A significant meeting of the ruling Nepal Communist Party will decide the political future of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli. The meeting was once again delayed on Wednesday till Friday to allow more time for the top leaders to reach a power-sharing deal amid the heightened intra-party rift and his anti-India remarks.

Nepal’s ruling communist party’s meet to decide PM Oli's future

The Nepal Communist Party standing committee meeting which was scheduled to take place today has been postponed again. The talks were postponed after PM KP Sharma Oli refused to attend the meeting. Watch report.

Nepal's Communist party meet delayed as PM Oli refused to attend meet

The ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) has postponed its Standing Committee meeting till Monday in a bid to sort out the differences among party co-chairs, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal and senior leader Madhav Kumar Nepal.

The ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) has postponed its Standing Committee meeting till Monday in a bid to sort out the differences among party co-chairs, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal and senior leader Madhav Kumar Nepal. The rival faction of the NCP has demanded Oli`s resignation, while some other leaders have asked him to quit both posts of Prime Minister and party co-chair, reports The Himalayan Times. Oli has, however, refused to quit. According to Standing Committee member Haribol Gajurel, the stalemate continues with both Oli and Dahal sticking to their guns. Dahal told Oli on Saturday that despite the agreement between them on leading the government by turns, he had given the latter the full five-year term, but the Prime Minister failed to run the country well and there was growing frustration in the party, according to Gajurel. Apart from holding one-on-one negotiations, Oli and Dahal are also talking through their confidants to find a middle path. NCP leaders have to consider the possibility that any attempt by the Dahal-Nepal faction to unseat the Prime Minister could lead to a vertical split of the party along with consequences not only at the central level but also the provincial and local levels. "A vertical split amid the coronavirus pandemic could invite political instability, which could reverse all the hard earned political changes," Gajurel was quoted as saying by The Himalayan Times. Another Standing Committee member told The Himalayan Times that the Oli`s decision to bring ordinance to allow party dissidents to split their parties with the support of either 40 per cent members of the Central Committee or the Parliamentary Party, and his decision to abruptly prorogue the budget session of the Parliament had riled rival faction leaders. (With inputs from agencies)

Nepal: Ruling Nepal Communist Party impasse continues

Beijing's moves to impose a national security law on Hong Kong are being seen as an attempt to bring the region under the control of the Communist Party. In an exclusive chat with WION's Palki Sharma, Tom Grundy - the Editor-in-Chief of the Hong Kong Free Press decodes the public mood in the city.

Gravitas: China's new security law | Hong Kong's top editor on the public mood

Youtube was caught censoring criticism of the Communist Party. Comments on videos - that 'insulted' the Communist Party were automatically removed for several months.

Gravitas: Does Youtube censor criticism of the Communist Party?

Chinese plans to impose national security laws on Hong Kong could see mainland intelligence agencies set up bases there, raising fears of direct law enforcement and what the United States branded a "death knell" for the city's autonomy.

Chinese plans to impose national security laws on Hong Kong could see mainland intelligence agencies set up bases there, raising fears of direct law enforcement and what the United States branded a "death knell" for the city's autonomy. Communist Party rulers in Beijing on Friday unveiled details of the legislation that critics see as a turning point for the former British colony, which enjoys many freedoms, including an independent legal system and right to protest, not allowed on the mainland. Pro-democracy activists and politicians have for years opposed such legislation, arguing it could erode its autonomy, guaranteed under the "one country, two systems" agreement under which Britain returned Hong Kong to China in 1997. "Beijing is attempting to silence Hong Kongers’ critical voices with force and fear," activist Joshua Wong, one of the leaders of pro-democracy street protests in 2014, tweeted. Hong Kong activists called for people to rise up against the proposal, aimed at tackling secession, subversion, terrorism, and foreign interference, that has sent shockwaves across the business and diplomatic communities. Foreign diplomats fear establishing new Beijing agencies in Hong Kong could give mainland security and intelligence officers enforcement powers. "This is a great moment to reboot the protest," said university student Kay, 24, who took part in last year's often violent anti-government and anti-Beijing unrest, with protesters angry at perceived meddling by China with Hong Kong's freedoms, a charge Beijing denies. The security law plan hit financial markets on concerns the city's status as a financial hub is at risk. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index closed down 5.6%, its largest daily percentage drop since July 2015. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said her government will "fully cooperate" with the Chinese parliament to safeguard national security, which she said would not affect rights, freedoms or judicial independence. The proposals have heightened tensions between Beijing and Washington, whose relationship is already frayed by trade disputes and reciprocal accusations over handling of the pandemic. U.S. President Donald Trump warned Washington would react "very strongly" if Beijing went ahead with the security law. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the "disastrous proposal" would be the "death knell" for Hong Kong's autonomy and that the United States stood with the people of Hong Kong. "The United States strongly urges Beijing to reconsider its disastrous proposal, abide by its international obligations, and respect Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy, democratic institutions, and civil liberties, which are key to preserving its special status under U.S. law," he said. 'YOU CAN'T TRUST CHINA' Hong Kong's last colonial governor, Chris Patten, told Channel 4 television that party rulers in Beijing were a "frightened lot of bullies". “You cannot trust (President) Xi Jinping’s China. That’s different from previous administrations. He tightened up as a dictator. He cannot abide anyone who disagrees with him and the Chinese government.” Britain expects China to respect the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong, Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman said. In his annual report to parliament, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said China would establish a "sound" legal system and enforcement mechanisms to ensure national security in Hong Kong and Macau, a former Portuguese colony that returned to China in 1999. The proposed move will see China's parliament endorse, then annex the laws into Hong Kong's mini-constitution, the Basic Law, without any local legislative scrutiny, according to a draft seen by Reuters. The document said the laws will safeguard the central government's "overall jurisdiction" as well as Hong Kong's "high autonomy" given Hong Kong's "increasingly notable national security risks". "When needed, relevant national security organs of the Central People's Government will set up agencies" in Hong Kong to safeguard national security, the draft said. Hong Kong's judiciary, along with the government and legislature, must "effectively prevent, stop and punish acts endangering national security", it states. The reference to Hong Kong's staunchly independent legal system has rattled some Hong Kong lawyers. A previous attempt to adopt similar legislation in 2003 was met with a protest that drew around half a million people on to the streets and was eventually shelved. "It is essentially declaring directly that 'one country, two systems' is null and a failure," said Eric Cheung, principal lecturer at Hong Kong University's department of law, of the legislation. Beijing said the legislation would strengthen the "two systems" formula and was in Hong Kong's interest. Beijing's move is expected to lead to the flight of capital and talent, bankers and headhunters said. The U.S. State Department warned a high degree of autonomy and respect for human rights were key to preserving the territory's special status in U.S. law, which has helped it maintain its position as a world financial centre.

China's planned security agencies for Hong Kong a 'death knell' for autonomy: Pompeo

Dr. Ai Fen revealed how Chinese officials tried to cover up the outbreak. Her tell-all interview was removed, allegedly by Chinese censors. But, Chinese netizens found unique ways to save and spread the story. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how.

Gravitas: How Chinese netizens are beating the censors | Wuhan Coronavirus

The new head of China's liaison office in Hong Kong, the most senior mainland official based in the territory, said on Monday China was the strongest backer of the Asian financial hub, which he hoped would return to "the right path".

The liaison office, which reports to China's State Councilor cabinet, is a platform for Beijing to project its influence in the city and has faced criticism for misjudging the situation in the Chinese-controlled city, which has faced more than six months of pro-democracy protests.

In his first comments to the media since Saturday's announcement by China's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security that he had replaced Wang Zhimin, 65-year-old Luo Huining said he was "not unfamiliar with the city".

"Hong Kong compatriots have made important contributions to the reform and opening up and modernisation of our country. The motherland will always be Hong Kong’s strongest backer," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-luo-huining-replaced-wang-zhimin-as-hong-kongs-top-envoy-272120">Luo</a> told reporters.

"In the past half a year, the Hong Kong situation has been worrying. Everyone eagerly hopes Hong Kong can return to the right path."

In November, Reuters reported exclusively that Beijing was considering potential replacements for Wang, in a sign of dissatisfaction with the liaison office's handling of the crisis in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-university-protest-fizzling-out-as-over-1000-arrested-by-authorities-263246">Hong Kong</a>.

Until November, Luo was the top official of China's ruling <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-says-us-must-confront-chinas-communist-party-259032">Communist Party</a> in the northern province of Shanxi, where he had been tasked with cleaning up a graft-ridden, coal-rich region where corruption was once likened to cancer.

Before moving to Shanxi, Luo had been the top party official in the western province of Qinghai.

Protests in Hong Kong escalated in June over a now-withdrawn extradition bill that would have allowed criminal suspects to be sent for trial to the mainland, where justice is controlled by the Communist Party.

They have since evolved into a broad pro-democracy movement, with anger growing over a perception that Beijing is meddling too much into Hong Kong, which was promised a high degree of autonomy upon returning from British to Chinese rule in 1997.

China denies meddling and blames the West for fomenting unrest.

Luo said the "one country, two systems" type of governance that guarantees Hong Kong freedoms not available on the mainland was the city's greatest advantage and that the basic law, the city's mini-constitution, will be "fully implemented."

The new head of China's liaison office in Hong Kong, the most senior mainland official based in the territory, said on Monday China was the strongest backer of the Asian financial hub, which he hoped would return to "the right path".

The new head of China's liaison office in Hong Kong, the most senior mainland official based in the territory, said on Monday China was the strongest backer of the Asian financial hub, which he hoped would return to "the right path". The liaison office, which reports to China's State Councilor cabinet, is a platform for Beijing to project its influence in the city and has faced criticism for misjudging the situation in the Chinese-controlled city, which has faced more than six months of pro-democracy protests. In his first comments to the media since Saturday's announcement by China's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security that he had replaced Wang Zhimin, 65-year-old Luo Huining said he was "not unfamiliar with the city". "Hong Kong compatriots have made important contributions to the reform and opening up and modernisation of our country. The motherland will always be Hong Kong’s strongest backer," Luo told reporters. "In the past half a year, the Hong Kong situation has been worrying. Everyone eagerly hopes Hong Kong can return to the right path." In November, Reuters reported exclusively that Beijing was considering potential replacements for Wang, in a sign of dissatisfaction with the liaison office's handling of the crisis in Hong Kong. Until November, Luo was the top official of China's ruling Communist Party in the northern province of Shanxi, where he had been tasked with cleaning up a graft-ridden, coal-rich region where corruption was once likened to cancer. Before moving to Shanxi, Luo had been the top party official in the western province of Qinghai. Protests in Hong Kong escalated in June over a now-withdrawn extradition bill that would have allowed criminal suspects to be sent for trial to the mainland, where justice is controlled by the Communist Party. They have since evolved into a broad pro-democracy movement, with anger growing over a perception that Beijing is meddling too much into Hong Kong, which was promised a high degree of autonomy upon returning from British to Chinese rule in 1997. China denies meddling and blames the West for fomenting unrest. Luo said the "one country, two systems" type of governance that guarantees Hong Kong freedoms not available on the mainland was the city's greatest advantage and that the basic law, the city's mini-constitution, will be "fully implemented."

Hope Hong Kong can return to right path, says new chief of China's liaison office

Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;police will deploy more than 6,000 officers on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sydney-to-continue-new-year-eves-fireworks-despite-massive-protest-petition-270998">New&nbsp;Year's Eve</a>, local media reported on Tuesday, as protesters plan rallies around the city to urge people not to give&nbsp;up&nbsp;the fight for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-hong-kong-democracy-act-china-threatens-firm-countermeasures-264966">democracy</a> in 2020.

Protests planned on&nbsp;New&nbsp;Year's Eve include a lunchtime rally in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's Central business district with people urged to wear masks and "Don't forget 2019 - Persist in 2020" according to social media posts.

Events dubbed "Suck the Eve" and "Shop With You" are also set for the bar and entertainment district of Lan Kwai Fong in the central business district, as well as promenades near Victoria Harbour, and in major shopping malls.

Police will deploy more than 6,000 officers to deal with potential&nbsp;unrest&nbsp;over the&nbsp;New&nbsp;Year's period, according to the South China Morning Post&nbsp;newspaper, citing unnamed sources.

The police say they have arrested nearly 6,500 people since the protests began escalating in June in what is the worst political crisis faced by the city in decades. The police commissioner, Chris Tang, warned the force would not let&nbsp;up&nbsp;in its arrests to try to restore stability to the city.

On&nbsp;New&nbsp;Year's Day, tens of thousands are expected to join a major pro-democracy march, after it received police approval to proceed, with organisers hoping to sustain the protest movement's momentum into the&nbsp;new&nbsp;year.

The previous such march by organisers, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-gives-protesters-green-light-for-big-march-on-sunday-266462">Civil Human Rights Front</a>, in early December, drew an estimated 800,000 people.

"On&nbsp;New&nbsp;Year's Day, we need to show our solidarity to resist the government. We hope&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;people will come onto the streets for&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's future," said Jimmy Sham, a leader of the group&nbsp;told reporters.

The protests began in June in response to a now-withdrawn bill that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, where courts are controlled by the Communist Party and have evolved into a broader pro-democracy movement.

The demonstrations planned for&nbsp;New&nbsp;Year&nbsp;follow a pick&nbsp;up&nbsp;in clashes since Christmas Eve when riot police fired tear gas at thousands of protesters following scuffles in shopping malls and in a prime tourist district.

Hong Kong police will deploy more than 6,000 officers on New Year's Eve, local media reported on Tuesday, as protesters plan rallies around the city to urge people not to give up the fight for democracy in 2020.

Hong Kong police will deploy more than 6,000 officers on New Year's Eve, local media reported on Tuesday, as protesters plan rallies around the city to urge people not to give up the fight for democracy in 2020. Protests planned on New Year's Eve include a lunchtime rally in Hong Kong's Central business district with people urged to wear masks and "Don't forget 2019 - Persist in 2020" according to social media posts. Events dubbed "Suck the Eve" and "Shop With You" are also set for the bar and entertainment district of Lan Kwai Fong in the central business district, as well as promenades near Victoria Harbour, and in major shopping malls. Police will deploy more than 6,000 officers to deal with potential unrest over the New Year's period, according to the South China Morning Post newspaper, citing unnamed sources. The police say they have arrested nearly 6,500 people since the protests began escalating in June in what is the worst political crisis faced by the city in decades. The police commissioner, Chris Tang, warned the force would not let up in its arrests to try to restore stability to the city. On New Year's Day, tens of thousands are expected to join a major pro-democracy march, after it received police approval to proceed, with organisers hoping to sustain the protest movement's momentum into the new year. The previous such march by organisers, the Civil Human Rights Front, in early December, drew an estimated 800,000 people. "On New Year's Day, we need to show our solidarity to resist the government. We hope Hong Kong people will come onto the streets for Hong Kong's future," said Jimmy Sham, a leader of the group told reporters. The protests began in June in response to a now-withdrawn bill that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, where courts are controlled by the Communist Party and have evolved into a broader pro-democracy movement. The demonstrations planned for New Year follow a pick up in clashes since Christmas Eve when riot police fired tear gas at thousands of protesters following scuffles in shopping malls and in a prime tourist district.

Hong Kong gears up for New Year countdown unrest

China Releases 'National Etiquette' As Communist Party Unveils Definition Of A Model Citizen.

Gravitas: China Wants Citizens To Follow A 'National Etiquette'

Hundreds of Hong Kong protesters, some waving Catalan flags and banners urging to "fight for freedom together", rallied in support of a separate Catalonia on Thursday (October 24), broaching an issue that is anathema to Hong Kong's Communist Party leaders in Beijing.

Hong Kong Protesters rally for Catalan Freedom

The United States said Tuesday it would curb visas for Chinese officials until Beijing ends its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-tells-united-states-to-stop-interfering-in-its-affairs-after-blacklisting-of-companies-254518">"repression" of Uighurs</a> and other Muslims in the western region of Xinjiang, a day after imposing commercial restrictions.

The one-two punch by President Donald Trump's administration marks the most forceful attempt by a foreign power to address what some rights groups call a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-trade-talks-to-resume-thursday-white-house-254346">historic crisis in Xinjiang</a>, and comes amid a range of feuds between the United States and China.

"China has forcibly detained over one million Muslims in a brutal, systematic campaign to erase religion and culture in Xinjiang," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo wrote on Twitter.

"China must end its draconian surveillance and repression, release all those arbitrarily detained and cease its coercion of Chinese Muslims abroad," he said.

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Today, I am announcing visa restrictions on Chinese government and Communist Party officials believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, the detention or abuse of Uighurs, Kazakhs, or other Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang.
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo/status/1181654413913534464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In an accompanying statement, Pompeo said that the State Department would restrict visas granted to government and ruling Communist Party officials involved in "detention or abuse" of Uighurs, Kazakhs or members of other predominantly Muslim ethnic groups in Xinjiang.

The order will also affect their family members, including children who may be seeking to study in the United States.

Watch: Uighurs use Tiktok to expose China's detention camps in Xinjiang

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The State Department did not specify the names of officials who would be affected.

But lawmakers have specifically asked for action against Chen Quanguo, the Communist Party chief for Xinjiang.

Reputed within the party for his handling of minority groups, he earlier led iron-fisted policies aimed at crushing dissent in Tibet.

Defying Chinese protests

The US Commerce Department on Monday blacklisted 28 Chinese entities including video surveillance firm Hikvision and artificial intelligence companies Megvii Technology and SenseTime over their involvement in Xinjiang.

Beijing voiced its "strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition" over the move and denied any human rights abuses in the restive region.

"These accusations are nothing more than an excuse for the United States to deliberately interfere in China's internal affairs," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in Beijing.

Rights groups say more than one million Uighurs and other Muslims are being held in a vast network of camps in Xinjiang aimed at homogenizing the population to reflect China's majority Han culture.

Witnesses say that China has sought to force Uighurs to drop core practices of Islam such as fasting during Ramadan and abstaining from alcohol and pork.

China, after initially denying the camps, describes them as vocational schools aimed at dampening the allure of Islamist extremism and violence.

Authorities have cracked down especially hard since 2009, when nearly 200 people died in riots in Xinjiang's capital Urumqi, which has seen an influx of Han Chinese.

The violence was sparked by news of a factory brawl in southern China in which two Uighur migrant workers were killed.

Pompeo has previously called China's treatment of Uighurs one of the "worst stains on the world" and likened the camps to actions by Nazi Germany.

But few Muslim leaders have spoken out against a rising China with the exception of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, which has linguistic and cultural connections with the Uighurs.

Rights advocates also say that Trump has been inconsistent in exercising pressure over human rights, with the tycoon president warmly embracing authoritarian leaders of allies such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

The actions on Xinjiang come as a trade war shows no signs of abating between the United States and China, the world's two largest economies, which have imposed tariffs on billions of dollars worth of each other's goods.

At the United Nations last month, Trump also warned China that the United States was watching Hong Kong, where months of swelling protests have demanded that Beijing respect the city's semi-autonomous status.

The United States said Tuesday it would curb visas for Chinese officials until Beijing ends its "repression" of Uighurs and other Muslims in the western region of Xinjiang, a day after imposing commercial restrictions.

The United States said Tuesday it would curb visas for Chinese officials until Beijing ends its "repression" of Uighurs and other Muslims in the western region of Xinjiang, a day after imposing commercial restrictions. The one-two punch by President Donald Trump's administration marks the most forceful attempt by a foreign power to address what some rights groups call a historic crisis in Xinjiang, and comes amid a range of feuds between the United States and China. "China has forcibly detained over one million Muslims in a brutal, systematic campaign to erase religion and culture in Xinjiang," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo wrote on Twitter. "China must end its draconian surveillance and repression, release all those arbitrarily detained and cease its coercion of Chinese Muslims abroad," he said. Today, I am announcing visa restrictions on Chinese government and Communist Party officials believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, the detention or abuse of Uighurs, Kazakhs, or other Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang. — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) October 8, 2019 × In an accompanying statement, Pompeo said that the State Department would restrict visas granted to government and ruling Communist Party officials involved in "detention or abuse" of Uighurs, Kazakhs or members of other predominantly Muslim ethnic groups in Xinjiang. The order will also affect their family members, including children who may be seeking to study in the United States. Watch: Uighurs use Tiktok to expose China's detention camps in Xinjiang × The State Department did not specify the names of officials who would be affected. But lawmakers have specifically asked for action against Chen Quanguo, the Communist Party chief for Xinjiang. Reputed within the party for his handling of minority groups, he earlier led iron-fisted policies aimed at crushing dissent in Tibet. Defying Chinese protests The US Commerce Department on Monday blacklisted 28 Chinese entities including video surveillance firm Hikvision and artificial intelligence companies Megvii Technology and SenseTime over their involvement in Xinjiang. Beijing voiced its "strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition" over the move and denied any human rights abuses in the restive region. "These accusations are nothing more than an excuse for the United States to deliberately interfere in China's internal affairs," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in Beijing. Rights groups say more than one million Uighurs and other Muslims are being held in a vast network of camps in Xinjiang aimed at homogenizing the population to reflect China's majority Han culture. Witnesses say that China has sought to force Uighurs to drop core practices of Islam such as fasting during Ramadan and abstaining from alcohol and pork. China, after initially denying the camps, describes them as vocational schools aimed at dampening the allure of Islamist extremism and violence. Authorities have cracked down especially hard since 2009, when nearly 200 people died in riots in Xinjiang's capital Urumqi, which has seen an influx of Han Chinese. The violence was sparked by news of a factory brawl in southern China in which two Uighur migrant workers were killed. Pompeo has previously called China's treatment of Uighurs one of the "worst stains on the world" and likened the camps to actions by Nazi Germany. But few Muslim leaders have spoken out against a rising China with the exception of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, which has linguistic and cultural connections with the Uighurs. Rights advocates also say that Trump has been inconsistent in exercising pressure over human rights, with the tycoon president warmly embracing authoritarian leaders of allies such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The actions on Xinjiang come as a trade war shows no signs of abating between the United States and China, the world's two largest economies, which have imposed tariffs on billions of dollars worth of each other's goods. At the United Nations last month, Trump also warned China that the United States was watching Hong Kong, where months of swelling protests have demanded that Beijing respect the city's semi-autonomous status.

US imposes visa restrictions on Chinese officials; demands end to Uighur 'repression'

President Xi Jinping declared Tuesday that "no force" can shake the Chinese nation as he oversaw a massive military celebration of 70 years of Communist Party rule, shadowed by a day of protest in seething Hong Kong that threatened to steal the spotlight.

Standing on the Tiananmen Rostrum where Chairman Mao Zedong proclaimed the People's Republic of China on October 1, 1949, Xi extolled the "Chinese dream" of national rejuvenation -- his grand vision of restoring the country to perceived past glory.

"There is no force that can shake the foundation of this great nation," Xi said, wearing a "Mao suit" as he stood alongside party leaders in Tiananmen Square.

"No force that can stop the Chinese people and the Chinese nation forging ahead," the country's most powerful leader since Mao said before riding in an open-roof car to review troops.

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China's President Xi Jinping (centre L) watches a military parade in Tiananmen Square in Beijing on October 1, 2019, during celebrations to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. (AFP Photo)

Around 15,000 soldiers, tanks and high-tech weapons were ready to file past Tiananmen Square for an event celebrating China's journey from a country broken by war and poverty to being the world's second-largest economy.

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A Chinese national flag is raised during a military parade at Tiananmen Square in Beijing on October 1, 2019, to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. (AFP Photo)

A symbolic 70-gun salute was fired at the square and the red national flag was raised to begin festivities held under tight security, with road closures and even a ban on flying kites.

New weapons -- including a hypersonic drone and an intercontinental ballistic missile whose range encompasses the United States -- are expected to make their public debut among hundreds of pieces of military equipment and aircraft, according to Paris-based analysts.

But behind the festivities, a clutch of challenges tests Xi's ability to maintain economic and political stability.

"The party hopes that this occasion will add to its legitimacy and rally support at a time of internal and external challenges," Adam Ni, China researcher at Macquarie University in Sydney, said.

US trade war negotiations have dragged on, and African swine fever has raced through the country's pig supply, sending pork prices soaring.

But the major headache is Hong Kong, where pro-democracy protesters hit the streets early in a bid to grab the spotlight from Beijing, with a series of rallies against what they see as the erosion of their special freedoms.

Hong Kong police said they were expecting violence across the city, warning it could be "very, very dangerous", while masked protesters said that "in the face of tyranny, we can only fight as if our last battle".

Officers fanned out across the territory and small pockets of demonstrators marched through the streets for what they dubbed a "Day of Grief", while local officials watched a flag-raising ceremony behind closed doors.

The semi-autonomous city has been embroiled for months in the worst unrest since Britain returned it to China in 1997, with police and hardcore protesters trading tear gas and petrol bombs.

Xi vowed Monday to continue to "fully and faithfully implement" the one country, two systems policy under which Hong Kongers enjoy freedoms unseen on the mainland.

'Protect its interests'

Access to the Beijing parade was restricted with police turning away crowds lining up with flags in the hope of seeing a glimpse of the military procession.&nbsp;

Movie theatres organised screenings of the celebrations.

The military show of force will be followed by a pageant involving 100,000 civilians and 70 floats depicting China's greatest achievements. Organisers will release 70,000 doves and 70,000 balloons before an evening performance and fireworks in Tiananmen.

"Beijing wants to highlight its military modernisation, political unity, and determination to protect its interests," Ni said.

Authorities usually close factories to ensure blue skies during major events, but unhealthy smog covered the Chinese capital on Tuesday.

Party adapts

The Communist Party has repeatedly defied the odds to remain in power for seven decades.

Under Mao, tens of millions of people died during the disastrous Great Leap Forward, and the country was plunged into violent chaos during the decade-long Cultural Revolution.

After Mao's death in 1976, the party launched the reform and opening-up policy under paramount leader Deng Xiaoping, starting decades of breakneck growth and development.

But the party retained a stranglehold on power, sending troops to end the biggest challenge to its rule in 1989 when pro-democracy protesters occupied Tiananmen Square.

Xi has made clear that he believes only the Communist Party can make the country realise its dream -- with him at the helm.

"The Communist Party will continue to ensure that it remains the sole political authority in China," said Drew Thompson, visiting senior research fellow at Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.

"It will continue to adapt to do that and it will continue to seek to provide social goods and economic goods for its people, and as long as it continues to deliver those public goods, then it will likely stay in power, but the manner by which it does I think will change over time."

President Xi Jinping declared Tuesday that "no force" can shake the Chinese nation as he oversaw a massive military celebration of 70 years of Communist Party rule, shadowed by a day of protest in seething Hong Kong that threatened to steal the spotlight.

President Xi Jinping declared Tuesday that "no force" can shake the Chinese nation as he oversaw a massive military celebration of 70 years of Communist Party rule, shadowed by a day of protest in seething Hong Kong that threatened to steal the spotlight. Standing on the Tiananmen Rostrum where Chairman Mao Zedong proclaimed the People's Republic of China on October 1, 1949, Xi extolled the "Chinese dream" of national rejuvenation -- his grand vision of restoring the country to perceived past glory. "There is no force that can shake the foundation of this great nation," Xi said, wearing a "Mao suit" as he stood alongside party leaders in Tiananmen Square. "No force that can stop the Chinese people and the Chinese nation forging ahead," the country's most powerful leader since Mao said before riding in an open-roof car to review troops. China's President Xi Jinping (centre L) watches a military parade in Tiananmen Square in Beijing on October 1, 2019, during celebrations to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. (AFP Photo) Around 15,000 soldiers, tanks and high-tech weapons were ready to file past Tiananmen Square for an event celebrating China's journey from a country broken by war and poverty to being the world's second-largest economy. A Chinese national flag is raised during a military parade at Tiananmen Square in Beijing on October 1, 2019, to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. (AFP Photo) A symbolic 70-gun salute was fired at the square and the red national flag was raised to begin festivities held under tight security, with road closures and even a ban on flying kites. New weapons -- including a hypersonic drone and an intercontinental ballistic missile whose range encompasses the United States -- are expected to make their public debut among hundreds of pieces of military equipment and aircraft, according to Paris-based analysts. But behind the festivities, a clutch of challenges tests Xi's ability to maintain economic and political stability. "The party hopes that this occasion will add to its legitimacy and rally support at a time of internal and external challenges," Adam Ni, China researcher at Macquarie University in Sydney, said. US trade war negotiations have dragged on, and African swine fever has raced through the country's pig supply, sending pork prices soaring. But the major headache is Hong Kong, where pro-democracy protesters hit the streets early in a bid to grab the spotlight from Beijing, with a series of rallies against what they see as the erosion of their special freedoms. Hong Kong police said they were expecting violence across the city, warning it could be "very, very dangerous", while masked protesters said that "in the face of tyranny, we can only fight as if our last battle". Officers fanned out across the territory and small pockets of demonstrators marched through the streets for what they dubbed a "Day of Grief", while local officials watched a flag-raising ceremony behind closed doors. The semi-autonomous city has been embroiled for months in the worst unrest since Britain returned it to China in 1997, with police and hardcore protesters trading tear gas and petrol bombs. Xi vowed Monday to continue to "fully and faithfully implement" the one country, two systems policy under which Hong Kongers enjoy freedoms unseen on the mainland. 'Protect its interests' Access to the Beijing parade was restricted with police turning away crowds lining up with flags in the hope of seeing a glimpse of the military procession. Movie theatres organised screenings of the celebrations. The military show of force will be followed by a pageant involving 100,000 civilians and 70 floats depicting China's greatest achievements. Organisers will release 70,000 doves and 70,000 balloons before an evening performance and fireworks in Tiananmen. "Beijing wants to highlight its military modernisation, political unity, and determination to protect its interests," Ni said. Authorities usually close factories to ensure blue skies during major events, but unhealthy smog covered the Chinese capital on Tuesday. Party adapts The Communist Party has repeatedly defied the odds to remain in power for seven decades. Under Mao, tens of millions of people died during the disastrous Great Leap Forward, and the country was plunged into violent chaos during the decade-long Cultural Revolution. After Mao's death in 1976, the party launched the reform and opening-up policy under paramount leader Deng Xiaoping, starting decades of breakneck growth and development. But the party retained a stranglehold on power, sending troops to end the biggest challenge to its rule in 1989 when pro-democracy protesters occupied Tiananmen Square. Xi has made clear that he believes only the Communist Party can make the country realise its dream -- with him at the helm. "The Communist Party will continue to ensure that it remains the sole political authority in China," said Drew Thompson, visiting senior research fellow at Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. "It will continue to adapt to do that and it will continue to seek to provide social goods and economic goods for its people, and as long as it continues to deliver those public goods, then it will likely stay in power, but the manner by which it does I think will change over time."

'No force' can shake the Chinese nation, says President Xi Jinping as Beijing celebrates 70 years of Communist rule

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said on Thursday that China "understands, respects and supports" her <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-announces-withdrawal-of-extradition-bill-report-247563">government's move to formally withdraw</a> an extradition bill, part of measures she hoped would help the city "move forward" from months of unrest.

In a press conference, Lam was repeatedly questioned on why it took her so long to withdraw the bill that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China despite increasingly violent protests, but she skirted the questions.

"It is not exactly correct to describe this as a change of mind,"&nbsp;she said.

She added that this full withdrawal of the bill was a decision made by her government with Beijing's backing.

"Throughout the whole process, the Central People's Government took the position that they understood why we have to do it. They respect my view, and they support me all the way," said Lam, dressed in white and looking less tense than a televised appearance the day before.

Watch: Big victory for Hong Kong's protesters: Extradition bill withdrawn

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She withdrew the bill, which has plunged the Chinese-ruled territory into its worst political crisis in decades, on Wednesday.

She also announced other measures including opening a platform for dialogue with society to try to address other deep-rooted economic, social and political problems that she said were contributing to the current impasse.

“We must find ways to address the discontent in society and look for solutions,” she said.

The withdrawal was one of the pro-democracy protesters' five demands, although many demonstrators and lawmakers said the move was too little, too late.

The four other demands are,&nbsp;retraction of the word "riot" to describe rallies, release of all demonstrators, an independent inquiry into perceived police brutality and the right for Hong Kong people to choose their own leaders.

The official China Daily said on Thursday that the withdrawal of the bill was an olive branch that leaves demonstrators with no excuse to continue violence.

The announcement came after Reuters reports on Friday and Monday revealed that Beijing had thwarted Lam’s earlier proposals to withdraw the bill and that she had said privately that she would resign if she could, according to an audio recording obtained by Reuters.

Lam leaves for China's Guangxi province on Thursday afternoon.

Skirmishes broke out in some districts including Po Lam late on Wednesday after Lam's announcement, which came after a weekend of some of the most violent protests the city has seen in the past three months.

Police said a suspected petrol bomb was hurled at a luxury property in Kowloon district in the early hours of Thursday and the suspects fled on a motorbike. Local newspaper Apple Daily said the house belonged to Jimmy Lai, the newspaper's owner, who was in the property at the time. Pro-democracy publishing tycoon Lai is an outspoken critic of Beijing.

The bill was seen as the latest example of what many residents see as ever-tighter control by Beijing, despite the promise of autonomy.

The former British colony was handed back to China in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" administration which gave the city of more than 7 million people more freedoms than mainland cities, such as an independent judiciary.

China denies meddling in Hong Kong's affairs and accuses Western countries of fuelling the protests.

Images of some of the fiercest clashes have been beamed live on television screens across the world, sending jitters across the international business community and leading to a large drop in tourism.

The Hong Kong government took out a full-page advert in the Australian Financial Review on Thursday saying it is "determined to achieve a peaceful, rational and reasonable resolution" and is resolutely committed to "one country, two systems”.

It ends the advert by saying: “We will no doubt bounce back. We always do.”

More than 1,100 people have been arrested since the violence escalated in June and Hong Kong is facing its first recession in a decade.

China has strongly denounced the violence and warned it could use force to restore order.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said on Thursday that China "understands, respects and supports" her government's move to formally withdraw an extradition bill, part of measures she hoped would help the city "move forward" from months of unrest.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said on Thursday that China "understands, respects and supports" her government's move to formally withdraw an extradition bill, part of measures she hoped would help the city "move forward" from months of unrest. In a press conference, Lam was repeatedly questioned on why it took her so long to withdraw the bill that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China despite increasingly violent protests, but she skirted the questions. "It is not exactly correct to describe this as a change of mind," she said. She added that this full withdrawal of the bill was a decision made by her government with Beijing's backing. "Throughout the whole process, the Central People's Government took the position that they understood why we have to do it. They respect my view, and they support me all the way," said Lam, dressed in white and looking less tense than a televised appearance the day before. Watch: Big victory for Hong Kong's protesters: Extradition bill withdrawn × She withdrew the bill, which has plunged the Chinese-ruled territory into its worst political crisis in decades, on Wednesday. She also announced other measures including opening a platform for dialogue with society to try to address other deep-rooted economic, social and political problems that she said were contributing to the current impasse. “We must find ways to address the discontent in society and look for solutions,” she said. The withdrawal was one of the pro-democracy protesters' five demands, although many demonstrators and lawmakers said the move was too little, too late. The four other demands are, retraction of the word "riot" to describe rallies, release of all demonstrators, an independent inquiry into perceived police brutality and the right for Hong Kong people to choose their own leaders. The official China Daily said on Thursday that the withdrawal of the bill was an olive branch that leaves demonstrators with no excuse to continue violence. The announcement came after Reuters reports on Friday and Monday revealed that Beijing had thwarted Lam’s earlier proposals to withdraw the bill and that she had said privately that she would resign if she could, according to an audio recording obtained by Reuters. Lam leaves for China's Guangxi province on Thursday afternoon. Skirmishes broke out in some districts including Po Lam late on Wednesday after Lam's announcement, which came after a weekend of some of the most violent protests the city has seen in the past three months. Police said a suspected petrol bomb was hurled at a luxury property in Kowloon district in the early hours of Thursday and the suspects fled on a motorbike. Local newspaper Apple Daily said the house belonged to Jimmy Lai, the newspaper's owner, who was in the property at the time. Pro-democracy publishing tycoon Lai is an outspoken critic of Beijing. The bill was seen as the latest example of what many residents see as ever-tighter control by Beijing, despite the promise of autonomy. The former British colony was handed back to China in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" administration which gave the city of more than 7 million people more freedoms than mainland cities, such as an independent judiciary. China denies meddling in Hong Kong's affairs and accuses Western countries of fuelling the protests. Images of some of the fiercest clashes have been beamed live on television screens across the world, sending jitters across the international business community and leading to a large drop in tourism. The Hong Kong government took out a full-page advert in the Australian Financial Review on Thursday saying it is "determined to achieve a peaceful, rational and reasonable resolution" and is resolutely committed to "one country, two systems”. It ends the advert by saying: “We will no doubt bounce back. We always do.” More than 1,100 people have been arrested since the violence escalated in June and Hong Kong is facing its first recession in a decade. China has strongly denounced the violence and warned it could use force to restore order.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam says China backs her 'all the way'

How important is Hong Kong to the rest of China?

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-raises-tariffs-on-us-goods-amid-esclating-tensions-223347">China will fight back against the latest US&nbsp;step to increase tariffs on Chinese goods,</a> the ruling Communist Party's People's Daily said on Sunday amid an escalating trade war between the world's two largest economies.

"China is confident that it will follow its own path and do its own things well, and will never waiver in its stand on countering any provocations by the US side," the newspaper said in a commentary.

US politicians, seeking to hamper<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-desperate-to-reach-trade-deal-with-us-totally-misleading-foreign-ministry-236382"> China's economic development</a>, still want to use the tactics of exerting maximum pressure on China that has achieved few results, the paper said.

The United States will not win the trade war because of the plight faced by its farmers and businesses, it said.

China said on Saturday it strongly opposes Washington's decision to levy additional tariffs on $550 billion worth of Chinese goods and warned the United States of consequences if it does not end its "wrong actions".

US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that Washington will impose an additional 5 per cent duty on the Chinese goods, hours after Beijing announced its latest retaliatory tariffs on about $75 billion worth of US&nbsp;goods in the latest tit-for-tat moves in their bilateral trade dispute.

The intensifying US-China trade war stoked worries about a global economic recession.

China will fight back against the latest US step to increase tariffs on Chinese goods, the ruling Communist Party's People's Daily said on Sunday amid an escalating trade war between the world's two largest economies.

China will fight back against the latest US step to increase tariffs on Chinese goods, the ruling Communist Party's People's Daily said on Sunday amid an escalating trade war between the world's two largest economies. "China is confident that it will follow its own path and do its own things well, and will never waiver in its stand on countering any provocations by the US side," the newspaper said in a commentary. US politicians, seeking to hamper China's economic development, still want to use the tactics of exerting maximum pressure on China that has achieved few results, the paper said. The United States will not win the trade war because of the plight faced by its farmers and businesses, it said. China said on Saturday it strongly opposes Washington's decision to levy additional tariffs on $550 billion worth of Chinese goods and warned the United States of consequences if it does not end its "wrong actions". US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that Washington will impose an additional 5 per cent duty on the Chinese goods, hours after Beijing announced its latest retaliatory tariffs on about $75 billion worth of US goods in the latest tit-for-tat moves in their bilateral trade dispute. The intensifying US-China trade war stoked worries about a global economic recession.

China to fight back against US tariff move: Report

Hong Kong police used tear gas to break up anti-government protests in a gritty industrial suburb on Saturday after some activists threw petrol bombs and bricks, as China freed a British consulate worker whose detention helped fuel tension.

Hong Kong police used tear gas to break up anti-government protests in a gritty industrial suburb on Saturday after some activists threw petrol bombs and bricks, as China freed a British consulate worker whose detention helped fuel tension. Four MTR subway stations were closed around Kwun Tong, a densely populated area of the Chinese-ruled city on the east of the Kowloon peninsula, but thousands packed the streets anyway, most carrying umbrellas against the sun. Police used tear gas after some protesters threw Molotov cocktails and bricks and others tore up "smart" lamp posts equipped with surveillance cameras. Others had set up roadblocks with bamboo scaffolding. It was the first use of tear gas in 10 days after a series of mostly peaceful demonstrations in the former British colony. There were no immediate reports of injuries. "Give me democracy or give me death," was spray-painted on a wall, an illustration of how the demands of the protesters have expanded from the withdrawal of a bill that would have allowed extraditions to China. The government said in a statement the protesters "posed a serious threat to the safety of everyone" at the scene. "After repeated warnings to the protesters went futile, police officers have deployed tear gas and minimum force to disperse protesters," it said. The airport and the roads and railways leading to it were operating normally despite plans by protesters to implement a "stress test" of transport links after weeks of unrest. The airport was forced to close for part of last week after protesters thronged the main terminal for several days, grounding around 1,000 flights and occasionally clashing with police. The wider calls for democracy have plunged the city into an unprecedented crisis posing a direct challenge for Communist Party leaders in Beijing. Demonstrators say they are fighting the erosion of the "one country, two systems" arrangement that enshrines a high degree of autonomy for Hong Kong since it was handed back from British to Chinese rule in 1997. Hundreds took part in an "anti-fake news" protest, with people waving the bauhinia Hong Kong flag outside government-funded broadcaster RTHK's headquarters. “RTHK has become more biased in recent years," businesswoman Michelle Tse said. "Almost 90per cent of its programmes have been badmouthing China, saying the country has no democracy or freedom." A spokeswoman for the station said RTHK has taken note of the opinions raised, it said on its Facebook page. She said, "staff follow the station's charter and producer guidelines and are obliged to deliver objective programming." Consulate worker freed British consulate staffer Simon Cheng was detained for 15 days for violating public security management regulations, police in Shenzhen, across the border from Hong Kong, said on their Twitter-like Weibo account. Police said Cheng was released as scheduled on Saturday and that his legal rights and interests had been observed. They also said Cheng had confessed to accusations against him, a commonly used comment by Chinese police, even though Cheng was not given a chance to defend himself in court. Cheng had now returned to Hong Kong, his family said on his Facebook page. No details were given of his detention, with the Facebook post asking the "media and friends to give them some time and space, and we will explain later". Some protesters in recent days had demanded Cheng to be released. Britain said it welcomed the news. Cathay Pacific Airways, which has become the biggest corporate casualty of the protests after China demanded it suspends staff involved in the demonstrations, protested against a planned rally by the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions around the airport's "Cathay City" HQ on Monday. "We have also reiterated to our employees that there is a zero-tolerance approach to any support for or participation in illegal protests, violent activities or overly radical behaviour," it said in a statement. There is no sign of a let-up almost three months after the anti-government demonstrations began. On Friday night, thousands of chanting protesters formed human chains around the city in a peaceful protest dubbed the "Hong Kong Way". Authorities have so far refused to meet any of the protesters' five key demands, including calls for an independent inquiry into police brutality, a full withdrawal of the extradition bill, and full democracy. Organisers are planning a host of protests in the coming weeks including a mass march, a city-wide strike and class boycotts at universities.

Hong Kong police use tear gas to counter protest petrol bombs

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/mass-protests-protect-hong-kongs-legal-autonomy-from-china-for-now-228567">Hong Kong </a>retailers said on Tuesday they expect sales for July and August to drop by double-digits from a year earlier due to large and sometimes violent protests that have gripped the Chinese-ruled city for more than a month.

On top of that forecast, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-in-hong-kong-reject-carrie-lams-assertion-extradition-bill-dead-threaten-mass-rallies-234227">Hong Kong Retail Management Association</a> also sharply changed its full-year retail sales forecast to a double-digit fall instead of single-digit growth.

It urged the government to resolve the dispute over a proposed extradition bill peacefully.

Millions have taken to the streets over the past month to protest a bill that would allow people to be sent to mainland <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/37-countries-including-pakistan-and-saudi-arabia-defend-china-in-un-letter-over-xinjiang-235466">China</a> for trial in courts controlled by the Communist Party.

The retail group's statement came after a relatively peaceful rally descended into chaos late on Sunday when protesters in a shopping mall housing some of the world's largest luxury brands threw umbrellas and plastic bottles at police who retaliated by firing pepper spray and swinging batons.

The retail industry "is worried that the incident will hit Hong Kong's international image as a safe city with good food and a shopping paradise," the association said in a statement.

Last month, PwC revised its Hong Kong full-year retail sales forecast to a 5 per cent drop, from a 3per cent fall.

PwC also said recent political and social unrest, coupled with a lack of new tourist attractions, might lower mainland tourists' appetite to visit Hong Kong in the short run.

The Hong Kong Inbound Travel Association estimates that so far this month, the number of organised tours to the city has dropped 20 per cent to 30 per cent from the same period a year earlier.

"The impact has begun to surface and we start to see tours from mainland China and overseas postponing their leisure visits," association chairman Paul Leung told Reuters. "We hope both sides can peacefully resolve the issue."

The value of Hong Kong retail sales slid 1.3 per cent from a year earlier in May, the fourth straight month of decline.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam on Monday called protesters who clashed with police on Sunday "rioters" and said she supported the police in upholding the law and seeking perpetrators.

Hong Kong retailers said on Tuesday they expect sales for July and August to drop by double-digits from a year earlier due to large and sometimes violent protests that have gripped the Chinese-ruled city for more than a month.

Hong Kong retailers said on Tuesday they expect sales for July and August to drop by double-digits from a year earlier due to large and sometimes violent protests that have gripped the Chinese-ruled city for more than a month. On top of that forecast, the Hong Kong Retail Management Association also sharply changed its full-year retail sales forecast to a double-digit fall instead of single-digit growth. It urged the government to resolve the dispute over a proposed extradition bill peacefully. Millions have taken to the streets over the past month to protest a bill that would allow people to be sent to mainland China for trial in courts controlled by the Communist Party. The retail group's statement came after a relatively peaceful rally descended into chaos late on Sunday when protesters in a shopping mall housing some of the world's largest luxury brands threw umbrellas and plastic bottles at police who retaliated by firing pepper spray and swinging batons. The retail industry "is worried that the incident will hit Hong Kong's international image as a safe city with good food and a shopping paradise," the association said in a statement. Last month, PwC revised its Hong Kong full-year retail sales forecast to a 5 per cent drop, from a 3per cent fall. PwC also said recent political and social unrest, coupled with a lack of new tourist attractions, might lower mainland tourists' appetite to visit Hong Kong in the short run. The Hong Kong Inbound Travel Association estimates that so far this month, the number of organised tours to the city has dropped 20 per cent to 30 per cent from the same period a year earlier. "The impact has begun to surface and we start to see tours from mainland China and overseas postponing their leisure visits," association chairman Paul Leung told Reuters. "We hope both sides can peacefully resolve the issue." The value of Hong Kong retail sales slid 1.3 per cent from a year earlier in May, the fourth straight month of decline. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam on Monday called protesters who clashed with police on Sunday "rioters" and said she supported the police in upholding the law and seeking perpetrators.

Hong Kong retailers forecast sharp drop in sales as protests rock city

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said on Tuesday the extradition bill that sparked the city's biggest political crisis in decades was dead and the government's work on the bill was a "total failure". The bill, which would have allowed people in Hong Kong to be sent to mainland China to face trial in courts controlled by the ruling Communist Party, sparked huge and at times violent street protests and plunged the former British colony into turmoil.

Hong Kong leader says extradition bill is 'dead', refuses independent police inquiry

Hundreds of protesters faced off with riot police early on Monday, the anniversary of Hong Kong's return to Chinese rule, ahead of an annual rally that is expected to draw huge crowds amid widespread anger over a controversial extradition bill. Police sprayed pepper spray to disperse the demonstrators in the latest protests over the extradition bill, which would allow people to be sent to mainland China for trial in courts controlled by the Communist Party. The bill, which the government was forced to suspend after the largest and most violent protests in decades, has plunged the Asian financial center into political turmoil.

Protesters scuffle ahead of Hong Kong handover anniversary ceremony

Anniversary Protests Begin In Hong Kong

The membership of China's 98-year-old powerful ruling Communist Party has exceeded 90 million, the party announced in Beijing&nbsp;on Sunday.

The Communist Party of China (CPC), which remained the sole governing party of the country since it came to power in 1949, had 90.59 million members with 4.61 million primary-level party organisations as of last year, the Organisation Department of the CPC.

The party is headed by President Xi Jinping, 66, who is regarded as the most powerful leader after the party founder Mao Zedong.

Xi is expected to remain in power as the head of the party, the military and the presidency for life after China's parliament -- the National People's Congress -- last year ratified a constitutional amendment, removing the two-term limit for the president.

Besides adhering to ideology of Marxism, the CPC members are banned from following any religion. All offices, factories and business outfits are mandatorily required to have CPC branches.

In 2018, the CPC recruited nearly 2.06 million new members, 72,000 more than 2017.

Among the new members, 44.9 per cent held junior college degrees or above.

In less than 100 years, the CPC has seen its membership grow from more than 50 when it was founded in 1921, 4.49 million in 1949 when China was founded, to more than 90 million, the Xinhua report said.

Statistics show that more than 80 per cent of the existing party members joined the CPC in 1978.

The CPC also saw steady growth in the proportion of female members and those from ethnic minority groups. 
As of the end of 2018, the party had nearly 24.67 million female members, accounting for 27.2 per cent of the total membership, compared with merely 11.9 per cent in 1949.

The proportion of members from ethnic minority groups has grown from 2.5 per cent to 7.3 per cent.

The membership of China's 98-year-old powerful ruling Communist Party has exceeded 90 million, the party announced in Beijing on Sunday. The Communist Party of China (CPC), which remained the sole governing party of the country since it came to power in 1949, had 90.

The membership of China's 98-year-old powerful ruling Communist Party has exceeded 90 million, the party announced in Beijing on Sunday. The Communist Party of China (CPC), which remained the sole governing party of the country since it came to power in 1949, had 90.59 million members with 4.61 million primary-level party organisations as of last year, the Organisation Department of the CPC. The party is headed by President Xi Jinping, 66, who is regarded as the most powerful leader after the party founder Mao Zedong. Xi is expected to remain in power as the head of the party, the military and the presidency for life after China's parliament -- the National People's Congress -- last year ratified a constitutional amendment, removing the two-term limit for the president. Besides adhering to ideology of Marxism, the CPC members are banned from following any religion. All offices, factories and business outfits are mandatorily required to have CPC branches. In 2018, the CPC recruited nearly 2.06 million new members, 72,000 more than 2017. Among the new members, 44.9 per cent held junior college degrees or above. In less than 100 years, the CPC has seen its membership grow from more than 50 when it was founded in 1921, 4.49 million in 1949 when China was founded, to more than 90 million, the Xinhua report said. Statistics show that more than 80 per cent of the existing party members joined the CPC in 1978. The CPC also saw steady growth in the proportion of female members and those from ethnic minority groups. As of the end of 2018, the party had nearly 24.67 million female members, accounting for 27.2 per cent of the total membership, compared with merely 11.9 per cent in 1949. The proportion of members from ethnic minority groups has grown from 2.5 per cent to 7.3 per cent.

Membership of China's 98-year-old Communist Party exceeds 90 million

The United States said Monday it had lost hope for human rights progress in China 30 years after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-state-run-daily-defended-the-governments-handling-of-the-tiananmen-protests-on-monday-223803">crackdown on Tiananmen Square</a> as Beijing, in rare official comments on the bloodshed, insisted it had "immunized" itself against turmoil.

As <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-apologises-for-blocked-china-accounts-ahead-of-tiananmen-anniversary-223682">China tried to impose a media blackout</a> ahead of Tuesday's anniversary of the 1989 assault on pro-democracy protesters, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo saluted the "heroic protest movement," which he said still stirred "the conscience of freedom-loving people around the world."

"Over the decades that followed, the United States hoped that China's integration into the international system would lead to a more open, tolerant society. Those hopes have been dashed," Pompeo said.

"Today, Chinese citizens have been subjected to a new wave of abuses, especially in Xinjiang, where the Communist Party leadership is methodically attempting to strangle Uighur culture and stamp out the Islamic faith," he said.

An estimated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-using-ai-to-identify-uighurs-across-the-country-reports-210712">one million Uighurs have been placed in detention in Xinjiang</a>, massive incarceration that China describes as vocational training to reduce radicalism.

On June 4, 1989, Beijing's communist rulers sent tanks and troops into Tiananmen Square, the symbolic heart of Chinese power, to crush a student-led movement that had been growing for seven weeks and featured a Goddess of Democracy statue that resembled the Statue of Liberty.

Hundreds of unarmed civilians, and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/on-tiananmen-anniversary-us-tells-china-to-make-full-public-account-of-those-killed-detained-or-missing-142033">possibly more than 1,000 were killed</a>.

"We urge the Chinese government to make a full, public accounting of those killed or missing to give comfort to the many victims of this dark chapter of history," Pompeo said, calling on China to "release all those held for seeking to exercise" fundamental rights and freedoms.

Watch: 30 Years Of Pro-Democracy Protests In China

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'A political success'

With younger Chinese having no direct memories of the Tiananmen movement, Beijing has gone to exhaustive lengths to prevent commemorations, with authorities detaining activists and live streaming services conspicuously down for "technical" reasons.

But in an unusual step, China acknowledged -- and justified -- the Tiananmen crackdown in remarks geared at foreign audiences.

The English edition of the state-run Global Times tabloid called the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-10000-killed-in-1989-tiananmen-crackdown-british-cable-27564">handling of Tiananmen and its aftermath</a> "a political success."

"As a vaccination for... Chinese society, the Tiananmen incident will greatly increase China's immunity against any major political turmoil in the future," it said in an editorial published Monday.

And Defence Minister Wei Fenghe, speaking Sunday at a regional forum in Singapore, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-defence-minister-says-tiananmen-crackdown-was-justified-223616">defended the crackdown</a> when he responded to an audience question.

"That incident was political turbulence and the central government took measures to stop the turbulence which is a correct policy," he said.

China's economy has soared since Tiananmen to become the second largest in the world, with the United States under President Bill Clinton welcoming Beijing into the global trading order and hoping that rising prosperity would bring improvements in human rights.

In pics: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/tiananmens-key-moments-hope-crushed-by-soldiers-and-tanks-223563">Hope crushed by soldiers and tanks-Tiananmen's key moments&nbsp;</a>

President Donald Trump has voiced regret over China's trajectory on economic grounds as well. He has slapped tariffs on billions of dollars worth of Chinese goods and accused Beijing of rampant theft of US technology, setting off an accelerating trade battle.

The Trump administration has raised human rights repeatedly with China, although it treads much more lightly when addressing rights issues in US-allied countries.

Robert Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said that the United States needed to look inward and be more consistent on human rights as it tackled China's record.

"Unlike 30 years ago, when America stood with the brave Chinese people in the face of repression, we hear deafening silence from the White House at best and voices fanning the flames at worst," Menendez told a Tiananmen commemoration event at the National Endowment for Democracy.

The United States said Monday it had lost hope for human rights progress in China 30 years after the crackdown on Tiananmen Square as Beijing, in rare official comments on the bloodshed, insisted it had "immunized" itself against turmoil.

The United States said Monday it had lost hope for human rights progress in China 30 years after the crackdown on Tiananmen Square as Beijing, in rare official comments on the bloodshed, insisted it had "immunized" itself against turmoil. As China tried to impose a media blackout ahead of Tuesday's anniversary of the 1989 assault on pro-democracy protesters, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo saluted the "heroic protest movement," which he said still stirred "the conscience of freedom-loving people around the world." "Over the decades that followed, the United States hoped that China's integration into the international system would lead to a more open, tolerant society. Those hopes have been dashed," Pompeo said. "Today, Chinese citizens have been subjected to a new wave of abuses, especially in Xinjiang, where the Communist Party leadership is methodically attempting to strangle Uighur culture and stamp out the Islamic faith," he said. An estimated one million Uighurs have been placed in detention in Xinjiang, massive incarceration that China describes as vocational training to reduce radicalism. On June 4, 1989, Beijing's communist rulers sent tanks and troops into Tiananmen Square, the symbolic heart of Chinese power, to crush a student-led movement that had been growing for seven weeks and featured a Goddess of Democracy statue that resembled the Statue of Liberty. Hundreds of unarmed civilians, and possibly more than 1,000 were killed. "We urge the Chinese government to make a full, public accounting of those killed or missing to give comfort to the many victims of this dark chapter of history," Pompeo said, calling on China to "release all those held for seeking to exercise" fundamental rights and freedoms. Watch: 30 Years Of Pro-Democracy Protests In China × 'A political success' With younger Chinese having no direct memories of the Tiananmen movement, Beijing has gone to exhaustive lengths to prevent commemorations, with authorities detaining activists and live streaming services conspicuously down for "technical" reasons. But in an unusual step, China acknowledged -- and justified -- the Tiananmen crackdown in remarks geared at foreign audiences. The English edition of the state-run Global Times tabloid called the handling of Tiananmen and its aftermath "a political success." "As a vaccination for... Chinese society, the Tiananmen incident will greatly increase China's immunity against any major political turmoil in the future," it said in an editorial published Monday. And Defence Minister Wei Fenghe, speaking Sunday at a regional forum in Singapore, defended the crackdown when he responded to an audience question. "That incident was political turbulence and the central government took measures to stop the turbulence which is a correct policy," he said. China's economy has soared since Tiananmen to become the second largest in the world, with the United States under President Bill Clinton welcoming Beijing into the global trading order and hoping that rising prosperity would bring improvements in human rights. In pics: Hope crushed by soldiers and tanks-Tiananmen's key moments President Donald Trump has voiced regret over China's trajectory on economic grounds as well. He has slapped tariffs on billions of dollars worth of Chinese goods and accused Beijing of rampant theft of US technology, setting off an accelerating trade battle. The Trump administration has raised human rights repeatedly with China, although it treads much more lightly when addressing rights issues in US-allied countries. Robert Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said that the United States needed to look inward and be more consistent on human rights as it tackled China's record. "Unlike 30 years ago, when America stood with the brave Chinese people in the face of repression, we hear deafening silence from the White House at best and voices fanning the flames at worst," Menendez told a Tiananmen commemoration event at the National Endowment for Democracy.

Post-Tiananmen, Chinese citizens subjected to new wave of abuses: US

Several Maoist activists were arrested in Nepal as a general strike called by an outlawed communist group on Monday disrupted normal life in the country, a day after a series of explosions rocked the capital Kathmandu, killing at least four people. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Educational institutions and business establishments remained shut in major cities while traffic was thin due to the strike called by the Netra Bikram Chand (Biplav)-led Communist Party of Nepal to protest against the killing of its cadre during an encounter a couple of months ago.

Just a day ahead of the nationwide strike, a series of bombs exploded at different parts of the capital city, killing four people and injuring seven others.

Police said they suspect that the outlawed group that once split from the ruling Communist Party was responsible for the blasts as its members have been protesting the arrests of their supporters.

The bombings were the deadliest since the government imposed a ban on the activities of Chand-led outfit on March 12 following a blast outside its office in Nakkhu in Southern Nepal that killed one person.

A cadre of Chand-led outfit was killed on the spot and another was injured after a powerful bomb went off at a house in Ghattekulo in Kathmandu on Sunday.

The deceased has been identified as Prajjwal Shahi and is said to be the leader of CPN-aligned student wing. According to the police, he was making a bomb when it accidentally went off.

Police have found pamphlets belonging to the splinter Communist group at the explosion site.

Another pressure cooker bomb went off at a barber's shop in Sukedhara in Kathmandu, killing three persons and injuring four others.

Amid a high alert after Sunday's attacks, Nepal Army diffused pressure cooker bombs at various places including Pokhara Metropolitan City, Morang, Baitadi and Tanhu districts. The security forces also recovered suspected objects from different parts of the country.

Protestors torched a passenger bus in Surkheton Monday. However, no one was injured in the incident.

Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa has instructed the law enforcement agencies to step up the security in view of the violence that has erupted in the wake of the general strike.

The outlawed group split from the Maoist party, which fought government troops from 1996 to 2006, when its members gave up their armed revolt to join a peace process and mainstream politics.&nbsp;

Several Maoist activists were arrested in Nepal as a general strike called by an outlawed communist group on Monday disrupted normal life in the country, a day after a series of explosions rocked the capital Kathmandu, killing at least four people.

Several Maoist activists were arrested in Nepal as a general strike called by an outlawed communist group on Monday disrupted normal life in the country, a day after a series of explosions rocked the capital Kathmandu, killing at least four people. Educational institutions and business establishments remained shut in major cities while traffic was thin due to the strike called by the Netra Bikram Chand (Biplav)-led Communist Party of Nepal to protest against the killing of its cadre during an encounter a couple of months ago. Just a day ahead of the nationwide strike, a series of bombs exploded at different parts of the capital city, killing four people and injuring seven others. Police said they suspect that the outlawed group that once split from the ruling Communist Party was responsible for the blasts as its members have been protesting the arrests of their supporters. The bombings were the deadliest since the government imposed a ban on the activities of Chand-led outfit on March 12 following a blast outside its office in Nakkhu in Southern Nepal that killed one person. A cadre of Chand-led outfit was killed on the spot and another was injured after a powerful bomb went off at a house in Ghattekulo in Kathmandu on Sunday. The deceased has been identified as Prajjwal Shahi and is said to be the leader of CPN-aligned student wing. According to the police, he was making a bomb when it accidentally went off. Police have found pamphlets belonging to the splinter Communist group at the explosion site. Another pressure cooker bomb went off at a barber's shop in Sukedhara in Kathmandu, killing three persons and injuring four others. Amid a high alert after Sunday's attacks, Nepal Army diffused pressure cooker bombs at various places including Pokhara Metropolitan City, Morang, Baitadi and Tanhu districts. The security forces also recovered suspected objects from different parts of the country. Protestors torched a passenger bus in Surkheton Monday. However, no one was injured in the incident. Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa has instructed the law enforcement agencies to step up the security in view of the violence that has erupted in the wake of the general strike. The outlawed group split from the Maoist party, which fought government troops from 1996 to 2006, when its members gave up their armed revolt to join a peace process and mainstream politics.

Maoist activists arrested in Nepal as nationwide strike disrupts life

In a bright red office in south Beijing, some of China's most studious Communist Party members are gathered around their smartphones.

The focus of their attention is a range of mobile apps and websites which allow them to study the speeches of Chinese President Xi Jinping, including one developed by their own employer, Beijing-based conglomerate Tidal Star Group.

Tidal Star is among a rising number of Chinese firms working for or taking inspiration from, the country's ruling Communist Party to develop high-tech propaganda tools aimed at spreading the party's message among a tech-savvy younger generation.

The party's mass propaganda toolkit has been upgraded from strident posters and Mao Zedong's "Little Red Book" to include artificially intelligent news readers, viral social media campaigns and "compulsory" quiz apps.

"Of course we study the spirit of Xi Jinping's speeches in the traditional way, but now that we have the app, party members can basically learn the excellent ideas of the national leaders every day," said Cheng Hong, who heads Tidal Star's party committee.

Staff who don't perform well on app quizzes will be "encouraged to improve their enthusiasm" while high scores are rewarded with praise and awards, Cheng added.

Much of the new tech has been rolled out and upgraded ahead of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top political meeting, which kicked-off on Tuesday.

The annual parliamentary meeting typically sees a ramping-up of propaganda in Chinese state media.

"It's a massive revolution and at the same time a huge challenge for the propaganda department, to keep relevant and have a stake, when everything propaganda-wise is now in cyberspace," said Graeme Smith, a Fellow at the Department of Pacific Affairs at the Australian National University.

Red millennials

Last month, an app called "Xuexi Qiangguo" which tracks how much time users spend learning Communist Party teachings and how they are progressing with their study, became the most downloaded app on Apple's China app store.

The app, developed by Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, has since chalked up around 75 million downloads, according to estimates by Beijing-based consultancy Qimai.

It is just one of the dozens of Chinese Communist Party apps available on Android app stores and Apple's China App Store, including "Party Member eHome", "Wisely Build the Party", "Party Member's Little Backpack".

"Since 2016, one central publicity purpose for the Party is to make 'red millennials'," said a Beijing-based manager at a major US-listed Chinese news feed app.

His company had collaborated with the Chinese Communist Party to promote stories written by state media outlets higher up in search results.

"Official news is always the top priority. There is no news until official news," said the person, who declined to be named because he was not authorised to speak to media.

On Sunday, state news agency Xinhua and U.S.-listed search firm Sogou Inc, also released the first official performance of a female AI news anchor called "Xin Xiaomeng", whose first job was to present a story about delegates attending China's largely rubber-stamp parliament meeting.

China will get even better at telling its story to the world due to its "innovative application of communication means and technology," said Guo Weimin, a spokesman for parliament's largely ceremonial advisory body. "I believe that our voice will spread farther and farther."

The Communist Party Propaganda Department did not respond to a request for comment.

'All hours of the day'

The shift in the Party's propaganda outreach stretches to other areas such as media and popular culture.

State media outlet Xinhua on Sunday released a patriotic English language rap song by Chinese musician Su Han.

The fast-paced song lauds China's recent moon-landing, powerful supercomputers and ability to clone monkeys, alongside sometimes clumsy English references to kidney stones and cartoon character Popeye.

Xinhua also released videos of foreigners praising China's political system, calling NPC press conferences "a journalist's dream" and laying out the benefits of a Chinese-style democracy, using footage of Chinese basketball star Yao Ming.

Party members said the new propaganda push means political study now consumes more of their time than ever before.

Universities, provincial party units and companies have recently issued public notices urging staff and officials to download Xuexi Qiangguo.

Three sources from different Party units say online study scores now factor into their performance reviews.

One staff member at a university in southern China told Reuters they are required to complete at least 160 hours of official study online per year.

"It's not too boring, but the Party used to be a part of my work," said a 35-year old researcher surnamed Liu at a Beijing university, who declined to give her full name due to the sensitivity of the topic.

"Now it is part of my life at all hours of the day."

In a bright red office in south Beijing, some of China's most studious Communist Party members are gathered around their smartphones. The focus of their attention is a range of mobile apps and websites which allow them to study the speeches of Chinese President Xi Jinping, including one developed by their own employer, Beijing-based conglomerate Tidal Star Group.

In a bright red office in south Beijing, some of China's most studious Communist Party members are gathered around their smartphones. The focus of their attention is a range of mobile apps and websites which allow them to study the speeches of Chinese President Xi Jinping, including one developed by their own employer, Beijing-based conglomerate Tidal Star Group. Tidal Star is among a rising number of Chinese firms working for or taking inspiration from, the country's ruling Communist Party to develop high-tech propaganda tools aimed at spreading the party's message among a tech-savvy younger generation. The party's mass propaganda toolkit has been upgraded from strident posters and Mao Zedong's "Little Red Book" to include artificially intelligent news readers, viral social media campaigns and "compulsory" quiz apps. "Of course we study the spirit of Xi Jinping's speeches in the traditional way, but now that we have the app, party members can basically learn the excellent ideas of the national leaders every day," said Cheng Hong, who heads Tidal Star's party committee. Staff who don't perform well on app quizzes will be "encouraged to improve their enthusiasm" while high scores are rewarded with praise and awards, Cheng added. Much of the new tech has been rolled out and upgraded ahead of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top political meeting, which kicked-off on Tuesday. The annual parliamentary meeting typically sees a ramping-up of propaganda in Chinese state media. "It's a massive revolution and at the same time a huge challenge for the propaganda department, to keep relevant and have a stake, when everything propaganda-wise is now in cyberspace," said Graeme Smith, a Fellow at the Department of Pacific Affairs at the Australian National University. Red millennials Last month, an app called "Xuexi Qiangguo" which tracks how much time users spend learning Communist Party teachings and how they are progressing with their study, became the most downloaded app on Apple's China app store. The app, developed by Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, has since chalked up around 75 million downloads, according to estimates by Beijing-based consultancy Qimai. It is just one of the dozens of Chinese Communist Party apps available on Android app stores and Apple's China App Store, including "Party Member eHome", "Wisely Build the Party", "Party Member's Little Backpack". "Since 2016, one central publicity purpose for the Party is to make 'red millennials'," said a Beijing-based manager at a major US-listed Chinese news feed app. His company had collaborated with the Chinese Communist Party to promote stories written by state media outlets higher up in search results. "Official news is always the top priority. There is no news until official news," said the person, who declined to be named because he was not authorised to speak to media. On Sunday, state news agency Xinhua and U.S.-listed search firm Sogou Inc, also released the first official performance of a female AI news anchor called "Xin Xiaomeng", whose first job was to present a story about delegates attending China's largely rubber-stamp parliament meeting. China will get even better at telling its story to the world due to its "innovative application of communication means and technology," said Guo Weimin, a spokesman for parliament's largely ceremonial advisory body. "I believe that our voice will spread farther and farther." The Communist Party Propaganda Department did not respond to a request for comment. 'All hours of the day' The shift in the Party's propaganda outreach stretches to other areas such as media and popular culture. State media outlet Xinhua on Sunday released a patriotic English language rap song by Chinese musician Su Han. The fast-paced song lauds China's recent moon-landing, powerful supercomputers and ability to clone monkeys, alongside sometimes clumsy English references to kidney stones and cartoon character Popeye. Xinhua also released videos of foreigners praising China's political system, calling NPC press conferences "a journalist's dream" and laying out the benefits of a Chinese-style democracy, using footage of Chinese basketball star Yao Ming. Party members said the new propaganda push means political study now consumes more of their time than ever before. Universities, provincial party units and companies have recently issued public notices urging staff and officials to download Xuexi Qiangguo. Three sources from different Party units say online study scores now factor into their performance reviews. One staff member at a university in southern China told Reuters they are required to complete at least 160 hours of official study online per year. "It's not too boring, but the Party used to be a part of my work," said a 35-year old researcher surnamed Liu at a Beijing university, who declined to give her full name due to the sensitivity of the topic. "Now it is part of my life at all hours of the day."

Propaganda 2.0: Chinese Communist Party's message gets tech upgrade

President Xi Jinping, battling a persistent downturn in China's economy, is trying to gird his rule by demanding absolute loyalty from the Communist Party and attacking officials who stifle his policies, according to a report from the Dow Jones Newswires made available to EFE Sunday.

In recent weeks, Xi has put members of the ruling party on notice. He summoned senior officials from across China to warn them about "major risks" to the world's No. 2 economy, reminding them to shoulder responsibility for solving problems.

His administration issued a slew of new party directives demanding "unity and concerted action." Last week, state media publicized that the rest of the party leadership submitted self-evaluations for Xi's review, in a recently revived ritual designed to portray him as the ultimate authority.

While Xi remains undisputedly in charge, party watchers say his maneuvers point to simmering disquiet within the government and political elite. Critics say the president's policies have failed to shore up the slowing economy, unnecessarily aggravated tensions with the United States and alienated many other foreign governments.

Meanwhile, they say, his insistence on control and threats to punish wayward officials are creating a policy muddle on the economy and sowing confusion in the bureaucracy.

"Xi does feel a sense of crisis" as he grapples with China's economic woes and bureaucratic resistance within the party, says Deng Yuwen, a former deputy editor of the Study Times, a newspaper published by Beijing's elite Central Party School. "From Xi's perspective, he believes his policies are correct but the problem is they aren't being implemented properly."

A test of Xi's authority will unfold over the next two weeks, when roughly 3,000 lawmakers gather in Beijing to review the government's economic blueprint for a year full of politically challenging anniversaries. While some, like the 70th anniversary of the People's Republic, are auspicious, several others are not, like the 30-year mark since the deadly suppression of the Tiananmen Square protests.

The annual sessions of the National People's Congress and a related government advisory body are largely set pieces of political theater, intended to show that the party is in control. Behind closed doors, the delegates, composed mostly of political notables from around the country, at times vent over government policy. Trade talks with the US, now set to stretch well into March, could also complicate matters as Xi seeks to curb dissent at the congress, which kicks off on Tuesday.

The atmosphere is a measure of how Xi's aura of dominance, if not his power, has receded over the past year.

Last spring, he appeared unassailable as China's leader, having emerged from a party conclave with unrivaled authority and cleared a path toward lifetime rule by scrapping term limits on his presidency. Concerns that he had concentrated too much power, fueled by fulsome state-media praise for his leadership, soon stirred criticism, exacerbated by slowing growth and trade tensions with the US.

A standoff of sorts has developed between Xi and some within the party's senior ranks. He hasn't convened the Central Committee – the party's nearly 380 most-influential members – for a meeting in a year, a delay that allows him to dictate policies without consulting the broader elite. In recent decades, the committee has regularly met in the fall to approve overall policy goals.

Instead Xi summoned the party elite together in late January for a seminar at the Central Party School, where he inveighed against "slackness in spirit" and "lack of ability" among officials. He warned them that allowing economic risks to go unaddressed could lead to social unrest and ultimately affect the party's standing.

"The going is getting tougher" for China to marshal its economic challenges, "which explains why Xi Jinping is focusing more on politics than economics," says Andrew Collier, managing director at Orient Capital Research, an independent research firm in Hong Kong. "China, as with most countries, is avoiding hard policy decisions and letting political infighting dictate who gets money in a time of scarcity."

The current economic downturn was partly brought on by Xi's policies. For the past two years, Beijing has prioritized curbing risks in the financial sector to stop the pileup of corporate and local government debt that threatens long-term growth. The clampdown on lending, however, rippled through the economy, driving up costs for many businesses at a time the growth cycle was already ebbing.

Now, Beijing wants to turn on the credit taps to boost growth. Xi's government has approved more infrastructure projects and urged bank lending to small and midsize private businesses. But doing so risks reigniting the risky borrowing and debt buildup Beijing has tried to control.

Tensions over the competing priorities surfaced at a February cabinet meeting, where Premier Li Keqiang, the titular No. 2 leader who has lost influence over economic policy to Xi, warned that recent stimulus measures could "bring new potential risks," citing a surge in short-term lending that led to record bank-loan growth in January.

His comments drew a rebuttal from China's central bank, whose official newspaper published an interview with an anonymous official who said the government wasn't engaging in "flood-irrigation" style stimulus and that seasonal factors contributed to the growth in short-term loans, which has helped small businesses.

Xi himself weighed in a day later, telling the Politburo – the party's top 25 officials – that officials should "pay attention to preventing risks on the foundation of stable growth." State media said he is signaling that Beijing can't allow the economy to decelerate as a result of de-risking – objectives that economists say are at odds.

"You can't deleverage or de-risk the economic and financial system and sustain elevated growth," said George Magnus, an economist and research associate at Oxford University's China Center. "This incoherence is a major problem and certainly an important contributor to the lack of confidence."

Xi has sought to cut through the bureaucratic inertia with new party strictures that boost his control. New regulations released last week require officials to keep their superiors informed and seek approval on "major matters," including the implementation of party edicts.

President Xi Jinping, battling a persistent downturn in China's economy, is trying to gird his rule by demanding absolute loyalty from the Communist Party and attacking officials who stifle his policies, according to a report from the Dow Jones Newswires made available to EFE Sunday.

President Xi Jinping, battling a persistent downturn in China's economy, is trying to gird his rule by demanding absolute loyalty from the Communist Party and attacking officials who stifle his policies, according to a report from the Dow Jones Newswires made available to EFE Sunday. In recent weeks, Xi has put members of the ruling party on notice. He summoned senior officials from across China to warn them about "major risks" to the world's No. 2 economy, reminding them to shoulder responsibility for solving problems. His administration issued a slew of new party directives demanding "unity and concerted action." Last week, state media publicized that the rest of the party leadership submitted self-evaluations for Xi's review, in a recently revived ritual designed to portray him as the ultimate authority. While Xi remains undisputedly in charge, party watchers say his maneuvers point to simmering disquiet within the government and political elite. Critics say the president's policies have failed to shore up the slowing economy, unnecessarily aggravated tensions with the United States and alienated many other foreign governments. Meanwhile, they say, his insistence on control and threats to punish wayward officials are creating a policy muddle on the economy and sowing confusion in the bureaucracy. "Xi does feel a sense of crisis" as he grapples with China's economic woes and bureaucratic resistance within the party, says Deng Yuwen, a former deputy editor of the Study Times, a newspaper published by Beijing's elite Central Party School. "From Xi's perspective, he believes his policies are correct but the problem is they aren't being implemented properly." A test of Xi's authority will unfold over the next two weeks, when roughly 3,000 lawmakers gather in Beijing to review the government's economic blueprint for a year full of politically challenging anniversaries. While some, like the 70th anniversary of the People's Republic, are auspicious, several others are not, like the 30-year mark since the deadly suppression of the Tiananmen Square protests. The annual sessions of the National People's Congress and a related government advisory body are largely set pieces of political theater, intended to show that the party is in control. Behind closed doors, the delegates, composed mostly of political notables from around the country, at times vent over government policy. Trade talks with the US, now set to stretch well into March, could also complicate matters as Xi seeks to curb dissent at the congress, which kicks off on Tuesday. The atmosphere is a measure of how Xi's aura of dominance, if not his power, has receded over the past year. Last spring, he appeared unassailable as China's leader, having emerged from a party conclave with unrivaled authority and cleared a path toward lifetime rule by scrapping term limits on his presidency. Concerns that he had concentrated too much power, fueled by fulsome state-media praise for his leadership, soon stirred criticism, exacerbated by slowing growth and trade tensions with the US. A standoff of sorts has developed between Xi and some within the party's senior ranks. He hasn't convened the Central Committee – the party's nearly 380 most-influential members – for a meeting in a year, a delay that allows him to dictate policies without consulting the broader elite. In recent decades, the committee has regularly met in the fall to approve overall policy goals. Instead Xi summoned the party elite together in late January for a seminar at the Central Party School, where he inveighed against "slackness in spirit" and "lack of ability" among officials. He warned them that allowing economic risks to go unaddressed could lead to social unrest and ultimately affect the party's standing. "The going is getting tougher" for China to marshal its economic challenges, "which explains why Xi Jinping is focusing more on politics than economics," says Andrew Collier, managing director at Orient Capital Research, an independent research firm in Hong Kong. "China, as with most countries, is avoiding hard policy decisions and letting political infighting dictate who gets money in a time of scarcity." The current economic downturn was partly brought on by Xi's policies. For the past two years, Beijing has prioritized curbing risks in the financial sector to stop the pileup of corporate and local government debt that threatens long-term growth. The clampdown on lending, however, rippled through the economy, driving up costs for many businesses at a time the growth cycle was already ebbing. Now, Beijing wants to turn on the credit taps to boost growth. Xi's government has approved more infrastructure projects and urged bank lending to small and midsize private businesses. But doing so risks reigniting the risky borrowing and debt buildup Beijing has tried to control. Tensions over the competing priorities surfaced at a February cabinet meeting, where Premier Li Keqiang, the titular No. 2 leader who has lost influence over economic policy to Xi, warned that recent stimulus measures could "bring new potential risks," citing a surge in short-term lending that led to record bank-loan growth in January. His comments drew a rebuttal from China's central bank, whose official newspaper published an interview with an anonymous official who said the government wasn't engaging in "flood-irrigation" style stimulus and that seasonal factors contributed to the growth in short-term loans, which has helped small businesses. Xi himself weighed in a day later, telling the Politburo – the party's top 25 officials – that officials should "pay attention to preventing risks on the foundation of stable growth." State media said he is signaling that Beijing can't allow the economy to decelerate as a result of de-risking – objectives that economists say are at odds. "You can't deleverage or de-risk the economic and financial system and sustain elevated growth," said George Magnus, an economist and research associate at Oxford University's China Center. "This incoherence is a major problem and certainly an important contributor to the lack of confidence." Xi has sought to cut through the bureaucratic inertia with new party strictures that boost his control. New regulations released last week require officials to keep their superiors informed and seek approval on "major matters," including the implementation of party edicts.

Xi Jinping works to stifle dissent amid concerns about China's economy

A Chinese government propaganda app that recently became a huge hit was developed by Alibaba, two people at the company told Reuters, at a time when the nation's tech firms are under global scrutiny over their ties to Beijing.

"Xuexi Qiangguo", which literally translates as 'Study to make China strong' and is a play on the government propaganda theme of applying President Xi Jinping's thoughts, overtook Tik Tok and WeChat to become the county's most popular app on Apple's China app store last week.

It was developed by a largely unknown special projects team at Alibaba known as the "Y Projects Business Unit", which takes on development projects outside the company, said the people.

New York-listed Alibaba declined to comment on whether the business unit had developed the app.

The app's development by Alibaba, whose Chairman Jack Ma is a member of the Communist Party, is the latest example of a Chinese tech company collaborating with the government.

The country's propaganda department has released the app ahead of next month's National People's Congress in Beijing, China's top annual parliamentary gathering.

Job opportunities

The app, which includes short videos, government news stories and quizzes, was created by an Alibaba team. A user of Alibaba's own messaging app DingTalk can use their login credentials to log into Xuexi Qiangguo. Alibaba said the app was built using DingTalk's software.

Staff at the Alibaba unit are responsible for developing and maintaining the app that includes news, videos, livestream and community comments, according to the sources and a job advertised for Xuexi Qiangguo on Alibaba's career website.

The unit does not have a website but is described in job ads on popular Chinese careers site Zhipin.com as a strategic level project that is in a creation stage and offers many job opportunities.

At least part of the app's runaway popularity can be attributed to directives issued by local governments and universities that require people in China's expansive party member network to download the app.

The app has been downloaded over 43.7 million times on Apple and Android devices since its launch in January, according to estimates by Beijing-based statistical consulting firm Qimai.

It was not immediately clear whether Alibaba makes money from the app, or who initiated its development.

Last month, Alibaba executive vice-chairman Joe Tsai slammed US&nbsp;treatment of fellow Chinese tech firm Huawei Technologies as "extremely unfair", and sharply criticised what he called an attempt by the US&nbsp;government to curb China's rise via the trade war.

Huawei, the world's biggest network equipment maker, has been largely barred from the United States and some other countries on suspicion that its products could be used as a conduit for spying. Huawei and China have denied the allegations.

Extensive collaboration

But major Chinese tech companies have cooperated extensively with governments in China on infrastructure, cloud computing and public security as part of the country's "Internet Plus" policy drive to improve traditional industries.

Collaboration with state media has also increased in recent years, amid tighter censorship laws that require companies to toe the party line.

Tik Tok creator Beijing ByteDance Technology Co and WeChat creator Tencent Holdings Ltd are among some who have collaborated with state media outlets using their social media platforms.

"The upside for these firms is that their track record of cooperation can put them in a better position to obtain key licenses or opportunities," said Mark Natkin, managing director at Beijing-based Marbridge Consulting, adding these collaborations were Beijing's way of maintaining control over private firms.

"The downside is they may get tapped to participate in projects which, on economic or PR considerations alone they might normally eschew, but which may be uncomfortable or unwise to refuse."

A Chinese government propaganda app that recently became a huge hit was developed by Alibaba, two people at the company told Reuters, at a time when the nation's tech firms are under global scrutiny over their ties to Beijing.

A Chinese government propaganda app that recently became a huge hit was developed by Alibaba, two people at the company told Reuters, at a time when the nation's tech firms are under global scrutiny over their ties to Beijing. "Xuexi Qiangguo", which literally translates as 'Study to make China strong' and is a play on the government propaganda theme of applying President Xi Jinping's thoughts, overtook Tik Tok and WeChat to become the county's most popular app on Apple's China app store last week. It was developed by a largely unknown special projects team at Alibaba known as the "Y Projects Business Unit", which takes on development projects outside the company, said the people. New York-listed Alibaba declined to comment on whether the business unit had developed the app. The app's development by Alibaba, whose Chairman Jack Ma is a member of the Communist Party, is the latest example of a Chinese tech company collaborating with the government. The country's propaganda department has released the app ahead of next month's National People's Congress in Beijing, China's top annual parliamentary gathering. Job opportunities The app, which includes short videos, government news stories and quizzes, was created by an Alibaba team. A user of Alibaba's own messaging app DingTalk can use their login credentials to log into Xuexi Qiangguo. Alibaba said the app was built using DingTalk's software. Staff at the Alibaba unit are responsible for developing and maintaining the app that includes news, videos, livestream and community comments, according to the sources and a job advertised for Xuexi Qiangguo on Alibaba's career website. The unit does not have a website but is described in job ads on popular Chinese careers site Zhipin.com as a strategic level project that is in a creation stage and offers many job opportunities. At least part of the app's runaway popularity can be attributed to directives issued by local governments and universities that require people in China's expansive party member network to download the app. The app has been downloaded over 43.7 million times on Apple and Android devices since its launch in January, according to estimates by Beijing-based statistical consulting firm Qimai. It was not immediately clear whether Alibaba makes money from the app, or who initiated its development. Last month, Alibaba executive vice-chairman Joe Tsai slammed US treatment of fellow Chinese tech firm Huawei Technologies as "extremely unfair", and sharply criticised what he called an attempt by the US government to curb China's rise via the trade war. Huawei, the world's biggest network equipment maker, has been largely barred from the United States and some other countries on suspicion that its products could be used as a conduit for spying. Huawei and China have denied the allegations. Extensive collaboration But major Chinese tech companies have cooperated extensively with governments in China on infrastructure, cloud computing and public security as part of the country's "Internet Plus" policy drive to improve traditional industries. Collaboration with state media has also increased in recent years, amid tighter censorship laws that require companies to toe the party line. Tik Tok creator Beijing ByteDance Technology Co and WeChat creator Tencent Holdings Ltd are among some who have collaborated with state media outlets using their social media platforms. "The upside for these firms is that their track record of cooperation can put them in a better position to obtain key licenses or opportunities," said Mark Natkin, managing director at Beijing-based Marbridge Consulting, adding these collaborations were Beijing's way of maintaining control over private firms. "The downside is they may get tapped to participate in projects which, on economic or PR considerations alone they might normally eschew, but which may be uncomfortable or unwise to refuse."

Alibaba is the force behind hit Chinese Communist Party app: Report

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/wall-street-stocks-slide-on-china-slowdown-us-earnings-report-190321">China will aim </a>to achieve "a good start" in the first quarter for the economy, the state planner said on Tuesday, signalling authorities could roll out more stimulus measures in the near term to counter slowing growth.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/wall-street-stocks-slide-on-china-slowdown-us-earnings-report-190321">China will strengthen monitoring of its economic situation</a> and improve its "reserve" of economic policies, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said in a statement.

The world's second-biggest economy slowed in 2018 as Chinese authorities carried out painful long-term structural adjustments to transition to a more gradual but sustainable growth trajectory.

A trade war with the United States has also heaped uncertainty on China's near-term outlook. Exports unexpectedly fell the most in two years in December in a sign of mounting pressure on the economy.

Premier Li Keqiang said China achieved its key 2018 economic targets, which were "hard-worn", and seeks a strong start to the economy in the first quarter to establish conditions helpful to meeting this year's goals, according to state television on Monday.

Sources told Reuters last week that Beijing was planning to lower its growth target to 6-6.5 per cent this year after an expected 6.6 per cent in 2018, the slowest pace in 28 years.

The proposed target, to be unveiled at the annual parliamentary session in March, was endorsed by top leaders at the annual closed-door Central Economic Work Conference in mid-December, the sources told Reuters.

Annual growth of about 6.2 per cent is needed this year and in 2020 to meet the ruling Communist Party's longstanding goal of doubling gross domestic product and incomes in the decade to 2020, and to turn China into a "modestly prosperous" nation.

China has lowered the level of reserves that commercial banks need to set aside for the fifth time in a year, to spur lending, particularly to small and medium-sized firms. Beijing has also cut taxes and fees and stepped up infrastructure investment to shore up the economy.

This year, China will step up fiscal expenditure and implement larger tax and fee cuts. The cuts will focus on reducing burdens for small firms and manufacturers, the finance ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

Stabilising employment is the government's top priority, NDRC Vice Chairman Lian Weiliang said at a press conference on Tuesday.

NO FLOOD OF STIMULUS

China will speed up investment projects and local government bond issuances, but will not resort to "flood-like" stimulus, Lian said.

The central bank, in a separate statement, said it will maintain prudent monetary policy, keeping it neither too tight nor too loose and strengthen the counter-cyclical adjustments.

Monetary policy will be made more forward-looking, flexible and targeted, the People's Bank of China (PBOC) said.

A prudent monetary policy does not mean that there will be no changes, PBOC Deputy Governor Zhu Hexin said at the press conference.

When asked if the PBOC should cut benchmark interest rates, Zhu said existing monetary policy measures should be improved.

A few analysts believe interest rate cuts are a possibility, but most expect Beijing will refrain from massive stimulus measures like those deployed in the past, due to worries that it could add to a mountain of debt and weaken the yuan.

"Both fiscal and monetary policy have been loosened over the past few months and this should start to feed through to the real economy by the second half of this year," analysts at Capital Economics said in a note.

"However, the scale of the stimulus so far has been more limited than in 2015-16, and the effect on activity is likely to be correspondingly smaller."

Chinese banks extended 16.17 trillion yuan ($2.40 trillion) in net new yuan loans last year, the PBOC said in its statement, blowing past the previous record of 13.53 trillion yuan in 2017.

Outstanding yuan loans were up 13.5 per cent at the end of 2018 from a year earlier, according to the central bank.

China will strengthen monitoring of its economic situation and improve its 'reserve' of economic policies, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said in a statement.

China will aim to achieve "a good start" in the first quarter for the economy, the state planner said on Tuesday, signalling authorities could roll out more stimulus measures in the near term to counter slowing growth. China will strengthen monitoring of its economic situation and improve its "reserve" of economic policies, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said in a statement. The world's second-biggest economy slowed in 2018 as Chinese authorities carried out painful long-term structural adjustments to transition to a more gradual but sustainable growth trajectory. A trade war with the United States has also heaped uncertainty on China's near-term outlook. Exports unexpectedly fell the most in two years in December in a sign of mounting pressure on the economy. Premier Li Keqiang said China achieved its key 2018 economic targets, which were "hard-worn", and seeks a strong start to the economy in the first quarter to establish conditions helpful to meeting this year's goals, according to state television on Monday. Sources told Reuters last week that Beijing was planning to lower its growth target to 6-6.5 per cent this year after an expected 6.6 per cent in 2018, the slowest pace in 28 years. The proposed target, to be unveiled at the annual parliamentary session in March, was endorsed by top leaders at the annual closed-door Central Economic Work Conference in mid-December, the sources told Reuters. Annual growth of about 6.2 per cent is needed this year and in 2020 to meet the ruling Communist Party's longstanding goal of doubling gross domestic product and incomes in the decade to 2020, and to turn China into a "modestly prosperous" nation. China has lowered the level of reserves that commercial banks need to set aside for the fifth time in a year, to spur lending, particularly to small and medium-sized firms. Beijing has also cut taxes and fees and stepped up infrastructure investment to shore up the economy. This year, China will step up fiscal expenditure and implement larger tax and fee cuts. The cuts will focus on reducing burdens for small firms and manufacturers, the finance ministry said in a statement on Tuesday. Stabilising employment is the government's top priority, NDRC Vice Chairman Lian Weiliang said at a press conference on Tuesday. NO FLOOD OF STIMULUS China will speed up investment projects and local government bond issuances, but will not resort to "flood-like" stimulus, Lian said. The central bank, in a separate statement, said it will maintain prudent monetary policy, keeping it neither too tight nor too loose and strengthen the counter-cyclical adjustments. Monetary policy will be made more forward-looking, flexible and targeted, the People's Bank of China (PBOC) said. A prudent monetary policy does not mean that there will be no changes, PBOC Deputy Governor Zhu Hexin said at the press conference. When asked if the PBOC should cut benchmark interest rates, Zhu said existing monetary policy measures should be improved. A few analysts believe interest rate cuts are a possibility, but most expect Beijing will refrain from massive stimulus measures like those deployed in the past, due to worries that it could add to a mountain of debt and weaken the yuan. "Both fiscal and monetary policy have been loosened over the past few months and this should start to feed through to the real economy by the second half of this year," analysts at Capital Economics said in a note. "However, the scale of the stimulus so far has been more limited than in 2015-16, and the effect on activity is likely to be correspondingly smaller." Chinese banks extended 16.17 trillion yuan ($2.40 trillion) in net new yuan loans last year, the PBOC said in its statement, blowing past the previous record of 13.53 trillion yuan in 2017. Outstanding yuan loans were up 13.5 per cent at the end of 2018 from a year earlier, according to the central bank.

China signals more stimulus as economic slowdown deepens

Thousands of demonstrators marched in Hong Kong on Tuesday to demand full democracy, fundamental rights, and even independence from China in the face of what many see as a marked clampdown by the Communist Party on local freedoms.

Over the past year, countries such as the United States and Britain have expressed concerns about a number of incidents they say have undermined confidence in Hong Kong's freedoms and autonomy under Chinese rule.

These include the jailing of activists, a ban on a pro-independence political party, the de facto expulsion of a Western journalist and barring democracy activists from contesting local elections.

The New Year's day march included calls to restart stalled democratic reforms and to fight "political repression" from Beijing.

"Looking back at the year that passed, it was a very bad year ... The rule of law in Hong Kong is falling backwards," said Jimmy Sham, one of the organisers.

Organisers said the march drew 5,500 people, revised down from an earlier estimate of 5,800, while police said 3,200 people were on the streets at the march's peak.

The former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula, with the promise of a high degree of autonomy and universal suffrage as an "ultimate aim".

While authorities have clamped down hard on the city's fringe, pro-independence movement, that didn't deter around 100 independence activists from joining the march, holding up banners and chanting for the city to split from China.

China considers Hong Kong to be an inalienable part of its territory, and denounces "separatists" as a threat to national sovereignty, even though the movement has not garnered much popular backing in the city.

"There will be continuous suppression on the Hong Kong independence movement, but the movement will grow stronger and stronger," said Baggio Leung, an independence leader who said several of his members had been harassed by purported "triads" or gangsters, before the march.

Last year, in an unprecedented move, Hong Kong authorities banned a political group, the Hong Kong National Party, for its pro-independence stance on national security grounds.

A western journalist, Victor Mallet, was also effectively expelled from Hong Kong, soon after he hosted a talk at a press club by the head of the National Party.

Mallet's visa denial, which the government has so far refused to explain, was criticised by some foreign governments and the American Chamber of Commerce.

Some protesters carried "wanted" posters of Hong Kong's top legal official, Theresa Cheng, criticising a decision to drop a corruption investigation into Hong Kong's former pro-Beijing leader Leung Chun-ying, without a satisfactory explanation.

"I'm afraid the pressure will continue," said Joseph Cheng, a veteran rights campaigner and retired professor who was raising money for a "justice" fund for activists facing hefty legal fees for several trials.

"We're going to face a few difficult years, but we must stand firm ... Unlike in mainland China, at least we can still protest."

Thousands of demonstrators marched in Hong Kong on Tuesday to demand full democracy, fundamental rights, and even independence from China in the face of what many see as a marked clampdown by the Communist Party on local freedoms.

Thousands of demonstrators marched in Hong Kong on Tuesday to demand full democracy, fundamental rights, and even independence from China in the face of what many see as a marked clampdown by the Communist Party on local freedoms. Over the past year, countries such as the United States and Britain have expressed concerns about a number of incidents they say have undermined confidence in Hong Kong's freedoms and autonomy under Chinese rule. These include the jailing of activists, a ban on a pro-independence political party, the de facto expulsion of a Western journalist and barring democracy activists from contesting local elections. The New Year's day march included calls to restart stalled democratic reforms and to fight "political repression" from Beijing. "Looking back at the year that passed, it was a very bad year ... The rule of law in Hong Kong is falling backwards," said Jimmy Sham, one of the organisers. Organisers said the march drew 5,500 people, revised down from an earlier estimate of 5,800, while police said 3,200 people were on the streets at the march's peak. The former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula, with the promise of a high degree of autonomy and universal suffrage as an "ultimate aim". While authorities have clamped down hard on the city's fringe, pro-independence movement, that didn't deter around 100 independence activists from joining the march, holding up banners and chanting for the city to split from China. China considers Hong Kong to be an inalienable part of its territory, and denounces "separatists" as a threat to national sovereignty, even though the movement has not garnered much popular backing in the city. "There will be continuous suppression on the Hong Kong independence movement, but the movement will grow stronger and stronger," said Baggio Leung, an independence leader who said several of his members had been harassed by purported "triads" or gangsters, before the march. Last year, in an unprecedented move, Hong Kong authorities banned a political group, the Hong Kong National Party, for its pro-independence stance on national security grounds. A western journalist, Victor Mallet, was also effectively expelled from Hong Kong, soon after he hosted a talk at a press club by the head of the National Party. Mallet's visa denial, which the government has so far refused to explain, was criticised by some foreign governments and the American Chamber of Commerce. Some protesters carried "wanted" posters of Hong Kong's top legal official, Theresa Cheng, criticising a decision to drop a corruption investigation into Hong Kong's former pro-Beijing leader Leung Chun-ying, without a satisfactory explanation. "I'm afraid the pressure will continue," said Joseph Cheng, a veteran rights campaigner and retired professor who was raising money for a "justice" fund for activists facing hefty legal fees for several trials. "We're going to face a few difficult years, but we must stand firm ... Unlike in mainland China, at least we can still protest."

Thousands march in Hong Kong against China 'repression' after grim 2018

Jack Ma, the head of e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd and China’s best-known capitalist, is a Communist Party member, the official Party newspaper said on Monday, debunking a public assumption the billionaire was politically unattached.

The People’s Daily revealed Ma’s Party membership in a list of 100 people it said had helped drive the country “reform and opening up” process. Ma is China’s richest man with a fortune of $35.8 billion, according to Forbes.

It was unclear why the paper chose to mention Ma’s affiliation now but it comes amid a push by Beijing to bring the country’s private enterprises more in line with Party values, especially in the technology sector that has grown rapidly, driven by the successes of private firms.

Ma, who announced in September he would step down as Alibaba chairman next year, is China’s highest-profile business leader. He has acted as an adviser to political leaders in Asia and Europe and fostered big ambitions in the United States.

He has driven Alibaba to become a $390 billion giant, which dominates China’s online retail market, stretches from logistics to social media, and has spawned a separate fintech empire around popular payment platform Alipay.

Ma’s political affiliation came as a surprise to many.

Jack Ma, the head of e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd and China’s best-known capitalist, is a Communist Party member, the official Party newspaper said on Monday, debunking a public assumption the billionaire was politically unattached.

Jack Ma, the head of e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd and China’s best-known capitalist, is a Communist Party member, the official Party newspaper said on Monday, debunking a public assumption the billionaire was politically unattached. The People’s Daily revealed Ma’s Party membership in a list of 100 people it said had helped drive the country “reform and opening up” process. Ma is China’s richest man with a fortune of $35.8 billion, according to Forbes. It was unclear why the paper chose to mention Ma’s affiliation now but it comes amid a push by Beijing to bring the country’s private enterprises more in line with Party values, especially in the technology sector that has grown rapidly, driven by the successes of private firms. Ma, who announced in September he would step down as Alibaba chairman next year, is China’s highest-profile business leader. He has acted as an adviser to political leaders in Asia and Europe and fostered big ambitions in the United States. He has driven Alibaba to become a $390 billion giant, which dominates China’s online retail market, stretches from logistics to social media, and has spawned a separate fintech empire around popular payment platform Alipay. Ma’s political affiliation came as a surprise to many.

Jack Ma, China's richest man, is Communist Party member: China state paper

Cuba's new president, Miguel Diaz-Canel, began his term on Thursday with a promise to defend the socialist revolution led by the Castro brothers since 1959, giving a sober speech that also emphasized the need to modernize the island's economy.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/raul-castro-to-remain-head-of-cubas-communist-party-until-2021-131481">Raul Castro to remain head of Cuba's Communist Party until 2021</a>

A stalwart of the ruling Communist Party, Diaz-Canel was sworn in to replace Raul Castro by the National Assembly in a carefully managed new chapter for the Caribbean island, aimed at preserving the political system.

"The mandate given by the people to this house is to give continuity to the Cuban revolution in a crucial historic moment," Diaz-Canel, 57, told the assembly in his first speech as president.

He delivered a warm homage to 86-year-old Raul Castro, who took office a decade ago as his brother Fidel Castro's health deteriorated. Fidel Castro died in 2016.

Castro will retain considerable clout as the head of the Communist Party until a congress in 2021. Diaz-Canel, praising the reforms he ushered in as president, said Castro would remain the leader of the revolution and would be involved in major decisions.

Stepping to the podium for a 90-minute-long parting speech, a relaxed-looking Castro gave the impression he would not quickly fade from sight. He sharply criticized US&nbsp;foreign, trade and immigration policy under President Donald Trump.

"Since the current president arrived in office, there has been a deliberate reversal in the relations between Cuba and the United States, and an aggressive and threatening tone prevails," Castro said.

Thursday's session was held on the 57th anniversary of Cuba's 1961 defeat of a CIA-backed Cuban exile invasion at the Bay of Pigs, a victory that Havana celebrates as a symbol of its resistance to "imperialist" pressure for change from Washington.

In 2014, Castro and former US&nbsp;President Barack Obama reached a landmark agreement to renew diplomatic ties and improve relations between the Cold War foes, a detente that led to a rapid increase in US&nbsp;visits and investment on the island.

There has been a renewed chill under Trump, who put a stop to doing business with some Cuban state-run companies and tightened rules for US&nbsp;visitors. A spate of mystery illnesses among US&nbsp;diplomats in Havana has also undermined trust.

Despite that, Diaz-Canel praised Castro's move to renew relations with the United States. He said there would be no compromise in Cuba's foreign policy but in a repetition of a long-held stance by Havana, he said he would hold dialogue with anybody who treated Cuba as an equal.

"I take that as a signal that the Cuban leadership still sees value in improving relations, even if they have to wait for the next US&nbsp;president," said William LeoGrande, co-author of a book on the secret US-Cuba talks that led to detente.

In Washington, a White House official said the Trump administration had no expectations Cuban people would have any greater freedoms under the new "hand-picked" leader, and had no intention of softening its policy toward the island's government.

Castro spoke highly of Diaz-Canel and gave his blessing to the younger man to take over from him as the powerful head of the Communist Party in three years. He also said the new president could serve two five-year terms, underscoring restrictions Castro imposed on himself after his brother's decades in power.

Sweeping changes not expected

Diaz-Canel's speech set a course for his first term, in which he will have to strike a balance between defending Cuba's socialist system and reforming it enough to satisfy a young generation hungry for better economic conditions.

He confirmed expectations the transition would not herald sweeping changes to one of the world's last state-run economies and one-party systems, promising there would be no return to capitalism.

Diaz-Canel, who has risen the ranks of the Communist Party over three decades, said the new period would also be characterized by "modernization of the economic and social model," without giving details.

He ended his speech like Fidel Castro used to, punching the air and shouting the revolutionary slogans "motherland or death, socialism or death, we will win."

Of the 604 lawmakers present, 603 voted in favour of making Diaz-Canel president and unanimously for the other mainly middle-aged members of the state council, marking a generational shift from the elderly leaders who fought to topple US-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista in 1959.

Economic hardships

For many Cubans, struggling with economic hardships and frustrated with the government's emphasis on continuity rather than change, the transition was seen as unlikely to bring much beyond the symbolism of a new leader.

"He talked much about the past, nothing about the future and practically nothing about the present," said Monica Rivero, a 29-year old Cuban journalist based in Havana.

Cubans hope the next government can breathe life into the Soviet-style centrally planned economy, which has failed to improve much under Castro's limited market reforms. Those reforms have included allowing small businesses from hairdressers to restaurants, and encouraging some foreign investment.

In his speech, Castro reiterated his support for the reforms and for self-employment. He called for more austere government spending and responsibility over the country's debt, but said a plan to unify the nation's two currencies was causing "a headache."

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/whos-who-at-the-top-of-cubas-new-government-131507">Who's who at the top of Cuba’s new government</a>

A stalwart of the ruling Communist Party, Diaz-Canel was sworn in to replace Raul Castro by the National Assembly in a carefully managed new chapter for the Caribbean island, aimed at preserving the political system

Cuba's new president, Miguel Diaz-Canel, began his term on Thursday with a promise to defend the socialist revolution led by the Castro brothers since 1959, giving a sober speech that also emphasized the need to modernize the island's economy. Also read: Raul Castro to remain head of Cuba's Communist Party until 2021 A stalwart of the ruling Communist Party, Diaz-Canel was sworn in to replace Raul Castro by the National Assembly in a carefully managed new chapter for the Caribbean island, aimed at preserving the political system. "The mandate given by the people to this house is to give continuity to the Cuban revolution in a crucial historic moment," Diaz-Canel, 57, told the assembly in his first speech as president. He delivered a warm homage to 86-year-old Raul Castro, who took office a decade ago as his brother Fidel Castro's health deteriorated. Fidel Castro died in 2016. Castro will retain considerable clout as the head of the Communist Party until a congress in 2021. Diaz-Canel, praising the reforms he ushered in as president, said Castro would remain the leader of the revolution and would be involved in major decisions. Stepping to the podium for a 90-minute-long parting speech, a relaxed-looking Castro gave the impression he would not quickly fade from sight. He sharply criticized US foreign, trade and immigration policy under President Donald Trump. "Since the current president arrived in office, there has been a deliberate reversal in the relations between Cuba and the United States, and an aggressive and threatening tone prevails," Castro said. Thursday's session was held on the 57th anniversary of Cuba's 1961 defeat of a CIA-backed Cuban exile invasion at the Bay of Pigs, a victory that Havana celebrates as a symbol of its resistance to "imperialist" pressure for change from Washington. In 2014, Castro and former US President Barack Obama reached a landmark agreement to renew diplomatic ties and improve relations between the Cold War foes, a detente that led to a rapid increase in US visits and investment on the island. There has been a renewed chill under Trump, who put a stop to doing business with some Cuban state-run companies and tightened rules for US visitors. A spate of mystery illnesses among US diplomats in Havana has also undermined trust. Despite that, Diaz-Canel praised Castro's move to renew relations with the United States. He said there would be no compromise in Cuba's foreign policy but in a repetition of a long-held stance by Havana, he said he would hold dialogue with anybody who treated Cuba as an equal. "I take that as a signal that the Cuban leadership still sees value in improving relations, even if they have to wait for the next US president," said William LeoGrande, co-author of a book on the secret US-Cuba talks that led to detente. In Washington, a White House official said the Trump administration had no expectations Cuban people would have any greater freedoms under the new "hand-picked" leader, and had no intention of softening its policy toward the island's government. Castro spoke highly of Diaz-Canel and gave his blessing to the younger man to take over from him as the powerful head of the Communist Party in three years. He also said the new president could serve two five-year terms, underscoring restrictions Castro imposed on himself after his brother's decades in power. Sweeping changes not expected Diaz-Canel's speech set a course for his first term, in which he will have to strike a balance between defending Cuba's socialist system and reforming it enough to satisfy a young generation hungry for better economic conditions. He confirmed expectations the transition would not herald sweeping changes to one of the world's last state-run economies and one-party systems, promising there would be no return to capitalism. Diaz-Canel, who has risen the ranks of the Communist Party over three decades, said the new period would also be characterized by "modernization of the economic and social model," without giving details. He ended his speech like Fidel Castro used to, punching the air and shouting the revolutionary slogans "motherland or death, socialism or death, we will win." Of the 604 lawmakers present, 603 voted in favour of making Diaz-Canel president and unanimously for the other mainly middle-aged members of the state council, marking a generational shift from the elderly leaders who fought to topple US-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista in 1959. Economic hardships For many Cubans, struggling with economic hardships and frustrated with the government's emphasis on continuity rather than change, the transition was seen as unlikely to bring much beyond the symbolism of a new leader. "He talked much about the past, nothing about the future and practically nothing about the present," said Monica Rivero, a 29-year old Cuban journalist based in Havana. Cubans hope the next government can breathe life into the Soviet-style centrally planned economy, which has failed to improve much under Castro's limited market reforms. Those reforms have included allowing small businesses from hairdressers to restaurants, and encouraging some foreign investment. In his speech, Castro reiterated his support for the reforms and for self-employment. He called for more austere government spending and responsibility over the country's debt, but said a plan to unify the nation's two currencies was causing "a headache." Also read: Who's who at the top of Cuba’s new government

Cuba's new president vows to defend legacy of Castro revolution

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