tell-all book about Trump family The report claims that despite these efforts, what is more troublesome is the forced labour that has been undergoing, especially with the help of the mass detention camps where reportedly millions of Uyghurs, ethnic Kazakhs, ethnic Kyrgyz and other Muslims have been detained in Xinjiang. The report has urged China to put an end to the forced labour. "Cease the use of harassment, threats and illegal discriminatory immigration policies as measures to coerce the return to Xinjiang and subsequent forced labor of ethnic and religious minorities living abroad," it stated. The TIP report is divided into Tier-1, Tier-2, Tier-2 watchlist, and Tier-3. Countries whose governments fully meet the TVPA`s (Trafficking Victims Protection Act) minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking are categorised as Tier-1. Countries categorised under Tier-3 get access to only limited resources from the US. (With inputs from agencies)

China guilty of forced labour under 'horrendous conditions' on BRI project: US Report

The Trump administration is now growing more alarmed at Beijing’s spying activities at US educational and research institutes, as Chinese Communist Party intensifies its efforts to make strides, at any cost, in American scientific research fields.

Trump administration last month announced that they may soon expel thousands of Chinese graduate students enrolled at universities in the US.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-xi-jinpings-personal-link-with-harvard-university-306144/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In the latest sign of tensions between the United States and Beijing over trade, the coronavirus pandemic, human rights and the status of Hong Kong, at least 54 scientists who received grants from the National Institutes of Health have been fired for failing to disclose their ties to foreign governments, particularly with China.

According to reports, China has enhanced its endeavours to put its researchers into delicate US-supported research programs. Once in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) framework, these researchers can steal research information and send it back to China, where it very well may be utilized to support the Communist system.

Chinese President Xi Jinping's daughter Xi Mingze had studied psychology and English at Harvard University between 2010 and 2014 and lived under an assumed name.

The Harvard university made exceptions for her, Xi Jinping promised millions of dollars in endowments and walked the talk when he came to power. Since 2013 -- Harvard university has been the biggest recipient of money from China almost 100 million dollars.

But China's first daughter is not its only link to Harvard, there are big money and shady ties. So much so, that Harvard is under investigation for not disclosing foreign funding.

A grand jury indicted a Harvard professor Charles Lieber for lies to government officials over links to China, the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) and the Wuhan coronavirus.

Lieber had a relationship with the Wuhan University of Technology while also chairing Harvard University’s Department of Chemistry.

Xi Jinping has been using his ties with Harvard to get coronavirus research. China is said to have donated 115 million dollars for a project involving scientists from both China and Harvard.

This is according to Harvard university's official news outlet -- the Harvard gazette. The department of education -- which is investigating Harvard -- has accused the university of lacking appropriate university controls. The department has warned Harvard and other such institutions with a direct line to Beijing. Chinese money comes with strings that can compromise academic freedom...

Some 360,000 Chinese nationals who attend US schools annually generate economic activity of about $14 billion, largely from tuitions and other fees.&nbsp;

The Trump administration is now growing more alarmed at Beijing’s spying activities at US educational and research institutes, as Chinese Communist Party intensifies its efforts to make strides, at any cost, in American scientific research fields.

The Trump administration is now growing more alarmed at Beijing’s spying activities at US educational and research institutes, as Chinese Communist Party intensifies its efforts to make strides, at any cost, in American scientific research fields. Trump administration last month announced that they may soon expel thousands of Chinese graduate students enrolled at universities in the US. In the latest sign of tensions between the United States and Beijing over trade, the coronavirus pandemic, human rights and the status of Hong Kong, at least 54 scientists who received grants from the National Institutes of Health have been fired for failing to disclose their ties to foreign governments, particularly with China. According to reports, China has enhanced its endeavours to put its researchers into delicate US-supported research programs. Once in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) framework, these researchers can steal research information and send it back to China, where it very well may be utilized to support the Communist system. Chinese President Xi Jinping's daughter Xi Mingze had studied psychology and English at Harvard University between 2010 and 2014 and lived under an assumed name. The Harvard university made exceptions for her, Xi Jinping promised millions of dollars in endowments and walked the talk when he came to power. Since 2013 -- Harvard university has been the biggest recipient of money from China almost 100 million dollars. But China's first daughter is not its only link to Harvard, there are big money and shady ties. So much so, that Harvard is under investigation for not disclosing foreign funding. A grand jury indicted a Harvard professor Charles Lieber for lies to government officials over links to China, the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) and the Wuhan coronavirus. Lieber had a relationship with the Wuhan University of Technology while also chairing Harvard University’s Department of Chemistry. Xi Jinping has been using his ties with Harvard to get coronavirus research. China is said to have donated 115 million dollars for a project involving scientists from both China and Harvard. This is according to Harvard university's official news outlet -- the Harvard gazette. The department of education -- which is investigating Harvard -- has accused the university of lacking appropriate university controls. The department has warned Harvard and other such institutions with a direct line to Beijing. Chinese money comes with strings that can compromise academic freedom... Some 360,000 Chinese nationals who attend US schools annually generate economic activity of about $14 billion, largely from tuitions and other fees.

Trump administration scouring US universities for evidence of China infiltration

The P.L.A is said to be an armed wing of the Chinese Communist Party. It is an army that has almost no combat experience and has only been used to suppress dissent in China. Is it a force to reckon with or a 'paper dragon'? WION's Palki Sharma gets you a S.W.O.T analysis.

Gravitas: Inside People's Liberation Army | A S.W.O.T Analysis

How does the Chinese Communist Party control its media? How is Beijing fighting the narrative war? WION's Palki Sharma takes you inside China's propaganda machine.

Gravitas: Inside China's propaganda machine

China hit out at Britain’s plans to change immigration laws for Hong Kongers seeking relief amid the ongoing protests against China’s imposition of security laws in the formerly British territory.

The laws introduce provisions of sedition and essentially make criticism of the Chinese Communist Party a crime in the city which enjoys democratic freedoms not available to people in mainland China.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/some-global-firms-consider-moving-treasury-operations-out-of-hong-kong-302920" hreflang="en">Some global firms consider moving treasury operations out of Hong Kong</a>

"We advise the UK to step back from the brink, abandon their Cold War mentality and colonial mindset, and recognise and respect the fact that Hong Kong has returned" to China, Chinese spokesperson Zhao Lijian said at a briefing.

He added that that the UK needs to “stop interfering in Hong Kong's affairs and China's internal affairs, or this will definitely&nbsp;backfire”.

The UK is setting in motion a coordinated global response to the crisis, due to which the city has largely been embroiled in protests for over a year. What first started as a protest against the now panned Chinese extradition bill turned into a full-fledged movement for democracy in the region.&nbsp;

<h6><img alt="Police fire tear gas on protesters during a planned protests against a proposal to enact a new security legislation in Hong Kong on May 24, 2020. The proposed legislation is expected to ban treason, subversion and sedition, and follows repeated warnings from Beijing that it will no longer tolerate dissent in Hong Kong, which was shaken by months of massive, sometimes violent anti-government protests last year." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ea05f2bd-e172-4cdf-b911-03b6f05626dd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-2_18.jpg" /> 
Police fire tear gas on protesters during a planned protests against a proposal to enact a new security legislation in Hong Kong on May 24, 2020. The proposed legislation is expected to ban treason, subversion and sedition, and follows repeated warnings from Beijing that it will no longer tolerate dissent in Hong Kong, which was shaken by months of massive, sometimes violent anti-government protests last year. | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

UK&nbsp;joins the US in condemning the Chinese plans for Hong Kong, with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also showing interest in extending citizenship to the people of Hong Kong if they aren’t “comfortable” in the city.

Trump recently rolled back the special economic status given to the city, which might impact the status of the city as a global financial hub.

On Tuesday, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab called on China to “reconsider” its plans for the city which has witnessed violence even amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-change-immigration-rules-if-china-imposes-new-security-law-on-hong-kong-302767" hreflang="en">UK to change immigration rules if China imposes new security law on Hong Kong</a>

Just last week, China’s parliament approved the law which has drawn ire from the global community, and has been largely perceived as an attack on the “One Country, Two Systems” agreement.

On Wednesday, UK PM Boris Johnson reasserted the country’s commitment to Hong Kong and said that his government would not “walk away” from the people of Hong Kong.

If the law is enacted and enforced, Johnson has promised citizenship to millions of Hong Kongers.

China has constantly referred to Hong Kong as a matter of its internal affairs, and has lodged “representations” with the UK over remarks about Hong Kong, which according to spokesman Zhao Lijian is an act of “gross interference”.

(With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

China hit out at Britain’s plans to change immigration laws for Hong Kongers seeking relief amid the ongoing protests against China’s imposition of security laws in the formerly British territory.

China hit out at Britain’s plans to change immigration laws for Hong Kongers seeking relief amid the ongoing protests against China’s imposition of security laws in the formerly British territory. The laws introduce provisions of sedition and essentially make criticism of the Chinese Communist Party a crime in the city which enjoys democratic freedoms not available to people in mainland China. Also read: Some global firms consider moving treasury operations out of Hong Kong "We advise the UK to step back from the brink, abandon their Cold War mentality and colonial mindset, and recognise and respect the fact that Hong Kong has returned" to China, Chinese spokesperson Zhao Lijian said at a briefing. He added that that the UK needs to “stop interfering in Hong Kong's affairs and China's internal affairs, or this will definitely backfire”. The UK is setting in motion a coordinated global response to the crisis, due to which the city has largely been embroiled in protests for over a year. What first started as a protest against the now panned Chinese extradition bill turned into a full-fledged movement for democracy in the region. Police fire tear gas on protesters during a planned protests against a proposal to enact a new security legislation in Hong Kong on May 24, 2020. The proposed legislation is expected to ban treason, subversion and sedition, and follows repeated warnings from Beijing that it will no longer tolerate dissent in Hong Kong, which was shaken by months of massive, sometimes violent anti-government protests last year. | AFP UK joins the US in condemning the Chinese plans for Hong Kong, with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also showing interest in extending citizenship to the people of Hong Kong if they aren’t “comfortable” in the city. Trump recently rolled back the special economic status given to the city, which might impact the status of the city as a global financial hub. On Tuesday, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab called on China to “reconsider” its plans for the city which has witnessed violence even amid the coronavirus pandemic. Also read: UK to change immigration rules if China imposes new security law on Hong Kong Just last week, China’s parliament approved the law which has drawn ire from the global community, and has been largely perceived as an attack on the “One Country, Two Systems” agreement. On Wednesday, UK PM Boris Johnson reasserted the country’s commitment to Hong Kong and said that his government would not “walk away” from the people of Hong Kong. If the law is enacted and enforced, Johnson has promised citizenship to millions of Hong Kongers. China has constantly referred to Hong Kong as a matter of its internal affairs, and has lodged “representations” with the UK over remarks about Hong Kong, which according to spokesman Zhao Lijian is an act of “gross interference”. (With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

UK's 'interference' in Hong Kong will 'backfire': China

Chinese universities have started cancelling entrance exams for international students, claiming that&nbsp;the move is a response to Wuhan coronavirus fears.

Peking University, Renmin University of China, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University have scratched exam requirements for foreigners according to media reports. 
 
A notice on&nbsp;Peking University's&nbsp;website stated ''to protect the health of the majority of candidates during the coronavirus pandemic ... the University has taken the decision to cancel the written examinations for international students applying [for undergraduate programs in 2020].

The school will instead conduct remote interviews for students who meet their qualifications, according to Chinese news agencies.

However, experts claim that the change will make it easier for overseas students to gain admission into these institutions and could be linked to the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) continued propaganda efforts abroad.

The decision is likely in response to recent closures of Confucius Institutes over growing concerns that China's influence is negatively affecting freedom of speech on campuses around the world. 
 
According to Chinese education specialist Shi Dajun, a Peking University graduate, ''now that the Confucius Institutes are running into obstacles, we are seeing them take a new direction.''

''The goal is to have foreign students studying in China take the CCP’s message back to their own countries to help spread Beijing’s narrative,'' Shi said. 
 
A retired professor from Lanzhou University surnamed Cai said&nbsp;that attracting overseas students to China is part of a long-running strategy for the CCP, which uses education as a form of soft power.

Students who study in China under its Belt and Road Initiative enjoy generous stipends for living expenses and no tuition fees in addition to free accommodations. The idea is to train the next generation of pro-China people and to develop friendly ties with their countries.

Chinese universities have started cancelling entrance exams for international students, claiming that the move is a response to Wuhan coronavirus fears. Peking University, Renmin University of China, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University have scratched exam requirements for foreigners according to media reports.

Chinese universities have started cancelling entrance exams for international students, claiming that the move is a response to Wuhan coronavirus fears. Peking University, Renmin University of China, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University have scratched exam requirements for foreigners according to media reports. A notice on Peking University's website stated ''to protect the health of the majority of candidates during the coronavirus pandemic ... the University has taken the decision to cancel the written examinations for international students applying [for undergraduate programs in 2020]. The school will instead conduct remote interviews for students who meet their qualifications, according to Chinese news agencies. However, experts claim that the change will make it easier for overseas students to gain admission into these institutions and could be linked to the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) continued propaganda efforts abroad. The decision is likely in response to recent closures of Confucius Institutes over growing concerns that China's influence is negatively affecting freedom of speech on campuses around the world. According to Chinese education specialist Shi Dajun, a Peking University graduate, ''now that the Confucius Institutes are running into obstacles, we are seeing them take a new direction.'' ''The goal is to have foreign students studying in China take the CCP’s message back to their own countries to help spread Beijing’s narrative,'' Shi said. A retired professor from Lanzhou University surnamed Cai said that attracting overseas students to China is part of a long-running strategy for the CCP, which uses education as a form of soft power. Students who study in China under its Belt and Road Initiative enjoy generous stipends for living expenses and no tuition fees in addition to free accommodations. The idea is to train the next generation of pro-China people and to develop friendly ties with their countries.

Chinese universities cancelling entrance exams for foreign students

When the outbreak began in Wuhan, millions of dollars in funds with the China Red Cross went unused for days.

Gravaitas: How China's Red Cross serves the Communist Party

More than 2.6 billion people are currently under lockdown, around one-third of the global population.

The reason behind this all: the coronavirus pandemic, which began in Wuhan, China.

Many researchers and analysts have reiterated that China has displayed grave negligence in handling the virus.

Recently, a faction within the Chinese Communist Party has&nbsp;displayed dissatisfaction over Xi Jinping’s response of the virus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-third-of-humanity-under-coronavirus-lockdown-288458" hreflang="en">One third of humanity under coronavirus lockdown</a>

Based on a message circulated on the popular Chinese platform “WeChat”, the bloc was ready for a revolt!

The open letter in question calls for a meeting of the politburo to assess Jinping’s performance.

The politburo comprises 25 individuals that run the Communist Party.

This faction against the Chinese president wants to reflect on "Xi's wrongs", and evaluate whether he should carry on as the leader of China.

However, challenging his authority is not that simple, for besides being the President of China, he serves as the Chief of the Communist Party. He additionally enjoys support among the political elite in China.

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The man, who is referred to as the most powerful leader of China since Mao is facing backlash from within his party.

Over the last few weeks, China has worked hard to retain its image both globally and at home.

Earlier this month, Wuhan’s top party official came up with the idea of a “gratitude education programme”, centred around thanking Xi Jinping and The Communist Party for the efforts they have made to fight the coronavirus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-overtakes-china-virus-toll-with-3434-deaths-government-288448" hreflang="en">Spain overtakes China virus toll with 3,434 deaths: Government</a>

“We must through various channels carry out gratitude education among the citizens of the whole city as well as cadres”, the official had told a local newspaper.

The rationale behind this was to extend gratitude to Jinping and to the Communist Party.

However, the public reaction to the idea was not very nice. People immediately slammed the idea of this programme, with a local journalist asking the party official to first “educate himself”.

To avoid collateral damage, the Chinese authorities covered up the criticism and dropped the idea of the programme itself.

More than 2.6 billion people are currently under lockdown, around one-third of the global population. The reason behind this all: the coronavirus pandemic, which began in Wuhan, China.

More than 2.6 billion people are currently under lockdown, around one-third of the global population. The reason behind this all: the coronavirus pandemic, which began in Wuhan, China. Many researchers and analysts have reiterated that China has displayed grave negligence in handling the virus. Recently, a faction within the Chinese Communist Party has displayed dissatisfaction over Xi Jinping’s response of the virus. Also read: One third of humanity under coronavirus lockdown Based on a message circulated on the popular Chinese platform “WeChat”, the bloc was ready for a revolt! The open letter in question calls for a meeting of the politburo to assess Jinping’s performance. The politburo comprises 25 individuals that run the Communist Party. This faction against the Chinese president wants to reflect on "Xi's wrongs", and evaluate whether he should carry on as the leader of China. However, challenging his authority is not that simple, for besides being the President of China, he serves as the Chief of the Communist Party. He additionally enjoys support among the political elite in China. The man, who is referred to as the most powerful leader of China since Mao is facing backlash from within his party. Over the last few weeks, China has worked hard to retain its image both globally and at home. Earlier this month, Wuhan’s top party official came up with the idea of a “gratitude education programme”, centred around thanking Xi Jinping and The Communist Party for the efforts they have made to fight the coronavirus. Also read: Spain overtakes China virus toll with 3,434 deaths: Government “We must through various channels carry out gratitude education among the citizens of the whole city as well as cadres”, the official had told a local newspaper. The rationale behind this was to extend gratitude to Jinping and to the Communist Party. However, the public reaction to the idea was not very nice. People immediately slammed the idea of this programme, with a local journalist asking the party official to first “educate himself”. To avoid collateral damage, the Chinese authorities covered up the criticism and dropped the idea of the programme itself.

Is an anti-Jinping wave gaining traction in the Chinese Communist Party?

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at a discussion in London said that the "Chinese Communist Party presents the central threat of our times."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-uk-eu-allows-huawei-5g-with-strict-guidelines-277407">Also Read: After UK, EU allows Huawei 5G with strict guidelines</a>

Pompeo in a joint appearance with Britain's foreign secretary Dominic Raab said: "While we still have to be enormously vigilant about terror...the Chinese Communist Party presents the central threat of our times."

The US secretary of state added that "Western allies must ensure that the next century is governed by these Western democratic principles."

Watch Video:

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Pompeo's remarks come amid differences between the UK and the United States over allowing China's Huawei 5G network to operate in Britain.

After the Johnson government gave the go-ahead for limited use of Huawei's 5G network, Pompeo had urged the British government to "relook" its implementation.

The United States had expressed doubt to the UK government over intelligence-sharing if the UK allows Huawei's 5G to operate. Pompeo said he would "evaluate what the United Kingdom did" referring to the China Huwaei announcement.

Huawei has consistently denied it is engaged in espionage.

The European Union also allowed Huawei's 5G infrastructure, however, it added it would closely monitor it as it urged countries to "assess the risk profile of suppliers (and)... apply relevant restrictions for suppliers considered to be high risk" accordingly, including shutting them out of "key assets defined as critical and sensitive".

The European body also recommended EU states avoid "major dependency on a single supplier" and "dependency on suppliers considered to be high risk".

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at a discussion in London said that the "Chinese Communist Party presents the central threat of our times." Also Read: After UK, EU allows Huawei 5G with strict guidelines Pompeo in a joint appearance with Britain's foreign secretary Dominic Raab said: "While we still have to be enormously vigilant about terror.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at a discussion in London said that the "Chinese Communist Party presents the central threat of our times." Also Read: After UK, EU allows Huawei 5G with strict guidelines Pompeo in a joint appearance with Britain's foreign secretary Dominic Raab said: "While we still have to be enormously vigilant about terror...the Chinese Communist Party presents the central threat of our times." The US secretary of state added that "Western allies must ensure that the next century is governed by these Western democratic principles." Watch Video: Pompeo's remarks come amid differences between the UK and the United States over allowing China's Huawei 5G network to operate in Britain. After the Johnson government gave the go-ahead for limited use of Huawei's 5G network, Pompeo had urged the British government to "relook" its implementation. The United States had expressed doubt to the UK government over intelligence-sharing if the UK allows Huawei's 5G to operate. Pompeo said he would "evaluate what the United Kingdom did" referring to the China Huwaei announcement. Huawei has consistently denied it is engaged in espionage. The European Union also allowed Huawei's 5G infrastructure, however, it added it would closely monitor it as it urged countries to "assess the risk profile of suppliers (and)... apply relevant restrictions for suppliers considered to be high risk" accordingly, including shutting them out of "key assets defined as critical and sensitive". The European body also recommended EU states avoid "major dependency on a single supplier" and "dependency on suppliers considered to be high risk".

Chinese Communist Party presents central threat of our times: Pompeo

Hong Kong is witnessing protests yet again and protestors in huge numbers gather to call for electoral reforms and also to boycott the Chinese Communist Party in Beijing. The demonstrators started the march towards the nearby legislative council building.

Protests continue in Hong Kong, protestors call for electoral reforms

Hong Kong's democracy protesters and politicians have hailed a sweeping election win by Taiwan's President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-president-tsai-ing-wen-declares-victory-in-taiwan-election-273651">Tsai Ing-wen</a> as a fillip for their movement that puts further pressure on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dirty-tactics-chinese-media-on-tsais-landslide-taiwan-poll-win-273750">China</a>.

Some who left the Asian financial hub after nearly seven months of often <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tsai-sweeping-taiwan-elections-with-half-eligible-votes-counted-report-273630">violent protests </a>said they welcomed Tsai's historic win with more than 8 million votes, exceeding the tally of any previous president.

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"A weight has been lifted off my shoulders," said a Hong Kong protester in Taipei, who gave his name only as Roger and said he had feared being kicked out of Taiwan if its China-friendly opposition Kuomintang party swept to power.

Authorities in Chinese-ruled Hong Kong have arrested more than 7,000 people, many on charges of rioting that can carry jail terms of up to 10 years.

"I hope Hong Kong can be like Taiwan, that in the time of our next generation, Hong Kong will be a democratic and free place," said Ventus Lau, one of the organisers of a 1,000- strong rally in Hong Kong against the Chinese Communist Party.

"That's why, in 2020, we need to fight autocracy together with the international community," Lau said on Sunday.

Some in the crowd waved black Hong Kong protest flags with the slogan, "Free Hong Kong. Revolution Now," as Tsai delivered a victory speech to ecstatic supporters on Saturday.

"I believe many democratic countries in the world, and many friends in Hong Kong, will feel happy about our collective decision," Tsai said, drawing plaudits in Hong Kong's online protester forums and groups on the Telegram messaging app.

The slogan "Today Taiwan, Tomorrow Hong Kong" has sprung up after the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-president-tsai-ing-wen-declares-victory-in-taiwan-election-273651"> landslide win</a>, to express the hope that Hong Kong too will one day have full democracy.

The former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997 amid promises it would be granted a high degree of autonomy and eventual universal suffrage.

But China's tightening grip on the city and Beijing's failure to live up to its promises have fed the unrest, in one of the biggest popular challenges to the ruling Communist Party since the return.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-adverse-impact-of-protest-on-mental-health-of-its-citizens-273375">After violence, one-third of Hong Kong citizens reported PTSD symptoms: Lancet study</a>

Many credit the protests with having helped to sway the Taiwan election in Tsai's favour and deliver a rebuke to Beijing.

Tsai's government, which also won a parliamentary majority, owed Hong Kong more concrete support, said Roger Wong, a newly elected pro-democracy district councillor from the city who attended victory celebrations in Taipei.

"I hope Taiwan can now speak up more for Hong Kong, especially the young people," said Wong, 41, one of about 10 politicians who visited Taiwan for the election after a big win in November's district polls.

While Taiwan has discreetly extended tourist visas and offered special mid-year intakes for Hong Kong students at some universities, calls have grown to amend the law with special provisions for the territory.

"This election is proof that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/decoding-report-which-raises-concerns-over-china-attacking-taiwan-190996">Xi Jinping</a>'s strategy of keeping Hong Kong and Taiwan under control is a total failure," said Leung Man-to, a political science professor at the National Cheng Kung University in Tainan, referring to China's leader.

"Taiwan should offer some kind of formal channel for Hong Kong people in exile to seek political asylum ... Tsai never dared do anything substantial before, but she could now try to do something new, even if it provokes Beijing."

Hong Kong's democracy protesters and politicians have hailed a sweeping election win by Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen as a fillip for their movement that puts further pressure on China.

Hong Kong's democracy protesters and politicians have hailed a sweeping election win by Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen as a fillip for their movement that puts further pressure on China. Some who left the Asian financial hub after nearly seven months of often violent protests said they welcomed Tsai's historic win with more than 8 million votes, exceeding the tally of any previous president. × "A weight has been lifted off my shoulders," said a Hong Kong protester in Taipei, who gave his name only as Roger and said he had feared being kicked out of Taiwan if its China-friendly opposition Kuomintang party swept to power. Authorities in Chinese-ruled Hong Kong have arrested more than 7,000 people, many on charges of rioting that can carry jail terms of up to 10 years. "I hope Hong Kong can be like Taiwan, that in the time of our next generation, Hong Kong will be a democratic and free place," said Ventus Lau, one of the organisers of a 1,000- strong rally in Hong Kong against the Chinese Communist Party. "That's why, in 2020, we need to fight autocracy together with the international community," Lau said on Sunday. Some in the crowd waved black Hong Kong protest flags with the slogan, "Free Hong Kong. Revolution Now," as Tsai delivered a victory speech to ecstatic supporters on Saturday. "I believe many democratic countries in the world, and many friends in Hong Kong, will feel happy about our collective decision," Tsai said, drawing plaudits in Hong Kong's online protester forums and groups on the Telegram messaging app. The slogan "Today Taiwan, Tomorrow Hong Kong" has sprung up after the landslide win, to express the hope that Hong Kong too will one day have full democracy. The former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997 amid promises it would be granted a high degree of autonomy and eventual universal suffrage. But China's tightening grip on the city and Beijing's failure to live up to its promises have fed the unrest, in one of the biggest popular challenges to the ruling Communist Party since the return. Also read: After violence, one-third of Hong Kong citizens reported PTSD symptoms: Lancet study Many credit the protests with having helped to sway the Taiwan election in Tsai's favour and deliver a rebuke to Beijing. Tsai's government, which also won a parliamentary majority, owed Hong Kong more concrete support, said Roger Wong, a newly elected pro-democracy district councillor from the city who attended victory celebrations in Taipei. "I hope Taiwan can now speak up more for Hong Kong, especially the young people," said Wong, 41, one of about 10 politicians who visited Taiwan for the election after a big win in November's district polls. While Taiwan has discreetly extended tourist visas and offered special mid-year intakes for Hong Kong students at some universities, calls have grown to amend the law with special provisions for the territory. "This election is proof that Xi Jinping's strategy of keeping Hong Kong and Taiwan under control is a total failure," said Leung Man-to, a political science professor at the National Cheng Kung University in Tainan, referring to China's leader. "Taiwan should offer some kind of formal channel for Hong Kong people in exile to seek political asylum ... Tsai never dared do anything substantial before, but she could now try to do something new, even if it provokes Beijing."

Hong Kong protesters fete landslide election win for Taiwan's Tsai Ing-wen

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Saturday slammed China for alleged ill-treatment of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang and people in Tibet Autonomous Region, saying that Beijing is attempting to erase its own citizens` faiths and cultures through repressive campaigns.

"From #Tibet to #Xinjiang, the Chinese Communist Party`s repressive campaigns are not about combating terrorism. The #CCP is attempting to erase its own citizens` faiths and cultures. All societies must respect and protect religious freedom," he tweeted.

Pompeo`s statement came even as some Chinese Communist Party documents that were leaked over the high-security prison camps in Xinjiang which confirmed China`s human rights violations of Uighur Muslims.

The China Cables, which were obtained by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists - a global network of investigative journalists based in Washington - show how Uighurs are locked up, indoctrinated and punished inside the detention camps.

The investigation found new evidence that undermines Beijing`s claims that the detention camps, which have been built across Xinjiang in the last three years to detain at least a million Uighur Muslims, provide voluntary re-education purposes to counter extremism to the inmates who are detained without trial.

China has consistently claimed that the detention centres in Xinjiang offer voluntary education and training.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Saturday slammed China for alleged ill-treatment of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang and people in Tibet Autonomous Region, saying that Beijing is attempting to erase its own citizens` faiths and cultures through repressive campaigns.

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Saturday slammed China for alleged ill-treatment of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang and people in Tibet Autonomous Region, saying that Beijing is attempting to erase its own citizens` faiths and cultures through repressive campaigns. "From #Tibet to #Xinjiang, the Chinese Communist Party`s repressive campaigns are not about combating terrorism. The #CCP is attempting to erase its own citizens` faiths and cultures. All societies must respect and protect religious freedom," he tweeted. Pompeo`s statement came even as some Chinese Communist Party documents that were leaked over the high-security prison camps in Xinjiang which confirmed China`s human rights violations of Uighur Muslims. The China Cables, which were obtained by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists - a global network of investigative journalists based in Washington - show how Uighurs are locked up, indoctrinated and punished inside the detention camps. The investigation found new evidence that undermines Beijing`s claims that the detention camps, which have been built across Xinjiang in the last three years to detain at least a million Uighur Muslims, provide voluntary re-education purposes to counter extremism to the inmates who are detained without trial. China has consistently claimed that the detention centres in Xinjiang offer voluntary education and training. (With inputs from ANI)

China attempting to erase its own citizens' faiths, cultures through repressive campaigns: Pompeo

Iron&nbsp;ore&nbsp;futures in&nbsp;China&nbsp;rose to their&nbsp;highest in more&nbsp;than&nbsp;four&nbsp;months on Tuesday on&nbsp;supply&nbsp;uncertainties expected to emerge during the first quarter of next year.

The most-traded&nbsp;iron&nbsp;ore&nbsp;futures contract on the Dalian Commodity Exchange, for May 2020 delivery, soared as much as 3.2&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;to 662 yuan ($94.05) per tonne in morning trade, the most since August&nbsp;7. It jumped 2.96 per cent&nbsp;to 661 yuan per tonne as of 0330 GMT.

Prices for spot cargoes of benchmark&nbsp;iron&nbsp;ore&nbsp;with 62 per cent&nbsp;iron&nbsp;content for delivery to&nbsp;China, also tracked the robust futures market and rose to $93 per tonne on Monday from $89.50 in the previous session.

"The surge in&nbsp;iron&nbsp;ore&nbsp;prices was mainly driven by&nbsp;supply&nbsp;concerns from foreign miners in the first quarter next year," said Tang Bingqing, an analyst with Founder CIFCO Futures, referring to Brazilian miner Vale SA lowering production outlook and the upcoming expiry of mining leases in India.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;demand&nbsp;prospects for construction steel products and steelmaking raw materials were improved as the latest <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/propaganda-20-chinese-communist-partys-message-gets-tech-upgrade-201246">Chinese Communist Party</a> conference reiterated the need to strengthen infrastructure constructions, and did not mention real estate controls, Tang added.

Construction steel rebar on the Shanghai Futures Exchange, for May 2020 delivery, jumped 1.0&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;to 3,528 yuan per tonne.

January hot-rolled coil contract, used in cars and home appliances, rose 0.7per cent&nbsp;to 3,690 yuan per tonne.

&nbsp;

Fundamentals

* Shanghai stainless steel futures, for February 2020 delivery, edged up 0.2 per cent&nbsp;to 14,010 yuan per tonne.

* Other steelmaking ingredients were mixed. Dalian coking coal, for January 2020 delivery, inched down 0.3 per cent&nbsp;to 1,243 yuan per tonne while Dalian coke gained 1.2 per cent&nbsp;to 1,928 yuan per tonne.

*&nbsp;China's producer prices fell in annual terms for the fifth consecutive&nbsp;month&nbsp;in November, while consumer prices spiked as food costs climbed, data showed on Tuesday, complicating policymakers' efforts to boost&nbsp;demand&nbsp;as economic growth slows.

Iron ore futures in China rose to their highest in more than four months on Tuesday on supply uncertainties expected to emerge during the first quarter of next year.

Iron ore futures in China rose to their highest in more than four months on Tuesday on supply uncertainties expected to emerge during the first quarter of next year. The most-traded iron ore futures contract on the Dalian Commodity Exchange, for May 2020 delivery, soared as much as 3.2 per cent to 662 yuan ($94.05) per tonne in morning trade, the most since August 7. It jumped 2.96 per cent to 661 yuan per tonne as of 0330 GMT. Prices for spot cargoes of benchmark iron ore with 62 per cent iron content for delivery to China, also tracked the robust futures market and rose to $93 per tonne on Monday from $89.50 in the previous session. "The surge in iron ore prices was mainly driven by supply concerns from foreign miners in the first quarter next year," said Tang Bingqing, an analyst with Founder CIFCO Futures, referring to Brazilian miner Vale SA lowering production outlook and the upcoming expiry of mining leases in India. Meanwhile, demand prospects for construction steel products and steelmaking raw materials were improved as the latest Chinese Communist Party conference reiterated the need to strengthen infrastructure constructions, and did not mention real estate controls, Tang added. Construction steel rebar on the Shanghai Futures Exchange, for May 2020 delivery, jumped 1.0 per cent to 3,528 yuan per tonne. January hot-rolled coil contract, used in cars and home appliances, rose 0.7per cent to 3,690 yuan per tonne. Fundamentals * Shanghai stainless steel futures, for February 2020 delivery, edged up 0.2 per cent to 14,010 yuan per tonne. * Other steelmaking ingredients were mixed. Dalian coking coal, for January 2020 delivery, inched down 0.3 per cent to 1,243 yuan per tonne while Dalian coke gained 1.2 per cent to 1,928 yuan per tonne. * China's producer prices fell in annual terms for the fifth consecutive month in November, while consumer prices spiked as food costs climbed, data showed on Tuesday, complicating policymakers' efforts to boost demand as economic growth slows.

China iron ore surges to over four-month high amid supply uncertainty, demand hopes

Apple on Wednesday removed an app that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-stage-peaceful-rallies-calling-for-liberation-254834">protestors in Hong Kong</a> have used to track police movements, saying the app violated its rules because it was used to ambush police and by criminals who used it to victimise residents in areas with no law enforcement.

Apple rejected the crowdsourcing app, HKmap.live, earlier this month but then reversed course last week, allowing the app to appear on its App Store.

The approval drew a sharply worded commentary from the Chinese Communist Party's official newspaper, the People's Daily, on Tuesday with Apple criticised for allowing a "poisonous" app.

Apple said in a statement that "many concerned customers in Hong Kong" contacted the company about the mapping app. Apple said it immediately began investigating the app's use and found it "has been used in ways that endanger law enforcement and residents in Hong Kong."

"The app displays police locations and we have verified with the Hong Kong Cybersecurity and Technology Crime Bureau that the app has been used to target and ambush police, threaten public safety, and criminals have used it to victimize residents in areas where they know there is no law enforcement," the statement said.

Gravitas: Hong Kong Protests: Biggest Political Crisis In Xi Jinping's Career

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-hong-kong-protests-biggest-political-crisis-in-xi-jinpings-career-254353/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Apple did not comment beyond its statement, and the app's developer did not immediately have a comment on the removal.

Under Apple's rules and policies, apps that meet its standards to appear in the App Store have sometimes been removed after their release if they were found to facilitate illegal activity or threaten public safety.

In 2011, Apple modified its app store to remove apps that listed locations for drunken driving checkpoints not previously published by law enforcement officials.

Asked for comment after the People's Daily piece was published, HKmap.live's developer, who has not revealed his or her identity, said the app merely consolidated information that was available in the public domain, such as groups on Telegram, another service protestors were using to communicate.

"Protest is part of our freedom of speech (sic) and I don't think the application is illegal in HK," the developer told Reuters in a direct message on Tuesday.

Apple on Wednesday removed an app that protestors in Hong Kong have used to track police movements, saying the app violated its rules because it was used to ambush police and by criminals who used it to victimise residents in areas with no law enforcement.

Apple on Wednesday removed an app that protestors in Hong Kong have used to track police movements, saying the app violated its rules because it was used to ambush police and by criminals who used it to victimise residents in areas with no law enforcement. Apple rejected the crowdsourcing app, HKmap.live, earlier this month but then reversed course last week, allowing the app to appear on its App Store. The approval drew a sharply worded commentary from the Chinese Communist Party's official newspaper, the People's Daily, on Tuesday with Apple criticised for allowing a "poisonous" app. Apple said in a statement that "many concerned customers in Hong Kong" contacted the company about the mapping app. Apple said it immediately began investigating the app's use and found it "has been used in ways that endanger law enforcement and residents in Hong Kong." "The app displays police locations and we have verified with the Hong Kong Cybersecurity and Technology Crime Bureau that the app has been used to target and ambush police, threaten public safety, and criminals have used it to victimize residents in areas where they know there is no law enforcement," the statement said. Gravitas: Hong Kong Protests: Biggest Political Crisis In Xi Jinping's Career Apple did not comment beyond its statement, and the app's developer did not immediately have a comment on the removal. Under Apple's rules and policies, apps that meet its standards to appear in the App Store have sometimes been removed after their release if they were found to facilitate illegal activity or threaten public safety. In 2011, Apple modified its app store to remove apps that listed locations for drunken driving checkpoints not previously published by law enforcement officials. Asked for comment after the People's Daily piece was published, HKmap.live's developer, who has not revealed his or her identity, said the app merely consolidated information that was available in the public domain, such as groups on Telegram, another service protestors were using to communicate. "Protest is part of our freedom of speech (sic) and I don't think the application is illegal in HK," the developer told Reuters in a direct message on Tuesday.

Apple removes police-tracking app used in Hong Kong protests from its app store

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