Taiwan has reinstated "anti-communist" patriotic education for military academy graduates after a 25-year hiatus, responding to escalating military threats and infiltration risks from China. The Defense Ministry aims to clearly distinguish friends from foes and mentally prepare future officers for growing regional tensions.


Taiwan Resumes Patriotic Classes For Military Graduates Amid Chinese Aggression

US President Donald Trump, in a speech at the Faith &amp; Freedom Coalition’s annual Road to Majority conference at the Washington Hilton hotel on Friday, decried the Democrats as “godless communists” who pose an existential threat to America. At the same time, he bragged that he would be “the greatest communist in history”. He tried to stoke fear in the hearts of Americans in the wake of subsequent victories from Democratic Socialist candidates in the Democratic primaries, specifically in New York City.“As you saw with the communists elected in New York City recently, they're communists. They're not social democrats,” said Trump, referring to the winners at the New York City Democratic Primaries, by candidates backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdan. Mamdani and DSA-backed Assemblymember Claire Valdez and &nbsp;Brad Lander won the Democratic primaries on Tuesday, June 23. Trump threatened that communists would destroy the American way of life. &nbsp;He warned that democrats “want to resume the transgender mutilation of children, they want to restart the war on Christians and churches, and as you saw with the communists elected in New York recently … they want to completely destroy the traditional American way of life.”It was the first time Trump was in the Hilton Hotel since his last episode of assassination attack at the White House Correspondence Dinner. “Assassinations of those who oppose them is a very important element of their ideology. Assassination is a big deal for them. They're animals, they're animals," said Trump.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-sbl-energy-alok-choudhari-sudan-explosives-1782545173191">US sanctions Indian firm SBL Energy and CEO over alleged explosives supplies to Sudan</a>He then went ahead with his speech on political economy, “Communism is very easy to sell. It destroys everything, but it is very easy. And I’ll be honest - I think I’d be the greatest communist in history.” He claimed that communism is just about distributing free rent, houses and food, “In many cases they're not smart, but in some cases they are. It's easy to get followers because they make promises that they know they can't keep, and the [establishment] Democrats aren't fighting back. That's why they're dumb.”Trump, who had been trailing in polls for going back on his campaign promises, is trying to corner the democrats by branding the entire Democratic party with the most extreme views of the left. “All communists are godless. They do not believe in God … These ruthless communists attack all religions, but in particular Christianity. They always do. They’re after Christianity more than any other religion,” said Trump while addressing a favourable niche of Christian audience. He went on to brand communism as the greatest threat America has faced in 250 years. &nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Trump: &quot;I&#39;ll be honest -- I think I&#39;d be the greatest communist in history&quot; <a href="https://t.co/ot3t4nYy6D">pic.twitter.com/ot3t4nYy6D</a>&mdash; Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) <a href="https://x.com/atrupar/status/2070570909790843367?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Donald Trump accused Democrats of being "godless communists" at the Faith & Freedom Coalition conference and joked he would be "the greatest communist in history."

US President Donald Trump, in a speech at the Faith & Freedom Coalition’s annual Road to Majority conference at the Washington Hilton hotel on Friday, decried the Democrats as “godless communists” who pose an existential threat to America. At the same time, he bragged that he would be “the greatest communist in history”. He tried to stoke fear in the hearts of Americans in the wake of subsequent victories from Democratic Socialist candidates in the Democratic primaries, specifically in New York City. “As you saw with the communists elected in New York City recently, they're communists. They're not social democrats,” said Trump, referring to the winners at the New York City Democratic Primaries, by candidates backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdan. Mamdani and DSA-backed Assemblymember Claire Valdez and Brad Lander won the Democratic primaries on Tuesday, June 23. Trump threatened that communists would destroy the American way of life. He warned that democrats “want to resume the transgender mutilation of children, they want to restart the war on Christians and churches, and as you saw with the communists elected in New York recently … they want to completely destroy the traditional American way of life.” It was the first time Trump was in the Hilton Hotel since his last episode of assassination attack at the White House Correspondence Dinner. “Assassinations of those who oppose them is a very important element of their ideology. Assassination is a big deal for them. They're animals, they're animals," said Trump. Also Read: US sanctions Indian firm SBL Energy and CEO over alleged explosives supplies to Sudan He then went ahead with his speech on political economy, “Communism is very easy to sell. It destroys everything, but it is very easy. And I’ll be honest - I think I’d be the greatest communist in history.” He claimed that communism is just about distributing free rent, houses and food, “In many cases they're not smart, but in some cases they are. It's easy to get followers because they make promises that they know they can't keep, and the [establishment] Democrats aren't fighting back. That's why they're dumb.” Trump, who had been trailing in polls for going back on his campaign promises, is trying to corner the democrats by branding the entire Democratic party with the most extreme views of the left. “All communists are godless. They do not believe in God … These ruthless communists attack all religions, but in particular Christianity. They always do. They’re after Christianity more than any other religion,” said Trump while addressing a favourable niche of Christian audience. He went on to brand communism as the greatest threat America has faced in 250 years.

Donald Trump accused Democrats of being "godless communists" at the Faith &amp; Freedom Coalition conference and joked he would be "the greatest communist in history."

Trump calls Democrats 'godless communists', claims he would be 'the greatest communist in history'

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday (Dec.&nbsp;3) declared an emergency martial law in the country, accusing the opposition of anti-state activities.&nbsp;

He said the measure was necessary to protect the country from "communist forces", reported AFP.&nbsp;

"To safeguard a liberal South Korea from the threats posed by North Korea's communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements... I hereby declare emergency martial law," Yoon said in a live televised address to the nation.

The country's military has announced the suspension of all paramilitary activities, Yonhap News Agency reported, adding that the members of the National Assembly have been banned from accessing the building.&nbsp; 
 
Yoon has been in trouble since the latest general election when the opposition won a landslide in parliament and he was not able to pass the laws he wanted.

Instead, he had to veto&nbsp;the bills that the opposition had been passing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-women-only-university-students-oppose-adding-male-students-other-campuses-join-in-779617">Also read:&nbsp;South Korea: Women-only university students oppose adding male students, other campuses join stir</a>

<h2>What is martial law?</h2>

Martial law is the replacement of civilian government by military rule during a time of emergency when the civil authorities are deemed unable to operate.&nbsp;

When martial law is in effect, the military commander of the country has unlimited authority to make and enforce laws.&nbsp;

In theory, the law is temporary, however, it may continue indefinitely.&nbsp;

The law can further have legal impacts, including the suspension of normal civil rights and the extension of military law.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;South Korea Inflation Remains Below Target

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<h2>'Wrong move'</h2>

South Korea's main opposition, the Democratic Party, called on the lawmakers to gather at the National Assembly, the country's legislative body.&nbsp;

Opposition leader Lee Jae-Myung called on the public to gather at the assembly, according to Yonhap.&nbsp;

The ruling People's Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon also called the declaration of martial law a "wrong" move and vowed to block it.

Moreover, the last time martial law was implemented in South Korea was in 1979 after the assassination of then-dictator Park Chung Hee.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday (Dec. 3) declared an emergency martial law in the country, accusing the opposition of anti-state activities. He said the measure was necessary to protect the country from "communist forces", reported AFP.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday (Dec. 3) declared an emergency martial law in the country, accusing the opposition of anti-state activities. He said the measure was necessary to protect the country from "communist forces", reported AFP. "To safeguard a liberal South Korea from the threats posed by North Korea's communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements... I hereby declare emergency martial law," Yoon said in a live televised address to the nation. The country's military has announced the suspension of all paramilitary activities, Yonhap News Agency reported, adding that the members of the National Assembly have been banned from accessing the building. Yoon has been in trouble since the latest general election when the opposition won a landslide in parliament and he was not able to pass the laws he wanted. Instead, he had to veto the bills that the opposition had been passing. Also read: South Korea: Women-only university students oppose adding male students, other campuses join stir What is martial law? Martial law is the replacement of civilian government by military rule during a time of emergency when the civil authorities are deemed unable to operate. When martial law is in effect, the military commander of the country has unlimited authority to make and enforce laws. In theory, the law is temporary, however, it may continue indefinitely. The law can further have legal impacts, including the suspension of normal civil rights and the extension of military law. Watch | South Korea Inflation Remains Below Target × 'Wrong move' South Korea's main opposition, the Democratic Party, called on the lawmakers to gather at the National Assembly, the country's legislative body. Opposition leader Lee Jae-Myung called on the public to gather at the assembly, according to Yonhap. The ruling People's Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon also called the declaration of martial law a "wrong" move and vowed to block it. Moreover, the last time martial law was implemented in South Korea was in 1979 after the assassination of then-dictator Park Chung Hee. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea president declares martial law to protect nation from 'communist forces'

#Gravitas Admiral Dong Jun, China’s Defense Minister, is under investigation for corruption. He’s the third consecutive Chinese Defence Minister to face such charges. All three were reportedly handpicked by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Has Chinese Communist Party become Chinese Corruption Party?

Chinese social media companies are removing posts that show off personal wealth. Has China realised that it is communist?

Gravitas | Has Xi Jinping's China realised that it is communist?

China's new top Science and Technology Planner Communist Party body at the core of Beijing's tech competition with Washington went quietly. The central Science and Technology Commission reportedly held its first meeting in July who headed or attended the meeting that's still a mystery. No details have been revealed about where it took place or what was discussed.

China's new panel would probably even oversee the tech branch of the military

Vietnam has tightened regulations pertaining to "false" content on social media platforms. Such content&nbsp;will now have to be taken down within 24 hours instead of 48 hours previously. Vietnam's information minister made an announcement about it on Friday (November 4). With the new regulations in place, Vietnam has become world's most stringently controlled regime&nbsp;for social media firms. The move is likely to strengthen ruling Community Party's position.&nbsp;

Minister of information and communications Nguyen Manh Hung told parliament there was risk that "false news, if it is handled in a slow manner, will spread very widely."

Reuters had previously reported government's plans to bring in the new regulations, as well as rules that very sensitive information has to be taken down within three hours.

Most governments do not have laws imposing the taking down of content on social media paltforms, but Vietnam's move comes amid intensifying crackdowns on online content in some parts of the world.

Hung claimed that penalties for spreading misinformation in Vietnam were only one-tenth the level of other countries in the region.

"The ministry will propose to the government an increase in administrative fines to a level that is high enough to deter the public," he said.

Speaking to the legislature, Hung proposed to completely deal with "News-lisation", a term used by authorities to describe when people are misled into thinking that social media accounts are authorised news outlets, by 2023.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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Vietnam has tightened regulations pertaining to "false" content on social media platforms. Such content will now have to be taken down within 24 hours instead of 48 hours previously.

Vietnam has tightened regulations pertaining to "false" content on social media platforms. Such content will now have to be taken down within 24 hours instead of 48 hours previously. Vietnam's information minister made an announcement about it on Friday (November 4). With the new regulations in place, Vietnam has become world's most stringently controlled regime for social media firms. The move is likely to strengthen ruling Community Party's position. Minister of information and communications Nguyen Manh Hung told parliament there was risk that "false news, if it is handled in a slow manner, will spread very widely." Reuters had previously reported government's plans to bring in the new regulations, as well as rules that very sensitive information has to be taken down within three hours. Most governments do not have laws imposing the taking down of content on social media paltforms, but Vietnam's move comes amid intensifying crackdowns on online content in some parts of the world. Hung claimed that penalties for spreading misinformation in Vietnam were only one-tenth the level of other countries in the region. "The ministry will propose to the government an increase in administrative fines to a level that is high enough to deter the public," he said. Speaking to the legislature, Hung proposed to completely deal with "News-lisation", a term used by authorities to describe when people are misled into thinking that social media accounts are authorised news outlets, by 2023. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Vietnam tightens rules for content on social media, move may help regime

The Soviet Union was the mightiest communist force in the world. It existed for 69 years, spanned 11 time zones and had 15 modern-day states as its republic. The December 26 marks 30 years of its disintegration. How did it fall apart? Palki Sharma explains.

Gravitas: How did the Soviet Union collapse?

With new US sanctions denting Communist Cuba's economy, recovery hopes for the nation seemed grim. Cuba's economy had declined 10.9% in 2020.

Communist-run country Cuba struggling to recover from economic crisis

Top leaders of China's communist party are holding a pivotal meeting, at least 400 members have gathered in Beijing, the meet is expected to cement president Xi Jinping's rule.

China: 4-day pivotal communist party meet begins in Beijing, expected to cement Xi Jinping's rule

President Xi Jinping wants to increase the talent pool of scientists and intellectuals in China who have the "correct political inclination" and are imbued with patriotic feelings to serve their nation, state news agency Xinhua said on Tuesday.

China, the world's second-biggest economy, aims to greatly increase investment in research and development by 2025 and its ability to nurture domestic talent by 2030, Xinhua reported, quoting comments made by Xi at a two-day conference in Beijing.

Fostering intellectual talent, especially in the sciences, has become a more urgent priority for China as the United States increasingly shuts its doors to Chinese students and scholars studying sensitive topics and restricts the export of technology to, and sharing of ideas with, its strategic rival.

"We must have determination and confidence in nurturing our talent indigenously," Xinhua quoted Xi as saying during the two-day gathering on Monday and Tuesday in Beijing dedicated to developing manpower.

"(We must) insist on the correct political inclination, continuously improve the work of intellectuals, inspire talented people to feel a deep patriotism, forge ahead and serve the country...," Xi was quoted as saying.

Since becoming president in 2013, Xi has reasserted the primacy of the Communist Party in all areas of Chinese life and also adopted a more assertive role on the global stage, clashing with the United States on a range of issues, including trade, Asian security and the human rights situation in China. Washington has long accused Chinese authorities of engaging in intellectual piracy and of stealing American ideas, something Beijing denies.

Xi was quoted on Tuesday as saying that China aimed to lead the world in "strategic sciences" by 2034. Chinese state media have defined "strategic sciences" as areas of research that can boost the country's long-term national interests.

President Xi Jinping wants to increase the talent pool of scientists and intellectuals in China who have the "correct political inclination" and are imbued with patriotic feelings to serve their nation, state news agency Xinhua said on Tuesday.

President Xi Jinping wants to increase the talent pool of scientists and intellectuals in China who have the "correct political inclination" and are imbued with patriotic feelings to serve their nation, state news agency Xinhua said on Tuesday. China, the world's second-biggest economy, aims to greatly increase investment in research and development by 2025 and its ability to nurture domestic talent by 2030, Xinhua reported, quoting comments made by Xi at a two-day conference in Beijing. Fostering intellectual talent, especially in the sciences, has become a more urgent priority for China as the United States increasingly shuts its doors to Chinese students and scholars studying sensitive topics and restricts the export of technology to, and sharing of ideas with, its strategic rival. "We must have determination and confidence in nurturing our talent indigenously," Xinhua quoted Xi as saying during the two-day gathering on Monday and Tuesday in Beijing dedicated to developing manpower. "(We must) insist on the correct political inclination, continuously improve the work of intellectuals, inspire talented people to feel a deep patriotism, forge ahead and serve the country...," Xi was quoted as saying. Since becoming president in 2013, Xi has reasserted the primacy of the Communist Party in all areas of Chinese life and also adopted a more assertive role on the global stage, clashing with the United States on a range of issues, including trade, Asian security and the human rights situation in China. Washington has long accused Chinese authorities of engaging in intellectual piracy and of stealing American ideas, something Beijing denies. Xi was quoted on Tuesday as saying that China aimed to lead the world in "strategic sciences" by 2034. Chinese state media have defined "strategic sciences" as areas of research that can boost the country's long-term national interests.

'Patriotic scientists and intellectuals': That is what China wants

Gennady Zyuganov, the Russian Communist Party's chairman, stated on Wednesday that Jesus Christ was the world's first Communist and condemned plans to cancel May Day celebrations due to Orthodox Easter celebrations.

"Christ was the new era's first Communist. He lifted his voice in support of the impoverished, sick, and hungry, as well as everyone else in distress, "said Zyuganov, who has been the party's leader since 1995.

"And he would have joined us if he had been alive," he added.

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Just KPRF leader Gennady Zyuganov saying Jesus Christ was "the world's first communist" while wearing his favourite party-branded Nike jacket <a href="https://t.co/31lsTMzns6">pic.twitter.com/31lsTMzns6</a>
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May Day celebrations would not be cancelled, according to Zyuganov, who said that Orthodox Easter, which occurs on May 1 this year, "does not contradict workers' solidarity."

Many people would prefer to spend Easter with their families, thus a number of Russian areas have announced intentions to cancel their traditional marches and demonstrations on May 1, which is officially known in the country as Day of Spring and Labor.&nbsp;

His remarks come as the Communist Party of Russia campaigns for seats in the State Duma, Russia's lower house of parliament, in the parliamentary election scheduled for September 17-19.

During the Soviet era, when the communist government practised state atheism, such a declaration would have been unheard of.

However, the government has built relations with the Russian Orthodox Church in the post-Soviet years, particularly in the last decade of President Vladimir Putin's administration.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Gennady Zyuganov, the Russian Communist Party's chairman, stated on Wednesday that Jesus Christ was the world's first Communist and condemned plans to cancel May Day celebrations due to Orthodox Easter celebrations.

Gennady Zyuganov, the Russian Communist Party's chairman, stated on Wednesday that Jesus Christ was the world's first Communist and condemned plans to cancel May Day celebrations due to Orthodox Easter celebrations. "Christ was the new era's first Communist. He lifted his voice in support of the impoverished, sick, and hungry, as well as everyone else in distress, "said Zyuganov, who has been the party's leader since 1995. "And he would have joined us if he had been alive," he added. Just KPRF leader Gennady Zyuganov saying Jesus Christ was "the world's first communist" while wearing his favourite party-branded Nike jacket pic.twitter.com/31lsTMzns6 — Francis Scarr (@francska1) September 2, 2021 × May Day celebrations would not be cancelled, according to Zyuganov, who said that Orthodox Easter, which occurs on May 1 this year, "does not contradict workers' solidarity." Many people would prefer to spend Easter with their families, thus a number of Russian areas have announced intentions to cancel their traditional marches and demonstrations on May 1, which is officially known in the country as Day of Spring and Labor. His remarks come as the Communist Party of Russia campaigns for seats in the State Duma, Russia's lower house of parliament, in the parliamentary election scheduled for September 17-19. During the Soviet era, when the communist government practised state atheism, such a declaration would have been unheard of. However, the government has built relations with the Russian Orthodox Church in the post-Soviet years, particularly in the last decade of President Vladimir Putin's administration. (With inputs from agencies)

Christ was first Communist, would have joined us: Russian Marxist leader Zyuganov

As China completes a century of its ruling Communist party, it has put a propaganda campaign into overdrive with movies, history tours and well-timed space missions.

As China completes a century of its ruling Communist party, it has put a propaganda campaign into overdrive with movies, history tours and well-timed space missions. The party was founded 100 years ago in Shanghai and under its leadership, China today is the world's second-largest economy. There were several key events that helped in shaping the country. From the Long March that gave motion to Mao Zedong’s rise to Deng Xiaoping’s economic reforms to Xi Jinping coming to power, the party has evolved in its own ways. "China has been developing for so long thanks to the efforts of our forefathers and that generation of Communist Party members," said 23-year-old student and party member Li Peng. He added, "The CCP isn't dying. It's a party that's full of life... now, young people are particularly patriotic and unafraid to speak out." It all began in 1921 with the first meeting in Shanghai. July 1 was chosen by Mao Zedong years later for commemoration. This was because he could not remember the exact date on which the dozen or so comrades had held their conclave. Also Read | One year into contentious security law, Hong Kong has made 117 arrests This was followed by the long march of 1934. As Chiang Kai-shek's Nationalists were gaining upper hand in their struggle for power, the Communist armies embarked on a series of lengthy retreats. Mao took over as the leader in 1935. The year 1949 is deemed as the year of revolution as the Chinese defeated the Japanese and came to power again. By 1949 Beijing was captured by the communists as Mao’s portrait replaced that of Chiang above the Gate of Heavenly Peace at the entrance to the Forbidden City. In the process of revolutionizing the country, there were hindrances. The first was a man-made famine, which was triggered by Mao’s attempt to rapidly industrialise China. Under Mao's rule, farmers were forced to build backyard furnaces. As a result, grain output collapsed, and between 35 million and 40 million people starved to death. The Cultural Revolution stopped in 1965 when Mao turned young Red Guards on the political system as he urged the young radicals to “bombard the headquarters". Millions were killed, families were broken up and the economy stooped to a new low. The death of Mao in 1976 has been a turning point in the history of China. Mao’s death created a power vacuum between the Gang of Four, the ultra-leftists led by Jiang Qing, or Madame Mao; and reformers including Deng Xiaoping and Hua Guofeng, Mao’s designated successor. The reformers managed to win the loyalty of the Central Security Bureau. Just a month after Mao's death, the army unit arrested Jiang Qing and her comrades. The four were imprisoned and then tried in 1980-81. Another year that marked a turning point in Chinese history was 1978 when China approved its first special economic zones. China has been involved in a series of conflicts. In 1996, Beijing shelled the waters near Taiwan to portray its anger at the island’s first democratic presidential election. However, all it gained was humiliation by its powerlessness. In 2013, China built islands in disputed waters in the South China Sea, and soon turned them into military bases, trying to show its power. The current Chinese leader, Xi Jinping, will complete his second five-year term towards the end of next year. It is still unclear if he will step down or will start to groom a successor.

China's Communist Party: One century that impacted the entire world

Maharashtra witnessed yet another deadly clash between Naxalites and security forces. Latest reports say that 13 Naxalites have been killed in an encounter.

The incident&nbsp;took place in the forest area of Etapalli in Gadchiroli district where an encounter is underway between the C-60 unit of Maharashtra Police and Naxals.

The C-60 unit commandos of Maharashtra Police cracked down upon the Naxals in a camp near a village. Some weapons, substantial literature and other materials of daily need from the place have been recovered.&nbsp;

According to Sandip Patil, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Gadchiroli, the operation was a huge success for Maharashtra Police and there is a possibility that more Naxals were wiped out in the encounter.

A total of 473 Left Wing Extremists, also called Naxals, have been killed by security forces in the country since 2018.

During the same period, 161 security force personnel laid down their lives in the line of duty.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in September 2020 said the LWE or Naxal violence had reduced considerably in the country with the menace being prevalent in just 46 districts.

(With inputs from agencies)

Maharashtra witnessed yet another deadly clash between Naxalites and security forces. Latest reports say that 13 Naxalites have been killed in an encounter. The incident took place in the forest area of Etapalli in Gadchiroli district where an encounter is underway between the C-60 unit of Maharashtra Police and Naxals.

Maharashtra witnessed yet another deadly clash between Naxalites and security forces. Latest reports say that 13 Naxalites have been killed in an encounter. The incident took place in the forest area of Etapalli in Gadchiroli district where an encounter is underway between the C-60 unit of Maharashtra Police and Naxals. The C-60 unit commandos of Maharashtra Police cracked down upon the Naxals in a camp near a village. Some weapons, substantial literature and other materials of daily need from the place have been recovered. According to Sandip Patil, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Gadchiroli, the operation was a huge success for Maharashtra Police and there is a possibility that more Naxals were wiped out in the encounter. A total of 473 Left Wing Extremists, also called Naxals, have been killed by security forces in the country since 2018. During the same period, 161 security force personnel laid down their lives in the line of duty. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in September 2020 said the LWE or Naxal violence had reduced considerably in the country with the menace being prevalent in just 46 districts. (With inputs from agencies)

13 left-wing extremists killed in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli, encounter underway

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

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

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

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

February 21 in History: NASCAR is founded, The Communist Manifesto published, and more!

Beijing karaoke bars are closing, toy weapon sales are banned and every delivery package is being scanned: the capital is taking no chances weeks ahead of a massive military parade to mark Communist China's 70th anniversary.

Beijing has been preparing for the big celebration well ahead of the October 1 event, with several large screens installed at Tiananmen Square, where tanks and other army hardware will be shown off.

Security was already tighter than usual to enter Beijing's massive square as guards sifted through every bag in the long line of local tourists heading for a visit on Thursday. An AFP journalist was not allowed to go through.

Several kilometres away, the Workers Stadium has been closed off, with temporary high walls covered in fake grass surrounding the facility normally used by Chinese football team Beijing Guoan.

A security guard told AFP that the government "wants to use the stadium for the 70th-anniversary preparations."

All businesses inside the stadium, including a gym and restaurants, have been told to close between September 5 and the October 1 national day.

"The government has notified us to close up," said Joey Xu, manager of Puerta 20, a restaurant inside the stadium.

"Our staff will be offered paid vacation. But the government isn't compensating businesses for their losses," he said.

Other businesses near the stadium are also closing up from mid-September.

"Authorities fear that businesses around the stadium that operate late into the night, especially ones with loud patrons like ours, could cause disturbances," said a manager at Mei Karaoke bar who only offered his last name, Zhang.

The parade comes as a trade war between Beijing and Washington threatens to drag down the global economy and follows three months of anti-government civil unrest in Hong Kong.

The parade is expected to showcase some of the most advanced weaponry of the Chinese army, in an attempt to drum up patriotic fervour.

Other plans for the anniversary celebration include an awards ceremony, fireworks, souvenir stamps and coins, an official documentary, and a musical.

Roads around Tiananmen Square and Changan Avenue, where soldiers will march, will be closed Saturday and Sunday for a rehearsal of the massive parade.

Slow post and no drones

Beijing's army of delivery staff who carry hot meals and other packages across the city within minutes have been told to reject parcels from anyone who cannot produce valid identity documents.

It forms part of a broader campaign to tighten postal security ahead of the 70th celebrations.

The State Post Bureau last month said all packages coming into Beijing will have to be X-rayed and individually stamped to prove they have been inspected.

Hobbyists who want to buy drones, toys with "countdown mechanisms" similar to ticking time-bombs or fake landmines that can be "detonated" with a remote-control device will also have to wait till after the October 1 event to place their orders.

Delivery of these items are "strictly prohibited" between September 15 and October 2, the postal bureau said in a statement.

And while Beijing has stepped up inspections of potentially troublesome items offline, China's Twitter-like platform Weibo has also started deleting online content that "insults" national heroes or "distorts" the history of the nation or the Communist Party.

China's biggest microblogging platform said Wednesday it has removed 14,299 posts and disabled 1,475 accounts that have "spread historical nihilism", a party euphemism for narratives that challenge the official version of events.

Weibo, which had more than 486 million monthly active users as of June, said the "cleanup" would run until the end of September.

Beijing karaoke bars are closing, toy weapon sales are banned and every delivery package is being scanned: the capital is taking no chances weeks ahead of a massive military parade to mark Communist China's 70th anniversary.

Beijing karaoke bars are closing, toy weapon sales are banned and every delivery package is being scanned: the capital is taking no chances weeks ahead of a massive military parade to mark Communist China's 70th anniversary. Beijing has been preparing for the big celebration well ahead of the October 1 event, with several large screens installed at Tiananmen Square, where tanks and other army hardware will be shown off. Security was already tighter than usual to enter Beijing's massive square as guards sifted through every bag in the long line of local tourists heading for a visit on Thursday. An AFP journalist was not allowed to go through. Several kilometres away, the Workers Stadium has been closed off, with temporary high walls covered in fake grass surrounding the facility normally used by Chinese football team Beijing Guoan. A security guard told AFP that the government "wants to use the stadium for the 70th-anniversary preparations." All businesses inside the stadium, including a gym and restaurants, have been told to close between September 5 and the October 1 national day. "The government has notified us to close up," said Joey Xu, manager of Puerta 20, a restaurant inside the stadium. "Our staff will be offered paid vacation. But the government isn't compensating businesses for their losses," he said. Other businesses near the stadium are also closing up from mid-September. "Authorities fear that businesses around the stadium that operate late into the night, especially ones with loud patrons like ours, could cause disturbances," said a manager at Mei Karaoke bar who only offered his last name, Zhang. The parade comes as a trade war between Beijing and Washington threatens to drag down the global economy and follows three months of anti-government civil unrest in Hong Kong. The parade is expected to showcase some of the most advanced weaponry of the Chinese army, in an attempt to drum up patriotic fervour. Other plans for the anniversary celebration include an awards ceremony, fireworks, souvenir stamps and coins, an official documentary, and a musical. Roads around Tiananmen Square and Changan Avenue, where soldiers will march, will be closed Saturday and Sunday for a rehearsal of the massive parade. Slow post and no drones Beijing's army of delivery staff who carry hot meals and other packages across the city within minutes have been told to reject parcels from anyone who cannot produce valid identity documents. It forms part of a broader campaign to tighten postal security ahead of the 70th celebrations. The State Post Bureau last month said all packages coming into Beijing will have to be X-rayed and individually stamped to prove they have been inspected. Hobbyists who want to buy drones, toys with "countdown mechanisms" similar to ticking time-bombs or fake landmines that can be "detonated" with a remote-control device will also have to wait till after the October 1 event to place their orders. Delivery of these items are "strictly prohibited" between September 15 and October 2, the postal bureau said in a statement. And while Beijing has stepped up inspections of potentially troublesome items offline, China's Twitter-like platform Weibo has also started deleting online content that "insults" national heroes or "distorts" the history of the nation or the Communist Party. China's biggest microblogging platform said Wednesday it has removed 14,299 posts and disabled 1,475 accounts that have "spread historical nihilism", a party euphemism for narratives that challenge the official version of events. Weibo, which had more than 486 million monthly active users as of June, said the "cleanup" would run until the end of September.

Security squeeze in China’s capital ahead of communist celebration

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-activist-joshua-wong-freed-from-jail-calls-on-pro-china-leader-carrie-lam-to-resign-227815">Joshua Wong</a> was the unlikely hero who helped lead a movement that inspired hundreds of thousands of Hong Kongers to take over the city's streets for two months in 2014 calling for fully free elections.

Scrawny, with gaunt features and a studious frown, the then 17-year-old spearheaded the mass <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/umbrella-movement-student-leader-joshua-wong-in-hong-kong-to-be-released-227736">"Umbrella Movement" protests</a>, which were a reaction to restrictions from Beijing on how Hong Kong's next leader would be chosen.&nbsp;

Alongside fellow student leaders Nathan Law and Alex Chow, Wong's speeches and calls for civil disobedience electrified the crowds but the movement failed to win any concessions from China or Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leaders.

He captured the attention of the world in his casting as David against the Goliath of the Chinese Communist Party and was hailed as one of the world's most influential figures by Time, Fortune and Foreign Policy magazines.&nbsp;

He even became the subject of Netflix documentary "Teenager vs Superpower", released in 2017.

Born to middle-class Christian parents Grace and Roger Wong, he began his life of activism aged just 13 with a protest against plans for a high-speed rail link between Hong Kong and the mainland.

At the age of just 15, Wong campaigned successfully for Hong Kong to drop a pro-China "National Education" program, rallying a crowd of 120,000 to blockade the city's parliament for 10 days.

In many ways, he pioneered a protest method that has since been embraced by Hong Kong's protest movement -- seizing streets in non-violent civil disobedience -- after years of peaceful rallies failed to achieve much.

But he has paid for his activism. Prosecutors came after him and many of the Umbrella Movement's leaders.&nbsp;

&nbsp;'The city I love'&nbsp;

In mid-May, he was sentenced to two months on a contempt charge after pleading guilty to obstructing the clearance of a major protest camp in 2014.

He was also convicted in a second prosecution related to the storming of a government forecourt during the 2014 protests.&nbsp;

He spent some time behind bars for that case, but in the end, the city's top court ruled that community service was sufficient punishment.

Alongside Nathan Law and Alex Chow, he went on to found the political party Demosisto which campaigns for more self-determination for Hong Kong but not independence, a clear red line to Beijing.

His demands have been both consistent and fairly simple: that Hong Kongers should get to decide their city's fate, not communist party officials in Beijing.

Since the end of the Umbrella Movement, he has been denied entry into Malaysia and Thailand, attacked in the street, and abused by pro-China protesters in Taiwan. But he has said he will fight on.

In an article written for Time Magazine from prison last week -- as historic protests gripped the city once more over a deeply divisive extradition law -- he wrote: "My lack of freedom today is a price I knew I would have to pay for the city I love."

He stepped back into the fray on Monday when authorities released him just one month into his prison term.

Authorities did not confirm whether the decision was procedural or a gesture to protestors.

He immediately called for Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leader Carrie Lam to step down over her role pushing for the controversial extradition bill and vowed to join the protests.

"She is no longer qualified to be Hong Kong's leader," Wong told reporters. "She must take the blame and resign, be held accountable and step down."

"After leaving jail today I will also fight with all Hong Kongers to oppose the evil China extradition law," he added.

Joshua Wong was the unlikely hero who helped lead a movement that inspired hundreds of thousands of Hong Kongers to take over the city's streets for two months in 2014 calling for fully free elections.

Joshua Wong was the unlikely hero who helped lead a movement that inspired hundreds of thousands of Hong Kongers to take over the city's streets for two months in 2014 calling for fully free elections. Scrawny, with gaunt features and a studious frown, the then 17-year-old spearheaded the mass "Umbrella Movement" protests, which were a reaction to restrictions from Beijing on how Hong Kong's next leader would be chosen. Alongside fellow student leaders Nathan Law and Alex Chow, Wong's speeches and calls for civil disobedience electrified the crowds but the movement failed to win any concessions from China or Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leaders. He captured the attention of the world in his casting as David against the Goliath of the Chinese Communist Party and was hailed as one of the world's most influential figures by Time, Fortune and Foreign Policy magazines. He even became the subject of Netflix documentary "Teenager vs Superpower", released in 2017. Born to middle-class Christian parents Grace and Roger Wong, he began his life of activism aged just 13 with a protest against plans for a high-speed rail link between Hong Kong and the mainland. At the age of just 15, Wong campaigned successfully for Hong Kong to drop a pro-China "National Education" program, rallying a crowd of 120,000 to blockade the city's parliament for 10 days. In many ways, he pioneered a protest method that has since been embraced by Hong Kong's protest movement -- seizing streets in non-violent civil disobedience -- after years of peaceful rallies failed to achieve much. But he has paid for his activism. Prosecutors came after him and many of the Umbrella Movement's leaders. 'The city I love' In mid-May, he was sentenced to two months on a contempt charge after pleading guilty to obstructing the clearance of a major protest camp in 2014. He was also convicted in a second prosecution related to the storming of a government forecourt during the 2014 protests. He spent some time behind bars for that case, but in the end, the city's top court ruled that community service was sufficient punishment. Alongside Nathan Law and Alex Chow, he went on to found the political party Demosisto which campaigns for more self-determination for Hong Kong but not independence, a clear red line to Beijing. His demands have been both consistent and fairly simple: that Hong Kongers should get to decide their city's fate, not communist party officials in Beijing. Since the end of the Umbrella Movement, he has been denied entry into Malaysia and Thailand, attacked in the street, and abused by pro-China protesters in Taiwan. But he has said he will fight on. In an article written for Time Magazine from prison last week -- as historic protests gripped the city once more over a deeply divisive extradition law -- he wrote: "My lack of freedom today is a price I knew I would have to pay for the city I love." He stepped back into the fray on Monday when authorities released him just one month into his prison term. Authorities did not confirm whether the decision was procedural or a gesture to protestors. He immediately called for Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leader Carrie Lam to step down over her role pushing for the controversial extradition bill and vowed to join the protests. "She is no longer qualified to be Hong Kong's leader," Wong told reporters. "She must take the blame and resign, be held accountable and step down." "After leaving jail today I will also fight with all Hong Kongers to oppose the evil China extradition law," he added.

Poster Child of Hong Kong's 'Umbrella Movement' vows to join mass protest

A court in Vietnam has jailed a man for 14 years for attempting to overthrow the state, in cahoots with a group based in the United States, the Ministry of Public Security said on Wednesday.

Phan Van Binh, 47, was accused by the court of working for a California-based group called the Provisional National Government of Vietnam, which opposes the ruling Communist Party, the ministry said in a statement on its official news website.

"Binh's activities were serious violations of the law which undermined national unity, infringed upon national security, and went against the national interest," the ministry said, citing state prosecutors present at the one-day trial in the central province of Khanh Hoa.

Despite sweeping economic reform and increasing openness to social change, Vietnam's ruling Communist Party retains tight media censorship and does not tolerate criticism.

Binh uploaded posts to his Facebook account that "smeared the image of Ho Chi Minh, and the leaders of the party and the state", the ministry said in its statement, referring to the Vietnamese revolutionary leader and founding president.

Binh's Facebook posts "distorted the Party's history and guidance, and the state's policies and laws, with the aim of overthrowing the people's administration," the ministry said.

A Facebook spokeswoman declined to comment. Reuters was unable to identify and contact Binh's lawyers. Telephone calls to the court went unanswered.

The Provisional National Government of Vietnam, which is listed by the Ministry of Public Security as a "terrorist organisation", did not respond to a request for comment.

The organisation's leader, Dao Minh Quan, assigned Binh to recruit people into joining the group by using his telephone to show videos created by the organisation to his neighbours, the ministry said.

Facebook is widely used in Vietnam and serves as the main platform for dissidents. This month, Vietnam accused Facebook of violating a new cybersecurity law by allowing users to post anti-government comments.

A court in Vietnam has jailed a man for 14 years for attempting to overthrow the state, in cahoots with a group based in the United States, the Ministry of Public Security said on Wednesday.

A court in Vietnam has jailed a man for 14 years for attempting to overthrow the state, in cahoots with a group based in the United States, the Ministry of Public Security said on Wednesday. Phan Van Binh, 47, was accused by the court of working for a California-based group called the Provisional National Government of Vietnam, which opposes the ruling Communist Party, the ministry said in a statement on its official news website. "Binh's activities were serious violations of the law which undermined national unity, infringed upon national security, and went against the national interest," the ministry said, citing state prosecutors present at the one-day trial in the central province of Khanh Hoa. Despite sweeping economic reform and increasing openness to social change, Vietnam's ruling Communist Party retains tight media censorship and does not tolerate criticism. Binh uploaded posts to his Facebook account that "smeared the image of Ho Chi Minh, and the leaders of the party and the state", the ministry said in its statement, referring to the Vietnamese revolutionary leader and founding president. Binh's Facebook posts "distorted the Party's history and guidance, and the state's policies and laws, with the aim of overthrowing the people's administration," the ministry said. A Facebook spokeswoman declined to comment. Reuters was unable to identify and contact Binh's lawyers. Telephone calls to the court went unanswered. The Provisional National Government of Vietnam, which is listed by the Ministry of Public Security as a "terrorist organisation", did not respond to a request for comment. The organisation's leader, Dao Minh Quan, assigned Binh to recruit people into joining the group by using his telephone to show videos created by the organisation to his neighbours, the ministry said. Facebook is widely used in Vietnam and serves as the main platform for dissidents. This month, Vietnam accused Facebook of violating a new cybersecurity law by allowing users to post anti-government comments.

Vietnam jails man for 14 years for attempting to overthrow state

WION Gravitas: Alibaba founder Jack Ma belongs to Communist party

Four Maoists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Odisha's Koraput district on Monday, officials said.

The security forces also seized arms and explosives from their hideout.

The arms and explosives have been hidden in a bunker in the forest.

It is suspected that the rebels had stored those to attack the jawans in future, they said.

Meanwhile, the security forces have intensified combing operation in Koraput district bordering Chhattisgarh and Lamataput area bordering Malkangiri district for the past couple of days.

The security forces have received information about plans of the Maoists to carry out more attacks on the jawans in these areas, they said.

It is suspected that the rebels had stored those to attack the jawans in future, they said.

Four Maoists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Odisha's Koraput district on Monday, officials said. The security forces also seized arms and explosives from their hideout. The arms and explosives have been hidden in a bunker in the forest. It is suspected that the rebels had stored those to attack the jawans in future, they said. Meanwhile, the security forces have intensified combing operation in Koraput district bordering Chhattisgarh and Lamataput area bordering Malkangiri district for the past couple of days. The security forces have received information about plans of the Maoists to carry out more attacks on the jawans in these areas, they said.

Odisha: Four Maoists killed in gun battle with security forces

Nepal&#39;s Communist parties were headed on Monday for a landslide win in elections, seen as a turning point after two decades of conflict, political instability and disaster that have crippled the Himalayan country.&nbsp;The landmark elections for national and provincial parliaments capped Nepal&#39;s 11-year transition from monarchy to federal democracy after a brutal civil war.

Many hope they will usher in a much-needed period of stability in the impoverished country, which has cycled through 10 prime ministers since 2006.&nbsp;An alliance of the main Communist party and the country&#39;s former Maoist rebels is expected to form the next government, ousting the ruling centrist Nepali Congress.

The Himalayan Times said the left alliance&#39;s strong mandate meant the country &quot;could experience political stability&quot;, which it has lacked over the last decade, but cautioned that a strong opposition was also crucial in the young democracy.&nbsp;With counting still going on, the leftist alliance has won 97 seats in the national parliament according to preliminary data from the election commission.

That puts them on course for a hefty majority in the country&#39;s first federal parliament, which comprises 275 seats, 110 of which are allocated on a proportional representation basis.&nbsp;They are also leading in six out of seven newly created provincial assemblies mandated in a new national constitution, which was finally agreed by parliament in 2015 in a rare moment of political consensus months after the country was devastated by a powerful earthquake.

The charter laid the ground for a sweeping overhaul of the political system to devolve power from the centre to seven newly-created provinces.&nbsp;It was intended to build on the promise of a more inclusive society integral to the peace deal that followed the end of the civil war between Maoists and the state in 2006.

But the constitution sparked deadly protests among ethnic minorities who said the provincial boundaries it laid out had been gerrymandered to limit their voice and demanded change.&nbsp;The Maoists and the Communist CPN-UML have often found themselves on opposite sides of parliament but formed an electoral alliance ahead of the polls.

The alliance campaigned on a promise to bring stability and growth to the impoverished Himalayan nation.&nbsp;Its victory returns many figures of the tumultuous transition period, including CPN-UML leader K.P. Sharma Oli, who is expected to be the new prime minister.&nbsp;Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal, a two-time former prime minister who led the rebel faction during the war, is also tipped for a prominent position in the next cabinet.

The newly-elected provincial assemblies will be tasked with naming their provinces, which are currently referred to by number, choosing a capital and negotiating budgets with Kathmandu -- all issues that could rekindle ethnic unrest.&nbsp;But the protest movements have lost momentum as voters have become fed up with the political merry-go-round that has starved the country of much-needed development.

Most voters voiced a desire for stability and a longer lasting government, while also expressing hope that the new provincial assemblies will prioritise local needs.&nbsp;The new constitution also lays out strict rules for ousting a prime minister, meaning this government could be the first to last a full five-year term.&nbsp;Final results are expected by the end of the week.

Nepal's federal parliament comprises of 275 seats, 110 of which are allocated on a proportional representation basis

Nepal's Communist parties were headed on Monday for a landslide win in elections, seen as a turning point after two decades of conflict, political instability and disaster that have crippled the Himalayan country. The landmark elections for national and provincial parliaments capped Nepal's 11-year transition from monarchy to federal democracy after a brutal civil war. Many hope they will usher in a much-needed period of stability in the impoverished country, which has cycled through 10 prime ministers since 2006. An alliance of the main Communist party and the country's former Maoist rebels is expected to form the next government, ousting the ruling centrist Nepali Congress. The Himalayan Times said the left alliance's strong mandate meant the country "could experience political stability", which it has lacked over the last decade, but cautioned that a strong opposition was also crucial in the young democracy. With counting still going on, the leftist alliance has won 97 seats in the national parliament according to preliminary data from the election commission. That puts them on course for a hefty majority in the country's first federal parliament, which comprises 275 seats, 110 of which are allocated on a proportional representation basis. They are also leading in six out of seven newly created provincial assemblies mandated in a new national constitution, which was finally agreed by parliament in 2015 in a rare moment of political consensus months after the country was devastated by a powerful earthquake. The charter laid the ground for a sweeping overhaul of the political system to devolve power from the centre to seven newly-created provinces. It was intended to build on the promise of a more inclusive society integral to the peace deal that followed the end of the civil war between Maoists and the state in 2006. But the constitution sparked deadly protests among ethnic minorities who said the provincial boundaries it laid out had been gerrymandered to limit their voice and demanded change. The Maoists and the Communist CPN-UML have often found themselves on opposite sides of parliament but formed an electoral alliance ahead of the polls. The alliance campaigned on a promise to bring stability and growth to the impoverished Himalayan nation. Its victory returns many figures of the tumultuous transition period, including CPN-UML leader K.P. Sharma Oli, who is expected to be the new prime minister. Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal, a two-time former prime minister who led the rebel faction during the war, is also tipped for a prominent position in the next cabinet. The newly-elected provincial assemblies will be tasked with naming their provinces, which are currently referred to by number, choosing a capital and negotiating budgets with Kathmandu -- all issues that could rekindle ethnic unrest. But the protest movements have lost momentum as voters have become fed up with the political merry-go-round that has starved the country of much-needed development. Most voters voiced a desire for stability and a longer lasting government, while also expressing hope that the new provincial assemblies will prioritise local needs. The new constitution also lays out strict rules for ousting a prime minister, meaning this government could be the first to last a full five-year term. Final results are expected by the end of the week.

Nepal's Communist parties poised for election landslide

&nbsp;A court in&nbsp;Vietnam&nbsp;jailed&nbsp;dissident&nbsp;Nguyen Van Oai for a further&nbsp;five&nbsp;years&nbsp;on Monday for violating the terms of his probation after a spell in prison, his lawyer said.

Human rights groups have expressed alarm over the Communist-ruled country&#39;s biggest crackdown&nbsp;on&nbsp;activists&nbsp;in&nbsp;years.

Oai, 36, was arrested in January while on probation after a 2013 sentence for activities aimed at overthrowing the government. He had been released in 2015.

On Monday, the people&#39;s court in Nghe An, central&nbsp;Vietnam, also found him guilty of resisting security personnel in performing their duty. He was given another four&nbsp;years&nbsp;on probation as well as the prison sentence.

&quot;Oai said he was innocent and he would appeal,&quot; his lawyer, Ha Huy Son, told Reuters.

The court made no immediate comment.

Despite sweeping economic reforms and growing openness to social change,&nbsp;Vietnam&#39;s Communist Party retains tight media censorship and does not tolerate criticism.

Human rights groups have expressed alarm over the Communist-ruled country's biggest crackdown?on?activists?in?years.

A court in Vietnam jailed dissident Nguyen Van Oai for a further five years on Monday for violating the terms of his probation after a spell in prison, his lawyer said. Human rights groups have expressed alarm over the Communist-ruled country's biggest crackdown on activists in years. Oai, 36, was arrested in January while on probation after a 2013 sentence for activities aimed at overthrowing the government. He had been released in 2015. On Monday, the people's court in Nghe An, central Vietnam, also found him guilty of resisting security personnel in performing their duty. He was given another four years on probation as well as the prison sentence. "Oai said he was innocent and he would appeal," his lawyer, Ha Huy Son, told Reuters. The court made no immediate comment. Despite sweeping economic reforms and growing openness to social change, Vietnam's Communist Party retains tight media censorship and does not tolerate criticism.

Vietnam jails dissident in crackdown on activists

The Philippine government may still re-impose a ceasefire with Maoist-led guerrillas, a senior administration official said today, a day after it was withdrawn by President Rodrigo Duterte. 
 
Duterte lifted the unilateral truce with the communist New People&#39;s Army on Saturday evening, six days after it was declared as a goodwill gesture ahead of formal peace negotiations in Oslo next month.&nbsp;The move came after rebels did not respond to a deadline to reciprocate the government&#39;s truce. 
 
&quot;We may work out a negotiated truce with the Communists,&quot; Jesus Dureza, presidential peace adviser, said. &quot;It was in our agenda when the formal peace talks resume in Oslo. The peace talks will go on as scheduled.&quot; 
 
The peace talks, brokered by Norway, will resume on August 20, four years after bogging down due to rebels&#39; demand for the release of 500 political prisoners. The government has now promised to free them for health and humanitarian reasons. 
 
Dureza said he welcomed a statement from rebel leader Jose Maria Siso, who was interviewed on local television hours after Duterte withdrew the ceasefire, saying the communists had also intended to impose a truce but it was overtaken by events. 
 
&quot;This is what we have been waiting for,&quot; Dureza said in an official statement. &quot;The leadership of the CPP/NPA/NDF announced through the media its belated but still strategic and awaited decision to also declare its own unilateral ceasefire.&quot; 
 
Duterte also was angered by reports that Maoist-led rebels had killed a militiaman, and wounded four others, in an ambush on Wednesday when they were returning to an army base in Davao del Norte to comply with the government&#39;s unilateral truce. 
 
Renato Reyes, secretary-general of Bayan (Nation), a left-wing political group, criticised the government for imposing &quot;unrealistic&quot; ultimatums, saying the &quot;peace talks are more complicated than some folks think&quot;. 
 
&quot;The road to peace is a difficult one, where deadlines and ultimatums cannot just be imposed and where discussions of the substantial agenda are the only sure means to achieve a lasting end to hostilities,&quot; he said. 
 
Armed Forces spokesman Brigadier-General Restituto Padilla said army units have resumed offensive action against the rebels. 
 
&quot;The rebels have missed a golden opportunity to manifest their commitment to the attainment of much sought peace throughout the land,&quot; he added. 
 
(Reuters)

President Rodrigo Duterte lifted the truce after reports that rebels violated it by killing a militiaman and wounding four others

The Philippine government may still re-impose a ceasefire with Maoist-led guerrillas, a senior administration official said today, a day after it was withdrawn by President Rodrigo Duterte. Duterte lifted the unilateral truce with the communist New People's Army on Saturday evening, six days after it was declared as a goodwill gesture ahead of formal peace negotiations in Oslo next month. The move came after rebels did not respond to a deadline to reciprocate the government's truce. "We may work out a negotiated truce with the Communists," Jesus Dureza, presidential peace adviser, said. "It was in our agenda when the formal peace talks resume in Oslo. The peace talks will go on as scheduled." The peace talks, brokered by Norway, will resume on August 20, four years after bogging down due to rebels' demand for the release of 500 political prisoners. The government has now promised to free them for health and humanitarian reasons. Dureza said he welcomed a statement from rebel leader Jose Maria Siso, who was interviewed on local television hours after Duterte withdrew the ceasefire, saying the communists had also intended to impose a truce but it was overtaken by events. "This is what we have been waiting for," Dureza said in an official statement. "The leadership of the CPP/NPA/NDF announced through the media its belated but still strategic and awaited decision to also declare its own unilateral ceasefire." Duterte also was angered by reports that Maoist-led rebels had killed a militiaman, and wounded four others, in an ambush on Wednesday when they were returning to an army base in Davao del Norte to comply with the government's unilateral truce. Renato Reyes, secretary-general of Bayan (Nation), a left-wing political group, criticised the government for imposing "unrealistic" ultimatums, saying the "peace talks are more complicated than some folks think". "The road to peace is a difficult one, where deadlines and ultimatums cannot just be imposed and where discussions of the substantial agenda are the only sure means to achieve a lasting end to hostilities," he said. Armed Forces spokesman Brigadier-General Restituto Padilla said army units have resumed offensive action against the rebels. "The rebels have missed a golden opportunity to manifest their commitment to the attainment of much sought peace throughout the land," he added. (Reuters)

Philippines may still re-impose withdrawn ceasefire with Maoist-led rebels

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