In further signs of easing a crackdown on the technology sector, Chinese Vice-Premier Liu He on Wednesday (May 18) said the country's Communist Party supports the development of the sector.

During a meeting of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Liu met with the founders of search engine giant Baidu Inc Robin Li along with mobile security software maker Qihoo 360 Zhou Hongyi.

State broadcaster CCTV quoted him as saying that China will look to "properly manage" the relationship between the government and market and battle for "key core technologies" to be fought well.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-decoding-chinas-crackdown-on-everything-438842/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Calling the meeting a "healthy development" for the tech sector, top officials said it will fuel hopes among investors that a damaging state crackdown may ease.

According to the official Xinhua news agency, China's top political consultative body concluded it was "necessary to promote the healthy development of the platform economy".

Highlighting the need to "complete its rectification", they said there was a need to "respond to market concerns in a timely manner".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-tech-giant-tencents-wechat-blocks-account-of-australian-prime-minister-scott-morrison-447113">Also read |&nbsp;Chinese tech giant Tencent's WeChat blocks account of Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison</a>

As a result of the "supportive attitude", shares of major Chinese tech companies such as JD.com and Alibaba rocketed in Hong Kong.

The Chinese Communist Party had imposed a sweeping crackdown on the tech sector under a "common prosperity" drive as it was widening the wealth gap that threatened the legitimacy of its rule.

The coronavirus pandemic has adversely affected China's economy as well as supply chains across a range of sectors.

To achieve the growth target of 5.5 per cent this year and avoid the shrinking of its economy, the Chinese Communist Party needs to show support to its key sectors.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Watch WION's live TV here:

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In further signs of easing a crackdown on the technology sector, Chinese Vice-Premier Liu He on Wednesday (May 18) said the country's Communist Party supports the development of the sector.

In further signs of easing a crackdown on the technology sector, Chinese Vice-Premier Liu He on Wednesday (May 18) said the country's Communist Party supports the development of the sector. During a meeting of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Liu met with the founders of search engine giant Baidu Inc Robin Li along with mobile security software maker Qihoo 360 Zhou Hongyi. State broadcaster CCTV quoted him as saying that China will look to "properly manage" the relationship between the government and market and battle for "key core technologies" to be fought well. Calling the meeting a "healthy development" for the tech sector, top officials said it will fuel hopes among investors that a damaging state crackdown may ease. According to the official Xinhua news agency, China's top political consultative body concluded it was "necessary to promote the healthy development of the platform economy". Highlighting the need to "complete its rectification", they said there was a need to "respond to market concerns in a timely manner". Also read | Chinese tech giant Tencent's WeChat blocks account of Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison As a result of the "supportive attitude", shares of major Chinese tech companies such as JD.com and Alibaba rocketed in Hong Kong. The Chinese Communist Party had imposed a sweeping crackdown on the tech sector under a "common prosperity" drive as it was widening the wealth gap that threatened the legitimacy of its rule. The coronavirus pandemic has adversely affected China's economy as well as supply chains across a range of sectors. To achieve the growth target of 5.5 per cent this year and avoid the shrinking of its economy, the Chinese Communist Party needs to show support to its key sectors. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

Chinese Vice-Premier Liu He says Communist Party supports development of tech sector

Chinese web users have become creative to dodge censorship about the coronavirus cases in the country.

They are referencing to Hollywood blockbusters and George Orwell's dystopian novel "1984" and quoting the national anthem to beat the firewall.

With Communist Party scrubbing outposts portraying the Chinese policies in a negative light, Chinese President Xi Jinping has warned against any criticism of the country's stringent zero-Covid policy.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-xi-jinping-attacks-zero-covid-doubters-476972/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He said the party will "resolutely fight against all words and deeds that distort, question or reject our nation's disease control policies".

Beijing has intensified its crackdown online after Shanghai residents started criticising the inadequate facilities and lack of necessities in the business hub.

Shanghai, which has a population of 25 million, has been under lockdown for weeks now as China struggles to tackle an outbreak.

It has become "too big of an issue to be able to completely censor," co-founder of censorship monitoring website GreatFire.org Charlie Smith told AFP.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-chinese-people-claim-quarantine-facilities-in-shanghai-have-insufficient-staff-shortage-of-food-468545">Watch | Shanghai residents claim quarantine facilities have insufficient staff, shortage of food</a>

Chinese netizens on Weibo, Beijing's Twitter-like platform, quoted the first line of China's national anthem, "Arise, those who refuse to be slaves" after a popular hashtag on the social media platform was deleted by censors.

They also used references of Orwell's fiction "1984" alongside a torrent of anti-lockdown fury to make tongue-in-cheek barbs about home confinement in China.

According to Yaqiu Wang, senior China researcher at Human Rights Watch, "It's harder for the government to walk back when it becomes an ideological issue that's attached to Xi Jinping personally."

(With inputs from agencies)

Watch WION's live TV here:

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Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.

Chinese web users have become creative to dodge censorship about the coronavirus cases in the country. They are referencing to Hollywood blockbusters and George Orwell's dystopian novel "1984" and quoting the national anthem to beat the firewall.

Chinese web users have become creative to dodge censorship about the coronavirus cases in the country. They are referencing to Hollywood blockbusters and George Orwell's dystopian novel "1984" and quoting the national anthem to beat the firewall. With Communist Party scrubbing outposts portraying the Chinese policies in a negative light, Chinese President Xi Jinping has warned against any criticism of the country's stringent zero-Covid policy. He said the party will "resolutely fight against all words and deeds that distort, question or reject our nation's disease control policies". Beijing has intensified its crackdown online after Shanghai residents started criticising the inadequate facilities and lack of necessities in the business hub. Shanghai, which has a population of 25 million, has been under lockdown for weeks now as China struggles to tackle an outbreak. It has become "too big of an issue to be able to completely censor," co-founder of censorship monitoring website GreatFire.org Charlie Smith told AFP. Watch | Shanghai residents claim quarantine facilities have insufficient staff, shortage of food Chinese netizens on Weibo, Beijing's Twitter-like platform, quoted the first line of China's national anthem, "Arise, those who refuse to be slaves" after a popular hashtag on the social media platform was deleted by censors. They also used references of Orwell's fiction "1984" alongside a torrent of anti-lockdown fury to make tongue-in-cheek barbs about home confinement in China. According to Yaqiu Wang, senior China researcher at Human Rights Watch, "It's harder for the government to walk back when it becomes an ideological issue that's attached to Xi Jinping personally." (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.

From quoting national anthem to referencing Orwell's 1984: What Chinese netizens are doing to dodge censorship

A property downturn, slowing economy and war in Ukraine loom large over this week's annual convening of China's legislature, with policymakers expected to focus on shoring up faltering growth.

The rubber-stamp parliament starting Saturday in Beijing gathers some 3,000 members of the National People's Congress (NPC) for highly choreographed meetings over bills, budgets and personnel changes.

The ruling Communist Party uses the opportunity to tout its achievements while also setting the country's economic blueprint and GDP target for the year ahead.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/a-day-in-the-life-of-uighurs-251734">A day in the life of China’s persecuted Uighur community</a>

Much of the NPC's agenda is unknown until during -- or even after -- the multi-day meeting, with many sessions taking place behind closed doors.

But this year, concerns are bound to centre on the country's sluggish economic growth, partly down to a crunch in the crucial property sector -- which makes up as much as a quarter of national output.

Stringent "zero-Covid" measures including harsh lockdowns and closed borders have also been a major blow to manufacturing hubs, tourist centres and port cities.

Meanwhile, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has raised the prospect of spiking food and oil prices, with fears over supplies of crucial commodities from the region being affected.

Commerce Minister Wang Wentao admitted to journalists this week that China's economy faces "huge" pressure this year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-will-the-russia-ukraine-conflict-impact-chinas-economic-interests-in-ukraine-458283">How will the Russia-Ukraine conflict impact China's economic interests in Ukraine?</a>

GDP and stability

Beijing traditionally announces its new economic growth target at Premier Li Keqiang's annual "state of the nation" speech at the NPC, followed by his rare -- but heavily stage-managed -- press conference.

China's GDP growth slowed sharply in the final months of 2021 despite an earlier pandemic bounceback, as it grappled with tepid domestic demand and a property downturn.

The country's communist leaders have long based their legitimacy on the argument that their model of government represents economic growth and continuity for China's massive population.

But as much of the rest of the world now reopens, China is increasingly out of step, as continued COVID-19 restrictions weigh on consumer confidence.

Maintaining stability will be crucial as the Communist Party gears up for a pivotal meeting this fall -- the 20th party congress -- that is expected to easily secure President Xi Jinping a third term.

In 2020, there was no GDP target set at all, and last year Li announced a modest goal of "above six percent".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-suggests-this-is-the-most-important-thing-that-can-end-conflict-between-russia-and-ukraine-458166">China suggests this is the 'most important thing' that can end conflict between Russia and Ukraine</a>

Amid the unpredictability, analysts expect Beijing to announce a similarly open and attainable target this year.

"We expect the growth target to be set at 'above five percent'," UOB economist Ho Woei Chen said in a recent report, adding that pace would match the past two years' average of 5.1 per cent.

Iris Pang, ING's chief economist for Greater China, expected the range could be higher after the country easily exceeded last year's target.

Watch |&nbsp;Report: China asked Russia to delay the attack on Ukraine till Olympics were over

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/report-china-asked-russia-to-delay-the-attack-on-ukraine-till-olympics-were-over-458442/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

And infrastructure would probably form a key part of the government's support for the economy, predicted ANZ Research senior China strategist Zhaopeng Xing.

He expected "double-digit growth in infrastructure investment" in the first quarter, on top of tax cuts and the central bank's earlier interest rate cuts.

A property downturn, slowing economy and war in Ukraine loom large over this week's annual convening of China's legislature, with policymakers expected to focus on shoring up faltering growth.

A property downturn, slowing economy and war in Ukraine loom large over this week's annual convening of China's legislature, with policymakers expected to focus on shoring up faltering growth. The rubber-stamp parliament starting Saturday in Beijing gathers some 3,000 members of the National People's Congress (NPC) for highly choreographed meetings over bills, budgets and personnel changes. The ruling Communist Party uses the opportunity to tout its achievements while also setting the country's economic blueprint and GDP target for the year ahead. Also read | A day in the life of China’s persecuted Uighur community Much of the NPC's agenda is unknown until during -- or even after -- the multi-day meeting, with many sessions taking place behind closed doors. But this year, concerns are bound to centre on the country's sluggish economic growth, partly down to a crunch in the crucial property sector -- which makes up as much as a quarter of national output. Stringent "zero-Covid" measures including harsh lockdowns and closed borders have also been a major blow to manufacturing hubs, tourist centres and port cities. Meanwhile, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has raised the prospect of spiking food and oil prices, with fears over supplies of crucial commodities from the region being affected. Commerce Minister Wang Wentao admitted to journalists this week that China's economy faces "huge" pressure this year. Also read | How will the Russia-Ukraine conflict impact China's economic interests in Ukraine? GDP and stability Beijing traditionally announces its new economic growth target at Premier Li Keqiang's annual "state of the nation" speech at the NPC, followed by his rare -- but heavily stage-managed -- press conference. China's GDP growth slowed sharply in the final months of 2021 despite an earlier pandemic bounceback, as it grappled with tepid domestic demand and a property downturn. The country's communist leaders have long based their legitimacy on the argument that their model of government represents economic growth and continuity for China's massive population. But as much of the rest of the world now reopens, China is increasingly out of step, as continued COVID-19 restrictions weigh on consumer confidence. Maintaining stability will be crucial as the Communist Party gears up for a pivotal meeting this fall -- the 20th party congress -- that is expected to easily secure President Xi Jinping a third term. In 2020, there was no GDP target set at all, and last year Li announced a modest goal of "above six percent". Also read | China suggests this is the 'most important thing' that can end conflict between Russia and Ukraine Amid the unpredictability, analysts expect Beijing to announce a similarly open and attainable target this year. "We expect the growth target to be set at 'above five percent'," UOB economist Ho Woei Chen said in a recent report, adding that pace would match the past two years' average of 5.1 per cent. Iris Pang, ING's chief economist for Greater China, expected the range could be higher after the country easily exceeded last year's target. Watch | Report: China asked Russia to delay the attack on Ukraine till Olympics were over And infrastructure would probably form a key part of the government's support for the economy, predicted ANZ Research senior China strategist Zhaopeng Xing. He expected "double-digit growth in infrastructure investment" in the first quarter, on top of tax cuts and the central bank's earlier interest rate cuts.

Sluggish economic growth to overshadow upcoming Chinese Congress session

The miracle of modern China was built on global connections, a belief that sending young people, companies and future leaders to soak up the outside world was the route from impoverishment to power. Now, emboldened by its transformation, the country is shunning the influences and ideas that nourished its rise.

The country’s most dominant leader in decades, Xi Jinping, seems intent on redefining China’s relationship with the world, recasting the meeting of minds and cultures as a zero-sum clash.

Education officials are imposing restrictions on English education and requiring that scholars ask permission to attend even virtual international conferences. Regulators have punished Chinese companies for raising money overseas. Xi has exhorted artists to embrace “cultural confidence” by promoting traditional Chinese literature and art, and has warned against imitating Hollywood.

And the government, citing the coronavirus pandemic, is no longer freely issuing most passports, the physical symbol of an interconnected world. Borders are almost entirely shut.

“There’s no more integration and exchange between different cultures,” said Zhang Jincan, the owner of Dusk Dawn Club, a live-music venue in Beijing.

Before the pandemic, the club was a fixture of the city’s curious, plugged-in music scene. Locals crammed in to hear visiting Polish jazz quintets or Argentine percussionists. Expatriates could discover up-and-coming Chinese punk bands. Performances were often organized with foreign cultural organizations.

Now Zhang worries that the very essence of his club is disappearing. “You get a kind of aesthetic fatigue,” he said.

(END OPTIONAL TRIM.)

There is little chance of returning to the isolationism of former Communist Chairman Mao Zedong's era, when the nation was sealed off from the world financially as well as culturally. The pandemic has made clear how much the global economy relies upon China and how much China has benefited. Xi said he has no intention of decoupling from other economies.

“Countries around the world should uphold true multilateralism,” he told the World Economic Forum last month. “We should remove barriers, not erect walls.”

But if the government values the economic benefits of globalization, the same does not seem true of less tangible ones: artistic, intellectual, interpersonal. Those ties — which made China not just a fixture of the world economy, but a member of the global community — are being scrutinized, restricted or rejected.

Anything seen as — or, increasingly, tarred as — foreign is vulnerable to attack by vitriolic online nationalists. Celebrities promoting vegetarianism have been accused of peddling Western lifestyles.

Even this month’s Winter Olympics in Beijing, by definition one of the most globally minded events in the world, was conducted on China’s terms: without foreign spectators and in defiance of diplomatic boycotts by countries including the United States.

It was sports that once smoothed the way for diplomatic entreaties.

After the Communists took power in 1949, the first Americans to officially enter China, decades later, were nine table tennis players. The countries’ teams met in 1971 at the World Table Tennis Championship in Japan, and the Chinese government invited the Americans for a weeklong visit in which they toured the Great Wall, watched a dance troupe and played matches. A year after the “Ping-Pong diplomacy,” President Richard Nixon made his historic visit to China, the opening salvo for the two countries to reestablish diplomatic ties.

In the decades that followed, China’s deepening global connections signaled its expanding ambitions.

More than 6.5 million Chinese studied abroad between 1978 and 2019, with the number rising each year. Chinese tech companies listed on Wall Street, their innovations copied by Silicon Valley. Schoolteachers used songs by Western boy bands to teach English, seen as vital for economic opportunities.

The outside world was hungry to know more about China, too. Between 2002 and 2018, the number of international students in China grew nearly sixfold. The 2008 Beijing Olympics helped the country pitch itself as a global tourist destination.

Wariness lingered. Deng Xiaoping, the leader who spearheaded the economic opening, memorably warned that an open window brings both fresh air and flies. But in those heady early days, many believed that China was hurtling irreversibly toward openness.

Xi proved them wrong. Since he took over in 2012, the Chinese Communist Party has restricted foreign nongovernmental organizations, accusing some of conspiring against the country. It has banned overseas textbooks, emphasizing that only it can guide China to greatness. Increasing hostility from the United States also prodded Chinese leaders into a more defensive posture.

The coronavirus crystallized those tendencies. Bent on stamping out infections, China canceled virtually all international flights. State media fixated on the West’s death toll.

To limit imported cases, officials said they would not issue or renew passports, except for emergencies, work or study abroad. The number of passports issued in the first half of 2021 was 2% of the same period in 2019.

Sarah Duan, 16, applied for a passport in December after being admitted to a private high school in Seattle. Immigration officials in her home of Shanxi province told her that minors were not allowed to leave the country, she said.

Duan called the national immigration administration, which said no such policy existed.

Still, local officers rebuffed her, arguing that the pandemic overseas was too dangerous or pointing to China’s fraught relationship with the United States.

“I wanted to say, 'What do U.S.-China tensions have to do with me?'” said Duan, who finally secured a passport last month. Shanxi immigration officials did not return a faxed request for comment.

Despite his rhetorical commitments, Xi is narrowing the scope of economic engagement, calling for reduced reliance on exports and keeping Chinese companies closer to home. After Didi Chuxing went public in New York last year without regulators’ blessing, the Chinese government announced an investigation into the ride-hailing company. Within months, Didi delisted.

And though China wants foreign money, it is driving away the people who accompany it. The number of foreigners living in Beijing and Shanghai has dropped by nearly one-third in the past decade, according to European business groups.

Even after China opens its borders, some fear the deteriorating climate will keep foreigners from coming.

Before the pandemic, Sarah Keenlyside, who has lived in Beijing for 16 years, organized tours for Western executives visiting on business. First-timers sometimes came nervously, with concerns and misconceptions about government surveillance. But they left impressed by the high-speed trains and safe cities. Some returned for family vacations.

“It’s sort of a vicious cycle,” Keenlyside said. “If people don’t come, then they don’t get to see it for themselves.”

Stereotypes are likely to harden in the other direction as China imposes new curbs on outside influences.

Last summer, education officials barred online tutoring firms from hiring teachers based overseas, cutting off a popular source of English lessons and cultural exchange. In December, regulators ordered television credits to specify whether any actors or crew had foreign citizenship.

Those decisions were couched as part of broader moves to ease students’ workloads or tame China’s unruly celebrity culture. But officials at times have been more explicit about the insidious effects of foreign ideas. Xi has denounced blind worship of Western cultural products and demanded confidence in traditional culture, which he calls a “major issue related to the rise and fall of national fortunes.”

The art world has raced to comply in ways that concern Jiang Bing, a contemporary art curator.

Jiang helped organize this year’s Chengdu Biennale, which features hundreds of works from China and abroad. She said many artists still want to engage with their international counterparts. But she had seen others reaching for obvious symbols of Chinese heritage, such as Ming dynasty clothing, rather than searching for more nuanced or novel ways to express cultural pride.

“If there’s no corresponding process of thinking, questioning and criticism, that can’t be real cultural confidence,” she said.

Some say the emphasis on the homegrown is a natural result of China’s rising status. While American films once often sat atop the Chinese box office, domestic ones now dominate. Local fashion designers, long dismissed as second-rate, command higher prices.

Sun Lei, 24, moved to Britain last fall for a master’s degree, having long aspired to study and work abroad. But the country’s lax virus management gave him a deeper appreciation for China’s ability to carry out policies without the friction seen in Western democracies.

“The reality is that China’s development and entire economic situation are trending upward,” said Sun, who intends to return home after graduation. “That’s beneficial for my personal development.”

Still, he plans to use a virtual private network to access blocked overseas websites after moving back. China’s growing middle class, increasingly well traveled and fluent in global pop culture, is unlikely to accept a wholesale retreat from the outside world.

Even some unexpected voices have defended cultural engagement.

“Technology has guaranteed that cultural distance is impossible,” said Wang Xiaodong, a self-described nationalist blogger with more than 6 million social media followers. Wang avidly follows American television shows, including "Game of Thrones" and "Westworld."

But the government is tightening controls over VPNs. Those who criticize China’s increasing insularity are often censored or drowned out by nationalist voices. Wang has himself been attacked online for saying that China needs global engagement.

The virtual vitriol has real-world consequences. Last fall, officials in the northeastern city of Dalian shuttered a Japan-themed shopping complex within two weeks of opening, after online commenters denounced it as a form of cultural invasion.

In the long term, the hostility could imperil the very rise that nationalists are eager to promote.

As the pandemic forced academic exchanges to move online, Chinese universities ordered scholars attending virtual conferences organized abroad to submit the agendas for advance approval. The state-run Chinese Academy of Sciences requires foreign scholars giving online guest lectures to share their passport details.

Last year, a government adviser formally warned China’s legislature that the restrictions could harm foreign policy. “Excessive management will affect experts’ analysis of international issues and the quality of their advice,” wrote the adviser, Jia Qingguo, who is also a Peking University professor.

Reached by email, Jia agreed to an interview. But he said regulations required university approval first, which never came.

The miracle of modern China was built on global connections, a belief that sending young people, companies and future leaders to soak up the outside world was the route from impoverishment to power.

The miracle of modern China was built on global connections, a belief that sending young people, companies and future leaders to soak up the outside world was the route from impoverishment to power. Now, emboldened by its transformation, the country is shunning the influences and ideas that nourished its rise. The country’s most dominant leader in decades, Xi Jinping, seems intent on redefining China’s relationship with the world, recasting the meeting of minds and cultures as a zero-sum clash. Education officials are imposing restrictions on English education and requiring that scholars ask permission to attend even virtual international conferences. Regulators have punished Chinese companies for raising money overseas. Xi has exhorted artists to embrace “cultural confidence” by promoting traditional Chinese literature and art, and has warned against imitating Hollywood. And the government, citing the coronavirus pandemic, is no longer freely issuing most passports, the physical symbol of an interconnected world. Borders are almost entirely shut. “There’s no more integration and exchange between different cultures,” said Zhang Jincan, the owner of Dusk Dawn Club, a live-music venue in Beijing. Before the pandemic, the club was a fixture of the city’s curious, plugged-in music scene. Locals crammed in to hear visiting Polish jazz quintets or Argentine percussionists. Expatriates could discover up-and-coming Chinese punk bands. Performances were often organized with foreign cultural organizations. Now Zhang worries that the very essence of his club is disappearing. “You get a kind of aesthetic fatigue,” he said. (END OPTIONAL TRIM.) There is little chance of returning to the isolationism of former Communist Chairman Mao Zedong's era, when the nation was sealed off from the world financially as well as culturally. The pandemic has made clear how much the global economy relies upon China and how much China has benefited. Xi said he has no intention of decoupling from other economies. “Countries around the world should uphold true multilateralism,” he told the World Economic Forum last month. “We should remove barriers, not erect walls.” But if the government values the economic benefits of globalization, the same does not seem true of less tangible ones: artistic, intellectual, interpersonal. Those ties — which made China not just a fixture of the world economy, but a member of the global community — are being scrutinized, restricted or rejected. Anything seen as — or, increasingly, tarred as — foreign is vulnerable to attack by vitriolic online nationalists. Celebrities promoting vegetarianism have been accused of peddling Western lifestyles. Even this month’s Winter Olympics in Beijing, by definition one of the most globally minded events in the world, was conducted on China’s terms: without foreign spectators and in defiance of diplomatic boycotts by countries including the United States. It was sports that once smoothed the way for diplomatic entreaties. After the Communists took power in 1949, the first Americans to officially enter China, decades later, were nine table tennis players. The countries’ teams met in 1971 at the World Table Tennis Championship in Japan, and the Chinese government invited the Americans for a weeklong visit in which they toured the Great Wall, watched a dance troupe and played matches. A year after the “Ping-Pong diplomacy,” President Richard Nixon made his historic visit to China, the opening salvo for the two countries to reestablish diplomatic ties. In the decades that followed, China’s deepening global connections signaled its expanding ambitions. More than 6.5 million Chinese studied abroad between 1978 and 2019, with the number rising each year. Chinese tech companies listed on Wall Street, their innovations copied by Silicon Valley. Schoolteachers used songs by Western boy bands to teach English, seen as vital for economic opportunities. The outside world was hungry to know more about China, too. Between 2002 and 2018, the number of international students in China grew nearly sixfold. The 2008 Beijing Olympics helped the country pitch itself as a global tourist destination. Wariness lingered. Deng Xiaoping, the leader who spearheaded the economic opening, memorably warned that an open window brings both fresh air and flies. But in those heady early days, many believed that China was hurtling irreversibly toward openness. Xi proved them wrong. Since he took over in 2012, the Chinese Communist Party has restricted foreign nongovernmental organizations, accusing some of conspiring against the country. It has banned overseas textbooks, emphasizing that only it can guide China to greatness. Increasing hostility from the United States also prodded Chinese leaders into a more defensive posture. The coronavirus crystallized those tendencies. Bent on stamping out infections, China canceled virtually all international flights. State media fixated on the West’s death toll. To limit imported cases, officials said they would not issue or renew passports, except for emergencies, work or study abroad. The number of passports issued in the first half of 2021 was 2% of the same period in 2019. Sarah Duan, 16, applied for a passport in December after being admitted to a private high school in Seattle. Immigration officials in her home of Shanxi province told her that minors were not allowed to leave the country, she said. Duan called the national immigration administration, which said no such policy existed. Still, local officers rebuffed her, arguing that the pandemic overseas was too dangerous or pointing to China’s fraught relationship with the United States. “I wanted to say, 'What do U.S.-China tensions have to do with me?'” said Duan, who finally secured a passport last month. Shanxi immigration officials did not return a faxed request for comment. Despite his rhetorical commitments, Xi is narrowing the scope of economic engagement, calling for reduced reliance on exports and keeping Chinese companies closer to home. After Didi Chuxing went public in New York last year without regulators’ blessing, the Chinese government announced an investigation into the ride-hailing company. Within months, Didi delisted. And though China wants foreign money, it is driving away the people who accompany it. The number of foreigners living in Beijing and Shanghai has dropped by nearly one-third in the past decade, according to European business groups. Even after China opens its borders, some fear the deteriorating climate will keep foreigners from coming. Before the pandemic, Sarah Keenlyside, who has lived in Beijing for 16 years, organized tours for Western executives visiting on business. First-timers sometimes came nervously, with concerns and misconceptions about government surveillance. But they left impressed by the high-speed trains and safe cities. Some returned for family vacations. “It’s sort of a vicious cycle,” Keenlyside said. “If people don’t come, then they don’t get to see it for themselves.” Stereotypes are likely to harden in the other direction as China imposes new curbs on outside influences. Last summer, education officials barred online tutoring firms from hiring teachers based overseas, cutting off a popular source of English lessons and cultural exchange. In December, regulators ordered television credits to specify whether any actors or crew had foreign citizenship. Those decisions were couched as part of broader moves to ease students’ workloads or tame China’s unruly celebrity culture. But officials at times have been more explicit about the insidious effects of foreign ideas. Xi has denounced blind worship of Western cultural products and demanded confidence in traditional culture, which he calls a “major issue related to the rise and fall of national fortunes.” The art world has raced to comply in ways that concern Jiang Bing, a contemporary art curator. Jiang helped organize this year’s Chengdu Biennale, which features hundreds of works from China and abroad. She said many artists still want to engage with their international counterparts. But she had seen others reaching for obvious symbols of Chinese heritage, such as Ming dynasty clothing, rather than searching for more nuanced or novel ways to express cultural pride. “If there’s no corresponding process of thinking, questioning and criticism, that can’t be real cultural confidence,” she said. Some say the emphasis on the homegrown is a natural result of China’s rising status. While American films once often sat atop the Chinese box office, domestic ones now dominate. Local fashion designers, long dismissed as second-rate, command higher prices. Sun Lei, 24, moved to Britain last fall for a master’s degree, having long aspired to study and work abroad. But the country’s lax virus management gave him a deeper appreciation for China’s ability to carry out policies without the friction seen in Western democracies. “The reality is that China’s development and entire economic situation are trending upward,” said Sun, who intends to return home after graduation. “That’s beneficial for my personal development.” Still, he plans to use a virtual private network to access blocked overseas websites after moving back. China’s growing middle class, increasingly well traveled and fluent in global pop culture, is unlikely to accept a wholesale retreat from the outside world. Even some unexpected voices have defended cultural engagement. “Technology has guaranteed that cultural distance is impossible,” said Wang Xiaodong, a self-described nationalist blogger with more than 6 million social media followers. Wang avidly follows American television shows, including "Game of Thrones" and "Westworld." But the government is tightening controls over VPNs. Those who criticize China’s increasing insularity are often censored or drowned out by nationalist voices. Wang has himself been attacked online for saying that China needs global engagement. The virtual vitriol has real-world consequences. Last fall, officials in the northeastern city of Dalian shuttered a Japan-themed shopping complex within two weeks of opening, after online commenters denounced it as a form of cultural invasion. In the long term, the hostility could imperil the very rise that nationalists are eager to promote. As the pandemic forced academic exchanges to move online, Chinese universities ordered scholars attending virtual conferences organized abroad to submit the agendas for advance approval. The state-run Chinese Academy of Sciences requires foreign scholars giving online guest lectures to share their passport details. Last year, a government adviser formally warned China’s legislature that the restrictions could harm foreign policy. “Excessive management will affect experts’ analysis of international issues and the quality of their advice,” wrote the adviser, Jia Qingguo, who is also a Peking University professor. Reached by email, Jia agreed to an interview. But he said regulations required university approval first, which never came.

How China under Xi Jinping is turning away from the world

Popular Chinese messaging app WeChat blocked the account of Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison amid diplomatic tensions between the two nations.

Morrison's office lost access to the account on the platform, owned by Chinese tech giant Tencent Holdings Ltd and claimed the move represented censorship.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-make-internet-giants-take-permission-before-raising-funds-investing-446014" hreflang="en">China to make internet giants take permission before raising funds, investing</a>

“My view is given that WeChat is such a closely controlled company by the Chinese Communist Party, that this amounts to foreign interference in our democracy and in an election year no less,” said Senator James Paterson, chair of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security.

“What the Chinese government has done by shutting down an Australian account is foreign interference of Australian democracy in an election year,” Paterson said.

"Based on our information, this appears to be a dispute over account ownership,&nbsp;the account in question was originally registered by a PRC individual and was subsequently transferred to its current operator, a technology services company," a Tencent spokesman said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-eye-on-china-australia-spends-35-billion-to-purchase-120-tanks-from-us-443994">Also read |&nbsp;With eye on China, Australia spends $3.5 billion to purchase 120 tanks from US</a>

In Beijing, China's foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a regular press conference on Monday that, "The issue of Australian politicians' WeChat accounts is between them and WeChat."

Morrison's account on the Chinese social media app, which was launched in February 2019, appears to have been replaced with one titled "Australian Chinese new life."

Its new Chinese owner, Fuzhou 985 Technology, said it wanted to buy an account with a large fanbase in Australia and was unaware it belonged to Morrison.&nbsp;The company is based in Fujian province.

The account, which bore Morrison's photograph and posted information on his policies in Mandarin targeted at Australian voters of Chinese ethnic origin, had 76,000 followers.

Morrison has had a vexed relationship with China since he replaced Malcolm Turnbull as prime minister in 2018.

The Chinese have been critical of a new partnership involving Australia, Britain and the United States announced in September under which Australia will be provided with nuclear-powered submarines.

(With inputs from agencies)

Popular Chinese messaging app WeChat blocked the account of Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison amid diplomatic tensions between the two nations. Morrison's office lost access to the account on the platform, owned by Chinese tech giant Tencent Holdings Ltd and claimed the move represented censorship.

Popular Chinese messaging app WeChat blocked the account of Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison amid diplomatic tensions between the two nations. Morrison's office lost access to the account on the platform, owned by Chinese tech giant Tencent Holdings Ltd and claimed the move represented censorship. Also read | China to make internet giants take permission before raising funds, investing “My view is given that WeChat is such a closely controlled company by the Chinese Communist Party, that this amounts to foreign interference in our democracy and in an election year no less,” said Senator James Paterson, chair of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security. “What the Chinese government has done by shutting down an Australian account is foreign interference of Australian democracy in an election year,” Paterson said. "Based on our information, this appears to be a dispute over account ownership, the account in question was originally registered by a PRC individual and was subsequently transferred to its current operator, a technology services company," a Tencent spokesman said. Also read | With eye on China, Australia spends $3.5 billion to purchase 120 tanks from US In Beijing, China's foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a regular press conference on Monday that, "The issue of Australian politicians' WeChat accounts is between them and WeChat." Morrison's account on the Chinese social media app, which was launched in February 2019, appears to have been replaced with one titled "Australian Chinese new life." Its new Chinese owner, Fuzhou 985 Technology, said it wanted to buy an account with a large fanbase in Australia and was unaware it belonged to Morrison. The company is based in Fujian province. The account, which bore Morrison's photograph and posted information on his policies in Mandarin targeted at Australian voters of Chinese ethnic origin, had 76,000 followers. Morrison has had a vexed relationship with China since he replaced Malcolm Turnbull as prime minister in 2018. The Chinese have been critical of a new partnership involving Australia, Britain and the United States announced in September under which Australia will be provided with nuclear-powered submarines. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese tech giant Tencent's WeChat blocks account of Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday called for a shift of focus in on key areas in an essay in the ruling Communist Party's publication Qiushi.

He wants the country to concentrate on integrated circuits, displays, communications equipment and intelligent hardware.

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"China should cultivate a number of enterprises with international competitiveness, and leading ecological firms with control over industrial chains, to create world-class digital industry clusters," he said.

"We must see that compared with large and powerful countries in the global digital economy, China's digital economy is big but not strong, and fast but not superior."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-education-to-bitcoin-chinas-season-of-regulatory-crackdown-401448">Also see |&nbsp;From education to bitcoin, China's season of regulatory crackdown</a>

"In the course of rapid development, China's digital economy has also displayed some unhealthy and irregular seeds and trends that not only affect the healthy development of the digital economy, but violate laws and regulations and pose a threat to national economic and financial security," he said.

Aiming to increase the sector's share of national GDP by pushing technologies like 6G and big data centres, China's cabinet had issued a plan on Wednesday for the development of the digital economy.

Chinese regulators have cracked down on technology companies, seeking to curb their influence and address complaints that some companies misuse data and engage in other tactics that hurt consumers’ interests.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-longer-be-accessible-yahoo-pulls-out-of-china-amid-tech-crackdown-426154">Also read |&nbsp;'No longer be accessible': Yahoo pulls out of China amid tech crackdown</a>

Foreign technology firms have been pulling out or downsizing their operations in mainland China as a strict data privacy law specifying how companies collect and store data takes effect.

The downsizing and departures also come as US and China tussle over technology and trade. Washington has imposed restrictions on telecoms equipment giant Huawei and other Chinese tech companies, alleging they have ties with China’s military and government.

Chinese alternatives have popped up over the years to fill the void left by foreign social media platforms that have given up operating under the Great Firewall.

Instead of Google, China’s most popular search engine is Baidu. Messaging apps like WeChat are used instead of WhatsApp or Messenger. Weibo, a microblogging platform, is the closest equivalent to Twitter, with more than 560 million Chinese users.

Unless they use a virtual private network (VPN) to mask their internet traffic and location and circumvent the web restrictions Chinese have fewer options for social networking and access to content and are likely to turn to strictly censored local alternatives.

 
(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday called for a shift of focus in on key areas in an essay in the ruling Communist Party's publication Qiushi. He wants the country to concentrate on integrated circuits, displays, communications equipment and intelligent hardware.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday called for a shift of focus in on key areas in an essay in the ruling Communist Party's publication Qiushi. He wants the country to concentrate on integrated circuits, displays, communications equipment and intelligent hardware. "China should cultivate a number of enterprises with international competitiveness, and leading ecological firms with control over industrial chains, to create world-class digital industry clusters," he said. "We must see that compared with large and powerful countries in the global digital economy, China's digital economy is big but not strong, and fast but not superior." Also see | From education to bitcoin, China's season of regulatory crackdown "In the course of rapid development, China's digital economy has also displayed some unhealthy and irregular seeds and trends that not only affect the healthy development of the digital economy, but violate laws and regulations and pose a threat to national economic and financial security," he said. Aiming to increase the sector's share of national GDP by pushing technologies like 6G and big data centres, China's cabinet had issued a plan on Wednesday for the development of the digital economy. Chinese regulators have cracked down on technology companies, seeking to curb their influence and address complaints that some companies misuse data and engage in other tactics that hurt consumers’ interests. Also read | 'No longer be accessible': Yahoo pulls out of China amid tech crackdown Foreign technology firms have been pulling out or downsizing their operations in mainland China as a strict data privacy law specifying how companies collect and store data takes effect. The downsizing and departures also come as US and China tussle over technology and trade. Washington has imposed restrictions on telecoms equipment giant Huawei and other Chinese tech companies, alleging they have ties with China’s military and government. Chinese alternatives have popped up over the years to fill the void left by foreign social media platforms that have given up operating under the Great Firewall. Instead of Google, China’s most popular search engine is Baidu. Messaging apps like WeChat are used instead of WhatsApp or Messenger. Weibo, a microblogging platform, is the closest equivalent to Twitter, with more than 560 million Chinese users. Unless they use a virtual private network (VPN) to mask their internet traffic and location and circumvent the web restrictions Chinese have fewer options for social networking and access to content and are likely to turn to strictly censored local alternatives. (With inputs from agencies)

From integrated circuits to intelligent hardware: Xi Jinping calls for shift in China's focus

Former paramilitary chief of the Xinjiang Peng Jingtang will lead Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in Hong Kong.

Citing PLA's spokesman, state broadcaster CCTV reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping has signed the order of Peng's appointment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-hong-kong-begins-voting-on-chinas-blueprint-locals-skip-undemocratic-process-438096">Also read |&nbsp;As Hong Kong begins voting on China's blueprint, locals skip 'undemocratic' process</a>

Peng has vowed to resolutely defend national sovereignty and security interests, follow the command of the ruling Communist Party and Xi Jinping.

Peng will replace Chen Daoxiang, who is reaching the age of retirement. PLA soldiers have become more visible in Hong Kong under Chen's leadership. They cleared debris following a clash between demonstrators and police during the 2019 protests.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-court-grants-bail-to-activist-charged-under-security-law-media-393112">Also read |&nbsp;Hong Kong court grants bail to activist charged under security law: Media</a>

Peng was previously the deputy chief of staff of China's paramilitary police force, the People's Armed Police.&nbsp;

He had also served as the chief of staff of the Armed Police Force in Xinjiang. Currently, he holds the rank of major general.

China has been accused by Washington of genocide in Xinjiang, a far-western region where human rights campaigners say authorities have detained vast numbers of Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in camps and are stamping out their culture.

After passing the Hong Kong national security law, Beijing has been trying to remould the business hub in its own authoritarian image.

The PLA maintains a garrison in Hong Kong, but its activities are largely low-profile.

Under the city's mini-constitution, Hong Kong has its own police force but China has maintained military barracks there since the 1997 handover when colonial Britain's own forces left. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Former paramilitary chief of the Xinjiang Peng Jingtang will lead Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in Hong Kong. Citing PLA's spokesman, state broadcaster CCTV reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping has signed the order of Peng's appointment.

Former paramilitary chief of the Xinjiang Peng Jingtang will lead Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in Hong Kong. Citing PLA's spokesman, state broadcaster CCTV reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping has signed the order of Peng's appointment. Also read | As Hong Kong begins voting on China's blueprint, locals skip 'undemocratic' process Peng has vowed to resolutely defend national sovereignty and security interests, follow the command of the ruling Communist Party and Xi Jinping. Peng will replace Chen Daoxiang, who is reaching the age of retirement. PLA soldiers have become more visible in Hong Kong under Chen's leadership. They cleared debris following a clash between demonstrators and police during the 2019 protests. Also read | Hong Kong court grants bail to activist charged under security law: Media Peng was previously the deputy chief of staff of China's paramilitary police force, the People's Armed Police. He had also served as the chief of staff of the Armed Police Force in Xinjiang. Currently, he holds the rank of major general. China has been accused by Washington of genocide in Xinjiang, a far-western region where human rights campaigners say authorities have detained vast numbers of Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in camps and are stamping out their culture. After passing the Hong Kong national security law, Beijing has been trying to remould the business hub in its own authoritarian image. The PLA maintains a garrison in Hong Kong, but its activities are largely low-profile. Under the city's mini-constitution, Hong Kong has its own police force but China has maintained military barracks there since the 1997 handover when colonial Britain's own forces left. (With inputs from agencies)

Former Xinjiang paramilitary chief to lead Chinese People’s Liberation Army in Hong Kong

Wang Bin, who is the chairman of China's biggest insurer is being probed by Communist Party's anti-corruption commission.

The China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said in a statement, “Wang suspected of serious violations of discipline and law, and is currently undergoing disciplinary review and investigation.”

Wang chairs China Life Insurance, which is listed in Shanghai, Hong Kong, and New York.

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Highlighting its support to Beijing’s actions to cleanse the country’s political and financial systems, China Life Insurance Co. Ltd. said will cooperate with investigations.

As per state-owned Securities Times, Wang is the first high-level official in China’s finance sector embroiled in an anti-corruption campaign this year.

It comes with Chinese property giant Evergrande Group reeling under more than $300 billion in liabilities and becoming the world's most indebted developer. This includes nearly $20 billion of offshore bonds deemed in cross-default by ratings agencies last month after it missed payments.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-year-china-went-rogue-on-itself-will-crackdowns-hamper-economic-growth-439871" hreflang="en">The year China went rogue on itself: Will crackdowns hamper economic growth?</a>

More than a million officials have been punished in recent years in a wide-ranging anti-corruption campaign launched under President Xi Jinping.

As Chinese authorities step up scrutiny over the nation’s $54 trillion financial system, Beijing’s anti-graft crackdown has taken down more than 20 financial officials so far.

Last year China executed Lai Xiaomin, the former chairman of Huarong, one of China's largest state-controlled asset management firms, who was accused of taking $260 million worth of bribes.

In September Yuan Renguo, the former head of Keichow Moutai, the world's most valuable spirits company, was jailed for life for taking more than $17 million in bribes.

In 2020, the former head of China's insurance regulator was sentenced to 11 years in prison, also on charges of taking bribes.

(With inputs from agencies)

Wang Bin, who is the chairman of China's biggest insurer is being probed by Communist Party's anti-corruption commission. The China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said in a statement, “Wang suspected of serious violations of discipline and law, and is currently undergoing disciplinary review and investigation.

Wang Bin, who is the chairman of China's biggest insurer is being probed by Communist Party's anti-corruption commission. The China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said in a statement, “Wang suspected of serious violations of discipline and law, and is currently undergoing disciplinary review and investigation.” Wang chairs China Life Insurance, which is listed in Shanghai, Hong Kong, and New York. Highlighting its support to Beijing’s actions to cleanse the country’s political and financial systems, China Life Insurance Co. Ltd. said will cooperate with investigations. As per state-owned Securities Times, Wang is the first high-level official in China’s finance sector embroiled in an anti-corruption campaign this year. It comes with Chinese property giant Evergrande Group reeling under more than $300 billion in liabilities and becoming the world's most indebted developer. This includes nearly $20 billion of offshore bonds deemed in cross-default by ratings agencies last month after it missed payments. Also read | The year China went rogue on itself: Will crackdowns hamper economic growth? More than a million officials have been punished in recent years in a wide-ranging anti-corruption campaign launched under President Xi Jinping. As Chinese authorities step up scrutiny over the nation’s $54 trillion financial system, Beijing’s anti-graft crackdown has taken down more than 20 financial officials so far. Last year China executed Lai Xiaomin, the former chairman of Huarong, one of China's largest state-controlled asset management firms, who was accused of taking $260 million worth of bribes. In September Yuan Renguo, the former head of Keichow Moutai, the world's most valuable spirits company, was jailed for life for taking more than $17 million in bribes. In 2020, the former head of China's insurance regulator was sentenced to 11 years in prison, also on charges of taking bribes. (With inputs from agencies)

Chairman of China's biggest insurer being probed by Communist Party's anti-corruption commission

CEO Jamie Dimon believes that JP Morgan to outlast China's Communist Party.

During the company's anniversary party, he said ''The Communist Party is celebrating its 100th year. So is JPMorgan.''

''And I'll make a bet we last longer. I can't say that in China,'' he said with a chuckle.

''They probably are listening anyway,'' said Dimon in a rare display of candour.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jp-morgan-sues-tesla-ceo-elon-musk-for-his-flagrantly-ignorant-tweets-430032">Also read |&nbsp;JP Morgan sues Tesla CEO Elon Musk for his 'flagrantly' ignorant tweets</a>

It comes after the investing giant accused Elon Musk's electric car company of "flagrantly" breaching a contract the two corporate giants agreed in 2014 relating to warrants Tesla sold to the bank.

It is unusual for a major Wall Street bank to sue such a high-profile client, although&nbsp;JPMorgan&nbsp;has done relatively little business with the electric carmaker over the past seven years.

Dimon had earlier visited Hong after getting special permission from the government&nbsp;to skip a three-week Covid quarantine imposed on most other visitors.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-bank-jpmorgan-says-its-financing-football-super-league-378592">Also read |&nbsp;US bank JPMorgan says it's financing football Super League</a>

He has admitted to the lack of freedom of which in China. Comparing the country with the United States he said "we have the gifts of our founding fathers: freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of enterprise, freedom of human capital, immigration."

JPMorgan has been operating in China since 1921, the same year the Communist Party was founded there.

(With inputs from agencies)

CEO Jamie Dimon believes that JP Morgan to outlast China's Communist Party. During the company's anniversary party, he said ''The Communist Party is celebrating its 100th year.

CEO Jamie Dimon believes that JP Morgan to outlast China's Communist Party. During the company's anniversary party, he said ''The Communist Party is celebrating its 100th year. So is JPMorgan.'' ''And I'll make a bet we last longer. I can't say that in China,'' he said with a chuckle. ''They probably are listening anyway,'' said Dimon in a rare display of candour. Also read | JP Morgan sues Tesla CEO Elon Musk for his 'flagrantly' ignorant tweets It comes after the investing giant accused Elon Musk's electric car company of "flagrantly" breaching a contract the two corporate giants agreed in 2014 relating to warrants Tesla sold to the bank. It is unusual for a major Wall Street bank to sue such a high-profile client, although JPMorgan has done relatively little business with the electric carmaker over the past seven years. Dimon had earlier visited Hong after getting special permission from the government to skip a three-week Covid quarantine imposed on most other visitors. Also read | US bank JPMorgan says it's financing football Super League He has admitted to the lack of freedom of which in China. Comparing the country with the United States he said "we have the gifts of our founding fathers: freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of enterprise, freedom of human capital, immigration." JPMorgan has been operating in China since 1921, the same year the Communist Party was founded there. (With inputs from agencies)

Jamie Dimon believes JP Morgan will outlast China's Communist Party

China’s ruling Communist Party has approved a resolution which has increased the President Xi Jinping’s status. This resolution was a conclusion of sixth plenary session of the party's 19th Central Committee.<o:p></o:p>

The resolution was passed after four-days long closed-door meetings of nearly 300 top leaders of the Central Committee. This has helped Xi Jinping achieve a status in the history of Chinese politics. He has now been put on the same pedestal as Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping — leaders who had such resolutions in 1945 and 1981 respectively.

<o:p>This decision was taken by nearly&nbsp;197 members and 151 alternate members of the Central Committee, with the Political Bureau of the Central Committee presiding over the meeting.</o:p>

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-beijing-wants-to-take-evergrande-apart-foreign-investors-are-losing-cash-428574">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-beijing-wants-to-take-evergrande-apart-foreign-investors-are-losing-cash-428574/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">Xi Jinping has been appreciated and labelled as the "main innovator" of the "Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era". The name is being hoped to be shortened to the "Xi Jinping Thought" by the authorities in the second half of 2022.</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">
He has also been appreciated with keeping in mind the&nbsp;Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the Theory of Three Represents, and the Scientific Outlook on Development. He has been appreciated for bringing out new and original ideas, strategies and thoughts on some of the pressing questions of today's world.
</div>

It was also stated that under XI Jinping's guidance, the country has achieved great historical initiative, tremendous political courage, and a powerful sense of mission. This comes in addition to introducing an array of major policies, principles, initiatives and overcoming several risks and challenges.

Xi Jinping has also been appreciated by the Party for completing things on agenda which had been there for long but had not been solved yet and for actually completing things that were being hoped but never being done.

Some experts also believe that this will help cement Xi Jinping’s third term as a party leader as the party members also believe that they need to "resolutely uphold Comrade Xi Jinping's core position" in the party.<o:p></o:p>

"Given the party's emphasis on discipline and loyalty, the consequences of not supporting the resolution for any party member would be disastrous," Yang Chaohui, a lecturer of political science at Peking University, told Reuters.<o:p></o:p>

"The Party Central Committee called on the entire party, the entire army and people of all ethnic groups to unite more closely around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, to fully implement Xi Jinping’s new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics," the document read.

However, some experts also worry that the Communist Party of China is following a 'cult-like' thought process with the new resolution revolving solely around Xi Jinping.

Xi is known to be one of the most famous leaders in the country since Mao&nbsp;Zedong, also known as Chairman Mao, who ruled the party till his death in 1976.

China’s ruling Communist Party has approved a resolution which has increased the President Xi Jinping’s status. This resolution was a conclusion of sixth plenary session of the party's 19th Central Committee.

China’s ruling Communist Party has approved a resolution which has increased the President Xi Jinping’s status. This resolution was a conclusion of sixth plenary session of the party's 19th Central Committee. The resolution was passed after four-days long closed-door meetings of nearly 300 top leaders of the Central Committee. This has helped Xi Jinping achieve a status in the history of Chinese politics. He has now been put on the same pedestal as Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping — leaders who had such resolutions in 1945 and 1981 respectively. This decision was taken by nearly 197 members and 151 alternate members of the Central Committee, with the Political Bureau of the Central Committee presiding over the meeting. WATCH | Xi Jinping has been appreciated and labelled as the "main innovator" of the "Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era". The name is being hoped to be shortened to the "Xi Jinping Thought" by the authorities in the second half of 2022. He has also been appreciated with keeping in mind the Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the Theory of Three Represents, and the Scientific Outlook on Development. He has been appreciated for bringing out new and original ideas, strategies and thoughts on some of the pressing questions of today's world. It was also stated that under XI Jinping's guidance, the country has achieved great historical initiative, tremendous political courage, and a powerful sense of mission. This comes in addition to introducing an array of major policies, principles, initiatives and overcoming several risks and challenges. Xi Jinping has also been appreciated by the Party for completing things on agenda which had been there for long but had not been solved yet and for actually completing things that were being hoped but never being done. Some experts also believe that this will help cement Xi Jinping’s third term as a party leader as the party members also believe that they need to "resolutely uphold Comrade Xi Jinping's core position" in the party. "Given the party's emphasis on discipline and loyalty, the consequences of not supporting the resolution for any party member would be disastrous," Yang Chaohui, a lecturer of political science at Peking University, told Reuters. "The Party Central Committee called on the entire party, the entire army and people of all ethnic groups to unite more closely around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, to fully implement Xi Jinping’s new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics," the document read. However, some experts also worry that the Communist Party of China is following a 'cult-like' thought process with the new resolution revolving solely around Xi Jinping. Xi is known to be one of the most famous leaders in the country since Mao Zedong, also known as Chairman Mao, who ruled the party till his death in 1976.

Xi Jinping's position cemented in history as China's Communist Party passes resolution

Meta Platforms has blocked '#saltbae,' a hashtag for celebrity chef Nusret Gokce's nickname after&nbsp;a video was posted online of Gokce feeding a gold-encrusted steak to a senior Vietnamese Communist Party official in London.

The video&nbsp;has sparked online anger in the Southeast Asian country, where the average person earns a few dollars a day.

To Lam, minister of public security,&nbsp;whose agency deals with the monitoring of dissent and surveillance of activists in the authoritarian state,&nbsp;was seen tucking into the hunk of meat at Nusr-Et Steakhouse in the wealthy area of Knightsbridge.

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Nusr-Et, named after Turkish chef Nusret Gokce, known to his nearly 40 million Instagram followers as Salt Bae,&nbsp;serves up steaks wrapped in edible 24-carat gold leaf, reportedly costing more than $1,000.

David Beckham, Leonardo DiCaprio, Naomi Campbell, and now the 64-year-old, Lam have been among the visitors to the steakhouse's branches across the world.

The clip of the Vietnamese politician, which was originally posted by the restaurant before being removed, had spread across Tiktok and Facebook in Vietnam.

He was in Britain during a visit by senior Vietnamese officials to the UN&nbsp;climate conference, COP26, in Glasgow.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/no-food-no-pictures-wedding-photographer-deletes-all-pictures-after-she-is-denied-breaks-417395">Also read |&nbsp;No food, no pictures: Wedding photographer deletes all pictures after she is denied breaks</a>

Many of those posting were angry about the decadence on display while the country struggles in the aftermath of a devastating wave of Covid-19 that has cost countless jobs and caused the heaviest contraction in Vietnam's GDP on record.

''We've unblocked this hashtag on Facebook and we're investigating why this happened," a spokesperson for Facebook operator Meta said.

It wasn't immediately clear why the tag had been blocked, and the spokesperson declined to comment on potential reasons.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-columnist-lands-in-soup-for-saying-indian-food-is-based-on-just-one-spice-408241">Also read |&nbsp;US columnist lands in soup for saying Indian food is based on just 'one spice'</a>

While it was blocked, a search for the hashtag generated a message saying community standards had been violated.

Vietnam routinely asks social media companies to censor content it deems to be "anti-state".

Last year, Vietnam threatened to shut down Facebook in the country if it did not remove more local political content from its platform.

To Lam is one of the most powerful officials in Vietnam, his ministry containing both Vietnam's police and the agencies tasked with suppressing dissent and investigating corruption.

He had been touted as a potential candidate for state president in January's leadership reshuffle and has in his capacity as security minister worked to arrest Vietnamese officials accused of corruption and overt displays of opulence.

(With inputs from agencies)

Meta Platforms has blocked '#saltbae,' a hashtag for celebrity chef Nusret Gokce's nickname after a video was posted online of Gokce feeding a gold-encrusted steak to a senior Vietnamese Communist Party official in London.

Meta Platforms has blocked '#saltbae,' a hashtag for celebrity chef Nusret Gokce's nickname after a video was posted online of Gokce feeding a gold-encrusted steak to a senior Vietnamese Communist Party official in London. The video has sparked online anger in the Southeast Asian country, where the average person earns a few dollars a day. To Lam, minister of public security, whose agency deals with the monitoring of dissent and surveillance of activists in the authoritarian state, was seen tucking into the hunk of meat at Nusr-Et Steakhouse in the wealthy area of Knightsbridge. Nusr-Et, named after Turkish chef Nusret Gokce, known to his nearly 40 million Instagram followers as Salt Bae, serves up steaks wrapped in edible 24-carat gold leaf, reportedly costing more than $1,000. David Beckham, Leonardo DiCaprio, Naomi Campbell, and now the 64-year-old, Lam have been among the visitors to the steakhouse's branches across the world. The clip of the Vietnamese politician, which was originally posted by the restaurant before being removed, had spread across Tiktok and Facebook in Vietnam. He was in Britain during a visit by senior Vietnamese officials to the UN climate conference, COP26, in Glasgow. Also read | No food, no pictures: Wedding photographer deletes all pictures after she is denied breaks Many of those posting were angry about the decadence on display while the country struggles in the aftermath of a devastating wave of Covid-19 that has cost countless jobs and caused the heaviest contraction in Vietnam's GDP on record. ''We've unblocked this hashtag on Facebook and we're investigating why this happened," a spokesperson for Facebook operator Meta said. It wasn't immediately clear why the tag had been blocked, and the spokesperson declined to comment on potential reasons. Also read | US columnist lands in soup for saying Indian food is based on just 'one spice' While it was blocked, a search for the hashtag generated a message saying community standards had been violated. Vietnam routinely asks social media companies to censor content it deems to be "anti-state". Last year, Vietnam threatened to shut down Facebook in the country if it did not remove more local political content from its platform. To Lam is one of the most powerful officials in Vietnam, his ministry containing both Vietnam's police and the agencies tasked with suppressing dissent and investigating corruption. He had been touted as a potential candidate for state president in January's leadership reshuffle and has in his capacity as security minister worked to arrest Vietnamese officials accused of corruption and overt displays of opulence. (With inputs from agencies)

Why did Meta block hashtag used for celebrity chef Nusret Gokce?

The key leaders of China's ruling Communist Party on Monday started a pivotal meeting expected to further firm President Xi Jinping's grip on power.

China's Communist Party leaders hold key meeting

China's Communist Party leaders hold key meeting to further tighten Xi Jinping's grip on power

Last week, Evergrande missed a payment deadline. Communist Party officials have been ordered to "look out for budding protests" & "monitor aggrieved home buyers". Palki Sharma tells you how China is trying to hide a financial crisis.

Gravitas US Edition: China's Communist Party orders a crackdown to "hide" a financial crisis

They say children should be taught all the essential basics from the primary level. While experts usually mean basic etiquettes and moral, China has interpreted this as teaching the basics of 'socialism'.<o:p></o:p>

As Chinese students returned to schools on Wednesday, they were introduced to new textbooks that have 'Xi Jinping thought'. The new textbooks are an attempt by the Communist party to shape the minds of small children in such a manner that local schools produce patriots.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/what-are-recommendation-algorithms-that-china-is-cracking-down-on-and-how-do-they-affect-internet-users-408781">What are recommendation algorithms that China is cracking down on, and how do they affect internet users?</a></o:p>

"Grandpa <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/xi-jinping?page=1">Xi Jinping</a> is very busy with work, but no matter how busy he is, he still joins our activities and cares about our growth," a textbook read.<o:p></o:p>

The government school teachers have been directed to "plant the seeds of loving the party, the country and socialism in young hearts,"&nbsp;a government notice about the new school curriculum instructed. The Ministry of Education has introduced the "Xi Jinping thought" to "cultivate the builders and successors of socialism with an all-round moral, intellectual, physical and aesthetic grounding," the ministry explained.<o:p></o:p>

Some quotes by the Chinese President Xi Jinping and images of his smiling face&nbsp;have been placed in the textbooks. In addition to this, elementary students will also be given lessons on the achievements of the Chinese civilisation, Communist party's work in poverty alleviation and the party’s fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-xi-jinpings-thought-to-be-taught-at-chinese-schools-408386">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-xi-jinpings-thought-to-be-taught-at-chinese-schools-408386/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The new "Xi Jinping Thought" comprises 14 principles that will promote Communist ideals. The Communist Party is hoping for a "complete and deep reform" while motivating children for developing new ideas. It will also stress the importance of "one country two systems' and reunification with the motherland".<o:p></o:p>

However, China is also claiming that the new system will be an 'extensive roll-out' which will be divided among different levels of schooling.<o:p></o:p>

"Primary schools will focus on cultivating love for the country, the Communist Party of China, and socialism. In middle schools, the focus will be on a combination of perceptual experience and knowledge study, to help students form basic political judgments and opinions,"&nbsp;China’s mouthpiece, Global Times, had reported. "In college, there will be more emphasis on the establishment of theoretical thinking."<o:p></o:p>

They say children should be taught all the essential basics from the primary level. While experts usually mean basic etiquettes and moral, China has interpreted this as teaching the basics of 'socialism'.

They say children should be taught all the essential basics from the primary level. While experts usually mean basic etiquettes and moral, China has interpreted this as teaching the basics of 'socialism'. As Chinese students returned to schools on Wednesday, they were introduced to new textbooks that have 'Xi Jinping thought'. The new textbooks are an attempt by the Communist party to shape the minds of small children in such a manner that local schools produce patriots. Also read | What are recommendation algorithms that China is cracking down on, and how do they affect internet users? "Grandpa Xi Jinping is very busy with work, but no matter how busy he is, he still joins our activities and cares about our growth," a textbook read. The government school teachers have been directed to "plant the seeds of loving the party, the country and socialism in young hearts," a government notice about the new school curriculum instructed. The Ministry of Education has introduced the "Xi Jinping thought" to "cultivate the builders and successors of socialism with an all-round moral, intellectual, physical and aesthetic grounding," the ministry explained. Some quotes by the Chinese President Xi Jinping and images of his smiling face have been placed in the textbooks. In addition to this, elementary students will also be given lessons on the achievements of the Chinese civilisation, Communist party's work in poverty alleviation and the party’s fight against the coronavirus pandemic. WATCH | The new "Xi Jinping Thought" comprises 14 principles that will promote Communist ideals. The Communist Party is hoping for a "complete and deep reform" while motivating children for developing new ideas. It will also stress the importance of "one country two systems' and reunification with the motherland". However, China is also claiming that the new system will be an 'extensive roll-out' which will be divided among different levels of schooling. "Primary schools will focus on cultivating love for the country, the Communist Party of China, and socialism. In middle schools, the focus will be on a combination of perceptual experience and knowledge study, to help students form basic political judgments and opinions," China’s mouthpiece, Global Times, had reported. "In college, there will be more emphasis on the establishment of theoretical thinking."

Chinese students greeted with 'Grandpa Xi Jinping thought' in classrooms

In Tibet, children as young as eight were forced to attend military summer camps during summer vacation. The Chinese state wants Tibetans to serve in the military, and become more loyal to the Communist Party. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Tibetan kids forced to attend military "summer camps"

For the first time, Sri Lanka's Central Bank has minted two gold and one silver commemorative coins to mark the centenary of the Communist Party of China and celebrate the 65th anniversary of bilateral relations with Beijing.

The last time a gold coin was issued by Sri Lanka was in 1998 to celebrate the country's 50th anniversary of independence from Britain.

This is for the first time ever that Sri Lanka has issued coins to honour a political party of a foreign country. "The coins have been issued at the request of the government as an accolade for long-standing friendship and mutual trust between the two countries," the bank said. The commemorative coins are of rupees 1,000 denominations.

In 2012, the Central Bank had issued a nickel-plated silver coin to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Japan.

China's ruling Communist Party celebrated its 100th anniversary on Thursday at Tiananmen Square, with thousands of party workers and school children singing songs praising the party and the country.

Addressing the centenary celebrations, President Xi Jinping called for building a strong military to defend the country and warned that the Chinese people will never allow any foreign force to 'bully, oppress, or subjugate them'.

Founded by Mao Zedong on July 1, 1921, the CPC formally completed 100 years of existence on Thursday. It also remained in power since the People's Republic of China (PRC) was formed in 1949.

For the first time, Sri Lanka's Central Bank has minted two gold and one silver commemorative coins to mark the centenary of the Communist Party of China and celebrate the 65th anniversary of bilateral relations with Beijing.

For the first time, Sri Lanka's Central Bank has minted two gold and one silver commemorative coins to mark the centenary of the Communist Party of China and celebrate the 65th anniversary of bilateral relations with Beijing. The last time a gold coin was issued by Sri Lanka was in 1998 to celebrate the country's 50th anniversary of independence from Britain. This is for the first time ever that Sri Lanka has issued coins to honour a political party of a foreign country. "The coins have been issued at the request of the government as an accolade for long-standing friendship and mutual trust between the two countries," the bank said. The commemorative coins are of rupees 1,000 denominations. In 2012, the Central Bank had issued a nickel-plated silver coin to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Japan. China's ruling Communist Party celebrated its 100th anniversary on Thursday at Tiananmen Square, with thousands of party workers and school children singing songs praising the party and the country. Addressing the centenary celebrations, President Xi Jinping called for building a strong military to defend the country and warned that the Chinese people will never allow any foreign force to 'bully, oppress, or subjugate them'. Founded by Mao Zedong on July 1, 1921, the CPC formally completed 100 years of existence on Thursday. It also remained in power since the People's Republic of China (PRC) was formed in 1949.

Sri Lanka marks Chinese Communist Party's centenary with commemorative coins

On July 1, the Chinese Communist Party, which was founded in 1921 and has ruled China since 1949, celebrated its 100th anniversary.&nbsp;

The CCP&nbsp;monopolises&nbsp;both the state and society in China as the ruling party.&nbsp;

It has complete control over the military and police, as well as personnel appointments in all of China's political institutions, media, and judiciary.&nbsp;

The CCP is one of the world's largest political parties, with about 90 million members.&nbsp;

Xi Jinping, the party's head, has been China's President since 2013. In 2018, a controversial amendment to the country's constitution removed term restrictions, allowing Xi to remain in power indefinitely.&nbsp;

Chinese Communist Party rule&nbsp;

Since seizing power after civil war in 1949, the party has had a tumultuous history but President and party leader Xi Jinping is putting emphasis on turning the country into an economic, military and diplomatic super power over the past years.&nbsp;

To strengthen&nbsp;the current system, Chinese authorities successfully merged Stalinism, Fascism, Neoliberalism, and Confucianism.&nbsp;

Despite the deaths of tens of millions of people as a result of Mao's Great Leap Forward and the violent upheaval of the Cultural Revolution, which ended only when Mao died in 1976, the Communist Party has kept power for 72 years.&nbsp;

Deng Xiaoping, who succeeded Mao as China's supreme leader, implemented a more open economic policy that aided growth and&nbsp;development. He&nbsp;also sanctioned the use of force to maintain power, most notably in 1989 in Tiananmen Square.&nbsp;

China's Economic Rise&nbsp;

The Communist Party of China has always taken pride&nbsp;on being 'great, glorious and&nbsp;correct'.&nbsp;And&nbsp;the party has reason to brag as it enters its second&nbsp;century. It&nbsp;has not only persisted considerably longer than many of its detractors projected, but it also appears to be on the rise.&nbsp;

After the Soviet Union fell apart, the Communist regime lifted millions of people out of poverty, restored respect for socialism, and put in motion the rise of Asia's first superpower.&nbsp;

China's economic success under the CPC's leadership has arguably become a global story of all time, having progressed from a backward agrarian economy in the early days of the People's Republic of China (PRC) to an economic and technical powerhouse today.&nbsp;

Clampdown on dissent&nbsp;

China has been suppressing the voices of criticism both at home and abroad. There are numerous examples of CCP brutality throughout history and in the present.&nbsp;

The Tiananmen Square protests, also known as the Chinese June Fourth Incident, was student-led demonstrations in Beijing's Tiananmen Square in 1989.

<img src="http://13.235.153.162/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2019/08/02/104788-untitled-design-6.jpg" />

Troops armed with assault rifles and escorted by tanks opened fire on demonstrators and others attempting to prevent the military's advance into Tiananmen Square in what is known as the Tiananmen Square Massacre.&nbsp;

China has been involved in a series of conflicts. In 1996, Beijing shelled the waters near Taiwan to portray its anger at the island’s first democratic presidential election. However, all it gained was humiliation by its powerlessness.&nbsp;

In 2013, China built islands in disputed waters in the South China Sea, and soon turned them into military bases, trying to show its power.&nbsp;

Hong Kong continues to fall deeper into a Beijing-sized hole of communism with the systematic decimation of democratic freedoms in the former British colony. In a year since the National Security Law was imposed, at least 117 people have been taken into custody for trespassing the basic tenets of what is prohibited under the law.&nbsp;

<img src="http://13.235.153.162/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/06/23/199530-0009989am.jpg" />

Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law in June last year that sets out punishment for anything it deems as subversion, secession, colluding with foreign forces and terrorism with up to life in prison, setting the city on a more authoritarian path.&nbsp;

China has often been accused of widespread human rights abuses in Xinjiang. Up to two million Uighurs and other Muslim minorities are believed to have been placed in mass detention&nbsp;centres&nbsp;in the region, according to the US State&nbsp;Department. These&nbsp;people have allegedly been subject to indoctrination and abuse.&nbsp;

Beijing, however, claims that these&nbsp;centres&nbsp;are voluntary and provide vocational training as part of a de-radicalisation&nbsp;programme&nbsp;in Xinjiang.&nbsp;

The persecution of Falun Gong is an anti-religious campaign launched by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in 1999 to eradicate the spiritual practices of Falun Gong in China while upholding a state atheist policy.&nbsp;

<img src="http://13.235.153.162/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/23/151223-gong.jpg" />

A complex propaganda campaign, as well as a policy of forced ideological conversion and re-education.&nbsp;

China has never had such global clout, economic might, or military&nbsp;prowess. Xi, however, has been rushing to tighten the clamps on dissent, increase electronic surveillance of his people, impose new restrictions over private industry, and dramatically strengthen his party's prerogatives and power, in stark contrast to his predecessors.&nbsp;

On July 1, the Chinese Communist Party, which was founded in 1921 and has ruled China since 1949, celebrated its 100th anniversary. The CCP monopolises both the state and society in China as the ruling party.

On July 1, the Chinese Communist Party, which was founded in 1921 and has ruled China since 1949, celebrated its 100th anniversary. The CCP monopolises both the state and society in China as the ruling party. It has complete control over the military and police, as well as personnel appointments in all of China's political institutions, media, and judiciary. The CCP is one of the world's largest political parties, with about 90 million members. Xi Jinping, the party's head, has been China's President since 2013. In 2018, a controversial amendment to the country's constitution removed term restrictions, allowing Xi to remain in power indefinitely. Chinese Communist Party rule Since seizing power after civil war in 1949, the party has had a tumultuous history but President and party leader Xi Jinping is putting emphasis on turning the country into an economic, military and diplomatic super power over the past years. To strengthen the current system, Chinese authorities successfully merged Stalinism, Fascism, Neoliberalism, and Confucianism. Despite the deaths of tens of millions of people as a result of Mao's Great Leap Forward and the violent upheaval of the Cultural Revolution, which ended only when Mao died in 1976, the Communist Party has kept power for 72 years. Deng Xiaoping, who succeeded Mao as China's supreme leader, implemented a more open economic policy that aided growth and development. He also sanctioned the use of force to maintain power, most notably in 1989 in Tiananmen Square. China's Economic Rise The Communist Party of China has always taken pride on being 'great, glorious and correct'. And the party has reason to brag as it enters its second century. It has not only persisted considerably longer than many of its detractors projected, but it also appears to be on the rise. After the Soviet Union fell apart, the Communist regime lifted millions of people out of poverty, restored respect for socialism, and put in motion the rise of Asia's first superpower. China's economic success under the CPC's leadership has arguably become a global story of all time, having progressed from a backward agrarian economy in the early days of the People's Republic of China (PRC) to an economic and technical powerhouse today. Clampdown on dissent China has been suppressing the voices of criticism both at home and abroad. There are numerous examples of CCP brutality throughout history and in the present. The Tiananmen Square protests, also known as the Chinese June Fourth Incident, was student-led demonstrations in Beijing's Tiananmen Square in 1989. Troops armed with assault rifles and escorted by tanks opened fire on demonstrators and others attempting to prevent the military's advance into Tiananmen Square in what is known as the Tiananmen Square Massacre. China has been involved in a series of conflicts. In 1996, Beijing shelled the waters near Taiwan to portray its anger at the island’s first democratic presidential election. However, all it gained was humiliation by its powerlessness. In 2013, China built islands in disputed waters in the South China Sea, and soon turned them into military bases, trying to show its power. Hong Kong continues to fall deeper into a Beijing-sized hole of communism with the systematic decimation of democratic freedoms in the former British colony. In a year since the National Security Law was imposed, at least 117 people have been taken into custody for trespassing the basic tenets of what is prohibited under the law. Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law in June last year that sets out punishment for anything it deems as subversion, secession, colluding with foreign forces and terrorism with up to life in prison, setting the city on a more authoritarian path. China has often been accused of widespread human rights abuses in Xinjiang. Up to two million Uighurs and other Muslim minorities are believed to have been placed in mass detention centres in the region, according to the US State Department. These people have allegedly been subject to indoctrination and abuse. Beijing, however, claims that these centres are voluntary and provide vocational training as part of a de-radicalisation programme in Xinjiang. The persecution of Falun Gong is an anti-religious campaign launched by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in 1999 to eradicate the spiritual practices of Falun Gong in China while upholding a state atheist policy. A complex propaganda campaign, as well as a policy of forced ideological conversion and re-education. China has never had such global clout, economic might, or military prowess. Xi, however, has been rushing to tighten the clamps on dissent, increase electronic surveillance of his people, impose new restrictions over private industry, and dramatically strengthen his party's prerogatives and power, in stark contrast to his predecessors.

Chinese Communist Party's sauce for success: Booming economy, ruthlessness, ideological agility 

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

Pictures: China's Communist Party celebrates its 100th anniversary

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged Chinese Communist Party members to remain loyal and continue to serve the people, after awarding a new medal of the highest honour to 29 party members on Tuesday. 
 
The party is marking the 100th year of its founding on Thursday, when Xi is expected to make a longer speech about its future. 
 
The medal award ceremony took place in Beijing's Great Hall of the People with much fanfare and was broadcast live on national television. 
 
The 'July 1 medal', announced in 2017 and given out for the first time on Tuesday, is part of Xi's efforts to shore up the image of the party. 
 
Xi commended recipients and urged all party members to "firmly keep the loyalty and love for the party and the people close to one's heart, turn that into action, dedicate everything, even your precious life, to the party and the people". 
 
The recipients included soldiers, community workers and professionals in the arts and science. 
 
The party had 91.9 million members in 2019, or 6.6% of China's population. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged Chinese Communist Party members to remain loyal and continue to serve the people, after awarding a new medal of the highest honour to 29 party members on Tuesday.

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged Chinese Communist Party members to remain loyal and continue to serve the people, after awarding a new medal of the highest honour to 29 party members on Tuesday. The party is marking the 100th year of its founding on Thursday, when Xi is expected to make a longer speech about its future. The medal award ceremony took place in Beijing's Great Hall of the People with much fanfare and was broadcast live on national television. The 'July 1 medal', announced in 2017 and given out for the first time on Tuesday, is part of Xi's efforts to shore up the image of the party. Xi commended recipients and urged all party members to "firmly keep the loyalty and love for the party and the people close to one's heart, turn that into action, dedicate everything, even your precious life, to the party and the people". The recipients included soldiers, community workers and professionals in the arts and science. The party had 91.9 million members in 2019, or 6.6% of China's population. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese Communist Party awards medals in run-up to anniversary

In China, "difficult to detect" Swine flu variants have led to mass outbreaks. What is the Chinese government up to? President Xi Jinping is glorifying himself with a museum, as the Communist Party celebrates its 100th birthday. Palki Sharma has more.

Gravitas: Now, a Swine Flu outbreak in China

After years of China`s growing aggressiveness towards other countries through warnings and insults, President Xi Jinping said that officials should create a lovable and respectable image of the country, which has raised more than a few sceptical eyebrows among China watchers.

In his remarks at a Politburo meeting on Monday as quoted by Xinhua news agency, Xi said: "We must pay attention to grasp the tone, be both open, confident and humble, and strive to create a credible, lovable, and respectable image of China."

Adam Taylor for Washington Post writes that China`s international relations have frayed significantly over the past years, with issues like the repression of the Uyghur ethnic minority in Xinjiang, aggressive rhetoric and action against Taiwan, India and Hong Kong activists and relentless obfuscation over the coronavirus darkening China`s global image.

Much of China`s hyperaggressive diplomacy was led by a team of `wolf warriors`, including Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian, which evidence suggests was not winning friends.

In a Pew Research Center survey of 14 countries released in October, a majority of respondents gave a negative appraisal of China. Negative views reached decade highs in nine of those countries. Moreover, calls for countries to boycott the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics show no sign of dissipating over severe human rights abuses in Xinjiang and China`s vaccine diplomacy efforts have been complicated by reports of low efficacy and new COVID-19 waves.

According to Tufts University`s Sulmaan Wasif Khan, the wolf warriors had disrupted China`s "grand strategy" and posed a real domestic risk, reported Washington Post.

"The real danger is that once the toxin has spread through the system, there is no knowing where it will end," he said.

Last month, research from Yaoyao Dai and Luwei Rose Luqiu published by Washington Post`s The Monkey Cage last month found that an average of 10 per cent of Foreign Ministry speeches were "combative and hostile" before 2012. That increased to more than a quarter in 2019 and 2020.

When US President Joe Biden`s officials first met with their Chinese counterparts this March, they received a 16-minute tirade criticising America and accusing US officials of speaking from a position of hypocrisy and weakness.

During the COVID-19 outbreak, Zhao spread baseless theories that the US military could have been behind the coronavirus pandemic that first emerged in Wuhan, China -- a notion so bold that some other Chinese diplomats seemed to distance themselves from it, writes Taylor.

However, increasing international pressure on the origins of COVID-19 has highlighted that China has something to hide. Moreover, China`s relations with the European Union (EU) have also worsened amid disputes over Xinjiang, effectively ending plans for a trade and investment treaty. In their research, Dai and Luqiu found that the wolf warriors` tough talk was often a substitute for tough action, leading nationalistic netizens to proclaim victory and appealing to the poorer countries.

The rude tweets, along with Xi`s policies of repression in Xinjiang and Hong Kong or the systematic embrace of secrecy and paranoia that may make finding the cause of the coronavirus impossible that disrupt its relations abroad.

Adam Taylor further opined that keeping a tighter leash on the wolf warriors may not spell better international relations for China unless significant policy changes are in place.

After years of China`s growing aggressiveness towards other countries through warnings and insults, President Xi Jinping said that officials should create a lovable and respectable image of the country, which has raised more than a few sceptical eyebrows among China watchers.

After years of China`s growing aggressiveness towards other countries through warnings and insults, President Xi Jinping said that officials should create a lovable and respectable image of the country, which has raised more than a few sceptical eyebrows among China watchers. In his remarks at a Politburo meeting on Monday as quoted by Xinhua news agency, Xi said: "We must pay attention to grasp the tone, be both open, confident and humble, and strive to create a credible, lovable, and respectable image of China." Adam Taylor for Washington Post writes that China`s international relations have frayed significantly over the past years, with issues like the repression of the Uyghur ethnic minority in Xinjiang, aggressive rhetoric and action against Taiwan, India and Hong Kong activists and relentless obfuscation over the coronavirus darkening China`s global image. Much of China`s hyperaggressive diplomacy was led by a team of `wolf warriors`, including Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian, which evidence suggests was not winning friends. In a Pew Research Center survey of 14 countries released in October, a majority of respondents gave a negative appraisal of China. Negative views reached decade highs in nine of those countries. Moreover, calls for countries to boycott the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics show no sign of dissipating over severe human rights abuses in Xinjiang and China`s vaccine diplomacy efforts have been complicated by reports of low efficacy and new COVID-19 waves. According to Tufts University`s Sulmaan Wasif Khan, the wolf warriors had disrupted China`s "grand strategy" and posed a real domestic risk, reported Washington Post. "The real danger is that once the toxin has spread through the system, there is no knowing where it will end," he said. Last month, research from Yaoyao Dai and Luwei Rose Luqiu published by Washington Post`s The Monkey Cage last month found that an average of 10 per cent of Foreign Ministry speeches were "combative and hostile" before 2012. That increased to more than a quarter in 2019 and 2020. When US President Joe Biden`s officials first met with their Chinese counterparts this March, they received a 16-minute tirade criticising America and accusing US officials of speaking from a position of hypocrisy and weakness. During the COVID-19 outbreak, Zhao spread baseless theories that the US military could have been behind the coronavirus pandemic that first emerged in Wuhan, China -- a notion so bold that some other Chinese diplomats seemed to distance themselves from it, writes Taylor. However, increasing international pressure on the origins of COVID-19 has highlighted that China has something to hide. Moreover, China`s relations with the European Union (EU) have also worsened amid disputes over Xinjiang, effectively ending plans for a trade and investment treaty. In their research, Dai and Luqiu found that the wolf warriors` tough talk was often a substitute for tough action, leading nationalistic netizens to proclaim victory and appealing to the poorer countries. The rude tweets, along with Xi`s policies of repression in Xinjiang and Hong Kong or the systematic embrace of secrecy and paranoia that may make finding the cause of the coronavirus impossible that disrupt its relations abroad. Adam Taylor further opined that keeping a tighter leash on the wolf warriors may not spell better international relations for China unless significant policy changes are in place.

Xi Jinping's idea of 'lovable' China raises eyebrows

Most of us wear blue jeans on a regular basis without giving a second thought. However, years ago, blue jeans was a symbol of freedom.

It penetrated the Soviet Union's iron curtain and in many ways, denim mobilised people in a closed communist country.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-china-takes-on-homegrown-internet-titans-381522/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The story comes into relevance now as another communist nation is facing its blue jeans moment and it is responding with ruthlessness.

In this case, the soviet union is a metaphor for China and the blue jeans are symbolic for big tech giants.

For years, Beijing indulged companies such as Alibaba, Tencent, and Baidu. They were advertised as Chinese success stories and companies that could compete with their western rivals, but now all of a sudden they are public enemy number one.

What changed?

Chinese tech giants became too big for their own good. Their influence over the Chinese middle class expanded and their CEOs became celebrities. They were inviting Hollywood stars to corporate events.

However, in China, there is only one alpha —the communist party.

Beijing wanted to cultivate these tech companies as extended arms of the state. However, when things moved in the opposite direction, they cracked down and the first victim was Alibaba.

Alibaba

Its owner, Jack Ma, made a cardinal sin last year as he criticised Chinese regulators. The response was swift. Beijing blocked the IPO of Jack Ma's Ant group. The company was asked to restructure itself as a financial holding company — meaning China's central bank will now oversee the Ant group.

Then, earlier this month, they imposed a record fine on Alibaba. The company had to pay $2.75 billion. Usually, firms contest such penalties and call them unfair and steep. However, Alibaba did neither. They accepted the fine and moved on.

Tencent

A tech giant valued at $776 billion dollars, reports claim China is preparing a substantial fine for Tencent —almost $1.54 billion dollars (10 billion yuan).

The charges range from not reporting acquisitions to anti-competitive practices.

There is no arithmetic logic to the high value of the fine because as per China, the fine must be high enough to set an example. For Alibaba, it was $2.75 billion and for Tencent,&nbsp;it is $1.54 billion.

What's unfolding in China is a battle for influence. This is a country that is built around a single party. The party decides what you eat, what you wear and how you live. It is used to having unlimited control over people's lives.

However, this changed with the arrival of big tech companies that created an alternative world for the Chinese and introduced people to social media, e-commerce, and internet gaming.

As it turned out, this virtual world was a lot more egalitarian and the Chinese citizens loved it, as opposed to their government.

This issue basically boils down to insecurity. The communist party is insecure about the virtual world as it wants to dominate public life once again and the strategy it has chosen is to villainise tech giants.

China’s plans seem to be working, till now, as earlier this month more than 30 Chinese tech companies made a pledge of allegiance to Beijing. They promised to reform themselves and fall in line.

The tech giants are scared of the party because in China politics and economics are two sides of the same coin and this coin is minted by the communist party.

Bringing back the example of blue jeans, if you go to Russia today, everyone is wearing blue jeans because freedom is intoxicating.

Thanks to tech giants, the Chinese people have seen what a free world looks like. So, Beijing is pushing back and it is the most ironic push back ever. A party that has monopolised politics wants to break up monopolies.

A party that snoops on its citizens wants companies to turn off the tracker and a party that rubbishes international laws wants companies to respect regulations. It is the hypocrisy of the highest order.

Most of us wear blue jeans on a regular basis without giving a second thought. However, years ago, blue jeans was a symbol of freedom. It penetrated the Soviet Union's iron curtain and in many ways, denim mobilised people in a closed communist country.

Most of us wear blue jeans on a regular basis without giving a second thought. However, years ago, blue jeans was a symbol of freedom. It penetrated the Soviet Union's iron curtain and in many ways, denim mobilised people in a closed communist country. Watch | The story comes into relevance now as another communist nation is facing its blue jeans moment and it is responding with ruthlessness. In this case, the soviet union is a metaphor for China and the blue jeans are symbolic for big tech giants. For years, Beijing indulged companies such as Alibaba, Tencent, and Baidu. They were advertised as Chinese success stories and companies that could compete with their western rivals, but now all of a sudden they are public enemy number one. What changed? Chinese tech giants became too big for their own good. Their influence over the Chinese middle class expanded and their CEOs became celebrities. They were inviting Hollywood stars to corporate events. However, in China, there is only one alpha —the communist party. Beijing wanted to cultivate these tech companies as extended arms of the state. However, when things moved in the opposite direction, they cracked down and the first victim was Alibaba. Alibaba Its owner, Jack Ma, made a cardinal sin last year as he criticised Chinese regulators. The response was swift. Beijing blocked the IPO of Jack Ma's Ant group. The company was asked to restructure itself as a financial holding company — meaning China's central bank will now oversee the Ant group. Then, earlier this month, they imposed a record fine on Alibaba. The company had to pay $2.75 billion. Usually, firms contest such penalties and call them unfair and steep. However, Alibaba did neither. They accepted the fine and moved on. Tencent A tech giant valued at $776 billion dollars, reports claim China is preparing a substantial fine for Tencent —almost $1.54 billion dollars (10 billion yuan). The charges range from not reporting acquisitions to anti-competitive practices. There is no arithmetic logic to the high value of the fine because as per China, the fine must be high enough to set an example. For Alibaba, it was $2.75 billion and for Tencent, it is $1.54 billion. What's unfolding in China is a battle for influence. This is a country that is built around a single party. The party decides what you eat, what you wear and how you live. It is used to having unlimited control over people's lives. However, this changed with the arrival of big tech companies that created an alternative world for the Chinese and introduced people to social media, e-commerce, and internet gaming. As it turned out, this virtual world was a lot more egalitarian and the Chinese citizens loved it, as opposed to their government. This issue basically boils down to insecurity. The communist party is insecure about the virtual world as it wants to dominate public life once again and the strategy it has chosen is to villainise tech giants. China’s plans seem to be working, till now, as earlier this month more than 30 Chinese tech companies made a pledge of allegiance to Beijing. They promised to reform themselves and fall in line. The tech giants are scared of the party because in China politics and economics are two sides of the same coin and this coin is minted by the communist party. Bringing back the example of blue jeans, if you go to Russia today, everyone is wearing blue jeans because freedom is intoxicating. Thanks to tech giants, the Chinese people have seen what a free world looks like. So, Beijing is pushing back and it is the most ironic push back ever. A party that has monopolised politics wants to break up monopolies. A party that snoops on its citizens wants companies to turn off the tracker and a party that rubbishes international laws wants companies to respect regulations. It is the hypocrisy of the highest order.

As tech giants introduce people to freedom, China rushes to impose fine

China's cyber regulator has launched a hotline to report online comments that defame the ruling Communist Party and its history, vowing to crack down on 'historical nihilists' ahead of the party's 100th anniversary in July.&nbsp;

The tip line allows 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, said a notice posted by an arm of the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) on Friday. &nbsp;

"Some with ulterior motives ... have been spreading historical nihilistic misrepresentations online, maliciously distorting, denigrating and negating the history of the Party," said the notice. &nbsp;

"We hope that the majority of Internet users will actively play their part in supervising society ... and enthusiastically report harmful information," it said.&nbsp;

"Historical nihilism" is a phrase used in China to describe public doubt and scepticism over the Chinese Communist Party's description of past events.&nbsp;

China's internet is tightly censored and most foreign social media networks, search engines and news outlets are banned in the country.&nbsp;

Internet authorities often increase censorship and online supervision ahead of major events including historical anniversaries, political meetings and sports events.&nbsp;

The notice did not specify what punishments would be dealt to people, who are reported through the hotline, but netizens in China already face jail time and other legal punishments for posting content that is critical of the county's leadership, policies and history.&nbsp;

Legal amendments released earlier this year stipulate that people who "insult, slander of infringe upon" the memory of China's national heroes and martyrs face jail time of up to three years.&nbsp;

Last week, authorities in the eastern Chinese province of Jiangsu detained a 19-year-old man after making 'insulting' comments online about Japan's 1937 occupation of Nanjing.&nbsp;

Chinese social media sites that fail to censor critical content also face financial sanctions as well as temporary suspensions of service under current law.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

China's cyber regulator has launched a hotline to report online comments that defame the ruling Communist Party and its history, vowing to crack down on 'historical nihilists' ahead of the party's 100th anniversary in July.

China's cyber regulator has launched a hotline to report online comments that defame the ruling Communist Party and its history, vowing to crack down on 'historical nihilists' ahead of the party's 100th anniversary in July. The tip line allows 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, said a notice posted by an arm of the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) on Friday. "Some with ulterior motives ... have been spreading historical nihilistic misrepresentations online, maliciously distorting, denigrating and negating the history of the Party," said the notice. "We hope that the majority of Internet users will actively play their part in supervising society ... and enthusiastically report harmful information," it said. "Historical nihilism" is a phrase used in China to describe public doubt and scepticism over the Chinese Communist Party's description of past events. 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. The notice did not specify what punishments would be dealt to people, who are reported through the hotline, but netizens in China already face jail time and other legal punishments for posting content that is critical of the county's leadership, policies and history. Legal amendments released earlier this year stipulate that people who "insult, slander of infringe upon" the memory of China's national heroes and martyrs face jail time of up to three years. Last week, authorities in the eastern Chinese province of Jiangsu detained a 19-year-old man after making 'insulting' comments online about Japan's 1937 occupation of Nanjing. Chinese social media sites that fail to censor critical content also face financial sanctions as well as temporary suspensions of service under current law. (With inputs from agencies)

China launches hotline for netizens to report 'illegal' comments defaming Communist Party 

In a surprise and unexpected decision, Nepal's Supreme Court on Sunday annulled the unification of the ruling Nepal Communist Party's factions and paved the way for them to be divided into two separate parties.

Nepal: New twist as Supreme Court annuls ruling party

A high-level Chinese delegation, led by a vice minister of the Chinese Communist Party, arrived in Kathmandu on Sunday to “take stock” of Nepal’s political situation

Chinese delegation arrives in Nepal amid constitutional crisis

Xi Jinping celebrates China’s battle against the coronavirus as a success. But in the United States and other wealthy democracies, the pandemic has driven negative views of China to new heights, a survey published Tuesday showed.

Growing negative sentiment against China

Xi Jinping&nbsp;is pitting China against the world by triggering territorial disputes. However,&nbsp;the Chinese president is not just troubling the neighbours.

At home, the Chinese government officials are running for cover because Xi Jinping has kicked off yet another brutal purge.

If China were a multinational company, Xi Jinping would be its Chairman and CEO. He is the President of China, the general secretary of the Communist Party. He leads the central military commission the highest military body of China.

Now, he could be eyeing a bigger title for himself.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-defence-minister-holds-talks-with-chinese-counterpart-in-moscow-amid-lac-row-325283">Also read:&nbsp;India's defence minister holds talks with Chinese counterpart in Moscow amid LAC row</a>

From President Xi to Chairman Xi. The title has been used only once before for Mao Zedong, the Founder of modern day China. The title of 'Chairman' was retired after the death of Mao. Now, Xi Jinping wants it for himself and&nbsp;he is making moves to have it.

On Wednesday, the Chinese president delivered a speech. He said&nbsp;the people of China can never be divided from the communist party.

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"Any attempt to distort the history of the CPC or vilify its nature and objectives, to distort or change the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, or to deny or vilify the Chinese people's great achievements in building socialism will also be resolutely opposed by the Chinese people,"&nbsp;President Xi said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/big-blow-to-china-as-thailand-scraps-kra-canal-project-325142">Also read:&nbsp;Big blow to China as Thailand scraps KRA canal project</a>

He is demanding absolute loyalty from his citizens. A new watchword to keep the party relevant at a time when it is being blamed for the global pandemic. He is raising the subject everywhere he goes.

In August, Xi Jinping conferred the police flag on china's police force. According to Xinhua, China's state-owned wire service, the president ordered the police force to be loyal to the party.

The ones who fail to prove their loyalty become fodder for the great purge. Experts say&nbsp;a recficiation campaign is underway in China — a&nbsp;concept that Mao mastered to eliminate his political opponents, and is now being followed by Xi Jinping.

Xi Jinping is pitting China against the world by triggering territorial disputes. However, the Chinese president is not just troubling the neighbours. At home, the Chinese government officials are running for cover because Xi Jinping has kicked off yet another brutal purge.

Xi Jinping is pitting China against the world by triggering territorial disputes. However, the Chinese president is not just troubling the neighbours. At home, the Chinese government officials are running for cover because Xi Jinping has kicked off yet another brutal purge. If China were a multinational company, Xi Jinping would be its Chairman and CEO. He is the President of China, the general secretary of the Communist Party. He leads the central military commission the highest military body of China. Now, he could be eyeing a bigger title for himself. Also read: India's defence minister holds talks with Chinese counterpart in Moscow amid LAC row From President Xi to Chairman Xi. The title has been used only once before for Mao Zedong, the Founder of modern day China. The title of 'Chairman' was retired after the death of Mao. Now, Xi Jinping wants it for himself and he is making moves to have it. On Wednesday, the Chinese president delivered a speech. He said the people of China can never be divided from the communist party. × "Any attempt to distort the history of the CPC or vilify its nature and objectives, to distort or change the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, or to deny or vilify the Chinese people's great achievements in building socialism will also be resolutely opposed by the Chinese people," President Xi said. Also read: Big blow to China as Thailand scraps KRA canal project He is demanding absolute loyalty from his citizens. A new watchword to keep the party relevant at a time when it is being blamed for the global pandemic. He is raising the subject everywhere he goes. In August, Xi Jinping conferred the police flag on china's police force. According to Xinhua, China's state-owned wire service, the president ordered the police force to be loyal to the party. The ones who fail to prove their loyalty become fodder for the great purge. Experts say a recficiation campaign is underway in China — a concept that Mao mastered to eliminate his political opponents, and is now being followed by Xi Jinping.

President to chairman: Xi Jinping aims to follow Mao Zedong by 'ordering' loyalty from citizens

A survey published by the Global Times claims that Chinese citizens hold a favourable view of a democratic India. Tech Giant Huawei has run big ads in the leading dailies of India. Do the people in China regret the deeds of the Communist Party? Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: Are Chinese citizens regretting the deeds of Communist Party?

An influential former Chinese property executive and critic of President Xi Jinping has been ousted from China`s ruling Communist Party, a notice from the Beijing district government showed Thursday.

Ren Zhiqiang, the former chairman of state-controlled property developer Huayuan Real Estate Group, had called Xi a "clown" over a speech he made in February about government efforts to battle the coronavirus.

Ren went missing in March, three of his friends told Reuters at the time. Beijing`s municipal anti-corruption watchdog later said he was under investigation for a "serious disciplinary violation".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-a-fresh-wave-of-crackdown-in-china-wuhan-coronavirus-291423">Also watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: A fresh wave of crackdown in China</a>

In a notice on Thursday night, the watchdog said Ren had been ousted from the Chinese Communist Party because he was in "severe violation of discipline and law".

It accused Ren of "losing faith", "not being aligned with the party on important matters of principle", "vilifying the image of party and country" and being disloyal and dishonest to the party.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-us-has-deployed-its-2-billion-worth-b-2-spirit-bombers-in-south-china-sea-315392">Have a look:&nbsp;Why US has deployed its $2 billion worth B-2 Spirit bombers in South China Sea</a>

According to the notice, Ren also used official funds on golf expenses, used office and residential spaces provided for free by businessmen, and unlawfully earned huge profits.

Ren's "unlawful gains" have been confiscated and he will be charged in court, the notice said.

The notice made no mention of the article in which Ren also said a lack of free press and speech had prevented the coronavirus outbreak from being tackled sooner, causing the situation to worsen.

Ren, who gained the nickname “Cannon Ren” for previous critiques posted on social media, was put on probation from the party for a year in 2016 as part of a punishment for publicly criticizing government policy.

An influential former Chinese property executive and critic of President Xi Jinping has been ousted from China`s ruling Communist Party, a notice from the Beijing district government showed Thursday.

An influential former Chinese property executive and critic of President Xi Jinping has been ousted from China`s ruling Communist Party, a notice from the Beijing district government showed Thursday. Ren Zhiqiang, the former chairman of state-controlled property developer Huayuan Real Estate Group, had called Xi a "clown" over a speech he made in February about government efforts to battle the coronavirus. Ren went missing in March, three of his friends told Reuters at the time. Beijing`s municipal anti-corruption watchdog later said he was under investigation for a "serious disciplinary violation". Also watch: Gravitas: A fresh wave of crackdown in China In a notice on Thursday night, the watchdog said Ren had been ousted from the Chinese Communist Party because he was in "severe violation of discipline and law". It accused Ren of "losing faith", "not being aligned with the party on important matters of principle", "vilifying the image of party and country" and being disloyal and dishonest to the party. Have a look: Why US has deployed its $2 billion worth B-2 Spirit bombers in South China Sea According to the notice, Ren also used official funds on golf expenses, used office and residential spaces provided for free by businessmen, and unlawfully earned huge profits. Ren's "unlawful gains" have been confiscated and he will be charged in court, the notice said. The notice made no mention of the article in which Ren also said a lack of free press and speech had prevented the coronavirus outbreak from being tackled sooner, causing the situation to worsen. Ren, who gained the nickname “Cannon Ren” for previous critiques posted on social media, was put on probation from the party for a year in 2016 as part of a punishment for publicly criticizing government policy.

Former Chinese property executive who criticised Xi over virus ousted from ruling party

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