China's Politburo ramped up efforts to revive growth with pledges to support fiscal spending and stabilise the beleaguered property sector. This gives new momentum to massive stimulus measures already announced, aimed at arresting a slowdown in the world's second-largest economy.

China's Politburo Calls for Measures to Stop Property Market Decline

Following his most recent visit to Russia, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un issued an order without providing details, warning his international adversaries that any cooperation on military hardware would be risky and have repercussions.

North Korea's Politburo explores next steps to Kim's Russia visit

<p>Deeping Chinese President Xi Jinping's control over the country's external relations, a new foreign relations law has been passed in the National People’s Congress (NPC). The law strengthens Politburo's legal basis for 'countermeasures' against the West.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The passing of the law was set in motion after a report presented in front of the&nbsp;20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) last October called up for legislations in&nbsp;key, emerging, and foreign-related fields.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Consequently, the first draft of the law was presented before China's rubber-stamp parliament in December 2022 and instantly received the support of NPC deputies and&nbsp;members of the advisory body.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Law implements Xi's signature policies</strong></h2>

<p>Top diplomat Wang Yi asserted that the passing of the law will act as a 'deterrent' to Western sanctions and simultaneously safeguard national sovereignty and security.&nbsp;The law will come into effect from Saturday (July 1) and consists of six chapters, encompassing Xi's signature foreign policy initiatives on global security, development and civilisation into law.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Any organisation or individual who commits acts that are detrimental to China's national interests in violation of this Law and other applicable laws in the course of engaging in international exchanges shall be held accountable by law," reads one of the articles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The People's Republic of China has the right to take, as called for, measures to counter or take restrictive measures against acts that endanger its sovereignty, national security and development interests in violation of international law or fundamental norms governing international relations," added another article.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-china-relations-hit-an-all-time-low-heres-why-604071"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: India-China relations hit an all-time low. Here's why</strong></a></p>

<p>CCP mouthpiece Global Times hailed the new law as a milestone and the first of the many laws to fix the "loopholes in the rule of law in foreign-related affairs".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"For the first time, the law states the purpose, conditions and policy orientation of the application of Chinese law in foreign relations, and stipulates principles for the measures to counter and restrictive measures against foreign countries, individuals or organisations," the publication noted.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Timing of the approval</strong></h2>

<p>The passing of the law comes at a crucial time when US-China bilateral relations have plummeted to a new low. Despite Antony Blinken's recent visit to Beijing, US President Joe Biden did not hesitate&nbsp;in calling Xi a 'dictator' - setting stage for another round of back-and-forth between the two nations.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The spy balloon saga has already caused tremendous animosity between the two sides and fuel has been added to the fire due to Xi's continued support to Russian President Vladimir Putin in his war against the Ukrainians. Keeping all the permutations in mind, the Chinese government approved the foreign relations law in quick time to shield itself from future Western sanctions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Deeping Chinese President Xi Jinping's control over the country's external relations, a new foreign relations law has been passed in the National People’s Congress (NPC).

Deeping Chinese President Xi Jinping's control over the country's external relations, a new foreign relations law has been passed in the National People’s Congress (NPC). The law strengthens Politburo's legal basis for 'countermeasures' against the West. The passing of the law was set in motion after a report presented in front of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) last October called up for legislations in key, emerging, and foreign-related fields. Consequently, the first draft of the law was presented before China's rubber-stamp parliament in December 2022 and instantly received the support of NPC deputies and members of the advisory body. Law implements Xi's signature policies Top diplomat Wang Yi asserted that the passing of the law will act as a 'deterrent' to Western sanctions and simultaneously safeguard national sovereignty and security. The law will come into effect from Saturday (July 1) and consists of six chapters, encompassing Xi's signature foreign policy initiatives on global security, development and civilisation into law. “Any organisation or individual who commits acts that are detrimental to China's national interests in violation of this Law and other applicable laws in the course of engaging in international exchanges shall be held accountable by law," reads one of the articles. “The People's Republic of China has the right to take, as called for, measures to counter or take restrictive measures against acts that endanger its sovereignty, national security and development interests in violation of international law or fundamental norms governing international relations," added another article. WATCH | Gravitas: India-China relations hit an all-time low. Here's why CCP mouthpiece Global Times hailed the new law as a milestone and the first of the many laws to fix the "loopholes in the rule of law in foreign-related affairs". "For the first time, the law states the purpose, conditions and policy orientation of the application of Chinese law in foreign relations, and stipulates principles for the measures to counter and restrictive measures against foreign countries, individuals or organisations," the publication noted. Timing of the approval The passing of the law comes at a crucial time when US-China bilateral relations have plummeted to a new low. Despite Antony Blinken's recent visit to Beijing, US President Joe Biden did not hesitate in calling Xi a 'dictator' - setting stage for another round of back-and-forth between the two nations. The spy balloon saga has already caused tremendous animosity between the two sides and fuel has been added to the fire due to Xi's continued support to Russian President Vladimir Putin in his war against the Ukrainians. Keeping all the permutations in mind, the Chinese government approved the foreign relations law in quick time to shield itself from future Western sanctions. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

China passes foreign relations law to counter West's sanctions hegemony

<p>Ahead of a key political meeting starting October 16, China's Communist Party said Sunday that it had elected all the delegates.&nbsp;China's Communist Party's 20th five-yearly party congress will be a landmark meeting at which President Xi Jinping is expected to be anointed as the country's most powerful leader in decades.</p>

<p>While President Xi Jinping is expected to secure an unprecedented third term in the meeting, the 25-member Politburo can&nbsp;see a shuffle of personnel.</p>

<p>Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported that the elected 2,296 delegates must adhere to Xi's political ideology in addition to the party constitution.</p>

<p>Amid a strict zero-Covid policy that has accelerated China's inward turn from the world and deteriorating relations with the United States, Xi is facing significant political headwinds.</p>

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<p>Offering signposts on the direction of the world's second-largest economy, the congress is the most important date on China's political calendar.</p>

<p>Following a highly choreographed exercise to pick members of the party's Central Committee of around 200 members, the Central Committee will then vote for the 25-person Politburo and its all-powerful Standing Committee.</p>

<p>Crushing a democracy movement in Hong Kong and strict lockdowns on cities in the name of curbing the coronavirus, analysts believe that Xi's decade-long tenure has served to take down his political rivals.</p>

<p>Xi has faced harsh human rights criticism from the international community over the repressive policies in the northwestern Xinjiang region and the "Wolf Warrior" foreign strategy.</p>

<p>Leaving open the possibility of him becoming the leader for life, Xi abolished the presidential two-term limit in 2018 claiming that he wanted to prevent another Mao-like dictatorship.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Ahead of a key political meeting starting October 16, China's Communist Party said Sunday that it had elected all the delegates. China's Communist Party's 20th five-yearly party congress will be a landmark meeting at which President Xi Jinping is expected to be anointed as the country's most powerful leader in decades.

Ahead of a key political meeting starting October 16, China's Communist Party said Sunday that it had elected all the delegates. China's Communist Party's 20th five-yearly party congress will be a landmark meeting at which President Xi Jinping is expected to be anointed as the country's most powerful leader in decades. While President Xi Jinping is expected to secure an unprecedented third term in the meeting, the 25-member Politburo can see a shuffle of personnel. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported that the elected 2,296 delegates must adhere to Xi's political ideology in addition to the party constitution. Amid a strict zero-Covid policy that has accelerated China's inward turn from the world and deteriorating relations with the United States, Xi is facing significant political headwinds. × Offering signposts on the direction of the world's second-largest economy, the congress is the most important date on China's political calendar. Following a highly choreographed exercise to pick members of the party's Central Committee of around 200 members, the Central Committee will then vote for the 25-person Politburo and its all-powerful Standing Committee. Crushing a democracy movement in Hong Kong and strict lockdowns on cities in the name of curbing the coronavirus, analysts believe that Xi's decade-long tenure has served to take down his political rivals. Xi has faced harsh human rights criticism from the international community over the repressive policies in the northwestern Xinjiang region and the "Wolf Warrior" foreign strategy. Leaving open the possibility of him becoming the leader for life, Xi abolished the presidential two-term limit in 2018 claiming that he wanted to prevent another Mao-like dictatorship. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Chinese Communist Party elects 2,296 delegates for key five-yearly congress

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidKRU8ZrKcuckr" /><meta charset="utf-8" />It is not a secret that Chinese authorities have been carrying out mass DNA testing across Tibet to create a gene pool to police the ordinary Tibetans. However, according to reports, the Chinese regime has kicked up its operation a few notches up in the last few weeks.</p>

<p>According to a study published by the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab, the communist regime of China has collected over 1.2 million samples in the last five years. The study reached its conclusion by analysing 100 publically available sources.</p>

<p>Furthermore, the sources included 44 reports containing figures of the number of DNA samples police had collected in particular areas of Tibet.</p>

<p>Noting that the study targeted men, women, children and Buddhist monks for the DNA collection, the study stated, “Our research suggests that mass DNA collection is a form of social control directed against the Tibetan people. In some cases, police have targeted Buddhist monks.”</p>

<p>Despite China's malfeasance being out in the public, the Xi Jinping government doubles down on its rhetoric by remarking that it is collecting DNA samples and other biometric identification data as a crime prevention measure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The study by the Canadian researchers comes roughly a week after Human Rights Watch published a similar report and shed light on the arbitrary personal data collection authorised by Politburo.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The Chinese government is already subjecting Tibetans to pervasive repression. Now the authorities are literally taking blood without consent to strengthen their surveillance capabilities.” said Sophie Richardson, China director at Human Rights Watch.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-fineprint-report-chinese-authorities-gathering-dna-samples-across-tibet-514995" target="_blank">WATCH | WION Fineprint| Report: Chinese authorities gathering DNA samples across Tibet</a></p>

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<p>Not only is China encroaching upon the rights of Tibetians and citizens in Mainland China, but China has also&nbsp;been routinely accused by countries such as the US of trying to steal gene data from across the globe.</p>

<p>Moreover, in 2020, it was revealed that the Politburo had passed orders, allowing the collection of blood samples from men and boys from across the country to build a genetic map of its roughly 700 million males.</p>

<p>Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/millions-of-gene-data-harvested-across-world-from-womens-prenatal-tests-linked-to-chinese-military-396657">Millions of gene data harvested across world from women's prenatal tests linked to Chinese military</a></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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It is not a secret that Chinese authorities have been carrying out mass DNA testing across Tibet to create a gene pool to police the ordinary Tibetans. However, according to reports, the Chinese regime has kicked up its operation a few notches up in the last few weeks.

It is not a secret that Chinese authorities have been carrying out mass DNA testing across Tibet to create a gene pool to police the ordinary Tibetans. However, according to reports, the Chinese regime has kicked up its operation a few notches up in the last few weeks. According to a study published by the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab, the communist regime of China has collected over 1.2 million samples in the last five years. The study reached its conclusion by analysing 100 publically available sources. Furthermore, the sources included 44 reports containing figures of the number of DNA samples police had collected in particular areas of Tibet. Noting that the study targeted men, women, children and Buddhist monks for the DNA collection, the study stated, “Our research suggests that mass DNA collection is a form of social control directed against the Tibetan people. In some cases, police have targeted Buddhist monks.” Despite China's malfeasance being out in the public, the Xi Jinping government doubles down on its rhetoric by remarking that it is collecting DNA samples and other biometric identification data as a crime prevention measure. The study by the Canadian researchers comes roughly a week after Human Rights Watch published a similar report and shed light on the arbitrary personal data collection authorised by Politburo. “The Chinese government is already subjecting Tibetans to pervasive repression. Now the authorities are literally taking blood without consent to strengthen their surveillance capabilities.” said Sophie Richardson, China director at Human Rights Watch. WATCH | WION Fineprint| Report: Chinese authorities gathering DNA samples across Tibet × Not only is China encroaching upon the rights of Tibetians and citizens in Mainland China, but China has also been routinely accused by countries such as the US of trying to steal gene data from across the globe. Moreover, in 2020, it was revealed that the Politburo had passed orders, allowing the collection of blood samples from men and boys from across the country to build a genetic map of its roughly 700 million males. Read more: Millions of gene data harvested across world from women's prenatal tests linked to Chinese military (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Over one million Tibetans subjected to DNA tests in last five years: Research

<p>After the Chinese economy grew by a tiny 0.4 per cent in the second quarter, another blow has come the country's way. Reportedly, after a quarterly economic meeting between the Politburo members, a statement was released where the leaders stated that they would strive to achieve the 'best results possible'.</p>

<p>Earlier, China had set a growth target of 5.5 per cent for itself. However, the figure was not mentioned even once after the meeting, suggesting that the officials were not optimistic about achieving the target.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is pertinent to note that the meeting was&nbsp;chaired by President Xi Jinping and thus it is a rarity that the 25-member strong core group could not come to a consensus and give a definitive number.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although, the Politburo not releasing any particular GDP number is not a new phenomenon. In 2020, China had altogether scrapped its GDP targets and refused to suggest any number.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Why is China struggling on the economic front?</strong></p>

<p>As reported extensively by WION, the burgeoning Covid cases coupled with Jinping's manic zero-Covid policy and sweltering heat waves have brought major Chinese cities to a standstill.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-sizzles-as-authorities-declare-another-extreme-heat-warning-497329">Shanghai sizzles as authorities declare another extreme heat warning</a></p>

<p>While countries across the globe are opening up their borders and economies after braving a pandemic, China is employing draconian measures to keep up with its 'zero-Covid tolerance' policy.</p>

<p>The strategy has been one of the primary reasons why China has lagged in its economic recovery. For months, the tough lockdown measures imposed by the Communist Party of China (CCP) led to a decrease in manufacturing as factories and offices were closed down for prolonged periods.</p>

<p>Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-economic-growth-drops-to-04-per-cent-amid-draconian-lockdown-measures-and-severe-heatwave-497575">China's economic growth drops to 0.4 per cent amid draconian lockdown measures and severe heatwave</a></p>

<p>For a long time, China was the planet's fastest-growing economy. However, a global pandemic, that originated from its soil has managed to apply a screeching handbrake on its growth story.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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After the Chinese economy grew by a tiny 0.4 per cent in the second quarter, another blow has come the country's way. Reportedly, after a quarterly economic meeting between the Politburo members, a statement was released where the leaders stated that they would strive to achieve the 'best results possible'.

After the Chinese economy grew by a tiny 0.4 per cent in the second quarter, another blow has come the country's way. Reportedly, after a quarterly economic meeting between the Politburo members, a statement was released where the leaders stated that they would strive to achieve the 'best results possible'. Earlier, China had set a growth target of 5.5 per cent for itself. However, the figure was not mentioned even once after the meeting, suggesting that the officials were not optimistic about achieving the target. It is pertinent to note that the meeting was chaired by President Xi Jinping and thus it is a rarity that the 25-member strong core group could not come to a consensus and give a definitive number. Although, the Politburo not releasing any particular GDP number is not a new phenomenon. In 2020, China had altogether scrapped its GDP targets and refused to suggest any number. Why is China struggling on the economic front? As reported extensively by WION, the burgeoning Covid cases coupled with Jinping's manic zero-Covid policy and sweltering heat waves have brought major Chinese cities to a standstill. Read More: Shanghai sizzles as authorities declare another extreme heat warning While countries across the globe are opening up their borders and economies after braving a pandemic, China is employing draconian measures to keep up with its 'zero-Covid tolerance' policy. The strategy has been one of the primary reasons why China has lagged in its economic recovery. For months, the tough lockdown measures imposed by the Communist Party of China (CCP) led to a decrease in manufacturing as factories and offices were closed down for prolonged periods. Read More: China's economic growth drops to 0.4 per cent amid draconian lockdown measures and severe heatwave For a long time, China was the planet's fastest-growing economy. However, a global pandemic, that originated from its soil has managed to apply a screeching handbrake on its growth story. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

China to miss its year-end 5.5 per cent economic growth target

<p>Leader Kim Jong Un on Monday (May 16) ordered North Korea's military to ''stabilise'' the medicine supply&nbsp;amid an explosive COVID-19 outbreak in&nbsp;the country.</p>

<p>North Korea, which has a population of over 25 million, on Monday reported eight more deaths from "unidentified fever".</p>

<p>Days after announcing its first coronavirus cases, the impoverished country detected 392,920 new cases with more than 564,860 people in quarantine.</p>

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<p>State media KCNA reported that Kim inspected pharmacies in Pyongyang located near the Taedong River to check drug supply.</p>

<p>He had previously held an emergency politburo meeting, in which he criticised the "irresponsible" work attitude of officials.</p>

<p>He blasted the executing ability of the Cabinet and the public health sector saying that the drugs procured by the state are not reaching people in a timely and accurate manner through pharmacies.</p>

<p>Kim has deployed "powerful forces" to "immediately stabilize the supply of medicines in Pyongyang City."</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-reports-15-more-deaths-amid-explosive-covid-19-outbreak-479004">Also read |&nbsp;North Korea reports 15 more deaths amid 'explosive' COVID-19 outbreak</a></strong></p>

<p>Health experts have raised concerns about North Korea's healthcare system, one of the worst in the world, saying it lacks basic health facilities.</p>

<p>Pyongyang had refused to accept it had found any coronavirus cases for almost two years since the beginning of the pandemic and does not have any vaccination campaign.</p>

<p>In a speech at the plenary session of the National Assembly, South Korea's President Yoon Suk-yeol said "If North Korea responds (to our support), we will spare no medicines including COVID-19 vaccines, medical equipment, and health personnel."</p>

<p>China and the World Health Organization (WHO) had offered North Korea vaccines under its COVAX scheme but Kim Jong Un had rejected the offer.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

<p><strong>Watch WION's live TV:</strong></p>

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Leader Kim Jong Un on Monday (May 16) ordered North Korea's military to ''stabilise'' the medicine supply amid an explosive COVID-19 outbreak in the country. North Korea, which has a population of over 25 million, on Monday reported eight more deaths from "unidentified fever".

Leader Kim Jong Un on Monday (May 16) ordered North Korea's military to ''stabilise'' the medicine supply amid an explosive COVID-19 outbreak in the country. North Korea, which has a population of over 25 million, on Monday reported eight more deaths from "unidentified fever". Days after announcing its first coronavirus cases, the impoverished country detected 392,920 new cases with more than 564,860 people in quarantine. State media KCNA reported that Kim inspected pharmacies in Pyongyang located near the Taedong River to check drug supply. He had previously held an emergency politburo meeting, in which he criticised the "irresponsible" work attitude of officials. He blasted the executing ability of the Cabinet and the public health sector saying that the drugs procured by the state are not reaching people in a timely and accurate manner through pharmacies. Kim has deployed "powerful forces" to "immediately stabilize the supply of medicines in Pyongyang City." Also read | North Korea reports 15 more deaths amid 'explosive' COVID-19 outbreak Health experts have raised concerns about North Korea's healthcare system, one of the worst in the world, saying it lacks basic health facilities. Pyongyang had refused to accept it had found any coronavirus cases for almost two years since the beginning of the pandemic and does not have any vaccination campaign. In a speech at the plenary session of the National Assembly, South Korea's President Yoon Suk-yeol said "If North Korea responds (to our support), we will spare no medicines including COVID-19 vaccines, medical equipment, and health personnel." China and the World Health Organization (WHO) had offered North Korea vaccines under its COVAX scheme but Kim Jong Un had rejected the offer. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV:

Kim Jong Un orders North Korea's military to 'stabilise' medicine supply as COVID-19 outbreak surges

<p>North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reinforced the ruling Workers' Party discipline and appointed new members of its powerful politburo, state media KCNA reported on Saturday.<br />
<br />
The party's central committee held a plenary meeting for a fourth and last day where it reviewed organisational and ideological issues for its central leadership organ.<br />
<br />
Some members of the leadership expressed 'remorse for failing to live up to the expectations',&nbsp;after Kim pointed out 'serious problems' with their lifestyle, KCNA said, without elaborating.<br />
<br />
The central committee's powerful politburo also elected Thae Hyong Chol, vice president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, as a new member, and U Sang Chol, an official at the party's Central Auditing Commission, as an alternate member, KCNA said.<br />
<br />
The party gathering kicked off on Tuesday.<br />
<br />
During earlier sessions, Kim called for measures to tackle the 'tense' food situation, blaming the coronavirus pandemic and last year's typhoons, and urged preparation for both dialogue and confrontation with the United States in his first direct comment on US&nbsp;President Joe Biden's administration.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reinforced the ruling Workers' Party discipline and appointed new members of its powerful politburo, state media KCNA reported on Saturday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reinforced the ruling Workers' Party discipline and appointed new members of its powerful politburo, state media KCNA reported on Saturday. The party's central committee held a plenary meeting for a fourth and last day where it reviewed organisational and ideological issues for its central leadership organ. Some members of the leadership expressed 'remorse for failing to live up to the expectations', after Kim pointed out 'serious problems' with their lifestyle, KCNA said, without elaborating. The central committee's powerful politburo also elected Thae Hyong Chol, vice president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, as a new member, and U Sang Chol, an official at the party's Central Auditing Commission, as an alternate member, KCNA said. The party gathering kicked off on Tuesday. During earlier sessions, Kim called for measures to tackle the 'tense' food situation, blaming the coronavirus pandemic and last year's typhoons, and urged preparation for both dialogue and confrontation with the United States in his first direct comment on US President Joe Biden's administration. (With inputs from agencies)

Kim Jong Un tightens ruling party discipline, appoints new politburo members

Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea has called on his country folk to become “self-sufficient” amid rising economic concerns due to the coronavirus pandemic. During a meeting of the politburo, the leader talked about domestic economic issues. North Korea had already been suffering economically due to the international sanctions against the country’s nuclear programmes. And the country is currently in a spat with its neighbour, South Korea, over the matter of defectors.

Kim Jong Un talks economy in Politburo meet: COVID-19 hits North Korea Economy

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