Chinese Navy's training ship Qi Jiguang and amphibious dock landing ship Jinggangshan docked at Bangladesh's Chittagong this weekend, a move that should raise security concerns for India.

The docking on Saturday (Oct 13) as part of a three-day goodwill visit was the first since the dramatic events of August that saw the ouster of Sheikh Hasina as Bangladesh prime minister after months-long student-led protests and the installation of an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus.&nbsp;

Watch: Bangladesh crisis: India expresses concern over Bangladesh crisis

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The port call, characterised by Chinese envoy to Bangladesh Yao Wen as a symbol of strengthening of Bangladesh-China ties, aims to enhance cooperation with the Bangladesh Navy.

Delhi circles are viewing this as another instance of China exerting its influence in the region.&nbsp;Some security analysts are setting off alarm bells about the increasing Chinese influence in the region.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This is a threat to India's influence, with Frédéric Grare of the Australian National University noting that the China-Bangladesh dynamics could unsettle India.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-ambassador-to-bangladesh-praises-students-who-protested-against-previous-hasina-govt-766810">Also read: Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh praises students who protested against previous Hasina govt</a> 
 
While the port visit of Chinese ships is a mark of continuity and not a qualitative change in relationship, Delhi should and is probably worried about the overall dynamic and uncomfortable with the present uncertainty, The South China Morning Post quoted him as saying.

The Bangladesh port call comes close on the heels of similar military gengagesments by China in South Asia, including&nbsp;the establishment of a submarine base in Bangladesh in May and presence of Chinese ships in Sri Lanaka.&nbsp;

“These facilities can also host Chinese research vessels, whose increasing presence in the Indian Ocean, particularly around the Maldives and Sri Lanka, is a growing concern for New Delhi,” Viraj Solanki from the International Institute for Strategic Studies told the paper.

A Chinese naval ship recently docked in Sri Lanka, amid consternation in India about the so-called 'research vessels' visiting ports in the island nation,&nbsp;which India suspects are maritime surveillance operations.

India and the current regime in Bangladesh have not started off well, particularly as New Delhi was seen to be supporting Hasina, who had sought refuge in the neighbouring country after the political upheaval of August.

The support China shows to Yunus regime&nbsp;should make India shift its approach towards Bangladesh, according to analysts.

Bangladesh is strategically significant in regional geopolitics, a fact underscored by the Chinese naval diplomacy.

In May, the two nations held the first joint military training exercise, The Golden Friendship, focused on anti-terrorism and UN peacekeeping operations. Chinese defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian said it included hostage rescue&nbsp; and counter-terror drills.

With China in mind, India is also enhancing its defence cooperation with neighbours.

Earlier in October, India and the Maldives agreed to enhance maritime security cooperation after a visit by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maldives-president-in-india-new-delhi-male-sign-key-projects-including-launch-of-rupay-card-in-maldives-765134">Also read: Indian, Maldivian govts sign MoUs including currency swap deal worth $400 million</a>

With Sri Lanka, India established maritime rescue coordination centres in June in Hambantota and Colombo. India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Mauritius are part of the Colombo Security Conclave on maritime cooperation.

For its part, China had entered into several pacts with Bangladesh before the August uprising. Pooja Bhatt at the Jindal School of International Affairs in India noted that Beijing is keen to continue these engagements and revive its military ties with Bangladesh under its new government.

Lailufar Yasmin at the University of Dhaka said the arrival of Chinese vessels should prompt Delhi to reassess its relationship with the new Bangladeshi government. “It should also carefully consider the overwhelming support that the new regime of Bangladesh received worldwide, including in China and carefully recalibrate its relationship with Bangladesh 2.0.”&nbsp;

"India should start recognising the rationale behind the Bangladesh revolution instead of pointing fingers at external actors,” SCMP quoted her as saying.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese Navy's training ship Qi Jiguang and amphibious dock landing ship Jinggangshan docked at Bangladesh's Chittagong this weekend, a move that should raise security concerns for India.

Chinese Navy's training ship Qi Jiguang and amphibious dock landing ship Jinggangshan docked at Bangladesh's Chittagong this weekend, a move that should raise security concerns for India. The docking on Saturday (Oct 13) as part of a three-day goodwill visit was the first since the dramatic events of August that saw the ouster of Sheikh Hasina as Bangladesh prime minister after months-long student-led protests and the installation of an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus. Watch: Bangladesh crisis: India expresses concern over Bangladesh crisis × The port call, characterised by Chinese envoy to Bangladesh Yao Wen as a symbol of strengthening of Bangladesh-China ties, aims to enhance cooperation with the Bangladesh Navy. Delhi circles are viewing this as another instance of China exerting its influence in the region. Some security analysts are setting off alarm bells about the increasing Chinese influence in the region. This is a threat to India's influence, with Frédéric Grare of the Australian National University noting that the China-Bangladesh dynamics could unsettle India. Also read: Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh praises students who protested against previous Hasina govt While the port visit of Chinese ships is a mark of continuity and not a qualitative change in relationship, Delhi should and is probably worried about the overall dynamic and uncomfortable with the present uncertainty, The South China Morning Post quoted him as saying. The Bangladesh port call comes close on the heels of similar military gengagesments by China in South Asia, including the establishment of a submarine base in Bangladesh in May and presence of Chinese ships in Sri Lanaka. “These facilities can also host Chinese research vessels, whose increasing presence in the Indian Ocean, particularly around the Maldives and Sri Lanka, is a growing concern for New Delhi,” Viraj Solanki from the International Institute for Strategic Studies told the paper. A Chinese naval ship recently docked in Sri Lanka, amid consternation in India about the so-called 'research vessels' visiting ports in the island nation, which India suspects are maritime surveillance operations. India and the current regime in Bangladesh have not started off well, particularly as New Delhi was seen to be supporting Hasina, who had sought refuge in the neighbouring country after the political upheaval of August. The support China shows to Yunus regime should make India shift its approach towards Bangladesh, according to analysts. Bangladesh is strategically significant in regional geopolitics, a fact underscored by the Chinese naval diplomacy. In May, the two nations held the first joint military training exercise, The Golden Friendship, focused on anti-terrorism and UN peacekeeping operations. Chinese defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian said it included hostage rescue and counter-terror drills. With China in mind, India is also enhancing its defence cooperation with neighbours. Earlier in October, India and the Maldives agreed to enhance maritime security cooperation after a visit by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu. Also read: Indian, Maldivian govts sign MoUs including currency swap deal worth $400 million With Sri Lanka, India established maritime rescue coordination centres in June in Hambantota and Colombo. India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Mauritius are part of the Colombo Security Conclave on maritime cooperation. For its part, China had entered into several pacts with Bangladesh before the August uprising. Pooja Bhatt at the Jindal School of International Affairs in India noted that Beijing is keen to continue these engagements and revive its military ties with Bangladesh under its new government. Lailufar Yasmin at the University of Dhaka said the arrival of Chinese vessels should prompt Delhi to reassess its relationship with the new Bangladeshi government. “It should also carefully consider the overwhelming support that the new regime of Bangladesh received worldwide, including in China and carefully recalibrate its relationship with Bangladesh 2.0.” "India should start recognising the rationale behind the Bangladesh revolution instead of pointing fingers at external actors,” SCMP quoted her as saying. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese Navy ships docked in Bangladesh this weekend. Why should it be of concern to India?

A declassified US intelligence report revealed Monday (Dec 18) that China doubled down on its influence operations within the US and tried to shape the outcome of certain races in the 2022 midterm elections.

The report claimed that China’s meddling was aimed at supporting candidates deemed “pro-China” and countering candidates who are known to be “anti-China".

It added that the influence operations targeted candidates from both Democratic and Republican parties.&nbsp;

“China tacitly approved efforts to try to influence a handful of midterm races involving members of both US political parties,” the report said.

<h2>Russia and Iran also partner-in-crime</h2>

Along with China, Russia and Iran also undertook efforts to meddle in US 2022 midterm elections, the report said.

The focus of the alleged meddling was to shift the narrative in favour or against certain candidates, and not to hack into the election infrastructure.

Watch:&nbsp;China turns to Malaysia for chip assembly amid US Sanction concerns

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“We assess that most foreign actors now appear largely focused on amplifying authentic US public narratives to try to influence electoral outcomes, increase mistrust in US election processes, and stoke sociopolitical divisions,” said the report.

While China targeted certain races and candidates, Russia tried to affect the overall election, aiming “to undercut the Democratic Party and political support for Ukraine,” the report said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/chinese-semiconductor-firms-turn-to-malaysia-for-high-end-chip-assembly-amid-us-sanction-fears-670708">Also read:&nbsp;Chinese semiconductor firms turn to Malaysia for high-end chip assembly amid US sanction fears</a>

Meanwhile, the report also accused Iran of trying to exploit perceived social divisions in the country.

“Tehran’s efforts during the midterms probably in part reflected resource limitations because of competing priorities and the need to manage internal unrest,” the report said.

<h2>Social media used in such covert operations</h2>

The influence operations were carried out by the covert use of social media accounts and proxy websites, payments to influencers and the use of public relations firms, said the report.

It also added that China has intensified efforts to influence US elections since 2020, with senior Chinese leadership justifying it as a response to “what they believe is an intensified US effort to promote democracy at China’s expense.”

(With inputs from agencies)

A declassified US intelligence report revealed Monday (Dec 18) that China doubled down on its influence operations within the US and tried to shape the outcome of certain races in the 2022 midterm elections.

A declassified US intelligence report revealed Monday (Dec 18) that China doubled down on its influence operations within the US and tried to shape the outcome of certain races in the 2022 midterm elections. The report claimed that China’s meddling was aimed at supporting candidates deemed “pro-China” and countering candidates who are known to be “anti-China". It added that the influence operations targeted candidates from both Democratic and Republican parties. “China tacitly approved efforts to try to influence a handful of midterm races involving members of both US political parties,” the report said. Russia and Iran also partner-in-crime Along with China, Russia and Iran also undertook efforts to meddle in US 2022 midterm elections, the report said. The focus of the alleged meddling was to shift the narrative in favour or against certain candidates, and not to hack into the election infrastructure. Watch: China turns to Malaysia for chip assembly amid US Sanction concerns × “We assess that most foreign actors now appear largely focused on amplifying authentic US public narratives to try to influence electoral outcomes, increase mistrust in US election processes, and stoke sociopolitical divisions,” said the report. While China targeted certain races and candidates, Russia tried to affect the overall election, aiming “to undercut the Democratic Party and political support for Ukraine,” the report said. Also read: Chinese semiconductor firms turn to Malaysia for high-end chip assembly amid US sanction fears Meanwhile, the report also accused Iran of trying to exploit perceived social divisions in the country. “Tehran’s efforts during the midterms probably in part reflected resource limitations because of competing priorities and the need to manage internal unrest,” the report said. Social media used in such covert operations The influence operations were carried out by the covert use of social media accounts and proxy websites, payments to influencers and the use of public relations firms, said the report. It also added that China has intensified efforts to influence US elections since 2020, with senior Chinese leadership justifying it as a response to “what they believe is an intensified US effort to promote democracy at China’s expense.” (With inputs from agencies)

Beijing tried to influence US 2022 midterm elections to stop ‘anti-China’ forces: Report

Jubilations were witnessed across Croatia after its long-awaited bridge linking its southern Adriatic coast with the rest of the country—as it bypasses&nbsp;a narrow strip of Bosnian territory—was opened for the public.

The 2.4-km cable-stayed bridge was funded by the European Union&nbsp;and built by China, reports BBC.

The Croatian bridge contract was awarded to a Chinese state-owned company, The China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC). It bid far less than its European rivals, prompting an Austrian company to file a complaint, alleging that CRBC was "price-dumping" and receiving Chinese state aid.

The bridge reaches out from the Croatian mainland to the Peljesac peninsula. The inauguration ceremony started Tuesday early morning, with musical performances and a boat race, while scores of pedestrians clocked selfies on the bridge.

“It is a major thing for people here since they did not even feel like they were living in their own country,” said Joso Miletic, 75, who travelled from his village near the city of Zadar, on the central coast, to watch the opening of the bridge, told AFP news agency. “This is the merging of Croatia into a whole.”

The bridge is regarded as the country’s most ambitious infrastructure projects since Croatia declared independence from Yugoslavia&nbsp;in 1991.

Until this bridge was conceived, people used to travel from mainland Croatia to its southern coast via a land belonging to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The present arrangement of the border stems from the fact that when the former Yugoslavia broke up and Croatia became independent in 1991, the new borders of the Croatian coastline were split by a 9-km-long section of Bosnian coastline known as the Neum corridor.

Since Croatia is part of the EU and Bosnia is not, residents trying to travel between the two ends of the Croatian border had to go through two border checks.

But now anyone can drive straight along Croatia's Adriatic coast via the new bridge.

About 85 per cent of the cost of the bridge was funded by the EU, which spent €357m (£300m) using cohesion funds for what it said would improve significantly the everyday lives of Croatians, according to BBC.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Jubilations were witnessed across Croatia after its long-awaited bridge linking its southern Adriatic coast with the rest of the country—as it bypasses a narrow strip of Bosnian territory—was opened for the public.

Jubilations were witnessed across Croatia after its long-awaited bridge linking its southern Adriatic coast with the rest of the country—as it bypasses a narrow strip of Bosnian territory—was opened for the public. The 2.4-km cable-stayed bridge was funded by the European Union and built by China, reports BBC. The Croatian bridge contract was awarded to a Chinese state-owned company, The China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC). It bid far less than its European rivals, prompting an Austrian company to file a complaint, alleging that CRBC was "price-dumping" and receiving Chinese state aid. The bridge reaches out from the Croatian mainland to the Peljesac peninsula. The inauguration ceremony started Tuesday early morning, with musical performances and a boat race, while scores of pedestrians clocked selfies on the bridge. “It is a major thing for people here since they did not even feel like they were living in their own country,” said Joso Miletic, 75, who travelled from his village near the city of Zadar, on the central coast, to watch the opening of the bridge, told AFP news agency. “This is the merging of Croatia into a whole.” The bridge is regarded as the country’s most ambitious infrastructure projects since Croatia declared independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. Until this bridge was conceived, people used to travel from mainland Croatia to its southern coast via a land belonging to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The present arrangement of the border stems from the fact that when the former Yugoslavia broke up and Croatia became independent in 1991, the new borders of the Croatian coastline were split by a 9-km-long section of Bosnian coastline known as the Neum corridor. Since Croatia is part of the EU and Bosnia is not, residents trying to travel between the two ends of the Croatian border had to go through two border checks. But now anyone can drive straight along Croatia's Adriatic coast via the new bridge. About 85 per cent of the cost of the bridge was funded by the EU, which spent €357m (£300m) using cohesion funds for what it said would improve significantly the everyday lives of Croatians, according to BBC. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Croatia opens Chinese-built bridge around Bosnia amid celebrations

Pictures | Quad: Strategic security dialogue aimed at countering Chinese influence

Latest satellite images have come to the fore, showing China’s increased infrastructure activity close to the Indian borders near the northern Ladakh territory.

The image&nbsp;shows China’s People's Liberation Army making a massive bridge to carry heavier vehicles near the Pangong Tso Lake—the 135-km-long landlocked lake that is partly in the Ladakh region and partly in Tibet and has witnessed skirmishes between India and China since May 2020.

According to a report in The Print, this is the second bridge that China is building over the territory held by it at&nbsp;Pangong Tso. The report claims that it is capable of carrying armoured columns.

The report states that the first bridge—whose construction started at the end of 2021 and finished in April—will be used as a service bridge for the construction of the second.

Quoting defence sources, the report claimed that China is using the first bridge to install its cranes and bring other construction materials. The new bridge is right next to the bridge built earlier. This new bridge is much bigger and wider than the previous one.

The source said that China's construction of the new bridge was seen three weeks ago.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: China blows up replica of Taiwan's naval base

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The sources further said that the aim of constructing these bridges is to move their heavy armoury vehicles close to the Indian border and have multiple routes to counter any possible operations by the Indian forces on the southern banks of the Pangong Tso in the future.

This comes at a time when the stand-off between India and China in Ladakh enters its third year. In May 2020, Indian and Chinese forces engaged in an aggressive melee along the border, including disputed&nbsp;Pangong Lake&nbsp;in&nbsp;Ladakh&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Tibet Autonomous Region.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-china-has-built-three-mobile-towers-close-to-lac-claims-lahdc-councillor-472049" hreflang="en">Exclusive | China has built three mobile towers close to LAC, claims LAHDC councillor</a>

The skirmish was said to have been triggered after the Chinese forces objected to the Indian road construction at the Galwan Valley.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-australia-and-japan-imported-most-arms-in-last-5-years-sipri-462069" hreflang="en">India, Australia and Japan imported most arms in last 5 years: SIPRI</a>

The fight led to casualties on both sides. While the Indian Army lost 20 soldiers, the Chinese side allegedly lost over 40 troops—which Beijing has not officially acknowledged.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Latest satellite images have come to the fore, showing China’s increased infrastructure activity close to the Indian borders near the northern Ladakh territory. The image shows China’s People's Liberation Army making a massive bridge to carry heavier vehicles near the Pangong Tso Lake—the 135-km-long landlocked lake that is partly in the Ladakh region and partly in Tibet and has witnessed skirmishes between India and China since May 2020.

Latest satellite images have come to the fore, showing China’s increased infrastructure activity close to the Indian borders near the northern Ladakh territory. The image shows China’s People's Liberation Army making a massive bridge to carry heavier vehicles near the Pangong Tso Lake—the 135-km-long landlocked lake that is partly in the Ladakh region and partly in Tibet and has witnessed skirmishes between India and China since May 2020. According to a report in The Print, this is the second bridge that China is building over the territory held by it at Pangong Tso. The report claims that it is capable of carrying armoured columns. The report states that the first bridge—whose construction started at the end of 2021 and finished in April—will be used as a service bridge for the construction of the second. Quoting defence sources, the report claimed that China is using the first bridge to install its cranes and bring other construction materials. The new bridge is right next to the bridge built earlier. This new bridge is much bigger and wider than the previous one. The source said that China's construction of the new bridge was seen three weeks ago. Watch | Gravitas: China blows up replica of Taiwan's naval base The sources further said that the aim of constructing these bridges is to move their heavy armoury vehicles close to the Indian border and have multiple routes to counter any possible operations by the Indian forces on the southern banks of the Pangong Tso in the future. This comes at a time when the stand-off between India and China in Ladakh enters its third year. In May 2020, Indian and Chinese forces engaged in an aggressive melee along the border, including disputed Pangong Lake in Ladakh and the Tibet Autonomous Region. Also read | Exclusive | China has built three mobile towers close to LAC, claims LAHDC councillor The skirmish was said to have been triggered after the Chinese forces objected to the Indian road construction at the Galwan Valley. Also read | India, Australia and Japan imported most arms in last 5 years: SIPRI The fight led to casualties on both sides. While the Indian Army lost 20 soldiers, the Chinese side allegedly lost over 40 troops—which Beijing has not officially acknowledged. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India-China border dispute: China constructing massive bridge near Indian border, says report

US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has revoked the license for giant telecom operator China Unicom to further limit Chinese influence over American consumers and businesses.

US FCC revokes license for China Unicom over espionage fears