A new analysis has revealed the reason for the presence of Neanderthal DNA in human populations in Europe and Asia. The study, published in Science Advances journal, has deepened scientists' understanding of the ancient genomes that may have medical relevance today.

A new analysis has revealed the reason for the presence of Neanderthal DNA in human populations in Europe and Asia. The study, published in Science Advances journal, has deepened scientists' understanding of the ancient genomes that may have medical relevance today. It tracks the hereditary legacy of the age-old relatives of our species with more accuracy, using the critical mass of significant data. Many humans alive today have a tiny per cent of Neanderthal DNA because of the prehistoric sexual encounters between our ancestors and the Stone Age hominins, who became extinct around 40,000 years ago. However, East Asian populations have a slightly higher concentration of Neanderthal DNA in their genomes. This difference has always baffled scientists as they have found Neanderthal remains extensively across Europe and the Middle East but not further east of the Altai Mountains in Central Asia. ALSO READ | NASA shares amazing picture of solar eclipse clicked from space "So what's puzzling is that in an area where we've never found any Neanderthal remains, there's more Neanderthal DNA," said study co-author Mathias Currat, a senior lecturer of genetics and evolution at the University of Geneva. Neanderthal DNA makes up about 2 per cent of the genetic makeup of Eurasians. However, it makes up about 4 per cent of the genetic makeup of East Asians, Currat said. Currat and his colleagues at the University of Geneva analysed the distribution of the DNA inherited from Neanderthals in the genomes of humans over the past 40,000 years. After the research, they came up with a possible explanation for this discrepancy. "We are beginning to have enough data to describe more and more precisely the percentage of DNA of Neanderthal origin in the genome of Sapiens at certain periods of prehistory," Currat explained. According to the study, the distribution of Neanderthal DNA did not always look as it does now. The research found that in samples older than 20,000 years, genomes of Stone Age Homo sapiens in Europe contained a slightly higher proportion of Neanderthal DNA than those from Asia. Thus, the present pattern of a higher percentage of Neanderthal ancestry in Asian populations compared to those in Europe developed at a later stage, the research team concluded. It possibly happened during the Neolithic transition when farming replaced hunting and gathering as a way of life. However, Currat said it was unclear how this transition unfolded in Asia due to the relative lack of data. The study included 1,517 samples from Europe versus 1,108 from Asia. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Why do some people have more Neanderthal DNA than others? Scientists now have an explanation

In Pics |  Protests erupt across East Asia as Japan starts releasing treated radioactive water into ocean

The struggle for gender inequality or rather gender parity is now centuries old but how far have we really come when we talk of bridging the gender gap? A recent report by the World Economic Forum has said that countries in East Asia and the Pacific region will take nearly about 58 years more than the global average to close the gender gap! More in this report

WEF Gender Parity Report: Progress in East Asia stagnant

Tensions are running high in East Asia as Japan is fearing the worst as North Korea continues its missile launches unfettered. Japanese military has been put on high alert, it has been asked to prepare to shoot down a North Korean ballistic missile.

Tensions on rise in East Asia: Japan fears North Korea could strike | World News | WION

In the latest, Russian Strikes on Ukraine's residential complex led to at&nbsp;least three deaths and more than 20 people being wounded when a Russian rocket struck a residential building in the center of Kramatorsk, located in Ukraine's eastern industrial region of Donetsk. In the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, the police have arrested a government school teacher-turned-terrorist and recovered a perfume bottle bomb from him.&nbsp; In other news, ed-tech firm BYJU'S conducted another round of layoffs, slashing almost 900 jobs.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines for more.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-strikes-on-ukrainian-residential-building-kill-three-kyiv-calls-for-more-sanctions-on-moscow-558309">Russian strikes on Ukrainian residential building kill three; Kyiv calls for more sanctions on Moscow</a>

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Ukraine claimed on Thursday (February 2) that an overnight Russian missile strikes destroyed an apartment building and damaged nine others. The Ukrainian authorities said that at least people were killed and around 20 people were wounded.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-jk-police-recover-perfume-bomb-for-the-first-time-lashker-terrorist-arrested-558202">India: J&amp;K police recover ‘perfume bomb’ for the first time, from arrested Lashkar terrorist</a>

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n India, the Jammu and Kashmir police has for the first time recovered a 'perfume IED' in the Union Territory. While investigating the January 21 IED blast at Narwal in Jammu, the police achieved a breakthrough and arrested a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist who is alleged to be involved in the twin blasts and recovered a 'Perfume IED' from him.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/adani-group-crisis-live-updates-market-losses-cross-usd-100-billion-mark-558222">Adani Group crisis LIVE updates: Brother of UK ex-PM resigns as director of Adani-linked firm</a>

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4fff5ffa-3872-44ed-966b-b8261e7f9625" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1674817095_05T8nh_Adani.jpeg" />

Hindenburg Research, the financial research firm with an explosive name and a track record of sending the stock prices of its targets tumbling, is taking on one of the world's richest men.

Hindenburg is back in the headlines after last week accusing Indian conglomerate Adani Group of "a brazen stock manipulation and accounting fraud scheme."&nbsp;It cited two years of research, including talks with former Adani senior executives and reviews of thousands of documents.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/byjus-cuts-more-than-900-jobs-across-teams-senior-management-executives-asked-to-step-down-too-558238">BYJU'S cuts more than 900 jobs across teams, senior executives asked to step down too</a>

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Edtech unicorn BYJU'S&nbsp;has begun a fresh round of layoffs, putting almost 900&nbsp;plus employees from various teams and functions in jeopardy, as reported by YourStory. Under the condition of anonymity, three people from the organisation said that the layoffs have mostly affected the marketing, design, logistics, and technology departments in India as well as the product teams in the international business.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/peshawar-mosque-bomber-was-in-police-uniform-khyber-pashtunkhwa-police-chief-says-558135">Peshawar mosque bomber was in police uniform, Khyber Pashtunkhwa police chief says</a>

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The suicide bomber who attacked a mosque in Peshawar this week has been identified, the provincial police chief said on Thursday. He said that the attacker was wearing a police uniform and this is what helped him breach the security.&nbsp;The police chief also confirmed that a&nbsp;severed head that the police found at the blast site was of the attacker.

More than 100 people died in the suicide bomb attack which took place on Monday in a heavily fortified area called Police Lines. All but three of the deceased were policemen.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uk-bank-of-england-hikes-interest-rates-for-tenth-consecutive-time-amid-recession-558265">UK: Bank of England hikes interest rates for 10th consecutive time amid recession</a>

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2aed3ee4-c6af-4c27-91b7-1a4aa94ee178" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/IRYXWCJ5CNJPJBCEMVX65TB274_0.jpg" />

The Bank of England increased interest rates on Thursday (Feb 2), in the midst of a recession, for the tenth&nbsp;time in a row, to the highest level since the 2008 financial crisis, with a warning that more hikes may be necessary to combat inflation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/shell-makes-record-40-billion-profit-in-2022-faces-criticism-558293">Shell makes record $40 billion profit in 2022, faces criticism</a>

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British multinational oil and gas company Shell made a record $40 billion profit last year, as Russia's offensive in Ukraine sent oil and gas prices soaring. According to an earnings statement on Thursday (February 2), the post-tax figure was more than double the amount achieved in 2021. A report by the news agency Reuters said the annual profit was $39.9 billion, far exceeding the previous record of $31 billion in 2008. The gains were driven by higher oil and gas prices, robust refining margins and a strong performance from the company's trading business.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vice-president-kamala-harris-attends-tyre-nicholss-funeral-558213">US Vice President Kamala Harris attends Tyre Nichols's funeral</a>

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US Vice President Kamala Harris attended the funeral for Tyre Nichols in Memphis, Tennessee, on Wednesday, offering comfort to the family of the 29-year-old motorist who died three days after he was beaten by officers last month.

At the funeral, civil rights leaders and family members called for an end to recurring police violence against Black Americans. Talking about Tyre, his family members said that he was a young man who loved photography and skateboarding.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-directly-involved-in-nord-stream-blasts-claims-lavrov-558263">US directly involved in Nord Stream blasts, claims Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov</a>

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="485ac199-37fa-4352-bb2b-a3f21798c9e0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2020_12%24largeimg_889609459.jpeg" />

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday (February 2) accused the United States of having been directly involved in Nord Stream gas pipeline explosions. He was speaking in an interview on state TV and he offered no evidence to substantiate his claims. Previously, Russian President Vladimir Putin had accused Britain of blowing up the pipelines. The accusation was denied promptly by the UK then.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-united-player-mason-greenwood-has-rape-assault-charges-dropped-against-him-558311">Manchester United player Mason Greenwood has rape, assault charges dropped against him</a>

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Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood has had&nbsp;all charges of&nbsp;attempted rape, assault and coercive control against him dropped, a little more than a year after his arrest.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Greater Manchester Police said all the judicial proceedings against the 21-year-old had been discontinued.&nbsp;

"Given the significant media coverage of this case, it is only fair that we share the news that the 21-year-old man, who had been arrested and charged in connection with an investigation opened in January 2022, no longer faces criminal proceedings in relation to this," said&nbsp;Michaela Kerr, GMP's head of Public Protection.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-expert-reveals-why-some-people-suffer-from-distorted-vision-while-driving-558283">Expert reveals why some people suffer from distorted vision while driving</a>

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8d49eedd-a8cc-49b2-b242-bd91d9325a9a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/b4670467-4e2a-45cf-9697-fc160537ca7b.jpg" />

A lot of people face issues with distorted vision during and after driving vehicles. The issues related to eyes and vision are quite common and often get neglected. The constant negligence will have consequences from serious problems with vision and subsequently road accidents.&nbsp;

A report published by the World Health Organization (WHO) last year in June, stated that approximately 1.3 million people die every year as a result of a road traffic crash and millions suffer non-fatal critical injuries.&nbsp;

In the latest, Russian Strikes on Ukraine's residential complex led to at least three deaths and more than 20 people being wounded when a Russian rocket struck a residential building in the center of Kramatorsk, located in Ukraine's eastern industrial region of Donetsk.

In the latest, Russian Strikes on Ukraine's residential complex led to at least three deaths and more than 20 people being wounded when a Russian rocket struck a residential building in the center of Kramatorsk, located in Ukraine's eastern industrial region of Donetsk. In the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, the police have arrested a government school teacher-turned-terrorist and recovered a perfume bottle bomb from him. In other news, ed-tech firm BYJU'S conducted another round of layoffs, slashing almost 900 jobs. Click on the headlines for more. Russian strikes on Ukrainian residential building kill three; Kyiv calls for more sanctions on Moscow Ukraine claimed on Thursday (February 2) that an overnight Russian missile strikes destroyed an apartment building and damaged nine others. The Ukrainian authorities said that at least people were killed and around 20 people were wounded. India: J&K police recover ‘perfume bomb’ for the first time, from arrested Lashkar terrorist n India, the Jammu and Kashmir police has for the first time recovered a 'perfume IED' in the Union Territory. While investigating the January 21 IED blast at Narwal in Jammu, the police achieved a breakthrough and arrested a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist who is alleged to be involved in the twin blasts and recovered a 'Perfume IED' from him. Adani Group crisis LIVE updates: Brother of UK ex-PM resigns as director of Adani-linked firm Hindenburg Research, the financial research firm with an explosive name and a track record of sending the stock prices of its targets tumbling, is taking on one of the world's richest men. Hindenburg is back in the headlines after last week accusing Indian conglomerate Adani Group of "a brazen stock manipulation and accounting fraud scheme." It cited two years of research, including talks with former Adani senior executives and reviews of thousands of documents. BYJU'S cuts more than 900 jobs across teams, senior executives asked to step down too Edtech unicorn BYJU'S has begun a fresh round of layoffs, putting almost 900 plus employees from various teams and functions in jeopardy, as reported by YourStory. Under the condition of anonymity, three people from the organisation said that the layoffs have mostly affected the marketing, design, logistics, and technology departments in India as well as the product teams in the international business. Peshawar mosque bomber was in police uniform, Khyber Pashtunkhwa police chief says The suicide bomber who attacked a mosque in Peshawar this week has been identified, the provincial police chief said on Thursday. He said that the attacker was wearing a police uniform and this is what helped him breach the security. The police chief also confirmed that a severed head that the police found at the blast site was of the attacker. More than 100 people died in the suicide bomb attack which took place on Monday in a heavily fortified area called Police Lines. All but three of the deceased were policemen. UK: Bank of England hikes interest rates for 10th consecutive time amid recession The Bank of England increased interest rates on Thursday (Feb 2), in the midst of a recession, for the tenth time in a row, to the highest level since the 2008 financial crisis, with a warning that more hikes may be necessary to combat inflation. Shell makes record $40 billion profit in 2022, faces criticism British multinational oil and gas company Shell made a record $40 billion profit last year, as Russia's offensive in Ukraine sent oil and gas prices soaring. According to an earnings statement on Thursday (February 2), the post-tax figure was more than double the amount achieved in 2021. A report by the news agency Reuters said the annual profit was $39.9 billion, far exceeding the previous record of $31 billion in 2008. The gains were driven by higher oil and gas prices, robust refining margins and a strong performance from the company's trading business. US Vice President Kamala Harris attends Tyre Nichols's funeral US Vice President Kamala Harris attended the funeral for Tyre Nichols in Memphis, Tennessee, on Wednesday, offering comfort to the family of the 29-year-old motorist who died three days after he was beaten by officers last month. At the funeral, civil rights leaders and family members called for an end to recurring police violence against Black Americans. Talking about Tyre, his family members said that he was a young man who loved photography and skateboarding. US directly involved in Nord Stream blasts, claims Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday (February 2) accused the United States of having been directly involved in Nord Stream gas pipeline explosions. He was speaking in an interview on state TV and he offered no evidence to substantiate his claims. Previously, Russian President Vladimir Putin had accused Britain of blowing up the pipelines. The accusation was denied promptly by the UK then. Manchester United player Mason Greenwood has rape, assault charges dropped against him Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood has had all charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control against him dropped, a little more than a year after his arrest. Greater Manchester Police said all the judicial proceedings against the 21-year-old had been discontinued. "Given the significant media coverage of this case, it is only fair that we share the news that the 21-year-old man, who had been arrested and charged in connection with an investigation opened in January 2022, no longer faces criminal proceedings in relation to this," said Michaela Kerr, GMP's head of Public Protection. Expert reveals why some people suffer from distorted vision while driving A lot of people face issues with distorted vision during and after driving vehicles. The issues related to eyes and vision are quite common and often get neglected. The constant negligence will have consequences from serious problems with vision and subsequently road accidents. A report published by the World Health Organization (WHO) last year in June, stated that approximately 1.3 million people die every year as a result of a road traffic crash and millions suffer non-fatal critical injuries.

Top 10 world news: Russia strikes Ukrainian residential complex killing at least three, & more

China on Friday (May 6) slammed Japan for hyping a threat to East Asia after &nbsp;Tokyo's leader Fumio Kishida Ukraine's plight could be replicated in the region.

According to Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian, "Japan has frequently taken advantage of some diplomatic activities to talk about China, exaggerate regional tensions and hype the so-called 'China threat'."

''Japan is doing this to find excuses for its own military expansion and to undermine mutual trust and cooperation among regional countries, which is not conducive to peace and stability in the region and is destined to be unpopular. China is firmly opposed to Japan's words and actions."

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"If Japan really wants peace and stability in East Asia, it should immediately stop provoking confrontation among leading powers and do more to promote mutual trust among regional countries and promote regional peace and stability," he added.

During his visit to the United Kingdom, Kishida said, "Collaboration among countries sharing universal values becomes ever more vital."

"We must collaborate with our allies and like-minded countries, and never tolerate a unilateral attempt to change the status quo by the use of force in the Indo Pacific, especially in East Asia."

"Ukraine may be East Asia tomorrow," he added saying peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait must be maintained.

"Japan maintains its position to expect a peaceful resolution through dialogue to issues surrounding Taiwan. And the situation will be watched carefully from that perspective," he added.

In response, Taiwan's foreign ministry said that Kishida's statements "not only reflect the aspirations of democratic countries but also win the recognition and approval of the international community".

Japan along with the United States, Australia, and India have maintained a Quadrilateral Security Dialogue to counter a rising China in the Indo-Pacific region.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION. 
&nbsp;

China on Friday (May 6) slammed Japan for hyping a threat to East Asia after Tokyo's leader Fumio Kishida Ukraine's plight could be replicated in the region. According to Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian, "Japan has frequently taken advantage of some diplomatic activities to talk about China, exaggerate regional tensions and hype the so-called 'China threat'.

China on Friday (May 6) slammed Japan for hyping a threat to East Asia after Tokyo's leader Fumio Kishida Ukraine's plight could be replicated in the region. According to Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian, "Japan has frequently taken advantage of some diplomatic activities to talk about China, exaggerate regional tensions and hype the so-called 'China threat'." ''Japan is doing this to find excuses for its own military expansion and to undermine mutual trust and cooperation among regional countries, which is not conducive to peace and stability in the region and is destined to be unpopular. China is firmly opposed to Japan's words and actions." "If Japan really wants peace and stability in East Asia, it should immediately stop provoking confrontation among leading powers and do more to promote mutual trust among regional countries and promote regional peace and stability," he added. During his visit to the United Kingdom, Kishida said, "Collaboration among countries sharing universal values becomes ever more vital." "We must collaborate with our allies and like-minded countries, and never tolerate a unilateral attempt to change the status quo by the use of force in the Indo Pacific, especially in East Asia." "Ukraine may be East Asia tomorrow," he added saying peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait must be maintained. "Japan maintains its position to expect a peaceful resolution through dialogue to issues surrounding Taiwan. And the situation will be watched carefully from that perspective," he added. In response, Taiwan's foreign ministry said that Kishida's statements "not only reflect the aspirations of democratic countries but also win the recognition and approval of the international community". Japan along with the United States, Australia, and India have maintained a Quadrilateral Security Dialogue to counter a rising China in the Indo-Pacific region. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.

China slams Japan after Kishida said Ukraine plight could be replicated in East Asia

Taiwan refused to be intimated by China's aggressive posturing in the South China sea. Taiwan military says that it reserves right to self defence and counter attack.

Taiwan refused to be intimated by China's aggressive posturing in the South China sea

China's aggressive posturing in the South China sea continues, But Taiwan not intimidated

Krach, the highest-level State Department official to visit the island in decades, is to meet Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and other senior officials

China threatens necessary response to US-Taiwan meet

China's latest move comes days after Washington announced new restrictions on staff working for Beijing's foreign missions

Beijing to impose restrictions on all US diplomats in China

Taiwan has been in the news a lot lately, especially owing to the strained relationship with China, and the newly found global support.

3-year-old girl flung into the air by a humongous kite in Taiwan

In a very interesting and proactive development, 25 stranded Indians were brought back from Tunisia in a military plane, which was en route Thailand and Vietnam.

Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Tunis, Indian envoy to Tunisia Puneet Roy Kundal, while giving the details of the operation, thanked the Tunisian government and said, Indian diplomats in Tunisia have been personally speaking to Indians stranded in the country every week. Meanwhile, India has made sure no Tunisian government officials have been stranded in India and all were brought back before lockdown kicked in.&nbsp;

WION: How are both countries cooperating during the current times of covid crisis? 
Puneet R. Kundal: India and Tunisia have a very historic relationship that goes back to 1958 when Tunisia got its independence. On the issue of COVID, Tunisia is not as badly hit as we are, as of now they have 1046 cases, with 883 recoveries and 47 deaths. So they have managed to keep it under control.

They follow, a similar containment strategy like we did, in terms of having a strict lockdown, complete lockdown, the prohibition of flights from outside and stopping movement between various cities and governorates. They have been able to control the situation. They are also in the process of requesting govt of India to provide them with some medicines, we don't have a formal request as yet. Informally I have been told, we will have a request from the govt, much in keeping with India's tag as the pharmacy of the world.

We have have been cooperating with Tunisia in providing the e-ITEC courses for Tunisian health professionals to help them fight the COVID pandemic. But there are some very good things that have emerged for Tunisia in this pandemic, most of these have been observed by foreign media. Like they have used, the robotic vehicle, for example, to enforce the lockdown on the streets. They are also using the robotic vehicle to help in checking of the people at the hospitals.

Tunisia has also created a web-based platform that scans lung X rays and evaluates if the person has COVID or does not has COVID. In terms of their progress on COVID, they have managed to decode local strain of the COVID virus, a local institute called the Pasteur institute is actively working on developing vaccination against COVID. They have been largely successful till now in handling the crisis. The biggest thing they did for us is that they allowed 25 Indians nationals who were stranded here to fly back on a Tunisian military aircraft that left Tunisia on 21st of May 2020 and reached on 22nd of May

 
WION: Coming to bringing back stranded Indians, Tunisian military aircraft brought back Indians. If you can give details. 
Puneet R. Kundal: When the Vande Bharat mission started, the focus was on getting back the Indians from abroad, especially the blue collared workers. We only had 45 Indians here who were in the category of stranded Indian nationals. Therefore, organising a flight for 45 people, hailing from 10 different states in India, was always an uphill task. Tunisia has been sending its aircraft for getting Tunisians back from various cities. And we were on a lookout as and when they have an aircraft heading to India or anywhere in the east, we can request them to help us. We were told three days back, a Tunisian cargo aircraft of the military that was going to Vietnam and Thailand and will pick up stranded Tunisians from Delhi.

So at that stage, we sprung into action, we contacted, the embassy of Tunisia in Delhi, we contacted the foreign office here and requested them to accommodate Indians nationals on the flight. At the end of the day, 25 Indian nationals were interested in taking this flight. The government of Tunisia very kindly agreed to take them on board. I was at the airport and made sure all the Indians to do the COVID negative test first of all. They were spread across 4-5 cities across Tunisia. We established contact with concerned hospitals all across the country and made sure they underwent the test smoothly. Then we made arrangements for them to travel to Tunis, in the capital we arranged a hotel for them and made sure there is no problem when it comes to check-in and being looked after here.

On the morning of the flight, I was at the airport and made sure each of them boards the flight comfortably and I must say the process was extremely smooth and the embassy, all the staff worked hard. The Indian nationals who were in the process of getting repatriated were extremely cooperative. There were tensed moments, moments when we had to rush through things. Every operation has its own moments but at it 25 boarded the plane and have reached India on 22nd May.

WION: How has the mission been reaching out to the stranded Indians, in terms of accommodation or food. A helpline is something, all missions have.. 
Puneet R. Kundal: So we had a 24*7 helpline, that was available and we got everyone to register at the embassy. But one thing we did, since the number was less, was that we spoke to each person at least twice a week. We assigned our consular office here, who spoke to each person once or twice a week. I personally spoke to a few of them who were more anxious than others, including one 19-year-old medical student who was staying with a Tunisian family.

I must express thanks to that family as well, they gave him food, shelter and took good care of him for the last two months. So we made it point to reach out to each and every stranded Indian here, establishing touch with them once a week, attending to the questions. We made sure if they had a medical requirement that was taken care off. Most of them were in the professional category so no financial element involved but reaching out to them, giving them moral support, speaking them regularly, keeping the spirits high in this time was the main challenge.

WION: How has life been for Indian diplomats, for you, how much reliance for digital diplomacy has increased... 
Puneet R. Kundal: Life is now digital, we really shifted a lot of activity to the digital platform. I must say the entire process started with PM of India reaching out to the SAARC leaders. Reaching out to the G20, with our FM S Jaishankar reaching out to all the counterparts using digital technology, that really spurred us on as well. The country has good digital infrastructure. We shifted whole lot of digital activities online as well. &nbsp;The pace of the work also slackened down a bit but we tried to carry on the activity. We offered Tunisia e ITEC programmes. 120 Tunisians travelled to India every year.

Post-COVID, it was not possible so we were providing them training on COVID module by electronic means to get them involved via our training programmes, to keep up the pace of our training programme. In fact, I must also here add that there were 6 Tunisian nationals who were in India just before the lockdown and we brought them back here before we went into lockdown. That was also something worthy of notice that we made sure no Tunisian govt officials or trainees from our side who were stranded in India. We made sure each of them got back, there were 6 of these who were in India.&nbsp;

WION: Increased focus on digital diplomacy, but how have the ties been between the countries, how do you see ties in a post covid world?&nbsp; 
Puneet R. Kundal: Digital diplomacy is here to stay. We understand that, they understand that. As I said, Tunisia has a good digital infrastructure backbone. They have been carrying out a whole lot of interactions, with multilateral organisations and forums digitally. We also expect that there will be a telephonic conversation between our Foreign minister and Tunisian FM very soon. There is a whole lot of interaction that goes on and we have been trying to inform the Tunisian side that life has to continue and life has to continue in a digital manner. This has also been taken cognizance by our ministry of external affairs in Delhi and we hope very soon we have some digital meetings we should be proud of before life resumes and actual travel starts.

Tunisia and India have a bilateral trade of 445 million dollars, this was a figure for last year. And one of the most important areas of cooperation is in the area of Phosphate. We have a bilateral investment project called Tunisia India fertiliser plant and India is committed to buying 100% of the output of the plant. That is the flagship of our cooperation, and it cut both ways --we get our phosphoric acid in a reliable fashion from Tunisia and the country gets 180-235 million dollars annually which adds to the resources of the country. Big companies like TATA and Mahindra produce vehicles here, we have electrical companies.

In fact, I am happy to tell you, on 20th may an Indian company has won the contract for building substations here. COVID or no COVID, bilateral interaction especially in economic and trade field is continuing. Politically the foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar was here, he met with the President and Speaker of the Parliament and had detailed discussions with his counterpart here. This is in addition to the regular interaction we have with Tunisia at the UN, Tunisia is the non-permanent member of the UNSC for this year and next year and we have a whole lot of cooperation with them at the multilateral forums in Geneva and New York. We have supported Tunisian candidature at several forums as have they, it ongoing cooperation because we have a similarity of vision on a lot of issues of multilateral interest.&nbsp;

In a very interesting and proactive development, 25 stranded Indians were brought back from Tunisia in a military plane, which was en route Thailand and Vietnam.

In a very interesting and proactive development, 25 stranded Indians were brought back from Tunisia in a military plane, which was en route Thailand and Vietnam. Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Tunis, Indian envoy to Tunisia Puneet Roy Kundal, while giving the details of the operation, thanked the Tunisian government and said, Indian diplomats in Tunisia have been personally speaking to Indians stranded in the country every week. Meanwhile, India has made sure no Tunisian government officials have been stranded in India and all were brought back before lockdown kicked in. WION: How are both countries cooperating during the current times of covid crisis? Puneet R. Kundal: India and Tunisia have a very historic relationship that goes back to 1958 when Tunisia got its independence. On the issue of COVID, Tunisia is not as badly hit as we are, as of now they have 1046 cases, with 883 recoveries and 47 deaths. So they have managed to keep it under control. They follow, a similar containment strategy like we did, in terms of having a strict lockdown, complete lockdown, the prohibition of flights from outside and stopping movement between various cities and governorates. They have been able to control the situation. They are also in the process of requesting govt of India to provide them with some medicines, we don't have a formal request as yet. Informally I have been told, we will have a request from the govt, much in keeping with India's tag as the pharmacy of the world. We have have been cooperating with Tunisia in providing the e-ITEC courses for Tunisian health professionals to help them fight the COVID pandemic. But there are some very good things that have emerged for Tunisia in this pandemic, most of these have been observed by foreign media. Like they have used, the robotic vehicle, for example, to enforce the lockdown on the streets. They are also using the robotic vehicle to help in checking of the people at the hospitals. Tunisia has also created a web-based platform that scans lung X rays and evaluates if the person has COVID or does not has COVID. In terms of their progress on COVID, they have managed to decode local strain of the COVID virus, a local institute called the Pasteur institute is actively working on developing vaccination against COVID. They have been largely successful till now in handling the crisis. The biggest thing they did for us is that they allowed 25 Indians nationals who were stranded here to fly back on a Tunisian military aircraft that left Tunisia on 21st of May 2020 and reached on 22nd of May WION: Coming to bringing back stranded Indians, Tunisian military aircraft brought back Indians. If you can give details. Puneet R. Kundal: When the Vande Bharat mission started, the focus was on getting back the Indians from abroad, especially the blue collared workers. We only had 45 Indians here who were in the category of stranded Indian nationals. Therefore, organising a flight for 45 people, hailing from 10 different states in India, was always an uphill task. Tunisia has been sending its aircraft for getting Tunisians back from various cities. And we were on a lookout as and when they have an aircraft heading to India or anywhere in the east, we can request them to help us. We were told three days back, a Tunisian cargo aircraft of the military that was going to Vietnam and Thailand and will pick up stranded Tunisians from Delhi. So at that stage, we sprung into action, we contacted, the embassy of Tunisia in Delhi, we contacted the foreign office here and requested them to accommodate Indians nationals on the flight. At the end of the day, 25 Indian nationals were interested in taking this flight. The government of Tunisia very kindly agreed to take them on board. I was at the airport and made sure all the Indians to do the COVID negative test first of all. They were spread across 4-5 cities across Tunisia. We established contact with concerned hospitals all across the country and made sure they underwent the test smoothly. Then we made arrangements for them to travel to Tunis, in the capital we arranged a hotel for them and made sure there is no problem when it comes to check-in and being looked after here. On the morning of the flight, I was at the airport and made sure each of them boards the flight comfortably and I must say the process was extremely smooth and the embassy, all the staff worked hard. The Indian nationals who were in the process of getting repatriated were extremely cooperative. There were tensed moments, moments when we had to rush through things. Every operation has its own moments but at it 25 boarded the plane and have reached India on 22nd May. WION: How has the mission been reaching out to the stranded Indians, in terms of accommodation or food. A helpline is something, all missions have.. Puneet R. Kundal: So we had a 24*7 helpline, that was available and we got everyone to register at the embassy. But one thing we did, since the number was less, was that we spoke to each person at least twice a week. We assigned our consular office here, who spoke to each person once or twice a week. I personally spoke to a few of them who were more anxious than others, including one 19-year-old medical student who was staying with a Tunisian family. I must express thanks to that family as well, they gave him food, shelter and took good care of him for the last two months. So we made it point to reach out to each and every stranded Indian here, establishing touch with them once a week, attending to the questions. We made sure if they had a medical requirement that was taken care off. Most of them were in the professional category so no financial element involved but reaching out to them, giving them moral support, speaking them regularly, keeping the spirits high in this time was the main challenge. WION: How has life been for Indian diplomats, for you, how much reliance for digital diplomacy has increased... Puneet R. Kundal: Life is now digital, we really shifted a lot of activity to the digital platform. I must say the entire process started with PM of India reaching out to the SAARC leaders. Reaching out to the G20, with our FM S Jaishankar reaching out to all the counterparts using digital technology, that really spurred us on as well. The country has good digital infrastructure. We shifted whole lot of digital activities online as well. The pace of the work also slackened down a bit but we tried to carry on the activity. We offered Tunisia e ITEC programmes. 120 Tunisians travelled to India every year. Post-COVID, it was not possible so we were providing them training on COVID module by electronic means to get them involved via our training programmes, to keep up the pace of our training programme. In fact, I must also here add that there were 6 Tunisian nationals who were in India just before the lockdown and we brought them back here before we went into lockdown. That was also something worthy of notice that we made sure no Tunisian govt officials or trainees from our side who were stranded in India. We made sure each of them got back, there were 6 of these who were in India. WION: Increased focus on digital diplomacy, but how have the ties been between the countries, how do you see ties in a post covid world? Puneet R. Kundal: Digital diplomacy is here to stay. We understand that, they understand that. As I said, Tunisia has a good digital infrastructure backbone. They have been carrying out a whole lot of interactions, with multilateral organisations and forums digitally. We also expect that there will be a telephonic conversation between our Foreign minister and Tunisian FM very soon. There is a whole lot of interaction that goes on and we have been trying to inform the Tunisian side that life has to continue and life has to continue in a digital manner. This has also been taken cognizance by our ministry of external affairs in Delhi and we hope very soon we have some digital meetings we should be proud of before life resumes and actual travel starts. Tunisia and India have a bilateral trade of 445 million dollars, this was a figure for last year. And one of the most important areas of cooperation is in the area of Phosphate. We have a bilateral investment project called Tunisia India fertiliser plant and India is committed to buying 100% of the output of the plant. That is the flagship of our cooperation, and it cut both ways --we get our phosphoric acid in a reliable fashion from Tunisia and the country gets 180-235 million dollars annually which adds to the resources of the country. Big companies like TATA and Mahindra produce vehicles here, we have electrical companies. In fact, I am happy to tell you, on 20th may an Indian company has won the contract for building substations here. COVID or no COVID, bilateral interaction especially in economic and trade field is continuing. Politically the foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar was here, he met with the President and Speaker of the Parliament and had detailed discussions with his counterpart here. This is in addition to the regular interaction we have with Tunisia at the UN, Tunisia is the non-permanent member of the UNSC for this year and next year and we have a whole lot of cooperation with them at the multilateral forums in Geneva and New York. We have supported Tunisian candidature at several forums as have they, it ongoing cooperation because we have a similarity of vision on a lot of issues of multilateral interest.

Tunisian military plane enroute to East Asia brings back 25 stranded Indians; Indian envoy Kundal thanks the govt

The world's third largest economy, Japan is facing its worst economic slump in over five years, with new factors like coronavirus contributing to its slowdown.

Recently, the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) fell by 6.3 per cent during October-December. In fact, this is the biggest GDP shrinkage since the second quarter of 2014.

Also read: <a class="gs-title" data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/virus-spreads-on-ship-in-japan-american-passengers-set-to-disembark-280966" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/virus-spreads-on-ship-in-japan-american-passengers-set-to-disembark-280966&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjR7fnlk9jnAhXhlOAKHVw3D2gQFjAAegQIABAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw26vAuR60RxpAbHbv5kaX43" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/virus-spreads-on-ship-in-japan-american-passengers-set-to-disembark-280966" target="_blank">Virus spreads on ship in Japan</a>

Private consumption sank by 2.9 per cent while capital expenditure fell by 3.7 per cent.

The Japanese economy shrunk at its fastest rate in over five years. Additionally, factors like sales tax hike influenced consumers, further limiting business spending.

Recent environmental disasters also affected private consumption. Japan is highly susceptible to natural disasters, with tsunami warnings coming up every few days.

To make the situation worse, coronavirus risks have worsened Japan's growth forecast.

The outbreak has hit the tourism industry and led to a decline in production.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/global-economy-and-the-coronavirus-outbreak-278939/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, Japan which is facing the risk of a recession is hoping to contain the outbreak before the Tokyo Olympics which will start in July this year.

Just recently, Typhoon Hagibis ravaged the country and caused huge losses. As soon as the recovery was on track, coronavirus fears have slowed down the global flow of goods and services.

In case Japan's economy continues to shrink in the first quarter of 2020, they will officially fall into recession, their first major dip since 2015.

Also read: <a class="gs-title" data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-another-70-people-test-positive-for-coronavirus-on-diamond-princess-cruise-ship-in-japan-280913" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-another-70-people-test-positive-for-coronavirus-on-diamond-princess-cruise-ship-in-japan-280913&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiGvsnwk9jnAhULUt8KHRe_Db0QFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0R2qa5LQMZ67_w-xxvhJsl" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-another-70-people-test-positive-for-coronavirus-on-diamond-princess-cruise-ship-in-japan-280913" target="_blank">Another 70 people test positive for coronavirus</a>

Japan is the hardest hit by coronavirus trade limitations as China is its largest trading partner.

The country has the largest non-Chinese cases of coronavirus, standing at 400, with its first virus-induced death recorded last week.

Japan experienced a similar slowdown in 2011, after an earthquake triggered a tsunami which caused a nuclear meltdown.

The world's third largest economy, Japan is facing its worst economic slump in over five years, with new factors like coronavirus contributing to its slowdown. Recently, the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) fell by 6.

The world's third largest economy, Japan is facing its worst economic slump in over five years, with new factors like coronavirus contributing to its slowdown. Recently, the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) fell by 6.3 per cent during October-December. In fact, this is the biggest GDP shrinkage since the second quarter of 2014. Also read: Virus spreads on ship in Japan Private consumption sank by 2.9 per cent while capital expenditure fell by 3.7 per cent. The Japanese economy shrunk at its fastest rate in over five years. Additionally, factors like sales tax hike influenced consumers, further limiting business spending. Recent environmental disasters also affected private consumption. Japan is highly susceptible to natural disasters, with tsunami warnings coming up every few days. To make the situation worse, coronavirus risks have worsened Japan's growth forecast. The outbreak has hit the tourism industry and led to a decline in production. However, Japan which is facing the risk of a recession is hoping to contain the outbreak before the Tokyo Olympics which will start in July this year. Just recently, Typhoon Hagibis ravaged the country and caused huge losses. As soon as the recovery was on track, coronavirus fears have slowed down the global flow of goods and services. In case Japan's economy continues to shrink in the first quarter of 2020, they will officially fall into recession, their first major dip since 2015. Also read: Another 70 people test positive for coronavirus Japan is the hardest hit by coronavirus trade limitations as China is its largest trading partner. The country has the largest non-Chinese cases of coronavirus, standing at 400, with its first virus-induced death recorded last week. Japan experienced a similar slowdown in 2011, after an earthquake triggered a tsunami which caused a nuclear meltdown.

Japan records slowest economy in over five years as coronavirus halts trade with its biggest partner, China

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-grave-of-the-fireflies-director-and-co-founder-of-studio-ghibli-isao-takahata-dies-at-82-128654">Fireflies </a>are on the verge of extinction due to loss of their natural habitat, the exposure to pesticides and artificial lights, according to the first major review of their global status.

The study was published on Monday in the journal 'Bioscience'.

More than 2,000 species of fireflies illuminate wetlands, marshes, grasslands, forests and urban parks worldwide.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/only-ten-years-to-save-worlds-biodiversity-from-extinction-un-274629">Only ten years to save world's biodiversity from extinction: UN</a>

Some species are being extinguished by the ever-expanding ecological footprint of human beings according to Sara Lewis, a professor of biology at Tufts University and the lead researcher of the study

These species are adversely affected by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/only-ten-years-to-save-worlds-biodiversity-from-extinction-un-274629">loss of habitat </a>because they need specific conditions to complete their life cycle, she added.

<img alt="A firefly display tree" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d454f28b-e990-4f0a-8ef0-9eb9eba39fc1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-02-04T120840.150.jpg" />

She gave the example of the Malaysian firefly "Pteroptyx tener"&nbsp;which during its larval phase lives in riverside mangroves.

Many of these have been sacrificed to make way for palm oil plantations and fish farms.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/climate-change-pandemics-biodiversity-loss-no-country-is-sufficiently-prepared-260057">Climate change, pandemics, biodiversity loss: No country is sufficiently prepared</a>

The female glowworms are flightless, which means that they can't fly to a new location when their habitat is taken over by a suburb, commercial crop or country road.

Surprisingly, the researchers found that the use of artificial light at night was the second most serious threat to the creatures.

Out of the 10 possible driving forces of extinction, experts said that habitat loss as the top threat everywhere except in east Asia and in South America.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-earth-experiencing-another-mass-extinction-event-267920"> Is earth experiencing another 'mass extinction event'?</a>

In those two regions, artificial light was seen as the biggest problem in the world's fireflies.

Many species of firefly depend on their ability to light up to find and attract mates.&nbsp;The window of opportunity for them to mate is very narrow as adults typically live only a few days.&nbsp;

The twinkling beetles focus so much on reproducing that they don't even eat.&nbsp;

The survey found that fireflies are also being decimated by commonly used insecticides, the third major threat.

"Organophosphates and neonicotinoids are designed to kill pests, yet they also have off-target effects on beneficial insects," the researchers wrote.

The authors said guidelines were needed to establish and manage tourist sites that outline the best way to protect the fireflies from trampling, light pollution, and pesticides.

Fireflies are on the verge of extinction due to loss of their natural habitat, the exposure to pesticides and artificial lights, according to the first major review of their global status.

Fireflies are on the verge of extinction due to loss of their natural habitat, the exposure to pesticides and artificial lights, according to the first major review of their global status. The study was published on Monday in the journal 'Bioscience'. More than 2,000 species of fireflies illuminate wetlands, marshes, grasslands, forests and urban parks worldwide. Also read: Only ten years to save world's biodiversity from extinction: UN Some species are being extinguished by the ever-expanding ecological footprint of human beings according to Sara Lewis, a professor of biology at Tufts University and the lead researcher of the study These species are adversely affected by the loss of habitat because they need specific conditions to complete their life cycle, she added. She gave the example of the Malaysian firefly "Pteroptyx tener" which during its larval phase lives in riverside mangroves. Many of these have been sacrificed to make way for palm oil plantations and fish farms. Also read: Climate change, pandemics, biodiversity loss: No country is sufficiently prepared The female glowworms are flightless, which means that they can't fly to a new location when their habitat is taken over by a suburb, commercial crop or country road. Surprisingly, the researchers found that the use of artificial light at night was the second most serious threat to the creatures. Out of the 10 possible driving forces of extinction, experts said that habitat loss as the top threat everywhere except in east Asia and in South America. Also read: Is earth experiencing another 'mass extinction event'? In those two regions, artificial light was seen as the biggest problem in the world's fireflies. Many species of firefly depend on their ability to light up to find and attract mates. The window of opportunity for them to mate is very narrow as adults typically live only a few days. The twinkling beetles focus so much on reproducing that they don't even eat. The survey found that fireflies are also being decimated by commonly used insecticides, the third major threat. "Organophosphates and neonicotinoids are designed to kill pests, yet they also have off-target effects on beneficial insects," the researchers wrote. The authors said guidelines were needed to establish and manage tourist sites that outline the best way to protect the fireflies from trampling, light pollution, and pesticides.

Fireflies on verge of extinction: Study

Japan's childbirth hit the lowest figure in 2019 since the government started compiling data, the official government sources said on.

According to a report published by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare the estimated number of babies born in the country in 2019 fell to 864,000 — the lowest since 1899.

The dwindling number of births will put more strain on welfare finances to support snowballing costs of supporting an ageing population, which would undermine economic growth, analysts say.

There were 512,000 more deaths than births this year, the first time the figure has surpassed 500,000, with 864,000 babies born. Last year, 918,400 babies were born.

This was the biggest decline in births since 1975, driven by fewer women aged 25 to 39, said a ministry official in charge of compiling the data.

The government is hoping for a birth rate of 1.8 per cent&nbsp;- which would appear a tall order given the rate was 1.42 per cent&nbsp;in 2018.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Japan's childbirth hit the lowest figure in 2019 since the government started compiling data, the official government sources said on. According to a report published by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare the estimated number of babies born in the country in 2019 fell to 864,000 — the lowest since 1899.

Japan's childbirth hit the lowest figure in 2019 since the government started compiling data, the official government sources said on. According to a report published by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare the estimated number of babies born in the country in 2019 fell to 864,000 — the lowest since 1899. The dwindling number of births will put more strain on welfare finances to support snowballing costs of supporting an ageing population, which would undermine economic growth, analysts say. There were 512,000 more deaths than births this year, the first time the figure has surpassed 500,000, with 864,000 babies born. Last year, 918,400 babies were born. This was the biggest decline in births since 1975, driven by fewer women aged 25 to 39, said a ministry official in charge of compiling the data. The government is hoping for a birth rate of 1.8 per cent - which would appear a tall order given the rate was 1.42 per cent in 2018. (With inputs from Reuters)

Japan's childbirth rate hits lowest level since records began in 1899

The number of babies born in Japan fell by 5.9 per cent this year, with fewer than 900,000 births. According to the Welfare Ministry, this is a first in the history of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-south-korea-committed-to-dialogue-to-resolve-north-korea-issue-china-269879">Japan</a> since the government started compiling data in 1899.

Japan has a humongous ageing population, and this development might increase the strain on welfare finances for the elderly. This, according to analysts might undermine economic growth.

Additionally, there were 512,000 more deaths than births in Japan this year.

As per figures provided by Reuters, this is the first time that the number of deaths is more than 500,000, with the approximate figure of new babies at 864,000 this year.&nbsp;

Last year alone, 918,400 babies were born.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-meets-japans-abe-in-beijing-calls-for-advancing-bilateral-ties-269799">government of Japan</a> announced hopes for a birth rate of 1.8 per cent, which might be difficult to achieve considering the rate was 1.42 per cent in 2018.

This momentous decline in births may be attributed to fewer women aged 25 to 39.

Since 1975, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-releases-japan-fishing-boats-held-near-disputed-islands-269911">Japan</a> hasn't witnessed a decline this big.

(With inputs from agencies)

The number of babies born in Japan fell by 5.9 per cent this year, with fewer than 900,000 births. According to the Welfare Ministry, this is a first in the history of Japan since the government started compiling data in 1899.

The number of babies born in Japan fell by 5.9 per cent this year, with fewer than 900,000 births. According to the Welfare Ministry, this is a first in the history of Japan since the government started compiling data in 1899. Japan has a humongous ageing population, and this development might increase the strain on welfare finances for the elderly. This, according to analysts might undermine economic growth. Additionally, there were 512,000 more deaths than births in Japan this year. As per figures provided by Reuters, this is the first time that the number of deaths is more than 500,000, with the approximate figure of new babies at 864,000 this year. Last year alone, 918,400 babies were born. The government of Japan announced hopes for a birth rate of 1.8 per cent, which might be difficult to achieve considering the rate was 1.42 per cent in 2018. This momentous decline in births may be attributed to fewer women aged 25 to 39. Since 1975, Japan hasn't witnessed a decline this big. (With inputs from agencies)

Number of babies born falls by 5.9% for first time in Japan's history

PM Modi attends India-ASEAN summit for the 7th time. PM Modi co-chairs summit with Thailand's PM. Watch this video to find out more in details.

Bangkok: PM Modi co-chairs summit with Thailand's PM

During the meeting of PM Modi and Thailand's Prime Minister, PM Modi said that ASEAN is an integral part of Act East policy. Watch this video to find out more.

PM Modi: 'ASEAN is an integral part of Act East policy'

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on 3-day Thailand visit. Today, Diplomatic engagements on agenda of Day 2. Watch this complete video and find out more on the agenda of PM Modi's Thailand visit.

PM Modi's 3-day Thailand visit: Diplomatic engagements on agenda of Day 2

ASEAN Summit: PM Modi holds talks with Thai PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had bilateral talks with President of Indonesia Joko Widodo today that is the second day of PM Modi's 3-day Visit of Thailand. Watch this video to find out more in details.

India-ASEAN Summit: PM Modi had bilateral talks with President of Indonesia Joko Widodo

WION Exclusively speaks to Vivek Katju, Former Ambassador of India to Thailand, Myanmar & Afghanistan over Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 3-day Thailand visit and ASEAN-India summit. Watch this video to listen to his perspective.

WION Exclusively speaks to former ambassador of India to Thailand over ASEAN-India summit

WION Exclusively speaks to Brahma Chellaney, Professor for Strategic studies at Centre for Policy Research over ASEAN-India summit.

WION Exclusively speaks over ASEAN-India summit  to Brahma Chellaney, An analyst

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed the Indian diaspora in the capital city of Thailand, Bangkok. The prime minister said that he didn't feel as if he is in a foreign land. "The ambience, the attire, everything here makes me feel at home," PM Modi said.

Bangkok hosts 'Sawasdee PM Modi' event, PM Modi addresses Indian Diaspora

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on 3-day visit to Thailand. He interacted with the Indian diaspora during ‘Sawasdee PM Modi’ programme today. Prime Minister will also participate in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), East Asia, and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) summits during the visit.

Indian PM Modi: ASEAN summit is the key part of our Act East policy

Taiwan said on Monday China was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-condemns-chinas-dictatorship-on-70th-anniversary-of-communist-rule-252977">practicing "authoritarian expansionism"</a> in the Pacific, pointing to reports of plans for Chinese military presence in two Pacific countries that have recently switched diplomatic allegiance to Beijing from Taipei.

"We have seen reports that China is interested in reopening this radar station in Kiribati, and building a naval base in Western Province of Solomon Islands," Foreign Minister Joseph Wu told a forum on cooperation among countries in the Pacific.

"From the long-term strategic perspective, like-minded friends and partners should really be worried whether the Pacific will remain free and open, and whether the key actors follow the rules-based international order."

The Solomon Islands and Kiribati decided to recognise China last month, dropping self-ruled and democratic Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own province with no rights to state-to-state relations.

That reduced the number of its diplomatic allies in the Pacific to just four - Palau, the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Nauru. It now has formal diplomatic ties with just 15 nations in all.

Wu urged countries including the United States to "push back strongly" against China's moves to diminish Taiwan's presence in the Pacific.

"I certainly don't want to see the Pacific turned into another South China Sea, with us one day all sighing that it is too late for us to do anything," Wu said, referring to Chinese moves to build military installations on artificial islands and reefs in the disputed water.

China's Foreign Ministry was not immediately available for comment.

Diplomats attending the forum in Taipei include Sandra Oudkirk, US&nbsp;State Department deputy assistant secretary for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

Oudkirk's visit has been seen by some analysts and diplomats in Taiwan as an effort to shore up support for Taipei.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/taiwan-conducts-military-exercise-amid-tensions-with-china-142795">Taiwan has come under pressure from Beijing</a>, which includes regular Chinese bomber patrols around the island, since President Tsai Ing-wen took office in 2016. China suspects Tsai of pushing for Taiwan's formal independence, a red line for Beijing.

Taiwan has accused China of trying to meddle in its upcoming presidential votes in January as Tsai is seeking re-election - an accusation which China denies.

The United States, which has a fraught relationship with China over trade, defence and technology issues, upholds what is known as the "one-China" policy - officially recognising Beijing and not Taipei - while assisting Taiwan.

Taiwan said on Monday China was practicing "authoritarian expansionism" in the Pacific, pointing to reports of plans for Chinese military presence in two Pacific countries that have recently switched diplomatic allegiance to Beijing from Taipei.

Taiwan said on Monday China was practicing "authoritarian expansionism" in the Pacific, pointing to reports of plans for Chinese military presence in two Pacific countries that have recently switched diplomatic allegiance to Beijing from Taipei. "We have seen reports that China is interested in reopening this radar station in Kiribati, and building a naval base in Western Province of Solomon Islands," Foreign Minister Joseph Wu told a forum on cooperation among countries in the Pacific. "From the long-term strategic perspective, like-minded friends and partners should really be worried whether the Pacific will remain free and open, and whether the key actors follow the rules-based international order." The Solomon Islands and Kiribati decided to recognise China last month, dropping self-ruled and democratic Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own province with no rights to state-to-state relations. That reduced the number of its diplomatic allies in the Pacific to just four - Palau, the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Nauru. It now has formal diplomatic ties with just 15 nations in all. Wu urged countries including the United States to "push back strongly" against China's moves to diminish Taiwan's presence in the Pacific. "I certainly don't want to see the Pacific turned into another South China Sea, with us one day all sighing that it is too late for us to do anything," Wu said, referring to Chinese moves to build military installations on artificial islands and reefs in the disputed water. China's Foreign Ministry was not immediately available for comment. Diplomats attending the forum in Taipei include Sandra Oudkirk, US State Department deputy assistant secretary for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Oudkirk's visit has been seen by some analysts and diplomats in Taiwan as an effort to shore up support for Taipei. Taiwan has come under pressure from Beijing, which includes regular Chinese bomber patrols around the island, since President Tsai Ing-wen took office in 2016. China suspects Tsai of pushing for Taiwan's formal independence, a red line for Beijing. Taiwan has accused China of trying to meddle in its upcoming presidential votes in January as Tsai is seeking re-election - an accusation which China denies. The United States, which has a fraught relationship with China over trade, defence and technology issues, upholds what is known as the "one-China" policy - officially recognising Beijing and not Taipei - while assisting Taiwan.

Taiwan says China is an 'authoritarian' threat in the Pacific

Taiwan's government on Tuesday condemned&nbsp;China's&nbsp;"dictatorship" on the&nbsp;70th&nbsp;anniversary&nbsp;of the founding of the People's Republic, saying the country was a threat to peace and trying to find excuses for its military expansion.

Defeated Nationalist forces fled to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-shuts-its-schools-and-markets-as-typhoon-mitag-approaches-252761">Taiwan</a>&nbsp;in 1949 after losing a civil war to the&nbsp;Communists. China claims now democratic&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;as its sacred territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring it under Beijing's control.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-anniversary-no-force-can-shake-the-chinese-nation-says-president-xi-jinping-252931">President Xi Jinping</a>, addressing a massive military parade in Beijing to mark seven decades of&nbsp;Communist&nbsp;Party&nbsp;rule, said China would promote the peaceful development of relations with&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;and "continue to strive for the motherland's complete reunification".

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, responding to the parade and Xi's comments, said&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;would never accept "one country, two systems", the model of supposedly high autonomy Hong Kong and Macau have, which Beijing sees as eventually being the best way to win&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;over.

"The Chinese&nbsp;Communist&nbsp;Party has persisted with its one-party dictatorship for 70 years, a concept of governance that violates the values ​​of democracy, freedom and human rights, causing risks and challenges for the development of mainland China," it said.

"It's shouting about the struggle for unity, great rejuvenation and unification is only an excuse for military expansion, seriously threatening regional peace and world democracy and civilisation."

Taiwan&nbsp;has been democratic for more than 30 years, and China should use this moment to reflect and push for democracy, it added.

"The lifeline of the survival and development of mainland China is not tied to one person and one party," the council said.

Taiwan&nbsp;will not be bullied into accepting&nbsp;China's&nbsp;position, it added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-marks-70-years-of-communism-with-massive-show-of-force-252955">China</a> has heaped pressure on&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;President Tsai Ing-wen, who faces re-election in January, believing she wishes to push for the island's formal independence, a red line for Beijing.

China has also been angered for expressions of support from&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;for anti-government protests in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-under-lockdown-on-chinas-70th-national-day-252958">Hong Kong</a>, which are expected again on Tuesday.

"We are a country of democracy and freedom and will show support for anyone in the world who pursues democracy and freedom," Tsai told reporters on Tuesday.

"Likewise, any&nbsp;ruler should carefully listen to the people's pursuit of freedom and democracy and respect the people's will", Tsai added.

Taiwan's government on Tuesday condemned China's "dictatorship" on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic, saying the country was a threat to peace and trying to find excuses for its military expansion.

Taiwan's government on Tuesday condemned China's "dictatorship" on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic, saying the country was a threat to peace and trying to find excuses for its military expansion. Defeated Nationalist forces fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war to the Communists. China claims now democratic Taiwan as its sacred territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring it under Beijing's control. President Xi Jinping, addressing a massive military parade in Beijing to mark seven decades of Communist Party rule, said China would promote the peaceful development of relations with Taiwan and "continue to strive for the motherland's complete reunification". Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, responding to the parade and Xi's comments, said Taiwan would never accept "one country, two systems", the model of supposedly high autonomy Hong Kong and Macau have, which Beijing sees as eventually being the best way to win Taiwan over. "The Chinese Communist Party has persisted with its one-party dictatorship for 70 years, a concept of governance that violates the values of democracy, freedom and human rights, causing risks and challenges for the development of mainland China," it said. "It's shouting about the struggle for unity, great rejuvenation and unification is only an excuse for military expansion, seriously threatening regional peace and world democracy and civilisation." Taiwan has been democratic for more than 30 years, and China should use this moment to reflect and push for democracy, it added. "The lifeline of the survival and development of mainland China is not tied to one person and one party," the council said. Taiwan will not be bullied into accepting China's position, it added. China has heaped pressure on Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, who faces re-election in January, believing she wishes to push for the island's formal independence, a red line for Beijing. China has also been angered for expressions of support from Taiwan for anti-government protests in Hong Kong, which are expected again on Tuesday. "We are a country of democracy and freedom and will show support for anyone in the world who pursues democracy and freedom," Tsai told reporters on Tuesday. "Likewise, any ruler should carefully listen to the people's pursuit of freedom and democracy and respect the people's will", Tsai added.

Taiwan condemns China's 'dictatorship' on 70th anniversary of Communist rule

For most ordinary citizens in the People's Republic of China, the only way to see the military parade marking <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-xi-says-country-will-stay-on-path-of-peaceful-development-252973">70 years of Communist Party rule</a> was on television or their smartphones.

Authorities would not allow just anyone to get near the parade route, with large swathes of central Beijing on lockdown so troops, tanks and missiles could file past Tiananmen Square.

Security staff near the city's military museum turned away children carrying Chinese flags and elderly women who had hoped to catch a glimpse of the parade.

Authorities also edged back crowds gathering near Chang'an Avenue,&nbsp;the east-west artery used for the parade. Many had stuck small red flags that said "I love China" on their cheeks.

Even access to screenings of the festivities at select movie theatres was restricted.

Chu Zuoyuan, a 33-year-old from southwestern Sichuan province, told AFP he had planned to watch the parade from a movie theatre, one of 70 chosen to Livestream Tuesday's celebrations.

The experience would cap off a trip tracing "revolutionary" sites in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-celebrates-70th-national-day-president-xi-jinping-presenting-flowers-to-national-heroes-252918"> China</a>, from Tiananmen Square to Linyi, a city in east China where the Communist Party triumphed over the Nationalists during the civil war, said Chu.

"I hope today will leave me with beautiful and deep memories," he exclaimed while waiting for the show to start.

But in the end, the Chengdu native was barred from the screening, which admitted residents pre-selected by local officials and community leaders.

At the end of the parade, many were finally able to see tanks and other equipment rolls across city streets as they headed back to their bases, with security guards keeping people at a safe distance.

Though locals in Beijing strained to catch sight of the parade in person, the Chinese government made sure to widely disseminate broadcasts and ramp up publicity for the 70th anniversary.

Ahead of Tuesday's festivities, more than 620,000 households in poor areas in China received donated TV sets with access to shows, reported official news agency Xinhua.

Cities around the country had also thrown up red propaganda banners in honour of the 70th anniversary, some bearing slogans like "striving towards a new era" or "happiness comes from struggle".

Tuesday's celebrations featured some 15,000 troops along with tanks and a supersonic drone,&nbsp;a display of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-70th-anniversary-national-day-parade-china-unveils-dongfeng-41-nuke-missile-that-can-strike-us-in-30-minutes-252957">military prowess</a> meant to highlight China's extraordinary rise from the ravages of war to a modern, powerful nation.

Xi, who wore the distinctive "Mao suit", delivered a speech invoking the "Chinese dream" of national rejuvenation, his grand vision of restoring the country to perceived past glory.

But a new day of violent protests in semi-autonomous Hong Kong threatened to upstage Beijing's party.

Pro-democracy protesters in the financial hub organised defiant <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-national-day-hong-kong-defies-china-anniversary-with-day-of-grief-rallies-and-clashes-252997">"Day of Grief"</a> rallies as nearly four-months of unrest continue in Hong Kong.

Chinese people outside the country should watch the parade, commented Wang, a 60-year-old man who only gave his surname.

"It doesn't matter if we watch it," he told AFP. "But people outside China should definitely watch."

A lot of them "simply do not understand" people on the mainland, he added.

Other locals, like Fang Changping, told AFP they had no plans to watch the live broadcast.

"I've seen too many of them, and I can see right through them," said the 80-year-old tai-chi practitioner.

He was part of a National Day parade back in 1956, Fang explained, and in comparison, today's celebration feels "less authentic".

For most ordinary citizens in the People's Republic of China, the only way to see the military parade marking 70 years of Communist Party rule was on television or their smartphones.

For most ordinary citizens in the People's Republic of China, the only way to see the military parade marking 70 years of Communist Party rule was on television or their smartphones. Authorities would not allow just anyone to get near the parade route, with large swathes of central Beijing on lockdown so troops, tanks and missiles could file past Tiananmen Square. Security staff near the city's military museum turned away children carrying Chinese flags and elderly women who had hoped to catch a glimpse of the parade. Authorities also edged back crowds gathering near Chang'an Avenue, the east-west artery used for the parade. Many had stuck small red flags that said "I love China" on their cheeks. Even access to screenings of the festivities at select movie theatres was restricted. Chu Zuoyuan, a 33-year-old from southwestern Sichuan province, told AFP he had planned to watch the parade from a movie theatre, one of 70 chosen to Livestream Tuesday's celebrations. The experience would cap off a trip tracing "revolutionary" sites in China, from Tiananmen Square to Linyi, a city in east China where the Communist Party triumphed over the Nationalists during the civil war, said Chu. "I hope today will leave me with beautiful and deep memories," he exclaimed while waiting for the show to start. But in the end, the Chengdu native was barred from the screening, which admitted residents pre-selected by local officials and community leaders. At the end of the parade, many were finally able to see tanks and other equipment rolls across city streets as they headed back to their bases, with security guards keeping people at a safe distance. Though locals in Beijing strained to catch sight of the parade in person, the Chinese government made sure to widely disseminate broadcasts and ramp up publicity for the 70th anniversary. Ahead of Tuesday's festivities, more than 620,000 households in poor areas in China received donated TV sets with access to shows, reported official news agency Xinhua. Cities around the country had also thrown up red propaganda banners in honour of the 70th anniversary, some bearing slogans like "striving towards a new era" or "happiness comes from struggle". Tuesday's celebrations featured some 15,000 troops along with tanks and a supersonic drone, a display of military prowess meant to highlight China's extraordinary rise from the ravages of war to a modern, powerful nation. Xi, who wore the distinctive "Mao suit", delivered a speech invoking the "Chinese dream" of national rejuvenation, his grand vision of restoring the country to perceived past glory. But a new day of violent protests in semi-autonomous Hong Kong threatened to upstage Beijing's party. Pro-democracy protesters in the financial hub organised defiant "Day of Grief" rallies as nearly four-months of unrest continue in Hong Kong. Chinese people outside the country should watch the parade, commented Wang, a 60-year-old man who only gave his surname. "It doesn't matter if we watch it," he told AFP. "But people outside China should definitely watch." A lot of them "simply do not understand" people on the mainland, he added. Other locals, like Fang Changping, told AFP they had no plans to watch the live broadcast. "I've seen too many of them, and I can see right through them," said the 80-year-old tai-chi practitioner. He was part of a National Day parade back in 1956, Fang explained, and in comparison, today's celebration feels "less authentic".

Ordinary people barred from parade for the People's Republic

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdom-prime-minister-johnson-to-submit-brexit-grand-bargain-but-ireland-sceptical-253001">European Union</a> called Tuesday for "de-escalation and restraint" in Hong Kong after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/east-asia/police-shoot-hong-kong-protester-in-chest-during-clashes-253085">police officer shot a demonstrator </a>during a flare-up in the political protests roiling the territory.

"In light of the continuing unrest and violence in Hong Kong, the European Union continues to stress that dialogue, de-escalation and restraint are the only way forward," EU spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic told reporters.

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hand-in-hand-hong-kong-protesters-form-human-chain-252941">Hong Kong</a> police source said the officer had shot the pro-democracy protester in the chest when his unit was attacked by demonstrators during sustained clashes -- the first such injury from a live round in nearly four months of protests in the financial hub.

Footage of the incident shows demonstrators, some using umbrellas and metal poles as weapons, clashing with police.

"While initial positive steps to engage members of the public and various sectors of society in dialogue have been taken, further efforts are needed to restore trust," Kocijancic said.

"More than three months since the protests began, the right to assembly and the right to protest peacefully must continue to be upheld in line with the (Hong Kong) basic law and international commitments."

The violence in Hong Kong cast a shadow over celebrations in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-xi-says-country-will-stay-on-path-of-peaceful-development-252973">China marking 70 years of Communist Party rule</a>, including a massive military parade in Beijing.

The European Union called Tuesday for "de-escalation and restraint" in Hong Kong after a police officer shot a demonstrator during a flare-up in the political protests roiling the territory.

The European Union called Tuesday for "de-escalation and restraint" in Hong Kong after a police officer shot a demonstrator during a flare-up in the political protests roiling the territory. "In light of the continuing unrest and violence in Hong Kong, the European Union continues to stress that dialogue, de-escalation and restraint are the only way forward," EU spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic told reporters. A Hong Kong police source said the officer had shot the pro-democracy protester in the chest when his unit was attacked by demonstrators during sustained clashes -- the first such injury from a live round in nearly four months of protests in the financial hub. Footage of the incident shows demonstrators, some using umbrellas and metal poles as weapons, clashing with police. "While initial positive steps to engage members of the public and various sectors of society in dialogue have been taken, further efforts are needed to restore trust," Kocijancic said. "More than three months since the protests began, the right to assembly and the right to protest peacefully must continue to be upheld in line with the (Hong Kong) basic law and international commitments." The violence in Hong Kong cast a shadow over celebrations in China marking 70 years of Communist Party rule, including a massive military parade in Beijing.

EU urges 'de-escalation' after Hong Kong protester shot

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hand-in-hand-hong-kong-protesters-form-human-chain-252941">Hong Kong</a> police officer shot a protester in the chest with a live round on Tuesday after his unit was attacked by demonstrators during sustained clashes in the city, a police source said.

"An officer discharged his firearm after coming under attack and a protester was struck in the chest in Tsuen Wan district today," the source said, requesting anonymity.

The wounded protester received initial first aid from officers before paramedics arrived, the source said, adding the victim was then taken to Princess Margaret Hospital.

A Hospital Authority spokeswoman told AFP that 15 people had been admitted to hospitals across the city following Tuesday's clashes, one of whom was in a critical condition at Princess Margaret.

She would not confirm if the critical patient was the man who had been shot.

Two videos posted online showed the shooting and its aftermath, which took place in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-national-day-hong-kong-defies-china-anniversary-with-day-of-grief-rallies-and-clashes-252997">Tsuen Wan</a>, a district where hardcore protesters had clashed with police throughout the afternoon.

Some half a dozen riot police can be seen clashing with around 12 masked protesters, some of whom were using umbrellas and metal poles to strike the officers.

One officer runs into the frame with his sidearm drawn.

He kicks a protester before firing at near point black range into the chest of a demonstrator with a metal pole in his hand.

A gunshot can be heard as the pistol rears upwards.

The protester stumbles backwards and then falls over a police officer who has been knocked to the ground as the rest of the demonstrators run away.

A second video, filmed by Hong Kong University's Campus TV, showed the same incident from a different angle.

A third video posted on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-tightens-political-advert-rules-for-singapore-252233">Facebook</a> by student reporters at Hong Kong's City University showed the young man lying on the floor, blood seeping from a wound to the upper left part of his chest.

"Send me to hospital," the young man, who gave his name Tsang Chi-kin, tells reporters. "My chest is hurting, I need to go to the hospital."

Footage filmed shortly afterwards by local broadcaster Stand News showed police officers treating the prone man, who by then had an oxygen mask on his face and his t-shirt cut open.

A dressing used to treat a sucking chest wound had been applied to his torso.

Paramedics later arrived on scene and placed the man, who was still conscious, onto a stretcher.

A Hong Kong police officer shot a protester in the chest with a live round on Tuesday after his unit was attacked by demonstrators during sustained clashes in the city, a police source said.

A Hong Kong police officer shot a protester in the chest with a live round on Tuesday after his unit was attacked by demonstrators during sustained clashes in the city, a police source said. "An officer discharged his firearm after coming under attack and a protester was struck in the chest in Tsuen Wan district today," the source said, requesting anonymity. The wounded protester received initial first aid from officers before paramedics arrived, the source said, adding the victim was then taken to Princess Margaret Hospital. A Hospital Authority spokeswoman told AFP that 15 people had been admitted to hospitals across the city following Tuesday's clashes, one of whom was in a critical condition at Princess Margaret. She would not confirm if the critical patient was the man who had been shot. Two videos posted online showed the shooting and its aftermath, which took place in Tsuen Wan, a district where hardcore protesters had clashed with police throughout the afternoon. Some half a dozen riot police can be seen clashing with around 12 masked protesters, some of whom were using umbrellas and metal poles to strike the officers. One officer runs into the frame with his sidearm drawn. He kicks a protester before firing at near point black range into the chest of a demonstrator with a metal pole in his hand. A gunshot can be heard as the pistol rears upwards. The protester stumbles backwards and then falls over a police officer who has been knocked to the ground as the rest of the demonstrators run away. A second video, filmed by Hong Kong University's Campus TV, showed the same incident from a different angle. A third video posted on Facebook by student reporters at Hong Kong's City University showed the young man lying on the floor, blood seeping from a wound to the upper left part of his chest. "Send me to hospital," the young man, who gave his name Tsang Chi-kin, tells reporters. "My chest is hurting, I need to go to the hospital." Footage filmed shortly afterwards by local broadcaster Stand News showed police officers treating the prone man, who by then had an oxygen mask on his face and his t-shirt cut open. A dressing used to treat a sucking chest wound had been applied to his torso. Paramedics later arrived on scene and placed the man, who was still conscious, onto a stretcher.

Police shoot Hong Kong protester in chest during clashes

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has imposed ten rounds of punitive sanctions on North Korea. The United States has imposed additional sanctions. In the normal course, these should have brought Pyongyang to its knees. Practically all its avenues of earning foreign exchange have been choked. Its main export items (seafood, minerals, coal, iron ore, textiles etc) have been blocked. Since last year, restrictions have been imposed and progressively tightened on its imports of oil and petroleum products, which are critical to the regime&rsquo;s survival. Yet, North Korea is undaunted.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

It has simply shrugged off the sanctions. Reportedly even gasoline is not in short supply in the country. Its GDP is growing at 3.5 to 4 per cent annually. From all indications, life continues to be normal for the ordinary citizen. How has Pyongyang managed to do so?

&nbsp;

North Korea conducted its sixth and to date the most powerful nuclear test on 3rd September 2017. On 29th November it tested Hwasong-15 ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile) which on a standard trajectory could have travelled some 13,000 kms, reaching any part of the continental United States. It carried a (dummy?) warhead. It is merely a matter of time before it perfects the re-entry technology. The speed at which North Korea is mastering the sophisticated ballistic missile technology has taken even the experts by surprise.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Now the question is, who has been enabling this pariah state to pose the biggest threat to the peace and security architecture in East Asia and beyond?

&nbsp;

The simple truth is that it is none other than North Korea&rsquo;s patron and neighbour with which it shares a 1420 kms border along the Yalu and Tumen rivers. It is a &lsquo;responsible major country&rsquo; (as described by its President) which is a permanent member of the UNSC and poised to become the biggest economy in the world within twenty years. It is the country which has two allies &ndash; Pakistan and North Korea &ndash; both rogue nations. The country in question is -&nbsp; China.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Beijing has perfected the art of voting for sanctions in New York and then finding imaginative ways of neutralising or blunting them, on the ground. Be it the import of coal or export of petroleum products, Beijing has been merrily circumventing sanctions. In recent days, several reports have emerged of Chinese and Russian ships transferring oil to North Korean vessels in international waters.

It is, however, also a fact that Beijing too is getting increasingly concerned by the turn of events. Given its self-image and posturing as a responsible player in the global arena, it is queasy to be seen as the principal protector of a rogue regime. It is also true that Pyongyang no longer does Beijing&rsquo;s bidding unquestionably.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The verbal slugfest between Washington and Pyongyang, that is getting sharper by the day, is anything but good news for China. The possibility of conflict in the Korean Peninsula is growing by the day. Pyongyang which sees WMD (weapons of mass destruction) as an insurance for regime survival, is determined not to roll back its nuclear or missile development programme. On the other hand, a nuclearised North Korea has far-reaching negative implications for the strategic balance in East Asia.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Thus, in some ways, Beijing is caught in a cleft-stick, of its own making. Yet it is not willing to let the Kim regime crumble, purportedly to avert instability. The real reason is that China cannot countenance a pro-west regime along its north-eastern border.&nbsp;

Will China succeed in its game of shadow-boxing? There are no easy answers. In some ways, the world is confronted with a stalemate.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Kim regime will not give up its WMD programme without a fight. For over two decades, it has been successful in stringing its interlocutors along by going through the motions of a negotiated settlement, while stealthily advancing its nuclear ambitions. Conflict is not a realistic option, given the huge human and material cost it will entail, especially for South Korea. Sanctions are not having the desired impact. North Korea seeks unconditional direct talks with the USA. Secretary Tillerson has alluded to such a possibility only to be undermined by President Trump. The biggest fear at the moment is of a miscalculation by either side, setting in motion a chain of events which would be difficult to predict or calibrate.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

China has been enabling North Korea, the pariah state to pose the biggest threat to the peace and security architecture in East Asia and beyond

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has imposed ten rounds of punitive sanctions on North Korea. The United States has imposed additional sanctions. In the normal course, these should have brought Pyongyang to its knees. Practically all its avenues of earning foreign exchange have been choked. Its main export items (seafood, minerals, coal, iron ore, textiles etc) have been blocked. Since last year, restrictions have been imposed and progressively tightened on its imports of oil and petroleum products, which are critical to the regime’s survival. Yet, North Korea is undaunted. It has simply shrugged off the sanctions. Reportedly even gasoline is not in short supply in the country. Its GDP is growing at 3.5 to 4 per cent annually. From all indications, life continues to be normal for the ordinary citizen. How has Pyongyang managed to do so? North Korea conducted its sixth and to date the most powerful nuclear test on 3rd September 2017. On 29th November it tested Hwasong-15 ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile) which on a standard trajectory could have travelled some 13,000 kms, reaching any part of the continental United States. It carried a (dummy?) warhead. It is merely a matter of time before it perfects the re-entry technology. The speed at which North Korea is mastering the sophisticated ballistic missile technology has taken even the experts by surprise. Now the question is, who has been enabling this pariah state to pose the biggest threat to the peace and security architecture in East Asia and beyond? The simple truth is that it is none other than North Korea’s patron and neighbour with which it shares a 1420 kms border along the Yalu and Tumen rivers. It is a ‘responsible major country’ (as described by its President) which is a permanent member of the UNSC and poised to become the biggest economy in the world within twenty years. It is the country which has two allies – Pakistan and North Korea – both rogue nations. The country in question is - China. Beijing has perfected the art of voting for sanctions in New York and then finding imaginative ways of neutralising or blunting them, on the ground. Be it the import of coal or export of petroleum products, Beijing has been merrily circumventing sanctions. In recent days, several reports have emerged of Chinese and Russian ships transferring oil to North Korean vessels in international waters. It is, however, also a fact that Beijing too is getting increasingly concerned by the turn of events. Given its self-image and posturing as a responsible player in the global arena, it is queasy to be seen as the principal protector of a rogue regime. It is also true that Pyongyang no longer does Beijing’s bidding unquestionably. The verbal slugfest between Washington and Pyongyang, that is getting sharper by the day, is anything but good news for China. The possibility of conflict in the Korean Peninsula is growing by the day. Pyongyang which sees WMD (weapons of mass destruction) as an insurance for regime survival, is determined not to roll back its nuclear or missile development programme. On the other hand, a nuclearised North Korea has far-reaching negative implications for the strategic balance in East Asia. Thus, in some ways, Beijing is caught in a cleft-stick, of its own making. Yet it is not willing to let the Kim regime crumble, purportedly to avert instability. The real reason is that China cannot countenance a pro-west regime along its north-eastern border. Will China succeed in its game of shadow-boxing? There are no easy answers. In some ways, the world is confronted with a stalemate. The Kim regime will not give up its WMD programme without a fight. For over two decades, it has been successful in stringing its interlocutors along by going through the motions of a negotiated settlement, while stealthily advancing its nuclear ambitions. Conflict is not a realistic option, given the huge human and material cost it will entail, especially for South Korea. Sanctions are not having the desired impact. North Korea seeks unconditional direct talks with the USA. Secretary Tillerson has alluded to such a possibility only to be undermined by President Trump. The biggest fear at the moment is of a miscalculation by either side, setting in motion a chain of events which would be difficult to predict or calibrate. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: The China-North Korea unholy nexus

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