As the trade war between the US and China continued, President Trump in an early morning tweet said China will be hurt very badly "if it doesn't make a deal because companies will be forced to leave China for other countries."

"I say openly to President Xi and all of my many friends in China," the President said as the trade talks between the two countries concluded without any results.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
..There will be nobody left in China to do business with. Very bad for China, very good for USA! But China has taken so advantage of the U.S. for so many years, that they are way ahead (Our Presidents did not do the job). Therefore, China should not retaliate-will only get worse!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1127886309316599808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Even as Trump openly challenged the Chinese leadership, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-it-will-never-surrender-to-foreign-pressure-amid-trade-dispute-218306">China's foreign ministry said</a> on Monday the country won't "surrender" to foreign pressure after Washington renewed its threat to impose tariffs.

The United States escalated a tariff war with China on Friday by hiking levies on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods even as trade talks were underway in Washington. The trade conflict has led to large scale tariffs being imposed by both sides threatening the world economy.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-orders-tariff-hike-on-all-imports-from-china-217680/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Too expensive to buy in China. You had a great deal, almost completed, &amp; you backed out!" Trump said, adding, "the unexpectedly good first quarter 3.2% GDP was greatly helped by tariffs from China. Some people just don’t get it!"

"Many tariffed companies will be leaving China for Vietnam and other such countries in Asia. That’s why China wants to make a deal so badly!" he said.

"There will be nobody left in China to do business with. Very bad for China, very good for USA!"&nbsp;

"But China has taken so advantage of the US for so many years, that they are way ahead (Our Presidents did not do the job). Therefore, China should not retaliate - will only get worse!" Trump said.

Trump in a tweet earlier had said "China loved ripping off America", adding that &nbsp;"China is "dreaming" that "former Vice President Joe Biden or any Democratic candidate will win the 2020 presidential election."

As the trade war between the US and China continued, President Trump in an early morning tweet said China will be hurt very badly "if it doesn't make a deal because companies will be forced to leave China for other countries.

As the trade war between the US and China continued, President Trump in an early morning tweet said China will be hurt very badly "if it doesn't make a deal because companies will be forced to leave China for other countries." "I say openly to President Xi and all of my many friends in China," the President said as the trade talks between the two countries concluded without any results. ..There will be nobody left in China to do business with. Very bad for China, very good for USA! But China has taken so advantage of the U.S. for so many years, that they are way ahead (Our Presidents did not do the job). Therefore, China should not retaliate-will only get worse! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 13, 2019 × Even as Trump openly challenged the Chinese leadership, China's foreign ministry said on Monday the country won't "surrender" to foreign pressure after Washington renewed its threat to impose tariffs. The United States escalated a tariff war with China on Friday by hiking levies on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods even as trade talks were underway in Washington. The trade conflict has led to large scale tariffs being imposed by both sides threatening the world economy. "Too expensive to buy in China. You had a great deal, almost completed, & you backed out!" Trump said, adding, "the unexpectedly good first quarter 3.2% GDP was greatly helped by tariffs from China. Some people just don’t get it!" "Many tariffed companies will be leaving China for Vietnam and other such countries in Asia. That’s why China wants to make a deal so badly!" he said. "There will be nobody left in China to do business with. Very bad for China, very good for USA!" "But China has taken so advantage of the US for so many years, that they are way ahead (Our Presidents did not do the job). Therefore, China should not retaliate - will only get worse!" Trump said. Trump in a tweet earlier had said "China loved ripping off America", adding that "China is "dreaming" that "former Vice President Joe Biden or any Democratic candidate will win the 2020 presidential election."

China should not retaliate on tariffs, it will only get worse, says Trump

Top US and Chinese trade negotiators concluded the first of two days of talks on Thursday to rescue a trade deal that is close to collapsing as Washington prepares to go ahead with plans to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/americas/donald-trump-xi-jinping-and-trade-a-high-stakes-game-of-chicken-216697">hike tariffs on hundreds of billions</a> of dollars of goods imported from China.

Tension between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/adding-tariffs-cant-resolve-any-problem-says-china-on-trade-conflict-with-us-216682">Washington and Beijing has risen</a> after a major setback in negotiations last week when China revised a draft deal and weakened commitments to meet US demands for trade reform.

President Donald Trump responded by ordering a tariff hike, and China has said it would retaliate. The 10-month-old trade war has already cost companies in both countries billions of dollars.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/no-end-to-us-china-trade-war-217290/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, US&nbsp;Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and US&nbsp;Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin talked for 90 minutes on Thursday and were expected to resume talks on Friday. Officials did not speak to reporters as they left the talks.

Before they get back around the table on Friday, the United States will have increased duties on $200 billion of Chinese goods, to 25 per cent from 10 per cent. The duties apply to cargoes leaving China after 12:01 a.m. EDT (0401 GMT) Friday.

Consumer products, including cell phones, computers, clothing and toys, are to be especially hard hit.

Trump on Thursday took aim at the $325 billion in Chinese goods that are so far untouched by the trade war, saying he was "starting ... paperwork today" to tax those with a punitive tariff of 25 per cent.

Trump, who has adopted protectionist policies as part of his "America First" agenda aimed at rebalancing global trade and boosting US manufacturing, accused Beijing of reneging on commitments made during months of negotiations.

"We were getting very close to a deal, then they started to renegotiate the deal. We can't have that. We can't have that," Trump said at an event at the White House.

Trump said if the two sides cannot make a deal, the United States would go back to manufacturing products that China now makes. "It'll be the old-fashioned way, the way we used to do it: We made our own product."

US&nbsp;stock indexes closed lower on Thursday ahead of the trade talks, though they pared losses after Trump said he had received a "beautiful" letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping. US oil prices slid and US Treasury yields fell as investors sought safe-haven assets.

Data released Thursday showed the US goods trade deficit with China shrank to its smallest level in five years in March, which could further embolden Trump as he escalates the trade war with Beijing.

China appealed to the United States to help salvage the deal earlier on Thursday. Commerce Ministry spokesman Gao Feng said the decision to send Liu to Washington despite the tariff hike threat demonstrated China's "utmost sincerity."

"The US side has given many labels recently, 'backtracking,' 'betraying,' etc. ... China sets great store on trustworthiness and keeps its promises, and this has never changed," he told a news briefing in Beijing.

A source familiar with the talks said China's changes to the language of the draft trade deal were so extensive it could take a month to fix them, assuming the United States rejects them.

The talks could still go several ways, a person close to the discussions said.

China could make some concessions to prolong talks even after tariffs and retaliation. The two sides could end negotiations, given they are so far apart. Or China could reverse the changes to the text and return the negotiations to where they were a week ago and work toward a deal to be signed at the G20 summit in Japan in June, the source said.

Top US and Chinese trade negotiators concluded the first of two days of talks on Thursday to rescue a trade deal that is close to collapsing as Washington prepares to go ahead with plans to hike tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of goods imported from China.

Top US and Chinese trade negotiators concluded the first of two days of talks on Thursday to rescue a trade deal that is close to collapsing as Washington prepares to go ahead with plans to hike tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of goods imported from China. Tension between Washington and Beijing has risen after a major setback in negotiations last week when China revised a draft deal and weakened commitments to meet US demands for trade reform. President Donald Trump responded by ordering a tariff hike, and China has said it would retaliate. The 10-month-old trade war has already cost companies in both countries billions of dollars. Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin talked for 90 minutes on Thursday and were expected to resume talks on Friday. Officials did not speak to reporters as they left the talks. Before they get back around the table on Friday, the United States will have increased duties on $200 billion of Chinese goods, to 25 per cent from 10 per cent. The duties apply to cargoes leaving China after 12:01 a.m. EDT (0401 GMT) Friday. Consumer products, including cell phones, computers, clothing and toys, are to be especially hard hit. Trump on Thursday took aim at the $325 billion in Chinese goods that are so far untouched by the trade war, saying he was "starting ... paperwork today" to tax those with a punitive tariff of 25 per cent. Trump, who has adopted protectionist policies as part of his "America First" agenda aimed at rebalancing global trade and boosting US manufacturing, accused Beijing of reneging on commitments made during months of negotiations. "We were getting very close to a deal, then they started to renegotiate the deal. We can't have that. We can't have that," Trump said at an event at the White House. Trump said if the two sides cannot make a deal, the United States would go back to manufacturing products that China now makes. "It'll be the old-fashioned way, the way we used to do it: We made our own product." US stock indexes closed lower on Thursday ahead of the trade talks, though they pared losses after Trump said he had received a "beautiful" letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping. US oil prices slid and US Treasury yields fell as investors sought safe-haven assets. Data released Thursday showed the US goods trade deficit with China shrank to its smallest level in five years in March, which could further embolden Trump as he escalates the trade war with Beijing. China appealed to the United States to help salvage the deal earlier on Thursday. Commerce Ministry spokesman Gao Feng said the decision to send Liu to Washington despite the tariff hike threat demonstrated China's "utmost sincerity." "The US side has given many labels recently, 'backtracking,' 'betraying,' etc. ... China sets great store on trustworthiness and keeps its promises, and this has never changed," he told a news briefing in Beijing. A source familiar with the talks said China's changes to the language of the draft trade deal were so extensive it could take a month to fix them, assuming the United States rejects them. The talks could still go several ways, a person close to the discussions said. China could make some concessions to prolong talks even after tariffs and retaliation. The two sides could end negotiations, given they are so far apart. Or China could reverse the changes to the text and return the negotiations to where they were a week ago and work toward a deal to be signed at the G20 summit in Japan in June, the source said.

As US, Chinese officials meet for trade talks, Trump's tariffs on China set to take effect

Switzerland will sign an accord backing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-cpec-is-used-to-traffic-young-pakistani-women-to-china-210874">China's Belt and Road Initiative(BRI)</a> when President Ueli Maurer visits China this month, cementing ties with a major trading partner as other Western countries view the gargantuan project with scepticism.

President<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-politicians-praise-china-proposed-belt-and-road-initiative-210416"> Xi Jinping's new Silk Road</a> initiative has been controversial particularly in Washington, which views it as a way to spread Chinese influence abroad and saddle countries with unsustainable debt, a charge Beijing rejects.

Locked in a trade war with China, the United States has been particularly critical of Italy's decision to sign up to the plan, the first for a G7 nation. Others in the West are less keen to jump aboard, although many have kept an open mind.

Neutral Switzerland sees the BRI accord to be signed during Maurer's trip as a way to support economic development, especially in central Asia.

"The aim of the memorandum is for both parties to intensify cooperation on trade, investment and project financing in third markets along the routes of the Belt and Road Initiative", the finance ministry said on Tuesday without giving more details.

Maurer, who is also finance minister, will attend the second Belt and Road summit next week which is expected to draw around 40 foreign leaders.

The first summit for Belt and Road - which envisions rebuilding the old Silk Road to connect China with Asia, Europe and beyond with massive infrastructure spending - was in 2017.

Xi has also invited Maurer for a state visit on April 28 and 29, his ministry said. Swiss business and financial leaders will accompany Maurer on his eight-day China trip.

Switzerland, one of the first Western states to recognise the People's Republic, was the first country in continental Europe to reach a free trade agreement with China, its largest trade partner after the European Union and United States.

Xi made a state visit to Switzerland in 2017.

Switzerland will sign an accord backing China's Belt and Road Initiative(BRI) when President Ueli Maurer visits China this month, cementing ties with a major trading partner as other Western countries view the gargantuan project with scepticism.

Switzerland will sign an accord backing China's Belt and Road Initiative(BRI) when President Ueli Maurer visits China this month, cementing ties with a major trading partner as other Western countries view the gargantuan project with scepticism. President Xi Jinping's new Silk Road initiative has been controversial particularly in Washington, which views it as a way to spread Chinese influence abroad and saddle countries with unsustainable debt, a charge Beijing rejects. Locked in a trade war with China, the United States has been particularly critical of Italy's decision to sign up to the plan, the first for a G7 nation. Others in the West are less keen to jump aboard, although many have kept an open mind. Neutral Switzerland sees the BRI accord to be signed during Maurer's trip as a way to support economic development, especially in central Asia. "The aim of the memorandum is for both parties to intensify cooperation on trade, investment and project financing in third markets along the routes of the Belt and Road Initiative", the finance ministry said on Tuesday without giving more details. Maurer, who is also finance minister, will attend the second Belt and Road summit next week which is expected to draw around 40 foreign leaders. The first summit for Belt and Road - which envisions rebuilding the old Silk Road to connect China with Asia, Europe and beyond with massive infrastructure spending - was in 2017. Xi has also invited Maurer for a state visit on April 28 and 29, his ministry said. Swiss business and financial leaders will accompany Maurer on his eight-day China trip. Switzerland, one of the first Western states to recognise the People's Republic, was the first country in continental Europe to reach a free trade agreement with China, its largest trade partner after the European Union and United States. Xi made a state visit to Switzerland in 2017.

Will sign accord backing China's Belt and Road Initiative: Switzerland

A Chinese city has opened a new border <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-holds-marathon-tourist-numbers-are-double-from-last-year-208584">crossing with North Korea</a> - fitted with radiation detectors - even as talks between Washington and Pyongyang have languished over disagreements for nuclear sanctions relief.

The new highway border crossing opened in the northeastern city of Ji'an on Monday, complementing its three existing ports with the North, the city said in a statement published to its website on Tuesday.

"After three years of unremitting efforts, the China-North Korean Ji'an-Manpo Highway Port was officially opened," the city said.&nbsp;

The project cost $42 million and the city estimated 500,000 tons of goods and 200,000 people would cross through the new port each year.

But crippling UN sanctions imposed on the North by the UN Security Council in 2016 and 2017 have crimped trade between the two Cold War-era allies.

China is by far the North's biggest trading partner. While Pyongyang publishes virtually no economic statistics of its own, Chinese Customs figures show exports to China have plummeted by more than 90 per cent since 2016, down to $213 million last year - although some observers question their reliability

Sanctions relief was top of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's agenda for his Hanoi summit with US President Donald Trump in February.

But the meeting broke up without a statement or even a lunch as the two sides disagreed over walking back Pyongyang's nuclear weapons programme in exchange for loosening sanctions.

After the opening ceremony, the first 120 tourists crossed the border. Chinese tourism to the North has picked up as relations between the countries have improved in recent years.

The crossing also has a nuclear radiation detection gate, the city said. China has long been worried about any fallout from North Korea's nuclear activities and Jilin was rocked by an earthquake after a massive bomb test across the border in September 2017.

The main artery for North Korean trade with China has traditionally been through the Chinese border city of Dandong, to the south. &nbsp;

Ambitious city planners there started work on a Dandong New Zone in 2012, capped by a massive project to open a bridge connecting the city with the North Korean city of Sinuiju on the other side.

Authorities expected billions of dollars in investment to flood into jointly-run free trade zones on both sides of the border.

But after construction on the four-lane, $350-million bridge completed, it never opened, and the concrete runs into fields on the North Korean side. 
&nbsp;

A Chinese city has opened a new border crossing with North Korea - fitted with radiation detectors - even as talks between Washington and Pyongyang have languished over disagreements for nuclear sanctions relief.

A Chinese city has opened a new border crossing with North Korea - fitted with radiation detectors - even as talks between Washington and Pyongyang have languished over disagreements for nuclear sanctions relief. The new highway border crossing opened in the northeastern city of Ji'an on Monday, complementing its three existing ports with the North, the city said in a statement published to its website on Tuesday. "After three years of unremitting efforts, the China-North Korean Ji'an-Manpo Highway Port was officially opened," the city said. The project cost $42 million and the city estimated 500,000 tons of goods and 200,000 people would cross through the new port each year. But crippling UN sanctions imposed on the North by the UN Security Council in 2016 and 2017 have crimped trade between the two Cold War-era allies. China is by far the North's biggest trading partner. While Pyongyang publishes virtually no economic statistics of its own, Chinese Customs figures show exports to China have plummeted by more than 90 per cent since 2016, down to $213 million last year - although some observers question their reliability Sanctions relief was top of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's agenda for his Hanoi summit with US President Donald Trump in February. But the meeting broke up without a statement or even a lunch as the two sides disagreed over walking back Pyongyang's nuclear weapons programme in exchange for loosening sanctions. After the opening ceremony, the first 120 tourists crossed the border. Chinese tourism to the North has picked up as relations between the countries have improved in recent years. The crossing also has a nuclear radiation detection gate, the city said. China has long been worried about any fallout from North Korea's nuclear activities and Jilin was rocked by an earthquake after a massive bomb test across the border in September 2017. The main artery for North Korean trade with China has traditionally been through the Chinese border city of Dandong, to the south. Ambitious city planners there started work on a Dandong New Zone in 2012, capped by a massive project to open a bridge connecting the city with the North Korean city of Sinuiju on the other side. Authorities expected billions of dollars in investment to flood into jointly-run free trade zones on both sides of the border. But after construction on the four-lane, $350-million bridge completed, it never opened, and the concrete runs into fields on the North Korean side.

Chinese city opens new border crossing with North Korea

Chinese President Xi Jinping <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-xi-heads-to-italy-vatican-says-china-should-not-fear-church-203868">who is on a state visit to Italy</a> said there was no fundamental conflict of interest as he sought to strengthen relations with the NATO ally.

China will be signing a memorandum of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-urges-italy-against-chinas-obor-initiative-202369">understanding(MoU) with Rome</a>&nbsp;on Saturday to join the $1 trillion Belt and Road Initiative(BRI) which seeks to connect China with Africa and Europe through land and sea routes.

Italy will become the first of the group of seven major industrialised nations to join China's BRI project.

"Between us, there is no fundamental conflict of interest," Xi said, adding, "China wants commercial exchanges to go both ways and for investment to flow in both directions."

"Collaboration in third markets are based on the profound combination of finance, technology and the market. This type of operation is very useful to broaden the perspective of collaboration between the two countries," Xi added.

Italy's President Sergio Mattarella agreeing with Xi, said: "Business must go "in both directions... with fair competition, respecting intellectual property rights and while fighting counterfeit goods."

"We want to revitalise the ancient Silk Road in order to better share the fruits of humanity's progress," Xi said following talks with Italian President Sergio Mattarella.

Italy is also due to sign various agreements with China worth $7.9 billion including agreements opening up the northern ports of Trieste and Genoa to Chinese cargo ships.&nbsp;

However, Italy's move has been opposed by the US. Last week White House official Garrett Marquis had tweeted saying that there was "no need" for Italy to endorse "China's infrastructure vanity project".

Chinese President Xi Jinping who is on a state visit to Italy said there was no fundamental conflict of interest as he sought to strengthen relations with the NATO ally.

Chinese President Xi Jinping who is on a state visit to Italy said there was no fundamental conflict of interest as he sought to strengthen relations with the NATO ally. China will be signing a memorandum of understanding(MoU) with Rome on Saturday to join the $1 trillion Belt and Road Initiative(BRI) which seeks to connect China with Africa and Europe through land and sea routes. Italy will become the first of the group of seven major industrialised nations to join China's BRI project. "Between us, there is no fundamental conflict of interest," Xi said, adding, "China wants commercial exchanges to go both ways and for investment to flow in both directions." "Collaboration in third markets are based on the profound combination of finance, technology and the market. This type of operation is very useful to broaden the perspective of collaboration between the two countries," Xi added. Italy's President Sergio Mattarella agreeing with Xi, said: "Business must go "in both directions... with fair competition, respecting intellectual property rights and while fighting counterfeit goods." "We want to revitalise the ancient Silk Road in order to better share the fruits of humanity's progress," Xi said following talks with Italian President Sergio Mattarella. Italy is also due to sign various agreements with China worth $7.9 billion including agreements opening up the northern ports of Trieste and Genoa to Chinese cargo ships. However, Italy's move has been opposed by the US. Last week White House official Garrett Marquis had tweeted saying that there was "no need" for Italy to endorse "China's infrastructure vanity project".

Want to revitalise ancient Silk Road, says Xi during meeting with Italy President Mattarella

China has increased its defence <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-plans-first-seaborne-rocket-launch-in-mid-2019-193915">budget by 7.5 per cent for this year</a>, hiking it to $177.61 billion from last year's $175 billion.&nbsp;It is over three times India's defence budget.

The 2019 defence budget will be $177.61 billion, according to a draft budget report to be submitted at the opening of the annual session of China's parliament, the National People's Congress (NPC), on Tuesday.

The increase this year is lower than that of last year's 8.1 per cent.

China, which increased <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-says-china-military-likely-training-for-strikes-on-us-targets-159697">its defence budget in double digits</a> till 2015, lowered it to single digit hikes since 2016.

China's budgeted defence spending growth rate stood at 7.6 per cent in 2016, 7 per cent in 2017 and 8.1 per cent in 2018.

With this increase, China's defence spending moved closer to the $200 billion mark, making it the highest spender on defence after the United States. 
India's defence budget this year was increased by 6.87 per cent to Rs 3.18 lakh crore against last year's allocation of Rs 2.98 lakh crore, notwithstanding expectations of a major hike when China and Pakistan were bolstering their military capabilities.

China, in recent years, has resorted to major reforms of its military, which included giving priority to expand its navy and air force to enhance its influence abroad, while cutting down three lakh troops of the People's Liberations Army (PLA).

Even after the cuts, the PLA is the world's biggest military with two million personnel in its ranks.

As part of the new policy, China now has one aircraft carrier, another undergoing trials and the third one under construction.

State media reported that China planned to have five aircraft carriers in the near future with plans to build nuclear carriers like the US. It is also rapidly adding new naval ships and submarines.

It also claimed to have developed a new range of missiles and weapons systems in recent years, including stealth aircraft.

Describing China's defence budget increases in recent years as reasonable and appropriate, NPC spokesman Zhang Yesui said the raise aimed to "meet the country's demand in safeguarding national security and military reform with Chinese characteristics".

In his preparatory media conference on Monday, Zhang put up a staunch defence to China's continued heavy spending on defence, saying it was still less compared to other "major developing countries'" military expenditure.

"Whether a country is a military threat to others or not is not determined by its increase in defence expenditure, but by the foreign and national defence policies it adopts," he said.

Compared to other countries, China's defence budget accounted for 1.3 per cent of the GDP, while major developing countries spent two per cent GDP on their defence, Zhang added.

"China remains committed as always to a peaceful path of development and we pursue a defensive national defence policy. China's limited defence spending is for safeguarding the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the country. It is not a threat to other countries," he said.

China has increased its defence budget by 7.5 per cent for this year, hiking it to $177.61 billion from last year's $175 billion. It is over three times India's defence budget.

China has increased its defence budget by 7.5 per cent for this year, hiking it to $177.61 billion from last year's $175 billion. It is over three times India's defence budget. The 2019 defence budget will be $177.61 billion, according to a draft budget report to be submitted at the opening of the annual session of China's parliament, the National People's Congress (NPC), on Tuesday. The increase this year is lower than that of last year's 8.1 per cent. China, which increased its defence budget in double digits till 2015, lowered it to single digit hikes since 2016. China's budgeted defence spending growth rate stood at 7.6 per cent in 2016, 7 per cent in 2017 and 8.1 per cent in 2018. With this increase, China's defence spending moved closer to the $200 billion mark, making it the highest spender on defence after the United States. India's defence budget this year was increased by 6.87 per cent to Rs 3.18 lakh crore against last year's allocation of Rs 2.98 lakh crore, notwithstanding expectations of a major hike when China and Pakistan were bolstering their military capabilities. China, in recent years, has resorted to major reforms of its military, which included giving priority to expand its navy and air force to enhance its influence abroad, while cutting down three lakh troops of the People's Liberations Army (PLA). Even after the cuts, the PLA is the world's biggest military with two million personnel in its ranks. As part of the new policy, China now has one aircraft carrier, another undergoing trials and the third one under construction. State media reported that China planned to have five aircraft carriers in the near future with plans to build nuclear carriers like the US. It is also rapidly adding new naval ships and submarines. It also claimed to have developed a new range of missiles and weapons systems in recent years, including stealth aircraft. Describing China's defence budget increases in recent years as reasonable and appropriate, NPC spokesman Zhang Yesui said the raise aimed to "meet the country's demand in safeguarding national security and military reform with Chinese characteristics". In his preparatory media conference on Monday, Zhang put up a staunch defence to China's continued heavy spending on defence, saying it was still less compared to other "major developing countries'" military expenditure. "Whether a country is a military threat to others or not is not determined by its increase in defence expenditure, but by the foreign and national defence policies it adopts," he said. Compared to other countries, China's defence budget accounted for 1.3 per cent of the GDP, while major developing countries spent two per cent GDP on their defence, Zhang added. "China remains committed as always to a peaceful path of development and we pursue a defensive national defence policy. China's limited defence spending is for safeguarding the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the country. It is not a threat to other countries," he said.

China hikes defence budget by 7.5% to $177.61 billion

US President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-miles-and-miles-from-resolving-trade-conflict-official-192584">Donald Trump expressed</a> optimism on Thursday about high-level trade talks with Chinese officials in Washington but said no final deal would be made until he meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the near future.

The United States and China opened a pivotal round of talks on Wednesday aimed at bridging deep differences over China's intellectual property and technology transfer practices and easing a months-long tariff war.

Trump was scheduled to meet with Chinese vice premier Liu He at the White House as talks conclude on Thursday.

"China’s top trade negotiators are in the US meeting with our representatives," Trump said on Twitter. "Meetings are going well with good intent and spirit on both sides."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
China’s top trade negotiators are in the U.S. meeting with our representatives. Meetings are going well with good intent and spirit on both sides. China does not want an increase in Tariffs and feels they will do much better if they make a deal. They are correct. I will be......
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1090953323895840768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"No final deal will be made until my friend President Xi, and I, meet in the near future to discuss and agree on some of the long standing and more difficult points."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
....meeting with their top leaders and representatives today in the Oval Office. No final deal will be made until my friend President Xi, and I, meet in the near future to discuss and agree on some of the long standing and more difficult points. Very comprehensive transaction....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1090954907593646081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Chinese trade negotiators proposed a meeting between Trump and Xi in China next month, the Wall Street Journal reported. The White House did not immediately comment on the report or say when the meeting would take place.

Trump said negotiators are working to complete a deal, leaving "NOTHING unresolved on the table" before the March 1 deadline to increase tariffs on Chinese goods."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
....China’s representatives and I are trying to do a complete deal, leaving NOTHING unresolved on the table. All of the many problems are being discussed and will be hopefully resolved. Tariffs on China increase to 25% on March 1st, so all working hard to complete by that date!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1090957015038545920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Cabinet-level officials, led by Liu, who is Xi's top economic adviser, and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, met in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building next to the White House on Wednesday with only a month left to reach a deal.

Details of the closed-door talks were scant with official statements seen as unlikely before they conclude on Thursday. A spokeswoman for the trade representative's office declined comment on the discussions.

The talks began two days after the United States charged Chinese telecommunications company Huawei Technologies Co Ltd and its chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, with conspiring to violate US sanctions on Iran by doing business through a subsidiary it tried to hide.

Meng was arrested in Canada on December 1st at the request of the United States, which is seeking to have her extradited. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross have insisted there is no link between the trade talks and the Huawei case.

US President Donald Trump expressed optimism on Thursday about high-level trade talks with Chinese officials in Washington but said no final deal would be made until he meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the near future.

US President Donald Trump expressed optimism on Thursday about high-level trade talks with Chinese officials in Washington but said no final deal would be made until he meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the near future. The United States and China opened a pivotal round of talks on Wednesday aimed at bridging deep differences over China's intellectual property and technology transfer practices and easing a months-long tariff war. Trump was scheduled to meet with Chinese vice premier Liu He at the White House as talks conclude on Thursday. "China’s top trade negotiators are in the US meeting with our representatives," Trump said on Twitter. "Meetings are going well with good intent and spirit on both sides." China’s top trade negotiators are in the U.S. meeting with our representatives. Meetings are going well with good intent and spirit on both sides. China does not want an increase in Tariffs and feels they will do much better if they make a deal. They are correct. I will be...... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 31, 2019 × "No final deal will be made until my friend President Xi, and I, meet in the near future to discuss and agree on some of the long standing and more difficult points." ....meeting with their top leaders and representatives today in the Oval Office. No final deal will be made until my friend President Xi, and I, meet in the near future to discuss and agree on some of the long standing and more difficult points. Very comprehensive transaction.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 31, 2019 × Chinese trade negotiators proposed a meeting between Trump and Xi in China next month, the Wall Street Journal reported. The White House did not immediately comment on the report or say when the meeting would take place. Trump said negotiators are working to complete a deal, leaving "NOTHING unresolved on the table" before the March 1 deadline to increase tariffs on Chinese goods." ....China’s representatives and I are trying to do a complete deal, leaving NOTHING unresolved on the table. All of the many problems are being discussed and will be hopefully resolved. Tariffs on China increase to 25% on March 1st, so all working hard to complete by that date! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 31, 2019 × Cabinet-level officials, led by Liu, who is Xi's top economic adviser, and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, met in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building next to the White House on Wednesday with only a month left to reach a deal. Details of the closed-door talks were scant with official statements seen as unlikely before they conclude on Thursday. A spokeswoman for the trade representative's office declined comment on the discussions. The talks began two days after the United States charged Chinese telecommunications company Huawei Technologies Co Ltd and its chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, with conspiring to violate US sanctions on Iran by doing business through a subsidiary it tried to hide. Meng was arrested in Canada on December 1st at the request of the United States, which is seeking to have her extradited. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross have insisted there is no link between the trade talks and the Huawei case.

No final trade deal until I meet President Xi: Trump

Chinese President Xi Jinping speaking at the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-and-china-called-a-truce-in-the-trade-war-now-what-181070">Great Hall in Beijing to mark </a>the 40th anniversary of reforms, said that no one can "dictate" to China what "it should or shouldn't do".

"No one is in a position to dictate to the Chinese people what should or should not be done," Xi told communist party leaders congregated at the Great Hall.

During his address to the nation, Xi vowed to "reform and open up" the economy. Xi also called both the state economy and the "non-state economy" to help in the development process.

"We must resolutely reform what should and can be changed, we must resolutely not reform what shouldn't and can't be changed," he said

"We will reinforce the development of the state economy while guiding the development of the non-state economy," Xi added in Beijing's Great Hall of the People.

"Opening brings progress while closure leads to backwardness," he concluded.

Xi's statement comes amid heightened trade war with the US which has since abated after the Chinese president met President Trump at G20 to call for a 90-day truce.&nbsp;

The Chinese president was speaking at the landmark event in China's communist party&nbsp;history which occurred on December 18, 1978 when the party ratified the reforms of Deng Xiaoping leading to China's growth which fuelled the economy and moved millions out of poverty.

"The leadership of the Communist Party of China is the most essential feature of socialism with Chinese characteristics and the greatest advantage of the socialist system with Chinese characteristics," he observed.

Chinese President Xi Jinping speaking at the Great Hall in Beijing to mark the 40th anniversary of reforms, said that no one can "dictate" to China what "it should or shouldn't do".

Chinese President Xi Jinping speaking at the Great Hall in Beijing to mark the 40th anniversary of reforms, said that no one can "dictate" to China what "it should or shouldn't do". "No one is in a position to dictate to the Chinese people what should or should not be done," Xi told communist party leaders congregated at the Great Hall. During his address to the nation, Xi vowed to "reform and open up" the economy. Xi also called both the state economy and the "non-state economy" to help in the development process. "We must resolutely reform what should and can be changed, we must resolutely not reform what shouldn't and can't be changed," he said "We will reinforce the development of the state economy while guiding the development of the non-state economy," Xi added in Beijing's Great Hall of the People. "Opening brings progress while closure leads to backwardness," he concluded. Xi's statement comes amid heightened trade war with the US which has since abated after the Chinese president met President Trump at G20 to call for a 90-day truce. The Chinese president was speaking at the landmark event in China's communist party history which occurred on December 18, 1978 when the party ratified the reforms of Deng Xiaoping leading to China's growth which fuelled the economy and moved millions out of poverty. "The leadership of the Communist Party of China is the most essential feature of socialism with Chinese characteristics and the greatest advantage of the socialist system with Chinese characteristics," he observed.

No one can dictate to China what it should or shouldn't do: President Xi

"I declare the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge officially open," President Xi declared as he opened China's latest showpiece infrastructure&nbsp;project meant to dazzle the world and boost commerce.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pix-president-xi-inaugurates-worlds-longest-sea-bridge-connecting-hong-kong-macau-zhuhai-172915">In Pics: President Xi inaugurates world's longest sea bridge connecting Hong Kong, Macau &amp; Zhuhai</a>

China's mega bridge touted as the "longest sea bridge in the world" connecting Hong Kong, Macau and China's southern Guangdong province of Zhuhai has several technological super features which set it apart from any other similar structure worldwide.

The over 34 km bridge which is much longer than San Francisco’s elite Golden Gate Bridge has special "yawn cams", meaning it monitors the driver if he is likely to fall asleep on the wheels while on the bridge.

The cameras on the bridge also&nbsp;report on the physical condition of the driver and send out alerts if a driver yawns more than three times in 20 seconds.

Interestingly, the bridge's high tech system also reportedly monitors heart rate and blood pressure of the driver.

The bridge cuts jouney between Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China by several hours which is hosted on the Pearl river delta as China pushes to integrate commerce with Hong Kong.

The bridge which reportedly cost over $20 billion will connect a string of underwater tunnels and artificial islands.

The mega bridge will open to traffic on Wednesday, a day after its inaguration today by President Xi. Authorities expect over nine thousand vehicles to cross the bridge everyday boosting people-to-people contract and trade ties between the three big commerical centres.

China's vice premier Han Zheng during the inaguration ceremony said the project was deployed and driven by Xi Jinping personally" while Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam asserted that the bridge would transform Hong Kong from a "connector to a more active participant".

The plan for the bridge was envisioned soon after Hong Kong was cecded to China by Britain in 1997, however, building began only in 2009 as China saw the economic potential of linking three great cities.

It however has some restistrive features, for example Hong Kong residents will only be granted a licence to cross into Zhuhai by car if they meet highly selective criteria, including holding certain mainland government positions or making major contributions to charities in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong, newswire AFP reported.&nbsp;

Most people will need to travel on coaches and buses, according to rules layed down by the Chinese government. 
&nbsp;

"I declare the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge officially open," President Xi declared as he opened China's latest showpiece infrastructure project meant to dazzle the world and boost commerce.

"I declare the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge officially open," President Xi declared as he opened China's latest showpiece infrastructure project meant to dazzle the world and boost commerce. In Pics: President Xi inaugurates world's longest sea bridge connecting Hong Kong, Macau & Zhuhai China's mega bridge touted as the "longest sea bridge in the world" connecting Hong Kong, Macau and China's southern Guangdong province of Zhuhai has several technological super features which set it apart from any other similar structure worldwide. The over 34 km bridge which is much longer than San Francisco’s elite Golden Gate Bridge has special "yawn cams", meaning it monitors the driver if he is likely to fall asleep on the wheels while on the bridge. The cameras on the bridge also report on the physical condition of the driver and send out alerts if a driver yawns more than three times in 20 seconds. Interestingly, the bridge's high tech system also reportedly monitors heart rate and blood pressure of the driver. The bridge cuts jouney between Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China by several hours which is hosted on the Pearl river delta as China pushes to integrate commerce with Hong Kong. The bridge which reportedly cost over $20 billion will connect a string of underwater tunnels and artificial islands. The mega bridge will open to traffic on Wednesday, a day after its inaguration today by President Xi. Authorities expect over nine thousand vehicles to cross the bridge everyday boosting people-to-people contract and trade ties between the three big commerical centres. China's vice premier Han Zheng during the inaguration ceremony said the project was deployed and driven by Xi Jinping personally" while Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam asserted that the bridge would transform Hong Kong from a "connector to a more active participant". The plan for the bridge was envisioned soon after Hong Kong was cecded to China by Britain in 1997, however, building began only in 2009 as China saw the economic potential of linking three great cities. It however has some restistrive features, for example Hong Kong residents will only be granted a licence to cross into Zhuhai by car if they meet highly selective criteria, including holding certain mainland government positions or making major contributions to charities in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong, newswire AFP reported. Most people will need to travel on coaches and buses, according to rules layed down by the Chinese government.

Driver alert: 'Yawn cams', blood pressure trackers on China's Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge

Ahead of his visit to China, Pakistan PM Imran Khan said today that strengthening relations with China was the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/review-of-cpec-projects-underway-pak-pm-imran-khan-170012">Also Read:&nbsp;Review of CPEC projects underway: Pak PM Imran Khan</a>

The Pakistan prime minister while charing a high-level meeting at the Prime Minister's office said that CPEC was a great opportunity to learn from the Chinese experience especially in the social sector, agriculture and other areas.

The Pakistan PM is set to travel to Beijing later in the month.

Imran said focus on early establishment of Special Economic Zones(SEZ) in various parts of the country which would help the local industry to grow through industrialisation.

The Prime Minister said that the flagship China Pakistan Economic Corridor under the Belt and Road initiative (BRI) initiative of President Xi Jinping also offered opportunities to other countries to invest in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects and reap benefits in various sectors.

China has invested heavily in the CPEC project pouring in $60 billion in road and infrastructure deals seen as crucial for the Pakistan economy which is grappling with a huge balance of payment problems.

Last week, Pakistan had pulled out of a road project under BRI due to rising debt concerns. Pakistan's railway minister Sheikh Rasheed had said that Pakistan is a poor country that cannot afford huge burden of loans.

The project was hit over costs leading the Pakistan government to rethink the 1,872 km road Karachi-Peshawar Main Line-1 (ML-1) infrastructure deal. The Pakistan government eventually cut the size of China's "Silk Road" by $2 billion to $6.2 billion and asserted that it wishes to further reduce the cost to $4.2 billion from $6.2 billion.

"CPEC is like the backbone for Pakistan, but our eyes and ears are open," Rasheed said.

Ahead of his visit to China, Pakistan PM Imran Khan said today that strengthening relations with China was the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. Also Read: Review of CPEC projects underway: Pak PM Imran Khan The Pakistan prime minister while charing a high-level meeting at the Prime Minister's office said that CPEC was a great opportunity to learn from the Chinese experience especially in the social sector, agriculture and other areas.

Ahead of his visit to China, Pakistan PM Imran Khan said today that strengthening relations with China was the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. Also Read: Review of CPEC projects underway: Pak PM Imran Khan The Pakistan prime minister while charing a high-level meeting at the Prime Minister's office said that CPEC was a great opportunity to learn from the Chinese experience especially in the social sector, agriculture and other areas. The Pakistan PM is set to travel to Beijing later in the month. Imran said focus on early establishment of Special Economic Zones(SEZ) in various parts of the country which would help the local industry to grow through industrialisation. The Prime Minister said that the flagship China Pakistan Economic Corridor under the Belt and Road initiative (BRI) initiative of President Xi Jinping also offered opportunities to other countries to invest in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects and reap benefits in various sectors. China has invested heavily in the CPEC project pouring in $60 billion in road and infrastructure deals seen as crucial for the Pakistan economy which is grappling with a huge balance of payment problems. Last week, Pakistan had pulled out of a road project under BRI due to rising debt concerns. Pakistan's railway minister Sheikh Rasheed had said that Pakistan is a poor country that cannot afford huge burden of loans. The project was hit over costs leading the Pakistan government to rethink the 1,872 km road Karachi-Peshawar Main Line-1 (ML-1) infrastructure deal. The Pakistan government eventually cut the size of China's "Silk Road" by $2 billion to $6.2 billion and asserted that it wishes to further reduce the cost to $4.2 billion from $6.2 billion. "CPEC is like the backbone for Pakistan, but our eyes and ears are open," Rasheed said.

Relations with China cornerstone of Pak foreign policy: PM Imran Khan

China today<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinas-gold-mine-at-arunachal-border-may-become-another-flashpoint-with-india-report-138412"> emphatically declared that mining operations</a> close to the Arunachal Pradesh was "completely" within its sovereignty, and it "totally" belongs to China.

A media report on Sunday said Chinese authorities were&nbsp;engaging in "large scale" mining operations after discovering huge reserves of gold, silver and other minerals on its side of the border with Arunachal Pradesh. China claims Arunachal Pradesh as "southern Tibet".

The report said the precious minerals were&nbsp;valued at around $60 billion.

"China conducts regular geological and scientific research on its own territory. It is completely within China's sovereignty.&nbsp;China always attaches importance to protecting ecological environment. We hope relevant media can refrain from hyping up based on groundless report," China's foreign ministry spokesman said.

"I have also noted the report mentioned by you. The area mentioned by the report totally belongs to China," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lu Kang added.

The report said the terrain was inaccessible, however, now China was aggressively&nbsp;mining in the area in Lhunze with thousands of people pouring into the area and the country extensively building road networks to increase mining activity.

"I hope the media can stop hyping up based on groundless report and the area mentioned by the report belongs to China's territory and the geological and scientific activities are conducted on China's territory," China's foreign office asserted while making its stand clear.

On the status of Arunachal Pradesh, the foreign ministry spokesman said: "I can tell you that China's position on the India-China boundary is consistent and clear cut. China never recognised the so-called Arunachal Pradesh."

A media report on Sunday said Chinese authorities was engaging in "large scale" mining operations after discovering huge reserves of gold, silver and other minerals on its side of the border with Arunachal Pradesh. China claims Arunachal Pradesh as "southern Tibet".

China today emphatically declared that mining operations close to the Arunachal Pradesh was "completely" within its sovereignty, and it "totally" belongs to China. A media report on Sunday said Chinese authorities were engaging in "large scale" mining operations after discovering huge reserves of gold, silver and other minerals on its side of the border with Arunachal Pradesh. China claims Arunachal Pradesh as "southern Tibet". The report said the precious minerals were valued at around $60 billion. "China conducts regular geological and scientific research on its own territory. It is completely within China's sovereignty. China always attaches importance to protecting ecological environment. We hope relevant media can refrain from hyping up based on groundless report," China's foreign ministry spokesman said. "I have also noted the report mentioned by you. The area mentioned by the report totally belongs to China," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lu Kang added. The report said the terrain was inaccessible, however, now China was aggressively mining in the area in Lhunze with thousands of people pouring into the area and the country extensively building road networks to increase mining activity. "I hope the media can stop hyping up based on groundless report and the area mentioned by the report belongs to China's territory and the geological and scientific activities are conducted on China's territory," China's foreign office asserted while making its stand clear. On the status of Arunachal Pradesh, the foreign ministry spokesman said: "I can tell you that China's position on the India-China boundary is consistent and clear cut. China never recognised the so-called Arunachal Pradesh."

Never recognised 'so-called Arunachal Pradesh', gold mining part of geological & scientific research: China

Two centuries on, despite huge and profound changes in human society, the name of Karl Marx is still respected all over the world and his theory still shines with the brilliant light of truth, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Friday.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks at a grand gathering to mark the 200th anniversary of Marx's birth.

"Today, we hold this grand gathering with great veneration to mark the 200th anniversary of Marx's birth, to remember his great character and historic contributions and to review his noble spirit and brilliant thoughts," Xi said at the event.

Xi said Marx is the "teacher of revolution for the proletariat and working people all over the world, the main founder of Marxism, creator of Marxist parties, pathfinder for international communism and the greatest thinker of modern times."

Marx was born in Trier, Germany on May 5, 1818. As a philosopher, economist, historian, he left a lasting legacy on the world.

This year also marks the 170th anniversary of “The Communist Manifesto” written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. It has been serving as a guiding principle for the Communist movement and has profoundly changed the world.

This year also marks the 170th anniversary of “The Communist Manifesto” written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.

Two centuries on, despite huge and profound changes in human society, the name of Karl Marx is still respected all over the world and his theory still shines with the brilliant light of truth, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Friday. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks at a grand gathering to mark the 200th anniversary of Marx's birth. "Today, we hold this grand gathering with great veneration to mark the 200th anniversary of Marx's birth, to remember his great character and historic contributions and to review his noble spirit and brilliant thoughts," Xi said at the event. Xi said Marx is the "teacher of revolution for the proletariat and working people all over the world, the main founder of Marxism, creator of Marxist parties, pathfinder for international communism and the greatest thinker of modern times." Marx was born in Trier, Germany on May 5, 1818. As a philosopher, economist, historian, he left a lasting legacy on the world. This year also marks the 170th anniversary of “The Communist Manifesto” written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. It has been serving as a guiding principle for the Communist movement and has profoundly changed the world.

Karl Marx greatest thinker of modern times, says President Xi on 200th anniversary

A week after PM Modi met <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-xis-chai-pe-charcha-on-wuhan-lake-133368">President Xi at Wuhan, India </a>and Chinese military are reportedly setting up a "hotline" which was regarded as a major Confidence Building Measure(CBM) between the two sides, China's state-run Global Times reported.

"India and China are now looking to set up a hotline between the operations directorates of the two nations' central military headquarters, which was first proposed in The Border Defense Cooperation Agreement (BDCA) and agreed to by Modi during his visit to China in 2015," Global Times said.

Prime Minister Modi during his "informal summit" with President Xi had decided to issue "strategic guidance" to their forces in order to defuse tensions along the Line of Actual Control(LAC).

The proposed hotline has been in the works since 2013 but wasn't&nbsp;operationalised due to procedural delays and the ever-changing situation at the China border. &nbsp;However, post-Wuhan summit, both countries seem to be "resetting" border relations.

"The informal summit in Wuhan is a good start to alleviating stress between the two countries, which is the basis for future communication and trust building," Zhao Gancheng, director of the Shanghai Institute for International Studies' Centre for Asia-Pacific Studies, told the Global Times.

India and Pakistan already have a hotline service with Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMO) in touch with each other.

"Military trust and military cooperation should be the direction that both sides make efforts to achieve, though it will take some time," Zhao told the daily.

Meanwhile, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/on-labour-day-india-china-troops-meet-at-the-border-exchange-sweets-134113">on International Labour Da</a>y, Indian and Chinese troops held a special border personnel meeting at the Chusul-Moldo meeting point in eastern Ladakh. Troops from both sides exchanged sweets at Wacha border post in Arunachal Pradesh which is being seen as major confidence-building move.

According to an official statement, the meeting was organised to "build trust between the two armies deployed at the border."

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2DagYV07VPg" width="560"></iframe>

India and Pakistan already have a hotline service with DGMO in touch with each other.

A week after PM Modi met President Xi at Wuhan, India and Chinese military are reportedly setting up a "hotline" which was regarded as a major Confidence Building Measure(CBM) between the two sides, China's state-run Global Times reported. "India and China are now looking to set up a hotline between the operations directorates of the two nations' central military headquarters, which was first proposed in The Border Defense Cooperation Agreement (BDCA) and agreed to by Modi during his visit to China in 2015," Global Times said. Prime Minister Modi during his "informal summit" with President Xi had decided to issue "strategic guidance" to their forces in order to defuse tensions along the Line of Actual Control(LAC). The proposed hotline has been in the works since 2013 but wasn't operationalised due to procedural delays and the ever-changing situation at the China border. However, post-Wuhan summit, both countries seem to be "resetting" border relations. "The informal summit in Wuhan is a good start to alleviating stress between the two countries, which is the basis for future communication and trust building," Zhao Gancheng, director of the Shanghai Institute for International Studies' Centre for Asia-Pacific Studies, told the Global Times. India and Pakistan already have a hotline service with Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMO) in touch with each other. "Military trust and military cooperation should be the direction that both sides make efforts to achieve, though it will take some time," Zhao told the daily. Meanwhile, on International Labour Day, Indian and Chinese troops held a special border personnel meeting at the Chusul-Moldo meeting point in eastern Ladakh. Troops from both sides exchanged sweets at Wacha border post in Arunachal Pradesh which is being seen as major confidence-building move. According to an official statement, the meeting was organised to "build trust between the two armies deployed at the border."

Post-Wuhan, India, China decide to set up military 'hotline': Report

On International <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-xi-agree-to-issue-strategic-guidance-to-their-militaries-to-build-trust--133407">Labour Day, Indian and Chinese troops</a> held a special border personnel meeting at the Chusul-Moldo meeting point in eastern Ladakh.

Indicating an upward trend in relations between the two sides, post-Doklam, troops and families of both armies took part in celebrations.&nbsp;

According to an official statement, the meeting was organised to "build trust between the two armies deployed at&nbsp;the border."

India and Chinese troops also exchanged sweets at Wacha border post in Arunachal Pradesh.

PM Modi had met President Xi last week in Wuhan last week with both leaders agreeing to engage in "strategic guidance" for both armies at the tense border area where India and China were involved in a 73-day standoff at Doklam.

Border meeting between the Indian Army and the People's Liberation Army(PLA) is usually held on important dates, for example, PLA Day, 26th January and 15th August.

A similar function was held along the LAC on India's Republic Day&nbsp;this year and on Independence Day in August last year.

According to an official statement, the meeting was organised to "build trust between the two armies deployed at the border."

On International Labour Day, Indian and Chinese troops held a special border personnel meeting at the Chusul-Moldo meeting point in eastern Ladakh. Indicating an upward trend in relations between the two sides, post-Doklam, troops and families of both armies took part in celebrations. According to an official statement, the meeting was organised to "build trust between the two armies deployed at the border." India and Chinese troops also exchanged sweets at Wacha border post in Arunachal Pradesh. PM Modi had met President Xi last week in Wuhan last week with both leaders agreeing to engage in "strategic guidance" for both armies at the tense border area where India and China were involved in a 73-day standoff at Doklam. Border meeting between the Indian Army and the People's Liberation Army(PLA) is usually held on important dates, for example, PLA Day, 26th January and 15th August. A similar function was held along the LAC on India's Republic Day this year and on Independence Day in August last year.

On Labour Day, India, China troops meet at the border, exchange sweets

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/will-be-happy-if-we-can-have-informal-summit-in-india-next-year-pm-modi-tell-president-xi-during-delegation-level-talks-133246">Chinese President Xi Jinping today held </a>multiple meetings here as part of an unprecedented two-day informal summit to "solidify" the India-China relationship and exchanged views on how the two countries can work together for the benefit of their people and the world.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-speed-with-which-you-constructed-it-and-the-scale-inspired-me-says-modi-to-president-xi-133224">Also Watch:&nbspPM Modi on museum tour with Xi at Wuhan&nbsp</a>

The summit in Wuhan - the favourite holiday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-chinese-media-views-informal-xi-modi-meet-133196">spot of revolutionary Chinese leader</a> Mao Zedong - is being seen as an effort by India and China to rebuild trust and improve ties that were hit by the 73-day-long Dokalam standoff last year.

Prime Minister Modi who arrived in the central Chinese city early today for the summit began talks soon after President Xi hosted a grand welcoming ceremony for him at the Hubei Provincial Museum here.

"The two leaders had a one-on-one meeting during which they exchanged views on solidifying our bilateral relationship," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.

Modi and Xi shook hands, posed for photographs and witnessed a cultural programme at the museum before heading for one-on-one talks. Later, they held delegation-level talks accompanied by six top officials from each side. Xi also hosted a banquet for Modi at the state guest house by the famous East Lake.

During the talks, Modi offered to host the next informal summit with Xi in India next year. "I'll be happy, if in 2019, we can have such informal summit in India," Modi told Xi.

The Chinese president said he believes in future and they can meet in a format like this from time to time.

"I believe in the future, we will meet in format like this, from time to time. I look forward to in-depth communication with your Excellency, and ensure we can build common understanding and help to take the China-India relationship to the next level," Xi said.

Modi hailed the centuries old Sino-India ties and said the two sides have a "big opportunity" to work together for the benefit of their people and the world.

He recalled that during the 2000 years of history, India and China together provided momentum and strength to the world economy and dominated it for around 1600 years. "The two countries together constituted for about 50 per cent of the world economy and another 50 per cent was shared by rest of the world for 1600 years," the prime minister said.

Modi also said the people of India felt proud that President Xi has twice received him out of the capital.

"I'm perhaps the first Prime Minister of India, for whom, you have come out of the capital (Beijing) twice to receive me," Modi said, referring to his visit to Xi'an - the hometown of President Xi - in 2015.

Xi told Modi that their meeting opens a new chapter for bilateral ties.

He emphasised the two sides should look at the big picture of China-India relationship from a strategic angle and ensure their relationship continues to move forward in a positive direction.&nbsp

"The friendship between the two countries should continue to grow like the Yangtze and Ganges flowing forward forever," China's state-run CCTV quoted Xi as saying.

"We see a fast pace and bright future for China-India cooperation," Xi told Modi, who is in China on his fourth visit after he came to power in 2014.&nbsp

"China and India need to maintain a strong focus on national development, deepening mutually beneficial cooperation, work together for our respective national revitalisation to build the stability, development, prosperity and make positive contributions for global peace and development," Xi said, adding that in the past five years China-India relations have maintained a good momentum.

He said the two countries have established closer partnership and their exchanges and cooperation have made positive progress.&nbsp

"India and China have a combined population of 2.6 billion which provides enormous potential for development. Our two countries' influence in the world and region is steadily on the rise, looking ahead we see a fast pace and bright future for China-India cooperation," Xi told Modi.

"As we meet, the international security is at a crucial period of adjustment. China and India are both important engines for global growth and we are central pillars for promoting a multi-polar and globalised world. A good China-India relationship is an important and positive factor for maintaining peace and stability in the world," he added.

Xi's comments assume significance as it came at a time when the US and other major economies have taken a number of protectionist measures.

The Trump administration has recently announced hefty import tariffs on aluminium and steel besides about $50 billion worth of Chinese imports across 1,300 categories of products to counter China's trade practices.

India maintains that protectionism in all its forms should be rejected and favours an economic globalisation which is more open, inclusive and equitable.

Modi and Xi also visited an exhibition of Marquis Yi of Zeng Cultural Relics & Treasure at the museum.

The two leaders will resume their one-on-one interaction tomorrow with walks by the lakeside, boat ride and wind up their talks over lunch.

The two leaders began their informal meetings way back in 2014 when Xi was hosted by Modi at the Sabarmati Ashram of Mahatma Gandhi in Gujarat. They have met and interacted with each other in about a dozen international meetings since then.

But this will be their "heart-to-heart" informal summit. There will be no agreement signed or a joint statement issued.

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xaw9Vr0eoiw" width="560"></iframe>

During the talks, Modi offered to host the next informal summit with Xi in India next year

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping today held multiple meetings here as part of an unprecedented two-day informal summit to "solidify" the India-China relationship and exchanged views on how the two countries can work together for the benefit of their people and the world. Also Watch:&nbspPM Modi on museum tour with Xi at Wuhan The summit in Wuhan - the favourite holiday spot of revolutionary Chinese leader Mao Zedong - is being seen as an effort by India and China to rebuild trust and improve ties that were hit by the 73-day-long Dokalam standoff last year. Prime Minister Modi who arrived in the central Chinese city early today for the summit began talks soon after President Xi hosted a grand welcoming ceremony for him at the Hubei Provincial Museum here. "The two leaders had a one-on-one meeting during which they exchanged views on solidifying our bilateral relationship," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said. Modi and Xi shook hands, posed for photographs and witnessed a cultural programme at the museum before heading for one-on-one talks. Later, they held delegation-level talks accompanied by six top officials from each side. Xi also hosted a banquet for Modi at the state guest house by the famous East Lake. During the talks, Modi offered to host the next informal summit with Xi in India next year. "I'll be happy, if in 2019, we can have such informal summit in India," Modi told Xi. The Chinese president said he believes in future and they can meet in a format like this from time to time. "I believe in the future, we will meet in format like this, from time to time. I look forward to in-depth communication with your Excellency, and ensure we can build common understanding and help to take the China-India relationship to the next level," Xi said. Modi hailed the centuries old Sino-India ties and said the two sides have a "big opportunity" to work together for the benefit of their people and the world. He recalled that during the 2000 years of history, India and China together provided momentum and strength to the world economy and dominated it for around 1600 years. "The two countries together constituted for about 50 per cent of the world economy and another 50 per cent was shared by rest of the world for 1600 years," the prime minister said. Modi also said the people of India felt proud that President Xi has twice received him out of the capital. "I'm perhaps the first Prime Minister of India, for whom, you have come out of the capital (Beijing) twice to receive me," Modi said, referring to his visit to Xi'an - the hometown of President Xi - in 2015. Xi told Modi that their meeting opens a new chapter for bilateral ties. He emphasised the two sides should look at the big picture of China-India relationship from a strategic angle and ensure their relationship continues to move forward in a positive direction. "The friendship between the two countries should continue to grow like the Yangtze and Ganges flowing forward forever," China's state-run CCTV quoted Xi as saying. "We see a fast pace and bright future for China-India cooperation," Xi told Modi, who is in China on his fourth visit after he came to power in 2014. "China and India need to maintain a strong focus on national development, deepening mutually beneficial cooperation, work together for our respective national revitalisation to build the stability, development, prosperity and make positive contributions for global peace and development," Xi said, adding that in the past five years China-India relations have maintained a good momentum. He said the two countries have established closer partnership and their exchanges and cooperation have made positive progress. "India and China have a combined population of 2.6 billion which provides enormous potential for development. Our two countries' influence in the world and region is steadily on the rise, looking ahead we see a fast pace and bright future for China-India cooperation," Xi told Modi. "As we meet, the international security is at a crucial period of adjustment. China and India are both important engines for global growth and we are central pillars for promoting a multi-polar and globalised world. A good China-India relationship is an important and positive factor for maintaining peace and stability in the world," he added. Xi's comments assume significance as it came at a time when the US and other major economies have taken a number of protectionist measures. The Trump administration has recently announced hefty import tariffs on aluminium and steel besides about $50 billion worth of Chinese imports across 1,300 categories of products to counter China's trade practices. India maintains that protectionism in all its forms should be rejected and favours an economic globalisation which is more open, inclusive and equitable. Modi and Xi also visited an exhibition of Marquis Yi of Zeng Cultural Relics & Treasure at the museum. The two leaders will resume their one-on-one interaction tomorrow with walks by the lakeside, boat ride and wind up their talks over lunch. The two leaders began their informal meetings way back in 2014 when Xi was hosted by Modi at the Sabarmati Ashram of Mahatma Gandhi in Gujarat. They have met and interacted with each other in about a dozen international meetings since then. But this will be their "heart-to-heart" informal summit. There will be no agreement signed or a joint statement issued.

I believe in the future, we will meet in format like this: President Xi to Modi

In a move to recognise <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/key-takaways-from-korean-leaders-joint-statement-from-historic-summit-133240">China as a key backer of North </a>and South Korean talks, President Trump today thanked President Xi's contribution as Kim Jong Un and President Moon concluded their day-long engagement at DMZ's peace village.

"Please do not forget the great help that my good friend, President Xi of China has given to the US, particularly at the border of North Korea," President Trump said even as relations between China and the US continued to be on the edge over trade tariffs and imposition of stiff penalties on several goods by the Trump administration.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Please do not forget the great help that my good friend, President Xi of China, has given to the United States, particularly at the Border of North Korea. Without him it would have been a much longer, tougher, process!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/989834048796266498?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Last month President Trump had imposed stiff tariffs worth $60 billion on Chinese goods entering the US which led China to hit back with similar tariffs in a tit-for-tat move.

"Without him it would have been a much longer, tougher, process," Trump said acknowledging China's role in persuading Kim to conduct talks with South Korean President Moon.

Trump's move comes as he prepares to host the North Korean leader in a summit meeting next month which is being keenly watched by experts.

On Thursday, the US president had said there are "three or four" possible dates were being considered for the landmark summit.

"We have a decision to be made. We have three and four dates. That includes five locations. That will be narrowed down," Trump said on Fox News.

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iCwS47scbLQ" width="560"></iframe>

Trump's move comes as he prepares to host the North Korean leader in a summit meeting next month which is being keenly by experts.

In a move to recognise China as a key backer of North and South Korean talks, President Trump today thanked President Xi's contribution as Kim Jong Un and President Moon concluded their day-long engagement at DMZ's peace village. "Please do not forget the great help that my good friend, President Xi of China has given to the US, particularly at the border of North Korea," President Trump said even as relations between China and the US continued to be on the edge over trade tariffs and imposition of stiff penalties on several goods by the Trump administration. Please do not forget the great help that my good friend, President Xi of China, has given to the United States, particularly at the Border of North Korea. Without him it would have been a much longer, tougher, process! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 27, 2018 × Last month President Trump had imposed stiff tariffs worth $60 billion on Chinese goods entering the US which led China to hit back with similar tariffs in a tit-for-tat move. "Without him it would have been a much longer, tougher, process," Trump said acknowledging China's role in persuading Kim to conduct talks with South Korean President Moon. Trump's move comes as he prepares to host the North Korean leader in a summit meeting next month which is being keenly watched by experts. On Thursday, the US president had said there are "three or four" possible dates were being considered for the landmark summit. "We have a decision to be made. We have three and four dates. That includes five locations. That will be narrowed down," Trump said on Fox News.

Do not forget President Xi's help in North Korea issue, reminds Trump

Congress president Rahul Gandhi today called Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to China as the one having "no agenda", but reminded him to raise the Doklam standoff with Chinese troops last year and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC) with the leadership there.

Gandhi mocked Modi, saying "you look tense" on the visit.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Dear PM, 
 
Saw the live TV feed of your “No Agenda” China visit. 
 
You look tense! 
 
A quick reminder: 
 
1. DOKLAM 
2. China Pakistan Eco Corridor passes through POK. That’s Indian territory. 
 
India wants to hear you talk about these crucial issues. 
 
You have our support.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/989788654695567360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

However extending his party's support, he told the prime minister that India wants to hear him talk about these crucial issues - Doklam and CPEC - with China.

"Dear PM, Saw the live TV feed of your&nbsp"No Agenda"&nbspChina visit. You look tense! A quick reminder: 1. DOKLAM 2. China Pakistan Economic Corridor passes through POK. That's Indian territory. India wants to hear you talk about these crucial issues. You have our support," Gandhi said on Twitter.

Indian and Chinese troops were locked in a standoff in Doklam area last year. The face-off ended through negotiations after 73 days.

The CPEC, a part of the ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, runs through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and India opposes the controversial project.

Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping today began talks at an unprecedented two-day informal summit in Wuhan city in central China. During the visit, the two leaders will have a series of one-on-one conversations on bilateral, global and regional issues.

The CPEC, a part of the ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, runs through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and India opposes the controversial project.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi today called Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to China as the one having "no agenda", but reminded him to raise the Doklam standoff with Chinese troops last year and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC) with the leadership there. Gandhi mocked Modi, saying "you look tense" on the visit. Dear PM, Saw the live TV feed of your “No Agenda” China visit. You look tense! A quick reminder: 1. DOKLAM 2. China Pakistan Eco Corridor passes through POK. That’s Indian territory. India wants to hear you talk about these crucial issues. You have our support. — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 27, 2018 × However extending his party's support, he told the prime minister that India wants to hear him talk about these crucial issues - Doklam and CPEC - with China. "Dear PM, Saw the live TV feed of your "No Agenda"&nbspChina visit. You look tense! A quick reminder: 1. DOKLAM 2. China Pakistan Economic Corridor passes through POK. That's Indian territory. India wants to hear you talk about these crucial issues. You have our support," Gandhi said on Twitter. Indian and Chinese troops were locked in a standoff in Doklam area last year. The face-off ended through negotiations after 73 days. The CPEC, a part of the ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, runs through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and India opposes the controversial project. Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping today began talks at an unprecedented two-day informal summit in Wuhan city in central China. During the visit, the two leaders will have a series of one-on-one conversations on bilateral, global and regional issues.

'No Agenda visit': 'Dear PM, please talk about Doklam, CPEC,' urges Rahul Gandhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President&nbsp;Xi Jinping are holding a friendly, informal and one-on-one conversations focussing on global, regional and bilateral issues at Hubei Provincial Museum in&nbsp;the central Chinese city of Wuhan on Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The dialogue between two Asian powerhouses&nbsp;is expected to cement India-China ties although no agenda has been set up for the meeting.

Earlier&nbsp;Modi was accorded a red carpet welcome as Xi welcomed him with a handshake and cultural extravaganza&nbsp;for the 'informal summit'.&nbsp;

This is PM Modi's fourth visit to China since he took over as prime minister of India.&nbsp;

This is the first time both the leaders are meeting post-Doklam&nbsp;tensions.

The dialogue will be followed by talks between the two leaders accompanied by six top officials from each side. The two will have one-on-one dinner at the famous East Lake, a favourite holiday destination of China's revolutionary leader Mao Zedong.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

They will resume their one-on-one interaction tomorrow at 10 a.M (local time) with walks by the lakeside, boat ride and wind up their talks over lunch, official sources here said.

The two leaders began their informal meetings way back in 2014 when Xi was hosted by Modi at the Sabarmati Ashram of Mahatma Gandhi in Gujarat. They have met and interacted with each other in about a dozen international meetings since then.

But this will be their "heart-to-heart" informal summit. There will be no agreement signed or a joint statement issued.

It is a summit, according to the officials, to forge consensus to resolve the issues with follow up actions by officials than announcing any agreements. This is something the leaders of the two countries have never tried so far, they said.

The details of the informal summit was not disclosed but officials said it included walks by the two leaders in the East Lake where they will have a boat ride and take walks just accompanied by their translators.

The summit is being seen as an effort by India and China to rebuild trust and improve ties that were hit by the 73-day-long Dokalam standoff last year among other contentious issues.

In a pre-departure statement, Prime Minister Modi said he and President Xi will review the developments in Sino-Indian relations from a strategic and long-term perspective.

"President Xi and I will exchange views on a range of issues of bilateral and global importance. We will discuss our respective visions and priorities for national development, particularly in the context of current and future international situation," Modi said.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

China's state media said the informal Xi-Modi meeting heralds a new chapter in Sino-Indian relations.

During the last year's Doklam standoff the two sides came close to war, an article in the state-run Global Times said.

It dragged Sino-Indian relations down to their lowest level since the 1962 Sino-Indian border War. Obviously, the Doklam standoff did not happen all of a sudden, but was the result of the accumulation of mistrust between the two countries," it said.

The Xi-Modi meeting in 2018 following the 2017 Dokalam standoff will, without doubt, promote mutual trust and reciprocity between the two countries, and will be a cornerstone of a stable long-term relationship between China and India," the article said.&nbsp;

This will be the fourth visit of Modi to China after he came to power in 2014. He is again due to visit China to take part in the SCO summit to be held at Qingdao city on June 9-10.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are holding a friendly, informal and one-on-one conversations focussing on global, regional and bilateral issues at Hubei Provincial Museum in the central Chinese city of Wuhan on Friday. The dialogue between two Asian powerhouses is expected to cement India-China ties although no agenda has been set up for the meeting. Earlier Modi was accorded a red carpet welcome as Xi welcomed him with a handshake and cultural extravaganza for the 'informal summit'. This is PM Modi's fourth visit to China since he took over as prime minister of India. This is the first time both the leaders are meeting post-Doklam tensions. The dialogue will be followed by talks between the two leaders accompanied by six top officials from each side. The two will have one-on-one dinner at the famous East Lake, a favourite holiday destination of China's revolutionary leader Mao Zedong. They will resume their one-on-one interaction tomorrow at 10 a.M (local time) with walks by the lakeside, boat ride and wind up their talks over lunch, official sources here said. The two leaders began their informal meetings way back in 2014 when Xi was hosted by Modi at the Sabarmati Ashram of Mahatma Gandhi in Gujarat. They have met and interacted with each other in about a dozen international meetings since then. But this will be their "heart-to-heart" informal summit. There will be no agreement signed or a joint statement issued. It is a summit, according to the officials, to forge consensus to resolve the issues with follow up actions by officials than announcing any agreements. This is something the leaders of the two countries have never tried so far, they said. The details of the informal summit was not disclosed but officials said it included walks by the two leaders in the East Lake where they will have a boat ride and take walks just accompanied by their translators. The summit is being seen as an effort by India and China to rebuild trust and improve ties that were hit by the 73-day-long Dokalam standoff last year among other contentious issues. In a pre-departure statement, Prime Minister Modi said he and President Xi will review the developments in Sino-Indian relations from a strategic and long-term perspective. "President Xi and I will exchange views on a range of issues of bilateral and global importance. We will discuss our respective visions and priorities for national development, particularly in the context of current and future international situation," Modi said. China's state media said the informal Xi-Modi meeting heralds a new chapter in Sino-Indian relations. During the last year's Doklam standoff the two sides came close to war, an article in the state-run Global Times said. It dragged Sino-Indian relations down to their lowest level since the 1962 Sino-Indian border War. Obviously, the Doklam standoff did not happen all of a sudden, but was the result of the accumulation of mistrust between the two countries," it said. The Xi-Modi meeting in 2018 following the 2017 Dokalam standoff will, without doubt, promote mutual trust and reciprocity between the two countries, and will be a cornerstone of a stable long-term relationship between China and India," the article said. This will be the fourth visit of Modi to China after he came to power in 2014. He is again due to visit China to take part in the SCO summit to be held at Qingdao city on June 9-10.

Modi-Xi bonhomie on full display as Wuhan summit gets underway

Ahead of PM Modi's<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/with-trade-deficit-on-mind-modi-heads-to-wuhan-for-informal-meeting-with-xi-jinping-132774"> "informal visit" to China</a>, the local media has already begun to praise the Indian prime minister's initiative.

The state-run China Daily said these development sends "positive signals" after the border standoff between the Chinese and Indian armies at Doklam last year.

"It was vice-foreign minister Kong Xuanyou's visit to New Delhi on April 5-6 to hold talks with India's foreign secretary, which set the tone for the meeting between Xi-Modi in Wuhan," China daily said.

The daily however cautioned that negotiations on "remodeling" the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC) may prove difficult for Modi and Xi.

Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post(SCMP) said Xi and Modi's summit at Hubei's capital Wuhan on April 27-28 is in tune with "thaw in relations" in recent months.

China's right-leaning newspaper Global Times in its Oped page said the meeting between the two heads of state will help to "set the course"" for bilateral ties.

"Within China, hostility toward India is being replaced by hopes for friendly ties. The two countries need more communication to enhance mutual trust and eliminate the possibility of another border crisis," the editorial said.

The newspaper said China and India have a more "robust economic development than other emerging countries and are both independent."

"China and India cooled down soon after the Doklam standoff, which indicates the solid foundation for ties," it added.

In another article in SCMP, the writer said China has much to gain with the development of economic relations with India especially from a growing export economy.

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JIm2a8Lu7yM" width="560"></iframe>

In an article in SCMP, the writer said China has much to gain with the development of economic relations with India

Ahead of PM Modi's "informal visit" to China, the local media has already begun to praise the Indian prime minister's initiative. The state-run China Daily said these development sends "positive signals" after the border standoff between the Chinese and Indian armies at Doklam last year. "It was vice-foreign minister Kong Xuanyou's visit to New Delhi on April 5-6 to hold talks with India's foreign secretary, which set the tone for the meeting between Xi-Modi in Wuhan," China daily said. The daily however cautioned that negotiations on "remodeling" the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC) may prove difficult for Modi and Xi. Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post(SCMP) said Xi and Modi's summit at Hubei's capital Wuhan on April 27-28 is in tune with "thaw in relations" in recent months. China's right-leaning newspaper Global Times in its Oped page said the meeting between the two heads of state will help to "set the course"" for bilateral ties. "Within China, hostility toward India is being replaced by hopes for friendly ties. The two countries need more communication to enhance mutual trust and eliminate the possibility of another border crisis," the editorial said. The newspaper said China and India have a more "robust economic development than other emerging countries and are both independent." "China and India cooled down soon after the Doklam standoff, which indicates the solid foundation for ties," it added. In another article in SCMP, the writer said China has much to gain with the development of economic relations with India especially from a growing export economy.

Hostility towards India being replaced by hopes for friendly ties: Chinese media

After meeting Chinese vice-president,&nbsp;India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj today met President Xi in Beijing on Monday.

Swaraj who is on a four-day visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) had met China's vice president Wang Qishan at Zhongnanhai on Monday afternoon.

On Sunday, Sushma Swaraj had met her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and announced that PM Modi and President Xi will meet in Wuhan on April 27-28.

Earlier on Monday, &nbsp;Swaraj had met Kyrgyzstan foreign minister Erlan Abdyldaev to discuss trade and development. India's external affairs minister had also met Uzbekistan foreign minister Abdulaziz Kamilov.

India's latest connect with China comes in the backdrop of China, US face-off on trade issues with the Communist state keen to improve relations with India focussing on trade and investment.

The Chinese side is keen to "reset" relations with India after both countries were involved in a huge border row over Doklam last year.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to discuss the Doklam issue with President Xi when he visits Beijing in on Friday with both sides eager to&nbsp;carve a new relationship.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o6Ylx72a6UY" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

&nbsp;

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to discuss the Doklam issue with President Xi

After meeting Chinese vice-president, India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj today met President Xi in Beijing on Monday. Swaraj who is on a four-day visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) had met China's vice president Wang Qishan at Zhongnanhai on Monday afternoon. On Sunday, Sushma Swaraj had met her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and announced that PM Modi and President Xi will meet in Wuhan on April 27-28. Earlier on Monday, Swaraj had met Kyrgyzstan foreign minister Erlan Abdyldaev to discuss trade and development. India's external affairs minister had also met Uzbekistan foreign minister Abdulaziz Kamilov. India's latest connect with China comes in the backdrop of China, US face-off on trade issues with the Communist state keen to improve relations with India focussing on trade and investment. The Chinese side is keen to "reset" relations with India after both countries were involved in a huge border row over Doklam last year. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to discuss the Doklam issue with President Xi when he visits Beijing in on Friday with both sides eager to carve a new relationship.

Sushma Swaraj meets China's President Xi, Vice-President Wang Qishan

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday told the nation&#39;s rubber-stamp parliament that &quot;only socialism can save China&quot; as he reasserted the Communist Party&#39;s supremacy over his country.

&quot;History has already proven and will continue to prove that only socialism can save China,&quot; Xi said.

He later added that the Communist party was the supreme political leadership of the country and was guaranteed to &quot;rejuvenate&quot; China.

&quot;The Communist Party is the supreme political leadership of the country and the fundamental guarantee to achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation,&quot; he said.

Xi warns US

The Chinese President also warned against any efforts to split China, days after the United States approved rules that would allow top-level officials to travel to Taiwan.

&quot;All acts and tricks to separate the country are doomed to fail and will be condemned by the people and punished by history,&quot; Xi said at the end of the country&#39;s annual parliamentary session.

He also tried to address concerns about Chinese development projects abroad, stating that they &quot;will not pose a threat to any country.&quot;

&quot;Only those who are accustomed to threatening others will see everyone as a threat.&quot; 
 
(With inputs from AFP) 
&nbsp;

The Chinese president reasserted the Communist Party's supremacy over his country

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday told the nation's rubber-stamp parliament that "only socialism can save China" as he reasserted the Communist Party's supremacy over his country. "History has already proven and will continue to prove that only socialism can save China," Xi said. He later added that the Communist party was the supreme political leadership of the country and was guaranteed to "rejuvenate" China. "The Communist Party is the supreme political leadership of the country and the fundamental guarantee to achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," he said. Xi warns US The Chinese President also warned against any efforts to split China, days after the United States approved rules that would allow top-level officials to travel to Taiwan. "All acts and tricks to separate the country are doomed to fail and will be condemned by the people and punished by history," Xi said at the end of the country's annual parliamentary session. He also tried to address concerns about Chinese development projects abroad, stating that they "will not pose a threat to any country." "Only those who are accustomed to threatening others will see everyone as a threat." (With inputs from AFP)

'Only socialism can save China': President Xi to Parliament

China is merging its banking and insurance regulators and creating a slew of ministries including a new agricultural and rural affairs ministry as part of the biggest government shake-up in years.

The long-awaited move to streamline and tighten oversight of the $42 trillion banking and insurance sectors comes as authorities seek more clout to crack down on riskier lending practices and reduce high corporate debt levels.

The revamp is also part of broader reforms by President Xi Jinping as the leadership of the ruling Communist Party is being resolutely placed at the heart of policy-making and Xi himself at the core of the party. Details were released in a parliament document on Tuesday.

Liu He, Xi&#39;s top economic adviser and confidante, has emerged as a prominent voice in the party on trade and economic matters. Writing in a commentary in the official People&#39;s Daily on Tuesday, Liu said reforms would be profound.&quot;Deepening the reform of the party and state institutions is an inevitable requirement for strengthening the long-term governance of the party,&quot; Liu said.

The economy and the party have become ever more intertwined since the once-in-five-years party congress in October when Xi cemented his grip on power.

On Sunday, presidential term limits were removed from its constitution, giving Xi the right to remain in office indefinitely, and confirming his status as the country&#39;s most powerful leader since Mao Zedong died more than 40 years ago.

The heads of the new merged regulator, ministries and departments will be announced before the close of the annual session of parliament on March 20.

Many Xi allies are expected to get top appointments including the chair of the National People&#39;s Congress, or parliament, and National Supervisory Commission.

China is among the global economies seen as most vulnerable to a banking crisis, the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) said at the weekend, though Beijing has maintained that debt risks are under control.

Speculation that China was considering the creation of a super financial regulator has been rife since the Chinese stock market crash of 2015, which has been blamed in part on poor inter-agency coordination.

The merger of the China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC) and China Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC) is aimed at resolving existing problems such as unclear responsibilities and cross-regulation, according to the parliament document.

The new merged entity will directly report to the State Council, or cabinet.&nbsp;The function of making important laws and regulations of CBRC and CIRC will be transferred to the People&#39;s Bank of China as the central bank takes on a bigger role.

&quot;Coordinated financial regulation will address the issue of regulatory arbitrage, especially in the shadow banking sector,&quot; said Nicholas Zhu, a Beijing-based senior analyst at Moody&#39;s Investors Service.

&quot;We&#39;ve seen coordinated policy efforts in the past by CBRC and CIRC, but now the institutional consolidation of the two agencies will further enhance efficiency of implementation of the rules.&quot;

China&#39;s securities regulator - the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) - will remain a separate entity, however.

CBRC was carved out of the central bank in 2003 under a State Council directive, while CIRC was created in 1998. The Ministry of Agriculture has not undergone any major change in its role and oversight since 2013.&quot;

China&#39;s financial system has become increasingly tough to regulate as it grows rapidly in size and complexity, emerging as one of the world&#39;s largest with financial assets at nearly 470 percent of gross domestic product, according to the International Monetary Fund.

Companies registered as banks or insurers have also started dabbling in other areas of finance with many offering complex hybrid products and making non-traditional investments.

Many brokerages also structure wealth management products as a channel for hidden bank lending, in addition to the more traditional business of facilitating share trades and investment banking services.

&quot;One area of systemic risk is insurance, and one of the problems is that some insurance products have fallen in the cracks between insurance and banking and nobody was looking after them,&quot; said James Stent, a former independent director at two Chinese banks and author of &quot;China&#39;s Banking Transformation.&quot;

Regulatory arbitrage and risky cross-asset investments have worried policymakers. According to a parliament document released on Tuesday, the government will create seven new ministries: natural resources; ecological environment; emergency management; agriculture and rural affairs; culture and tourism; veterans affairs; and the National Health Commission.

Within the ministries and departments being restructured, some officials are concerned about the loss of some functions while others welcomed the opportunity to gain new powers, according to people familiar with the situation.

&quot;Everyone seems to regard these departments as their own interests - giving up a piece of yourself is very heart-wrenching but it&#39;s a pleasure to take a piece of someone else,&quot; said an official at a ministry, declining to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter.

&quot;Reforms are difficult.&quot;

China has also proposed forming a national markets supervision management bureau, which will take on the pricing supervision and antimonopoly law enforcement role from the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), Ministry of Commerce and State Council.

The National Council for Social Security Fund led by former finance minister Lou Jiwei will be managed by the finance ministry, instead of the State Council.&nbsp;The securities and state assets regulators were not mentioned among the proposed changes.

The proposed changes outlined in the document will be discussed in parliament on Tuesday, and are expected to be formally approved by the largely rubber-stamp parliament on Saturday. When the plan is passed, the cabinet will consist of 26 ministries and commissions in addition to the General Office of the State Council.

The revamp is also part of broader reforms by President Xi Jinping as the leadership of the ruling Communist Party

China is merging its banking and insurance regulators and creating a slew of ministries including a new agricultural and rural affairs ministry as part of the biggest government shake-up in years. The long-awaited move to streamline and tighten oversight of the $42 trillion banking and insurance sectors comes as authorities seek more clout to crack down on riskier lending practices and reduce high corporate debt levels. The revamp is also part of broader reforms by President Xi Jinping as the leadership of the ruling Communist Party is being resolutely placed at the heart of policy-making and Xi himself at the core of the party. Details were released in a parliament document on Tuesday. Liu He, Xi's top economic adviser and confidante, has emerged as a prominent voice in the party on trade and economic matters. Writing in a commentary in the official People's Daily on Tuesday, Liu said reforms would be profound."Deepening the reform of the party and state institutions is an inevitable requirement for strengthening the long-term governance of the party," Liu said. The economy and the party have become ever more intertwined since the once-in-five-years party congress in October when Xi cemented his grip on power. On Sunday, presidential term limits were removed from its constitution, giving Xi the right to remain in office indefinitely, and confirming his status as the country's most powerful leader since Mao Zedong died more than 40 years ago. The heads of the new merged regulator, ministries and departments will be announced before the close of the annual session of parliament on March 20. Many Xi allies are expected to get top appointments including the chair of the National People's Congress, or parliament, and National Supervisory Commission. China is among the global economies seen as most vulnerable to a banking crisis, the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) said at the weekend, though Beijing has maintained that debt risks are under control. Speculation that China was considering the creation of a super financial regulator has been rife since the Chinese stock market crash of 2015, which has been blamed in part on poor inter-agency coordination. The merger of the China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC) and China Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC) is aimed at resolving existing problems such as unclear responsibilities and cross-regulation, according to the parliament document. The new merged entity will directly report to the State Council, or cabinet. The function of making important laws and regulations of CBRC and CIRC will be transferred to the People's Bank of China as the central bank takes on a bigger role. "Coordinated financial regulation will address the issue of regulatory arbitrage, especially in the shadow banking sector," said Nicholas Zhu, a Beijing-based senior analyst at Moody's Investors Service. "We've seen coordinated policy efforts in the past by CBRC and CIRC, but now the institutional consolidation of the two agencies will further enhance efficiency of implementation of the rules." China's securities regulator - the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) - will remain a separate entity, however. CBRC was carved out of the central bank in 2003 under a State Council directive, while CIRC was created in 1998. The Ministry of Agriculture has not undergone any major change in its role and oversight since 2013." China's financial system has become increasingly tough to regulate as it grows rapidly in size and complexity, emerging as one of the world's largest with financial assets at nearly 470 percent of gross domestic product, according to the International Monetary Fund. Companies registered as banks or insurers have also started dabbling in other areas of finance with many offering complex hybrid products and making non-traditional investments. Many brokerages also structure wealth management products as a channel for hidden bank lending, in addition to the more traditional business of facilitating share trades and investment banking services. "One area of systemic risk is insurance, and one of the problems is that some insurance products have fallen in the cracks between insurance and banking and nobody was looking after them," said James Stent, a former independent director at two Chinese banks and author of "China's Banking Transformation." Regulatory arbitrage and risky cross-asset investments have worried policymakers. According to a parliament document released on Tuesday, the government will create seven new ministries: natural resources; ecological environment; emergency management; agriculture and rural affairs; culture and tourism; veterans affairs; and the National Health Commission. Within the ministries and departments being restructured, some officials are concerned about the loss of some functions while others welcomed the opportunity to gain new powers, according to people familiar with the situation. "Everyone seems to regard these departments as their own interests - giving up a piece of yourself is very heart-wrenching but it's a pleasure to take a piece of someone else," said an official at a ministry, declining to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter. "Reforms are difficult." China has also proposed forming a national markets supervision management bureau, which will take on the pricing supervision and antimonopoly law enforcement role from the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), Ministry of Commerce and State Council. The National Council for Social Security Fund led by former finance minister Lou Jiwei will be managed by the finance ministry, instead of the State Council. The securities and state assets regulators were not mentioned among the proposed changes. The proposed changes outlined in the document will be discussed in parliament on Tuesday, and are expected to be formally approved by the largely rubber-stamp parliament on Saturday. When the plan is passed, the cabinet will consist of 26 ministries and commissions in addition to the General Office of the State Council.

China to merge banking, insurance regulators; create new ministries

China today <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/obor-row-now-german-chancellor-merkel-raises-doubts-on-chinas-investments-in-europe-33651">said the One Belt, One Road initiative</a> (OBOR) put forward by President Xi should not be seen as a &quot;geo-strategic tool&quot;.

The annual session of the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-considers-obor-potential-hazard-new-delhis-clout-will-weaken-china-daily-28317"> Chinese Communist Party is currently</a> underway in Beijing with a number of key decisions on the anvil, the most important among them could be the lifting of term limit for presidents which would pave the way for President&#39;s Xi to be at the helm for over a decade, possibly for life.

The One Belt, One Road(OBOR) project has been President Xi&#39;s primary&nbsp;foreign policy initiative which seeks to create rail and road network from Asia to Europe in order boost trade, however, several countries including India have raised objections to the project which it says infringes upon its territorial sovereignty, an allegation which China denies.

&quot;Five years ago, President Xi Jinping put forward the Belt and Road Initiative. Over the past five years, thanks to joint efforts from all parties, this initiative is being turned into actions from a concept, and it is being translated into reality from a vision,&quot; said Zhang Yesui, the Chinese spokesman said.

&quot;Actually, a lot of progress has been made, for example, infrastructure connectivity building has yielded a lot of early harvests, policy communication is going deeper, cooperation mechanisms are being strengthened, and collaboration on the ground is unfolding across the board,&quot; Zhang added.

China has already concluded large-scale deals in the Indian sub-continent with Pakistan, Nepal including the Maldives to ensure a continued thrust even as India has raised objections to the deal.

&quot;To say that the Belt and Road Initiative is a geo-strategic tool, in my view, this is a misinterpretation of the initiative,&quot; Zhang said.&nbsp;

&quot;All these concrete results are successful examples, they fully demonstrate that the Belt and Road Initiative has really responded the trend for win-win cooperation, and the shared aspiration for common development,&quot; Zhang declared.

The One Belt, One Road project has been President Xi's primary foreign policy initiative

China today said the One Belt, One Road initiative (OBOR) put forward by President Xi should not be seen as a "geo-strategic tool". The annual session of the Chinese Communist Party is currently underway in Beijing with a number of key decisions on the anvil, the most important among them could be the lifting of term limit for presidents which would pave the way for President's Xi to be at the helm for over a decade, possibly for life. The One Belt, One Road(OBOR) project has been President Xi's primary foreign policy initiative which seeks to create rail and road network from Asia to Europe in order boost trade, however, several countries including India have raised objections to the project which it says infringes upon its territorial sovereignty, an allegation which China denies. "Five years ago, President Xi Jinping put forward the Belt and Road Initiative. Over the past five years, thanks to joint efforts from all parties, this initiative is being turned into actions from a concept, and it is being translated into reality from a vision," said Zhang Yesui, the Chinese spokesman said. "Actually, a lot of progress has been made, for example, infrastructure connectivity building has yielded a lot of early harvests, policy communication is going deeper, cooperation mechanisms are being strengthened, and collaboration on the ground is unfolding across the board," Zhang added. China has already concluded large-scale deals in the Indian sub-continent with Pakistan, Nepal including the Maldives to ensure a continued thrust even as India has raised objections to the deal. "To say that the Belt and Road Initiative is a geo-strategic tool, in my view, this is a misinterpretation of the initiative," Zhang said. "All these concrete results are successful examples, they fully demonstrate that the Belt and Road Initiative has really responded the trend for win-win cooperation, and the shared aspiration for common development," Zhang declared.

OBOR project should not be seen as geo-strategic tool: China

Ahead of British PM Theresa May&#39;s visit, China&#39;s foreign ministry said the Belt and Road initiative (OBOR) has &quot;huge potential&quot;&nbsp;and &quot;broad prospects for China and Britain.&quot;

May will be visiting China on Wednesday at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. May&#39;s three-day visit is likely to touch on several trade issues.

&quot;The British government and Prime Minister May expressed their support of the Belt and Road Initiative several times. They sent British Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond as a special envoy to the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation held in Beijing in May last year,&quot; China&#39;s foreign affairs spokesman said.

China&#39;s OBOR project also known as the new silk road is aimed at connecting trade routes through road and rail from Asia to Europe.

&quot;The Belt and Road is a major area where China and Britain can display each other&#39;s advantages in cooperation and realize mutual benefit and win-win,&quot; the spokesman added.

The OBOR project is a major foreign initiative headed by President Xi which is also enshrined in the Chinese constitution. Several countries including Pakistan, Maldives, and Nepal have already signed-up to the agreement with China keen to enlist Afghanistan.

India has opposed the project as it says some routes pass through the disputed region in Kashmir.

In May last year, China had held a high-profile event in Beijing to advertise the OBOR project with leaders of several countries at the event including Russian president Putin, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Managing director of IMF Christine Lagarde, World Bank President Jim Yong Kim among others.

China's OBOR project also known as the new silk road is aimed at connecting trade routes through road and rail from Asia to Europe

Ahead of British PM Theresa May's visit, China's foreign ministry said the Belt and Road initiative (OBOR) has "huge potential" and "broad prospects for China and Britain." May will be visiting China on Wednesday at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. May's three-day visit is likely to touch on several trade issues. "The British government and Prime Minister May expressed their support of the Belt and Road Initiative several times. They sent British Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond as a special envoy to the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation held in Beijing in May last year," China's foreign affairs spokesman said. China's OBOR project also known as the new silk road is aimed at connecting trade routes through road and rail from Asia to Europe. "The Belt and Road is a major area where China and Britain can display each other's advantages in cooperation and realize mutual benefit and win-win," the spokesman added. The OBOR project is a major foreign initiative headed by President Xi which is also enshrined in the Chinese constitution. Several countries including Pakistan, Maldives, and Nepal have already signed-up to the agreement with China keen to enlist Afghanistan. India has opposed the project as it says some routes pass through the disputed region in Kashmir. In May last year, China had held a high-profile event in Beijing to advertise the OBOR project with leaders of several countries at the event including Russian president Putin, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Managing director of IMF Christine Lagarde, World Bank President Jim Yong Kim among others.

China pushes OBOR project ahead of British PM Theresa May's visit

A former CIA official who lives in Hong Kong was arrested by US authorities in New York airport on Monday after FBI agents allegedly found classified information in his hotel room, including two small books containing information on details of true names and numbers of spy recruits and covert CIA employees.&nbsp;

Jerry Chun Shing Lee, 53, a US citizen was produced before a federal magistrate on Tuesday, the judge ordered Lee to be held without bail.

According to the FBI agent, Lee served in the US Army from 1982 to 1986 and worked for the CIA from 1994 to 2007.

The FBI said the documents could cause &quot;exceptionally grave damage&quot; to the national security of the United States.

Lee was earlier interviewed by the CIA in 2013 but did not disclose he had the documents, reports said.

Lee has been&nbsp;reportedly linked to China&#39;s dismantling of CIA&#39;s network of undercover operatives inside China five years ago.

This is the third arrest in one year of US officials suspected of helping Chinese spies. In June last year, ex-CIA official, Kevin Mallory was arrested for allegedly hading over US secrets to Chinese agents for $25,000.&nbsp;

In February, 2017, a US diplomat Candace Claiborne was arrested and charged with accepting cash and gifts from Chinese intelligence officials. 
&nbsp;

According to the FBI agent, Lee served in the US Army from 1982 to 1986 and worked for the CIA from 1994 to 2007.

A former CIA official who lives in Hong Kong was arrested by US authorities in New York airport on Monday after FBI agents allegedly found classified information in his hotel room, including two small books containing information on details of true names and numbers of spy recruits and covert CIA employees. Jerry Chun Shing Lee, 53, a US citizen was produced before a federal magistrate on Tuesday, the judge ordered Lee to be held without bail. According to the FBI agent, Lee served in the US Army from 1982 to 1986 and worked for the CIA from 1994 to 2007. The FBI said the documents could cause "exceptionally grave damage" to the national security of the United States. Lee was earlier interviewed by the CIA in 2013 but did not disclose he had the documents, reports said. Lee has been reportedly linked to China's dismantling of CIA's network of undercover operatives inside China five years ago. This is the third arrest in one year of US officials suspected of helping Chinese spies. In June last year, ex-CIA official, Kevin Mallory was arrested for allegedly hading over US secrets to Chinese agents for $25,000. In February, 2017, a US diplomat Candace Claiborne was arrested and charged with accepting cash and gifts from Chinese intelligence officials.

US arrests ex-CIA official linked to spying for China

China&#39;s state-run newspaper <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/maldives-president-abdulla-yameen-backs-chinas-obor-signs-mou-26163">Global Times in its Op-ed piece said today </a>that India still swears by the &quot;outdated geopolitical strategy&quot; and bases its &quot;sense of security on narrow national interests.&quot;

The right-leaning newspaper <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/eye-on-obor-after-beidou-satellite-launch-china-aims-to-build-own-global-positioning-system-23603">pointed that India reckons regional </a>cooperation promoted by China will bring about a zero-sum game and even &quot;jeopardize its national security and interests, adding that in the long run it would &quot;weaken&quot; &nbsp;New Delhi&#39;s clout because of its dwindling ties with adjacent states - in clear reference to Pakistan and Nepal which have increasingly leaned towards the communist state with the OBOR project set in full steam.

&quot;When some powers outside the region enter and affect India&#39;s sphere of influence, more countries in the region are eager to break away with India,&quot; it said.

&quot;As a result, the geopolitical game in the region surrounding India is likely to grow stronger,&quot; the newspaper added.

The newspaper linked its argument with the OBOR project which is President Xi&#39;s key foreign policy project aimed at boosting trade relations across Asia and Europe by building road and waterways linking countries to pave the way trade relations which is resisted by India since the road networks cut across disputed areas in PoK.

The Global Times said: &quot;India&#39;s opposition to the Belt and Road initiative not only deprives it of an opportunity for development and shows its jealousy toward its neighbours gaining from the initiative but also reflects New Delhi&#39;s dread and delusion with China.&quot;

The newspaper said the worldview suspects &nbsp;Beijing is trying to isolate India through the ambitious OBOR project, asserting that India&#39;s allegation of extending the CPEC project to Afghanistan may sound reasonable, highlighting that &quot;India brings trouble to itself making it lose development opportunities.&quot;

The newspaper said even &quot;Pakistan invited India&quot; to promote the building of the CPEC in December 2016, emphasising that extending the CPEC project to Afghanistan was not intended to &quot;undermine&quot; India, but to enhance the economic corridor.&nbsp;

&quot;The Belt and Road initiative is designed to boost international cooperation following the principle of shared growth through discussion and win-win cooperation,&quot; the newspaper said.&nbsp;

&quot;Instead of pursuing a country&#39;s growth at the cost of others or damaging interests of a nation, the initiative is a new geopolitical collaborative model,&quot; the newspaper added.

The editorial concluded saying: As emerging powers responsible for propelling the new international order, China and India should abandon outdated antagonistic mindset , uphold the values of friendship, justice and shared interests, participate in regional governance and develop new state-to-state relations.&quot;

The right-leaning newspaper pointed that India reckons regional cooperation promoted by China will bring about a zero-sum game

China's state-run newspaper Global Times in its Op-ed piece said today that India still swears by the "outdated geopolitical strategy" and bases its "sense of security on narrow national interests." The right-leaning newspaper pointed that India reckons regional cooperation promoted by China will bring about a zero-sum game and even "jeopardize its national security and interests, adding that in the long run it would "weaken" New Delhi's clout because of its dwindling ties with adjacent states - in clear reference to Pakistan and Nepal which have increasingly leaned towards the communist state with the OBOR project set in full steam. "When some powers outside the region enter and affect India's sphere of influence, more countries in the region are eager to break away with India," it said. "As a result, the geopolitical game in the region surrounding India is likely to grow stronger," the newspaper added. The newspaper linked its argument with the OBOR project which is President Xi's key foreign policy project aimed at boosting trade relations across Asia and Europe by building road and waterways linking countries to pave the way trade relations which is resisted by India since the road networks cut across disputed areas in PoK. The Global Times said: "India's opposition to the Belt and Road initiative not only deprives it of an opportunity for development and shows its jealousy toward its neighbours gaining from the initiative but also reflects New Delhi's dread and delusion with China." The newspaper said the worldview suspects Beijing is trying to isolate India through the ambitious OBOR project, asserting that India's allegation of extending the CPEC project to Afghanistan may sound reasonable, highlighting that "India brings trouble to itself making it lose development opportunities." The newspaper said even "Pakistan invited India" to promote the building of the CPEC in December 2016, emphasising that extending the CPEC project to Afghanistan was not intended to "undermine" India, but to enhance the economic corridor. "The Belt and Road initiative is designed to boost international cooperation following the principle of shared growth through discussion and win-win cooperation," the newspaper said. "Instead of pursuing a country's growth at the cost of others or damaging interests of a nation, the initiative is a new geopolitical collaborative model," the newspaper added. The editorial concluded saying: As emerging powers responsible for propelling the new international order, China and India should abandon outdated antagonistic mindset , uphold the values of friendship, justice and shared interests, participate in regional governance and develop new state-to-state relations."

India considers OBOR potential hazard, New Delhi's clout will weaken: China Daily

China&#39;s Xinhua state news <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/jinping-orders-chinas-toilet-revolution-to-march-on-25251">agency said over 8,000 people were </a>punished across the country after the government&#39;s budget last year revealed several fraud cases.

President Xi who <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/new-era-in-china-president-xi-unveils-new-politburo-members-22861">recently received another </a>five-year term in office has made fighting corruption as a key initiative of this government. In his 19th party congress speech, Xi had pledged fighting corruption as one of the top agendas of his new regime.

A report claimed that over around 1.5 million Chinese government officials were investigated on graft allegation. The Communist Pary of China(CPC) has over 90 million active members.

Last year, China had raised the death sentence level in graft cases to 3 million yuan while unveiling new judicial guidelines. Earlier, the threshold limit was 100,000 yuan.

In 2015, China&#39;s ex-security chief Zhou Yongkang was sentenced to life on charges of taking bribes and abuse of power.

Hu Zejun, head of the National Audit Office said 970 were punished for misusing funds earmarked for a poverty relief campaign and another 1,363 were charged for fund &quot;irregularities&quot;.&nbsp;

Hu added that about 48 billion yuan ($7.30 billion) of funds earmarked for affordable housing projects had been left unused for more than year while another 1.37 billion yuan of misused funds were recovered.

The unused affordable housing funds had since been put to use, the official informed.

A report claimed that over around 1.5 million Chinese government officials were investigated on graft allegation.

China's Xinhua state news agency said over 8,000 people were punished across the country after the government's budget last year revealed several fraud cases. President Xi who recently received another five-year term in office has made fighting corruption as a key initiative of this government. In his 19th party congress speech, Xi had pledged fighting corruption as one of the top agendas of his new regime. A report claimed that over around 1.5 million Chinese government officials were investigated on graft allegation. The Communist Pary of China(CPC) has over 90 million active members. Last year, China had raised the death sentence level in graft cases to 3 million yuan while unveiling new judicial guidelines. Earlier, the threshold limit was 100,000 yuan. In 2015, China's ex-security chief Zhou Yongkang was sentenced to life on charges of taking bribes and abuse of power. Hu Zejun, head of the National Audit Office said 970 were punished for misusing funds earmarked for a poverty relief campaign and another 1,363 were charged for fund "irregularities". Hu added that about 48 billion yuan ($7.30 billion) of funds earmarked for affordable housing projects had been left unused for more than year while another 1.37 billion yuan of misused funds were recovered. The unused affordable housing funds had since been put to use, the official informed.

President Xi at the helm, China punishes over 8,000 people for corruption

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-host-trilateral-talks-with-china-russia-26379">Even as the trilateral meeting between India</a>, China and Russia kicked off in Delhi on Monday, China&#39;s right-leaning Global Times said bilateral conflicts should not be dragged into it, otherwise, the &quot;trilateral mechanism will be jeopardized without bilateral conflicts being addressed.&quot;

The daily said the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-winter-chinese-troops-establish-permanent-base-at-doklam-report-26416">meeting between foreign ministers and</a> &quot;the leaders of the three only meet with each other on international occasions, adding, &quot;this indicates it does not have high status in diplomacy and cannot bear more functions.&quot;&nbsp;

&quot;India has benefited a great deal from the meeting,&quot; the newspaper said.&nbsp;

&quot;As China, Russia and India are all BRICS nations, and India participated in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the trilateral summit indeed has raised the status of India in these two organizations,&quot; it said.

The newspaper said while India is engaged in this trilateral meeting, it is also holding &quot;ministerial-level trilateral dialogue&quot; with the US and Japan.

&quot;India&#39;s recent tilt to the US has triggered doubts from China and Russia, and it may have a negative effect on the support that China and Russia could offer India,&quot; the newspaper observed.

The newspaper said the &quot;negative effect&quot; was the Russia&#39;s &quot;change in attitude&quot; over military cooperation with Pakistan.

&quot;As the US under former president Barack Obama dragged India into its rebalance to the Asia-Pacific, but excluded it from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, it showed the US supported India just out of its own interests, but not India&#39;s,&quot; the newspaper said, concluding,&quot;the cooperation between China, Russia and India still has large room to maneuver, and India should find a balance in its &quot;vacillating diplomacy&quot;. 
&nbsp;

China's Global Times said the "trilateral mechanism will be jeopardized without bilateral conflicts being addressed."

Even as the trilateral meeting between India, China and Russia kicked off in Delhi on Monday, China's right-leaning Global Times said bilateral conflicts should not be dragged into it, otherwise, the "trilateral mechanism will be jeopardized without bilateral conflicts being addressed." The daily said the meeting between foreign ministers and "the leaders of the three only meet with each other on international occasions, adding, "this indicates it does not have high status in diplomacy and cannot bear more functions." "India has benefited a great deal from the meeting," the newspaper said. "As China, Russia and India are all BRICS nations, and India participated in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the trilateral summit indeed has raised the status of India in these two organizations," it said. The newspaper said while India is engaged in this trilateral meeting, it is also holding "ministerial-level trilateral dialogue" with the US and Japan. "India's recent tilt to the US has triggered doubts from China and Russia, and it may have a negative effect on the support that China and Russia could offer India," the newspaper observed. The newspaper said the "negative effect" was the Russia's "change in attitude" over military cooperation with Pakistan. "As the US under former president Barack Obama dragged India into its rebalance to the Asia-Pacific, but excluded it from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, it showed the US supported India just out of its own interests, but not India's," the newspaper said, concluding,"the cooperation between China, Russia and India still has large room to maneuver, and India should find a balance in its "vacillating diplomacy".

India, China, Russia trilateral meeting does not have high status in diplomacy: China daily

As <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-tests-icbm-in-fresh-challenge-to-trump-25388">North Korea test-fired an intercontinental ballistic </a>missile on Wednesday, US President Trump said his administration will impose major sanctions against Kim Jong-un&#39;s regime.

Earlier in the day, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/nkorea-launch-a-grave-threat-to-entire-world-trump-moon-25386">North Korea test-fired an intercontinental ballistic</a> missile as the Korean peninsula slipped into a major crisis mode on Wednesday morning with South Korea and Japan terming the missile tests as a &quot;violent&quot; and &quot;reckless&quot; act.

President Trump tweeted saying he spoke to Chinese President Xi on North Korea&#39;s &quot;provocative actions&quot;, adding that &quot;major sanctions will be imposed on the country&quot;.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Just spoke to President XI JINPING of China concerning the provocative actions of North Korea. Additional major sanctions will be imposed on North Korea today. This situation will be handled!
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/935881037254725632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

&quot;This situation will be handled!,&quot; the US&nbsp;president added in his tweet.

Trump during his call with Xi asked the Chinese leader to use &quot;all available levers&quot; to press North Korea.

The White House said that Trump and Xi discussed North Korea&#39;s latest ballistic missile test, with Trump again pressing China to take a tougher line against Kim.

&nbsp;

President Trump tweeted saying he spoke to Chinese President Xi on North Korea's "provocative actions", adding that "major sanctions will be imposed on the country".

As North Korea test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile on Wednesday, US President Trump said his administration will impose major sanctions against Kim Jong-un's regime. Earlier in the day, North Korea test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile as the Korean peninsula slipped into a major crisis mode on Wednesday morning with South Korea and Japan terming the missile tests as a "violent" and "reckless" act. President Trump tweeted saying he spoke to Chinese President Xi on North Korea's "provocative actions", adding that "major sanctions will be imposed on the country". Just spoke to President XI JINPING of China concerning the provocative actions of North Korea. Additional major sanctions will be imposed on North Korea today. This situation will be handled! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 29, 2017 × "This situation will be handled!," the US president added in his tweet. Trump during his call with Xi asked the Chinese leader to use "all available levers" to press North Korea. The White House said that Trump and Xi discussed North Korea's latest ballistic missile test, with Trump again pressing China to take a tougher line against Kim.

Major sanctions coming against North Korea, China must 'press all levers' to influence Kim: Trump

Atlantic Council, a US-based think tank specialising on South Asia in a paper presented recently <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-to-build-new-nuclear-reactor-in-pakistan-report-25055">said China is now &quot;India&#39;s primary source</a> of strategic&nbsp;envy&quot;, stating that India does not believe that China poses a &quot;compelling threat&quot; to its security.

The think tank in its article said<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-envoy-offers-china-mum-on-whether-itll-rename-cpec-24973"> India has steadily diluted its commitment </a>to an &quot;unambiguous nuclear first use(NFU) policy&nbsp;over the last fourteen years.&quot;

The article under the header: Asia in the &quot;second nuclear age&quot; wrote, &quot;in 2003, for example, an Indian government document listed an adversary&rsquo;s use of chemical or biological weapons as a triggering condition for the potential first use of nuclear weapons,&quot; adding,&quot;the issue of whether India has privately abandoned NFU, or will do so soon, is an unknown for even better-informed observers in New Delhi.&quot;

The think tank said senior Indian national security officials also indicate that India is &quot;rethinking its limited-conventional-war strategy against Pakistan&quot;.

&quot;In the case of ballistic missiles, warheads will very likely be mated to the missiles during emergency flushing-out routines,&quot; the think tank concluded. &nbsp;

The Atlantic Council said China is the only &quot;nuclear power among the three which is actually modernizing&quot;&nbsp;replacing ageing delivery systems with newer and better designs.&nbsp;

The think tank said neither India nor Pakistan are conducting nuclear tests to develop or improve designs for nuclear warheads. The same holds for China.

However, the think tank cautioned that Pakistan is rapidly &quot;accumulating fissile material, which could increase to four hundred and fifty kilograms of&nbsp;plutonium, sufficient for ninety weapons, and more than 2,500 kilograms of highly enriched uranium (HEU), sufficient for one hundred simple&nbsp;fission warheads by 2020.&quot;

The nuclear rivalry in South Asia remains ominous, because Pakistan wages LIC against India via non-state actors, while India has devised &quot;limited conventional-war options&quot; to punish the Pakistani military on Pakistani soil, the think tank observed.

The big difference between the &quot;first and second nuclear ages&quot; is the domestic stability of the nuclear-weapon powers, it said.&nbsp;

&quot;In Asia&nbsp;- China and India represent this continuity of strong state institutions, as well as checks and balances on the military.&quot;&nbsp;

The Atlantic Council said Pakistan remains &quot;internally unstable, and increasingly unable to rein in &#39;praetorianism&#39;&nbsp;over national security and&nbsp;nuclear policy.&quot;

The think tank in its article said India has steadily diluted its commitment to an "unambiguous Nuclear first use(NFU) policy"?over the last fourteen years.

Atlantic Council, a US-based think tank specialising on South Asia in a paper presented recently said China is now "India's primary source of strategic envy", stating that India does not believe that China poses a "compelling threat" to its security. The think tank in its article said India has steadily diluted its commitment to an "unambiguous nuclear first use(NFU) policy over the last fourteen years." The article under the header: Asia in the "second nuclear age" wrote, "in 2003, for example, an Indian government document listed an adversary’s use of chemical or biological weapons as a triggering condition for the potential first use of nuclear weapons," adding,"the issue of whether India has privately abandoned NFU, or will do so soon, is an unknown for even better-informed observers in New Delhi." The think tank said senior Indian national security officials also indicate that India is "rethinking its limited-conventional-war strategy against Pakistan". "In the case of ballistic missiles, warheads will very likely be mated to the missiles during emergency flushing-out routines," the think tank concluded. The Atlantic Council said China is the only "nuclear power among the three which is actually modernizing" replacing ageing delivery systems with newer and better designs. The think tank said neither India nor Pakistan are conducting nuclear tests to develop or improve designs for nuclear warheads. The same holds for China. However, the think tank cautioned that Pakistan is rapidly "accumulating fissile material, which could increase to four hundred and fifty kilograms of plutonium, sufficient for ninety weapons, and more than 2,500 kilograms of highly enriched uranium (HEU), sufficient for one hundred simple fission warheads by 2020." The nuclear rivalry in South Asia remains ominous, because Pakistan wages LIC against India via non-state actors, while India has devised "limited conventional-war options" to punish the Pakistani military on Pakistani soil, the think tank observed. The big difference between the "first and second nuclear ages" is the domestic stability of the nuclear-weapon powers, it said. "In Asia - China and India represent this continuity of strong state institutions, as well as checks and balances on the military." The Atlantic Council said Pakistan remains "internally unstable, and increasingly unable to rein in 'praetorianism' over national security and nuclear policy."

China is now India's primary source of 'strategic?envy', says US think tank

Wang Qishan, 69, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/new-era-in-china-president-xi-unveils-new-politburo-members-22861">the feared anti-corruption &#39;czar&#39; who left China&#39;s Communist Party</a> during this month&#39;s party congress is likely to be appointed vice-president next year at President Xi&#39;s request, the Nikkei&nbsp;Asian Review quoted Hong Kong&#39;s Sing Tao Daily newspaper as saying.

Wang Qishan, a close aide of<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-communist-party-endorses-president-xi-for-second-five-year-term-22790"> President Xi in the Communist Party, was known as the &#39;second most powerful&#39;</a> person in the Communist Party, stepped down from the party&#39;s Standing Committee last week as President Xi undertook a major reshuffle of the party structure at the top with new faces as China&#39;s newly-elected president set out a new five-year term.

Just Xi and Premier Li Keqiang are part of the new Standing Committee, rest of the five members are new members expected to take major decisions as China begins a new era under Xi&#39;s supreme leadership.&nbsp;

Wang Qishan was responsible for crackdown on corruption in a big way with several party big-wigs being sent to prison. Reports said Wang retired from Politburo Standing Committee as he had reached the &quot;unofficial retirement age&quot;, most CPC leaders retire at the age of 68 which is the &quot;unwritten rule&quot; in the Communist Party of China.

There were reports of Wang taking over the National Security Commission (NSC) but the powerful CPC official decided to keep himself out of party politics altogether.

Wang Qishan was responsible for crackdown on corruption in a big way with several party big-wigs being sent to prison.

Wang Qishan, 69, the feared anti-corruption 'czar' who left China's Communist Party during this month's party congress is likely to be appointed vice-president next year at President Xi's request, the Nikkei Asian Review quoted Hong Kong's Sing Tao Daily newspaper as saying. Wang Qishan, a close aide of President Xi in the Communist Party, was known as the 'second most powerful' person in the Communist Party, stepped down from the party's Standing Committee last week as President Xi undertook a major reshuffle of the party structure at the top with new faces as China's newly-elected president set out a new five-year term. Just Xi and Premier Li Keqiang are part of the new Standing Committee, rest of the five members are new members expected to take major decisions as China begins a new era under Xi's supreme leadership. Wang Qishan was responsible for crackdown on corruption in a big way with several party big-wigs being sent to prison. Reports said Wang retired from Politburo Standing Committee as he had reached the "unofficial retirement age", most CPC leaders retire at the age of 68 which is the "unwritten rule" in the Communist Party of China. There were reports of Wang taking over the National Security Commission (NSC) but the powerful CPC official decided to keep himself out of party politics altogether.

Wang Qishan, anti-corruption czar, may become China's next vice-president: Report

president-xi

President Xi, News on President Xi, stories on President Xi, articles on President Xi, President Xi stories at Wion, President Xi news, President Xi latest news

president xi