Unprecedented heatwave in China threatens to destroy the autumn harvest in the country, according to authorities. Severe drought conditions have forced the agricultural ministry to take emergency measures to protect the crops and livestock.

Reportedly, the ministry has urged conservation of "every unit of water" to protect crops while requesting relevant authorities to issue alerts in a timely manner.

“Relevant authorities should issue alerts for high temperatures in a timely manner and take targeted measures to mitigate the adverse effects of the hot weather on autumn grain output,” the ministry said in a notice.&nbsp;

“More efforts should be made to ensure there is adequate irrigation water, open up new water sources, stagger rotation of irrigation and produce artificial rainfall when necessary,” it further added.

Chongqing, the worst hit region

According to reports, China is&nbsp;witnessing its worst heatwave since 1961 when record-keeping began. The extreme heatwave conditions have continued for 70 days now with the southwestern municipality of Chongqing, China's biggest city, facing the harshest conditions.

As reported by WION,&nbsp;the mountains and forest surrounding the city, parched due to the extreme heat, are now burning amber-red and threaten the lives of city folks.

More than four districts in the southwestern city have reported fires since last week, with 1,500 residents evacuated out of more than 540 households.

The blazed area can be seen from the tall skyscrapers of the city. Over 5,000 emergency responders have already been pressed into service to douse the fires.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-biggest-city-chongqing-surrounded-by-wildfires-faces-unrelenting-heatwave-509465">China's biggest city Chongqing surrounded by wildfires; faces unrelenting heatwave</a>

The heatwave has been relentless across China

Not only Chongqing, but numerous provinces across mainland China have also been dealing with a&nbsp;devastating heatwave that has crippled the economy and forced the authorities to adopt desperate measures.

Last week, the Yangtze river had dried up in parts, forcing the regions that are dependent on the longest river to deploy pumps and cloud-seeding rockets.

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-yangtze-river-shrinks-factories-shut-as-drought-hits-hydropower-507838" target="_blank">China: Yangtze river shrinks; factories shut as drought hits hydropower</a>

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Chengdu, the provincial capital of China's Sichuan province, has decided to dim outdoor advertisements, subway lighting and building signs to save energy amid a record heatwave.&nbsp;

German carmaker Volkswagen has shut its factory in the province and announced "a slight delay" in deliveries that it could recover "in the near future".

Similarly, according to Chinese authorities, the iconic sights in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-the-bund-will-not-be-lit-for-two-nights-to-save-power-as-drought-hits-power-supply-509175">Shanghai&nbsp;</a>will not be lit for two nights to save power as drought hits the power supply.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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Unprecedented heatwave in China threatens to destroy the autumn harvest in the country, according to authorities. Severe drought conditions have forced the agricultural ministry to take emergency measures to protect the crops and livestock.

Unprecedented heatwave in China threatens to destroy the autumn harvest in the country, according to authorities. Severe drought conditions have forced the agricultural ministry to take emergency measures to protect the crops and livestock. Reportedly, the ministry has urged conservation of "every unit of water" to protect crops while requesting relevant authorities to issue alerts in a timely manner. “Relevant authorities should issue alerts for high temperatures in a timely manner and take targeted measures to mitigate the adverse effects of the hot weather on autumn grain output,” the ministry said in a notice. “More efforts should be made to ensure there is adequate irrigation water, open up new water sources, stagger rotation of irrigation and produce artificial rainfall when necessary,” it further added. Chongqing, the worst hit region According to reports, China is witnessing its worst heatwave since 1961 when record-keeping began. The extreme heatwave conditions have continued for 70 days now with the southwestern municipality of Chongqing, China's biggest city, facing the harshest conditions. As reported by WION, the mountains and forest surrounding the city, parched due to the extreme heat, are now burning amber-red and threaten the lives of city folks. More than four districts in the southwestern city have reported fires since last week, with 1,500 residents evacuated out of more than 540 households. The blazed area can be seen from the tall skyscrapers of the city. Over 5,000 emergency responders have already been pressed into service to douse the fires. Read more: China's biggest city Chongqing surrounded by wildfires; faces unrelenting heatwave The heatwave has been relentless across China Not only Chongqing, but numerous provinces across mainland China have also been dealing with a devastating heatwave that has crippled the economy and forced the authorities to adopt desperate measures. Last week, the Yangtze river had dried up in parts, forcing the regions that are dependent on the longest river to deploy pumps and cloud-seeding rockets. Read More: China: Yangtze river shrinks; factories shut as drought hits hydropower Meanwhile, Chengdu, the provincial capital of China's Sichuan province, has decided to dim outdoor advertisements, subway lighting and building signs to save energy amid a record heatwave. German carmaker Volkswagen has shut its factory in the province and announced "a slight delay" in deliveries that it could recover "in the near future". Similarly, according to Chinese authorities, the iconic sights in Shanghai will not be lit for two nights to save power as drought hits the power supply. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Severe' heatwave conditions in China threaten to destroy autumn harvest

Chinese officials have said that the iconic sights in Shanghai will not be lit for two nights to save power as drought hits the power supply.

During a long drought and heatwave, power curbs were extended on consumption by China's scorched southwestern regions as they deal with dwindling hydropower output and surging household electricity demand.

Known for its mix of historical and futuristic buildings, the waterfront area is a popular tourist destination.

As extreme weather continues to play havoc with power supplies and damage crops state weather forecasters issued a heat "red alert" for the 11th consecutive day on Monday.

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Apologising for the inconvenience, the Shanghai Landscaping and City Appearance Administrative Bureau said it will be lit on Monday and Tuesday.

After areas including Shanghai in the Yangtze Delta region and Sichuan in southwest China experienced weeks of extreme heat, China issued its first national drought alert of the year last week.

In Chengdu, German carmaker Volkswagen has shut its factory and announced "a slight delay" in deliveries that it could recover "in the near future".

Similarly, Apple supplier Foxconn and Japanese auto giant Toyota also shut their respective plants in Sichuan.

"Local efforts to save power and boost generation are likely to help mitigate the power shortage situation in the coming weeks, especially if the much-hoped for end to the scorching heat wave arrives," Chenyu Wu, an associate analyst for China and North Asia at consultancy Control Risks, told the BBC.

From Sichuan in the southwest to Fujian on the southeastern coast, the National Meteorological Center said as many as 62 weather stations saw record temperatures on Sunday.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Chinese officials have said that the iconic sights in Shanghai will not be lit for two nights to save power as drought hits the power supply. During a long drought and heatwave, power curbs were extended on consumption by China's scorched southwestern regions as they deal with dwindling hydropower output and surging household electricity demand.

Chinese officials have said that the iconic sights in Shanghai will not be lit for two nights to save power as drought hits the power supply. During a long drought and heatwave, power curbs were extended on consumption by China's scorched southwestern regions as they deal with dwindling hydropower output and surging household electricity demand. Known for its mix of historical and futuristic buildings, the waterfront area is a popular tourist destination. As extreme weather continues to play havoc with power supplies and damage crops state weather forecasters issued a heat "red alert" for the 11th consecutive day on Monday. × Apologising for the inconvenience, the Shanghai Landscaping and City Appearance Administrative Bureau said it will be lit on Monday and Tuesday. After areas including Shanghai in the Yangtze Delta region and Sichuan in southwest China experienced weeks of extreme heat, China issued its first national drought alert of the year last week. In Chengdu, German carmaker Volkswagen has shut its factory and announced "a slight delay" in deliveries that it could recover "in the near future". Similarly, Apple supplier Foxconn and Japanese auto giant Toyota also shut their respective plants in Sichuan. "Local efforts to save power and boost generation are likely to help mitigate the power shortage situation in the coming weeks, especially if the much-hoped for end to the scorching heat wave arrives," Chenyu Wu, an associate analyst for China and North Asia at consultancy Control Risks, told the BBC. From Sichuan in the southwest to Fujian on the southeastern coast, the National Meteorological Center said as many as 62 weather stations saw record temperatures on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

China: 'The Bund' will not be lit for two nights to save power as drought hits power supply

With shoppers trying to escape as authorities tried to quarantine them, there were chaotic scenes at an Ikea store in Shanghai on Saturday.

After a customer had been in close contact with a positive Covid case, health officials were attempting to lock the store in the Xuhui district down.

Several videos of the incident were shared on China's Twitter-like platform Weibo where netizens slammed the country's strict "zero-Covid" strategy.

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Yesterday, an abnormal health code case was presented at an IKEA in Shanghai, &amp; the entire mall was suddenly blocked🥶 
 
Some ppl forced their way out for fear of being sent to concentration camps, but there is actually nowhere to escape under <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmazingChina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmazingChina</a>’s digital surveillance <a href="https://t.co/MWpbTOJ3kz">pic.twitter.com/MWpbTOJ3kz</a>
— Donna Wong💛🖤 (@DonnaWongHK) <a href="https://twitter.com/DonnaWongHK/status/1558906540458795008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Following a severe two-month lockdown earlier this year, the Chinese Communist Party has ordered flash lockdowns of areas where positive cases or their close contacts have been detected.

Shanghai Health Commission deputy director Zhao Dandan said on Sunday that the Ikea store's sudden shutdown was ordered because of close contact of a six-year-old boy who tested positive after he visited Lhasa in Tibet.

According to Zhao, those who were at the Ikea store and related areas must quarantine for two days followed by five days of health monitoring.

Shanghai Daily reported that nearly 400 close contacts of the six-year-old boy had been ordered to undergo PCR testing.

Swedish furniture retailer Ikea now has 35 outlets across China after it opened its first flagship Xuhui store in 1998.

Despite its huge impact on the economy and increasingly vocal objection from the public, China has stuck to its zero-Covid approach to slowing the spread of the coronavirus.

(With inputs from agencies)

Watch WION's live TV here:

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With shoppers trying to escape as authorities tried to quarantine them, there were chaotic scenes at an Ikea store in Shanghai on Saturday. After a customer had been in close contact with a positive Covid case, health officials were attempting to lock the store in the Xuhui district down.

With shoppers trying to escape as authorities tried to quarantine them, there were chaotic scenes at an Ikea store in Shanghai on Saturday. After a customer had been in close contact with a positive Covid case, health officials were attempting to lock the store in the Xuhui district down. Several videos of the incident were shared on China's Twitter-like platform Weibo where netizens slammed the country's strict "zero-Covid" strategy. Yesterday, an abnormal health code case was presented at an IKEA in Shanghai, & the entire mall was suddenly blocked🥶 Some ppl forced their way out for fear of being sent to concentration camps, but there is actually nowhere to escape under #AmazingChina’s digital surveillance pic.twitter.com/MWpbTOJ3kz — Donna Wong💛🖤 (@DonnaWongHK) August 14, 2022 × Following a severe two-month lockdown earlier this year, the Chinese Communist Party has ordered flash lockdowns of areas where positive cases or their close contacts have been detected. Shanghai Health Commission deputy director Zhao Dandan said on Sunday that the Ikea store's sudden shutdown was ordered because of close contact of a six-year-old boy who tested positive after he visited Lhasa in Tibet. According to Zhao, those who were at the Ikea store and related areas must quarantine for two days followed by five days of health monitoring. Shanghai Daily reported that nearly 400 close contacts of the six-year-old boy had been ordered to undergo PCR testing. Swedish furniture retailer Ikea now has 35 outlets across China after it opened its first flagship Xuhui store in 1998. Despite its huge impact on the economy and increasingly vocal objection from the public, China has stuck to its zero-Covid approach to slowing the spread of the coronavirus. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Watch | Chaotic scene at Ikea in Shanghai, shoppers attempt to flee due to fear of Covid quarantine

For the third time this summer, China's most populous city of Shanghai issued its highest alert for extreme heat as sweltering temperatures repeatedly tested records this week.&nbsp;

The commercial and industrial hub of 25 million people declared a red alert on Thursday, warning of expected temperatures of at least 40℃&nbsp;in the next 24 hours.&nbsp;Temperatures soared as high as 40.6℃ in the afternoon but fell short of Wednesday's 40.9℃, which matched a 2017 record.&nbsp;

The past month's scorching spell has affected half of China. The Yangtze River basin, encompassing large cities from Shanghai to Chongqing in the heartland has been witnessing&nbsp;heat waves over the past week.

As of 5:00 PM (0900 GMT), Shanghai's red alert was in force. The highest of a three-tier colour-coded warning system, it requires construction and other outdoor work to be reduced or halted. Shanghai has issued three red alerts in the past five days, though these are a relatively rare occurrence, with just 17 issued since record-keeping began in 1873.

The hot weather coincided with mass testing for COVID-19 in several districts amid minor outbreaks, adding to heat woes for both residents and health workers wearing protective suits. To avoid the unforgiving heat, some Covid workers taped bottles of frozen mineral water to their white hazmat suits as they worked, while others sat next to huge blocks of ice to cool off.&nbsp;

"This suit is terribly hot. The clothes are never dry. All day long they are wet with sweat." Peng Lei, who worked at one testing site was quoted as saying by Reuters.Some communities also began testing in the evening when it was cooler.&nbsp;By 5:00 PM, 86 red alerts had been declared across China, most in the Yangtze basin.&nbsp;

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-heat-wave-know-about-heat-wave-in-texas-and-other-areas-when-will-this-end-496396">US heatwave: Know about heatwave in Texas and other areas. When will this end?</a>

Higher demand for air-conditioning pushed China's maximum power load to an all-time high on Tuesday. Meanwhile, authorities remarked that they were making every effort to ensure energy supplies during the summer peak demand period.&nbsp;

(With input from agencies) 
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For the third time this summer, China's most populous city of Shanghai issued its highest alert for extreme heat as sweltering temperatures repeatedly tested records this week.

For the third time this summer, China's most populous city of Shanghai issued its highest alert for extreme heat as sweltering temperatures repeatedly tested records this week. The commercial and industrial hub of 25 million people declared a red alert on Thursday, warning of expected temperatures of at least 40℃ in the next 24 hours. Temperatures soared as high as 40.6℃ in the afternoon but fell short of Wednesday's 40.9℃, which matched a 2017 record. The past month's scorching spell has affected half of China. The Yangtze River basin, encompassing large cities from Shanghai to Chongqing in the heartland has been witnessing heat waves over the past week. As of 5:00 PM (0900 GMT), Shanghai's red alert was in force. The highest of a three-tier colour-coded warning system, it requires construction and other outdoor work to be reduced or halted. Shanghai has issued three red alerts in the past five days, though these are a relatively rare occurrence, with just 17 issued since record-keeping began in 1873. The hot weather coincided with mass testing for COVID-19 in several districts amid minor outbreaks, adding to heat woes for both residents and health workers wearing protective suits. To avoid the unforgiving heat, some Covid workers taped bottles of frozen mineral water to their white hazmat suits as they worked, while others sat next to huge blocks of ice to cool off. "This suit is terribly hot. The clothes are never dry. All day long they are wet with sweat." Peng Lei, who worked at one testing site was quoted as saying by Reuters.Some communities also began testing in the evening when it was cooler. By 5:00 PM, 86 red alerts had been declared across China, most in the Yangtze basin. Read More: US heatwave: Know about heatwave in Texas and other areas. When will this end? Higher demand for air-conditioning pushed China's maximum power load to an all-time high on Tuesday. Meanwhile, authorities remarked that they were making every effort to ensure energy supplies during the summer peak demand period. (With input from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Shanghai sizzles as authorities declare another extreme heat warning

In pics - Mass COVID-19 testing in Shanghai sparks lockdown fears

Pakistan and China are staging joint naval drills off the Shanghai coast. What is Pakistan's role in China's Indo-Pacific military policy? How must India see the growing China-Pakistan military cooperation? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Pakistan and China stage military drills near Shanghai

The navies of China and Pakistan commenced a live-fire drill on Tuesday as part of a four-day joint maritime exercise codenamed Sea Guardians-2. Fleets participating in the drill set off from a military port in Shanghai for the scheduled sea area. The joint exercise aims to enhance defence cooperation, exchange expertise and experience, deepen the traditional friendship between the two countries and militaries, and promote the development of the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.

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As reported by ANI, professional and technical exchanges, tug-of-war, and basketball matches took place on Monday. This four-day joint maritime exercise between China and Pakistan kicked off at a military port in Shanghai on Sunday. The drill, codenamed Sea Guardians-2, is a normal arrangement as per a yearly plan between the two militaries, said Liu Wensheng, spokesperson for the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy.

Liu noted that it is not related to any regional situations and does not target any third party. The exercise will feature training courses including a joint strike against maritime targets, joint tactical manoeuvring, joint anti-submarine warfare and joint support for damaged vessels, the spokesperson said. The exercise will be held in the waters and airspace off Shanghai from July 10 to&nbsp;13 and consists of two phases, i.e., port planning and maritime exercise. "China and Pakistan face non-traditional security threats including piracy and maritime terrorists in regions like the Indian Ocean, so it has become necessary that the two countries enhance cooperation in these aspects," Wei Dongxu, a Chinese military expert, told the Global Times on Sunday.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-imf-cuts-2022-growth-forecast-to-23-but-predicts-country-will-avoid-recession-496949">United States: IMF cuts 2022 growth forecast to 2.3% but predicts country will avoid recession</a>

"China and Pakistan enjoy a high level of strategic mutual trust, and the two countries' militaries engage in all types of exchanges. Now that the Pakistan Navy has commissioned more, advanced frigates, it has gained enhanced capabilities in distant waters, enabling it to conduct more joint activities with China that can further enhance the two countries' mutual trust and fulfil international responsibilities," Wei said. Although Beijing claims that the drill is not directed against any third country but analysts believe that the exercise is being conducted keeping India in mind.

(with inputs from agencies)

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The navies of China and Pakistan commenced a live-fire drill on Tuesday as part of a four-day joint maritime exercise codenamed Sea Guardians-2. Fleets participating in the drill set off from a military port in Shanghai for the scheduled sea area.

The navies of China and Pakistan commenced a live-fire drill on Tuesday as part of a four-day joint maritime exercise codenamed Sea Guardians-2. Fleets participating in the drill set off from a military port in Shanghai for the scheduled sea area. The joint exercise aims to enhance defence cooperation, exchange expertise and experience, deepen the traditional friendship between the two countries and militaries, and promote the development of the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership. × As reported by ANI, professional and technical exchanges, tug-of-war, and basketball matches took place on Monday. This four-day joint maritime exercise between China and Pakistan kicked off at a military port in Shanghai on Sunday. The drill, codenamed Sea Guardians-2, is a normal arrangement as per a yearly plan between the two militaries, said Liu Wensheng, spokesperson for the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy. Liu noted that it is not related to any regional situations and does not target any third party. The exercise will feature training courses including a joint strike against maritime targets, joint tactical manoeuvring, joint anti-submarine warfare and joint support for damaged vessels, the spokesperson said. The exercise will be held in the waters and airspace off Shanghai from July 10 to 13 and consists of two phases, i.e., port planning and maritime exercise. "China and Pakistan face non-traditional security threats including piracy and maritime terrorists in regions like the Indian Ocean, so it has become necessary that the two countries enhance cooperation in these aspects," Wei Dongxu, a Chinese military expert, told the Global Times on Sunday. Also Read: United States: IMF cuts 2022 growth forecast to 2.3% but predicts country will avoid recession "China and Pakistan enjoy a high level of strategic mutual trust, and the two countries' militaries engage in all types of exchanges. Now that the Pakistan Navy has commissioned more, advanced frigates, it has gained enhanced capabilities in distant waters, enabling it to conduct more joint activities with China that can further enhance the two countries' mutual trust and fulfil international responsibilities," Wei said. Although Beijing claims that the drill is not directed against any third country but analysts believe that the exercise is being conducted keeping India in mind. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Watch| China and Pakistan commence maritime exercise near Shanghai to deepen 'frienship'

A century-old, 3,800-tonne building in Shanghai was lifted off the ground in its entirety and relocated with the help of technology, dubbed the ‘walking machine’. The building was moved back to its original position on July 8, as part of a renovation project. It's the largest and heaviest masonry structure transportation project in the city.

After precise measurement and calculation, sliding rails were set at the bottom of the building to push the 3,800-tonne building to the designated position.

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3,800-ton century-old building slowly "walking" in Shanghai<a href="https://t.co/fCeTbKpR7M">pic.twitter.com/fCeTbKpR7M</a>
— Zhang Meifang张美芳 (@CGMeifangZhang) <a href="https://twitter.com/CGMeifangZhang/status/1545945354197139456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
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In 2020, Shanghai moved another building using the same ‘walking' technology when an 85-year-old five-storey primary school building in the city's eastern Huangpu district was shifted.

 
The supports act like robotic legs. They're split into two groups which alternately rise up and down, imitating the human stride. Attached sensors help control how the building moves forward, Lan Wuji, chief technical supervisor of the project had told CNN. "It's like giving the building crutches so it can stand up and then walk," he said.

Structural moving is the process of lifting an entire building from the foundation and moving it elsewhere. It is an increasingly common way to preserve historic buildings that might otherwise be razed to make way for development. It's also a way to place a building in a safer location if it's threatened by flooding.

While almost anything can be moved structurally, from old churches to nuclear reactors, the buildings that are moved are set apart by their weight and sometimes by the difficulty of movement. From telephone company headquarters to airport terminals, engineers have carried out unprecedented feats to preserve these structures.

(with inputs from agencies)

A century-old, 3,800-tonne building in Shanghai was lifted off the ground in its entirety and relocated with the help of technology, dubbed the ‘walking machine’.

A century-old, 3,800-tonne building in Shanghai was lifted off the ground in its entirety and relocated with the help of technology, dubbed the ‘walking machine’. The building was moved back to its original position on July 8, as part of a renovation project. It's the largest and heaviest masonry structure transportation project in the city. After precise measurement and calculation, sliding rails were set at the bottom of the building to push the 3,800-tonne building to the designated position. 3,800-ton century-old building slowly "walking" in Shanghaipic.twitter.com/fCeTbKpR7M — Zhang Meifang张美芳 (@CGMeifangZhang) July 10, 2022 × In 2020, Shanghai moved another building using the same ‘walking' technology when an 85-year-old five-storey primary school building in the city's eastern Huangpu district was shifted. The supports act like robotic legs. They're split into two groups which alternately rise up and down, imitating the human stride. Attached sensors help control how the building moves forward, Lan Wuji, chief technical supervisor of the project had told CNN. "It's like giving the building crutches so it can stand up and then walk," he said. Structural moving is the process of lifting an entire building from the foundation and moving it elsewhere. It is an increasingly common way to preserve historic buildings that might otherwise be razed to make way for development. It's also a way to place a building in a safer location if it's threatened by flooding. While almost anything can be moved structurally, from old churches to nuclear reactors, the buildings that are moved are set apart by their weight and sometimes by the difficulty of movement. From telephone company headquarters to airport terminals, engineers have carried out unprecedented feats to preserve these structures. (with inputs from agencies)

How did this century-old, 3,800-tonne building in Shanghai start 'walking'?

After a fresh bout of COVID-19 infections reported in China, tens of millions of people have been put under lockdown yet again as authorities try to prevent the spread of the virus across the country. This has sparked fears among people of further restrictions going forward.

China's Xi'an, Shanghai & Macao put under COVID lockdown

In a fresh bout of COVID-19 infections, China is now struggling with local flare ups across the country, this includes cluster cases in Shanghai where new cases have been linked to a building which houses an illegally run Karaoke lounge. The financial hub reported 24 news cases on Tuesday and is testing all residents in 9 of its 16 districts.

Fresh COVID cases across China challenge 'Zero-COVID' policy

China has followed the zero-Covid policy to curb the spread of the deadly virus. The country, that reported the first coronavirus case in 2019, is facing another surge with several outbreaks.

China has followed the zero-Covid policy to curb the spread of the deadly virus. The country, that reported the first coronavirus case in 2019, is facing another surge with several outbreaks. The nation has imposed fresh restrictions in some parts and doing mass testing. In the latest development, China is tackling a rise in cases which is apparently linked to a building which houses a karaoke lounge that was operating illegally. Now the pressure is increasing on the local authorities as they will look to avoid a wider spread of the virus that resulted in the painful and costly isolation that Shanghai suffered in April and May. It led to business disruptions across the global economy. City health official Zhao Dandan told reporters on Wednesday (July 6): "Several Chinese areas are facing local outbreaks and infections have emerged at the community level in Shanghai. There should be no slacking." News agencies have reported that the latest daily caseload of just over 300 infections, which is not too much as per global standards but for China, it is quite significant. On Wednesday, Shanghai listed a total of 26 addresses of buildings under lockdown, taking the total to 31. One case was suspected in one of the iconic International Financial Centre twin towers. News agency Reuters reported quoting staff in the building that the office workers on two floors have been taken to quarantine as close contacts. The commercial hub of 25 million people reported 24 new cases for Tuesday versus Monday's eight. It is testing all residents in nine of its 16 districts, and some from other areas, from Tuesday to Thursday. Shanghai already requires residents to get tested frequently in order to enter shopping malls or take public transport. Authorities have suspended operations of karaoke lounges, but other recently-reopened cultural venues such as libraries will stay open. Cinemas are due to reopen on Friday. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Covid cases through karaoke? China tackles cluster in Shanghai among other outbreaks

China placed 1.7 million people under lockdown in central Anhui province amid fresh Covid-19 surge. The outbreak in Anhui comes as the Chinese economy begins to rebound from a months-long lockdown in Shanghai and disruptive Covid restrictions in the capital Beijing.

Total lockdown imposed in China's Anhui province amid fresh Covid surge

China reported zero new Covid-19 infections in Shanghai and Beijing for the first time since March on Thursday, as the country's latest outbreak subsides after months of lockdowns and other restrictions.

The two major cities were among several places in China that implemented curbs to stop the spread of the Omicron wave from March to May, with Shanghai imposing a two-month-long city-wide lockdown that lifted on June 1.

The efforts, part of China's adherence to a zero-COVID policy that aims to eradicate all outbreaks, have brought case numbers down but many of the heavy-handed measures have fuelled anger and even rare protests and taken a heavy toll on the economy.

Beijing shut its schools in early May and asked students to move to online learning amid a spike in locally transmitted COVID cases. Senior year students at middle and high schools were allowed to return to classrooms from June 2.&nbsp;

The Beijing Municipal Bureau of Sports said separately that sports activities for the young can resume at non-school locations on June 27 in areas where no community cases have been reported for seven consecutive days, with the exception of basement venues, which will remain shut.

The Universal Beijing Resort, which had been closed for nearly two months, reopened on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Shanghai reported no new local cases - both symptomatic and asymptomatic - for June 24, the first time the Chinese economic hub had done so since Feb. 23.

As reported by Reuters, Shanghai Communist Party chief Li Qiang said at the opening of the city's party congress on Saturday that authorities had "won the war to defend Shanghai" against COVID by implementing the instructions of Chinese President Xi Jinping, and that Beijing's epidemic prevention decisions were "completely correct".&nbsp;

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lufthansa-airline-bringing-back-a380-superjumbo-costly-but-in-demand-493315">&nbsp;Lufthansa airline bringing back A380 superjumbo, costly but in demand</a>

The city, however, remains on edge. Most students have not been allowed to resume in-person classes and dining indoors is still banned. It also plans to continue conducting mass PCR testing for its 25 million residents every weekend until the end of July, as reported by Reuters.

And underscoring continued difficulties in stamping out Omicron, the southern city of Shenzhen, which implemented a week-long lockdown in March, said on Saturday it would shut all cinemas and parks as well as suspend public events in the Futian district after six local cases were discovered there on Friday.&nbsp;

The city also now requires residents to show a negative COVID-19 test to enter public venues taken within the last 24 hours, shortened from 48 hours previously, which in essence requires people to test daily to enter places such as malls or take public transport.

(with inputs from agencies) 
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China reported zero new Covid-19 infections in Shanghai and Beijing for the first time since March on Thursday, as the country's latest outbreak subsides after months of lockdowns and other restrictions.

China reported zero new Covid-19 infections in Shanghai and Beijing for the first time since March on Thursday, as the country's latest outbreak subsides after months of lockdowns and other restrictions. The two major cities were among several places in China that implemented curbs to stop the spread of the Omicron wave from March to May, with Shanghai imposing a two-month-long city-wide lockdown that lifted on June 1. The efforts, part of China's adherence to a zero-COVID policy that aims to eradicate all outbreaks, have brought case numbers down but many of the heavy-handed measures have fuelled anger and even rare protests and taken a heavy toll on the economy. Beijing shut its schools in early May and asked students to move to online learning amid a spike in locally transmitted COVID cases. Senior year students at middle and high schools were allowed to return to classrooms from June 2. The Beijing Municipal Bureau of Sports said separately that sports activities for the young can resume at non-school locations on June 27 in areas where no community cases have been reported for seven consecutive days, with the exception of basement venues, which will remain shut. The Universal Beijing Resort, which had been closed for nearly two months, reopened on Saturday. Meanwhile, Shanghai reported no new local cases - both symptomatic and asymptomatic - for June 24, the first time the Chinese economic hub had done so since Feb. 23. As reported by Reuters, Shanghai Communist Party chief Li Qiang said at the opening of the city's party congress on Saturday that authorities had "won the war to defend Shanghai" against COVID by implementing the instructions of Chinese President Xi Jinping, and that Beijing's epidemic prevention decisions were "completely correct". Also Read: Lufthansa airline bringing back A380 superjumbo, costly but in demand The city, however, remains on edge. Most students have not been allowed to resume in-person classes and dining indoors is still banned. It also plans to continue conducting mass PCR testing for its 25 million residents every weekend until the end of July, as reported by Reuters. And underscoring continued difficulties in stamping out Omicron, the southern city of Shenzhen, which implemented a week-long lockdown in March, said on Saturday it would shut all cinemas and parks as well as suspend public events in the Futian district after six local cases were discovered there on Friday. The city also now requires residents to show a negative COVID-19 test to enter public venues taken within the last 24 hours, shortened from 48 hours previously, which in essence requires people to test daily to enter places such as malls or take public transport. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Covid: Beijing and Shanghai back at zero cases after four months

Shanghai's Disneyland opened for the first time after 3 month closure. The Disneyland visitors are asked to follow all COVID appropriate norms as they strain through the gates of the amusement park.

Shanghai's Disneyland reopens with COVID measures

Two people were killed after a Chinese electric car, NIO, fell from the third floor of its headquarters in Shanghai.

The crash took place on Wednesday around 5.20 pm local time. The company said the pair, who were described as "digital cabin testers", were inside the vehicle when it fell from a parking garage in the firm's Innovation Port building.

One of the two deceased was a member of staff while the other person was from a partner company.

The third floor from where the car fell has been variously described as a showroom, a testing facility or a car park.

NIO&nbsp;said it is cooperating with the government officials in the investigation while maintaining that the “accident was not caused by the vehicle”, BBC reported.

"Our company has collaborated with the public security department to launch the investigation and analysis of the cause of the accident. Based on the analysis of the situation at the scene, we can initially confirm that this was an accident (not caused by the vehicle)," the company said in a statement.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Unfortunate incident of two test drivers at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#China</a>’s electrical vehicle manufacturer <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NIO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NIO</a> being killed when the car they were in somehow smashed out of a building and came crashing down from a great height. 
Archibong Esq <a href="https://t.co/TaCLZGMBqL">pic.twitter.com/TaCLZGMBqL</a>
— AMArchibong (@amarchibong) <a href="https://twitter.com/amarchibong/status/1540203583433576450?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Notably, the statement was revised after an earlier one mentioned "not related to the vehicle itself", triggering&nbsp;angry responses on social media.

The company had to release an amended version which has "not caused by the vehicle" in brackets apparently to de-emphasise that part of the sentence.

"We feel very sad about this accident and would like to express our deepest condolences to our colleague and partner employee who lost their lives. A team has been set up to help the families."

NIO is one of China's biggest home-grown companies with the aim of taking over the electric vehicle industry.

It has staked a lot on interchangeable batteries in its cars as a way to overcome customer concerns about frequent charging.

The company sees itself as a rival to multi-billionaire Elon Musk's US-based electric car maker Tesla, which has a major manufacturing plant in Shanghai.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Two people were killed after a Chinese electric car, NIO, fell from the third floor of its headquarters in Shanghai. The crash took place on Wednesday around 5.20 pm local time.

Two people were killed after a Chinese electric car, NIO, fell from the third floor of its headquarters in Shanghai. The crash took place on Wednesday around 5.20 pm local time. The company said the pair, who were described as "digital cabin testers", were inside the vehicle when it fell from a parking garage in the firm's Innovation Port building. One of the two deceased was a member of staff while the other person was from a partner company. The third floor from where the car fell has been variously described as a showroom, a testing facility or a car park. NIO said it is cooperating with the government officials in the investigation while maintaining that the “accident was not caused by the vehicle”, BBC reported. "Our company has collaborated with the public security department to launch the investigation and analysis of the cause of the accident. Based on the analysis of the situation at the scene, we can initially confirm that this was an accident (not caused by the vehicle)," the company said in a statement. Unfortunate incident of two test drivers at #China’s electrical vehicle manufacturer #NIO being killed when the car they were in somehow smashed out of a building and came crashing down from a great height. Archibong Esq pic.twitter.com/TaCLZGMBqL — AMArchibong (@amarchibong) June 24, 2022 × Notably, the statement was revised after an earlier one mentioned "not related to the vehicle itself", triggering angry responses on social media. The company had to release an amended version which has "not caused by the vehicle" in brackets apparently to de-emphasise that part of the sentence. "We feel very sad about this accident and would like to express our deepest condolences to our colleague and partner employee who lost their lives. A team has been set up to help the families." NIO is one of China's biggest home-grown companies with the aim of taking over the electric vehicle industry. It has staked a lot on interchangeable batteries in its cars as a way to overcome customer concerns about frequent charging. The company sees itself as a rival to multi-billionaire Elon Musk's US-based electric car maker Tesla, which has a major manufacturing plant in Shanghai. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Two killed after China’s NIO electric car falls from third floor of Shanghai headquarters

Shanghai authorities on Saturday announced an investigation into a massive chemical plant blaze that left one person dead and another injured in the first major industrial accident since the city lifted lockdown in early June.&nbsp;

The fire at a Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical Co. plant in outlying Jinshan district broke out at around dawn on Saturday, and was brought under control within hours, according to state news agency Xinhua.

Aerial drone footage shared with AFP by a resident showed thick clouds of smoke hanging over a vast industrial zone as three fires blazed in separate locations, turning the sky black.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-kicks-off-new-round-of-mass-covid-testing-beijing-cases-jump-487185">Shanghai kicks off new round of mass Covid testing, Beijing cases jump</a>

"At present, on-site disposal work is being implemented in an orderly manner, and protective combustion is being carried out," the Shanghai government said on social media, adding that "safety risks" were "controllable".&nbsp;

"Monitoring data show that the air quality has basically returned to normal."

The Shanghai government added that its emergency management bureau has launched an investigation into the cause of the accident.

The company said in a separate Weibo post Saturday afternoon that it would cooperate with the investigation, and that the closure of relevant facilities "will not have a significant impact on the market".&nbsp;

The person who died was a "third-party transport vehicle driver" and an employee was suffered minor injuries, the company said.

The refinery is located near the south Shanghai seafront and a wetland park.&nbsp;The company said it was conducting environmental monitoring of the nearby area.

"At present, no environmental impact on the surrounding bodies of water has been found," it said.

Watch |&nbsp;Residents stock up food supplies as Shanghai imposes new COVID lockdown curbs

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The fire erupted as Shanghai, China's industrial engine and most populous city, gingerly resumes business after being sealed off for around two months to counter a coronavirus outbreak driven by the Omicron variant.

While the lockdown was officially lifted at the beginning of June, the snarling of supply chains and shutting of factories continues to have far-reaching consequences for the global economy.

Sky 'full of fire'

At the petrochemical plant, an early morning explosion was heard by residents up to six kilometres (four miles) away, according to local media.

One person said that tremors from the explosion caused their apartment door to shake violently.&nbsp;

"Half the sky was full of red fire and thick black smoke, there was dust and cotton-like things floating in the air," the anonymous resident told Chongqing-based newspaper Upstream News.

"The sound of burning could be heard a huge roar like the sound of a plane in flight."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/covid-restrictions-return-to-shanghai-xi-jinping-says-persistence-is-victory-486990">Covid restrictions return to Shanghai, Xi Jinping says ‘persistence is victory’</a>

Images on social media showed a large cloud of fire and ash billowing upwards behind rooftops.

The Shanghai fire department said on Weibo that it had dispatched more than 500 personnel immediately after the incident occurred.

The Ministry of Emergency Management had also dispatched an expert group to the scene, state-run CCTV reported.

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Shanghai authorities on Saturday announced an investigation into a massive chemical plant blaze that left one person dead and another injured in the first major industrial accident since the city lifted lockdown in early June.

Shanghai authorities on Saturday announced an investigation into a massive chemical plant blaze that left one person dead and another injured in the first major industrial accident since the city lifted lockdown in early June. The fire at a Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical Co. plant in outlying Jinshan district broke out at around dawn on Saturday, and was brought under control within hours, according to state news agency Xinhua. Aerial drone footage shared with AFP by a resident showed thick clouds of smoke hanging over a vast industrial zone as three fires blazed in separate locations, turning the sky black. Also read | Shanghai kicks off new round of mass Covid testing, Beijing cases jump "At present, on-site disposal work is being implemented in an orderly manner, and protective combustion is being carried out," the Shanghai government said on social media, adding that "safety risks" were "controllable". "Monitoring data show that the air quality has basically returned to normal." The Shanghai government added that its emergency management bureau has launched an investigation into the cause of the accident. The company said in a separate Weibo post Saturday afternoon that it would cooperate with the investigation, and that the closure of relevant facilities "will not have a significant impact on the market". The person who died was a "third-party transport vehicle driver" and an employee was suffered minor injuries, the company said. The refinery is located near the south Shanghai seafront and a wetland park. The company said it was conducting environmental monitoring of the nearby area. "At present, no environmental impact on the surrounding bodies of water has been found," it said. Watch | Residents stock up food supplies as Shanghai imposes new COVID lockdown curbs The fire erupted as Shanghai, China's industrial engine and most populous city, gingerly resumes business after being sealed off for around two months to counter a coronavirus outbreak driven by the Omicron variant. While the lockdown was officially lifted at the beginning of June, the snarling of supply chains and shutting of factories continues to have far-reaching consequences for the global economy. Sky 'full of fire' At the petrochemical plant, an early morning explosion was heard by residents up to six kilometres (four miles) away, according to local media. One person said that tremors from the explosion caused their apartment door to shake violently. "Half the sky was full of red fire and thick black smoke, there was dust and cotton-like things floating in the air," the anonymous resident told Chongqing-based newspaper Upstream News. "The sound of burning could be heard a huge roar like the sound of a plane in flight." Also read | Covid restrictions return to Shanghai, Xi Jinping says ‘persistence is victory’ Images on social media showed a large cloud of fire and ash billowing upwards behind rooftops. The Shanghai fire department said on Weibo that it had dispatched more than 500 personnel immediately after the incident occurred. The Ministry of Emergency Management had also dispatched an expert group to the scene, state-run CCTV reported. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

One dead in Shanghai chemical plant explosion

From Shanghai to Paris: Here are world's most expensive cities to live in for rich people

After easing curbs, Shanghai is again witnessing a rise in COVID cases. To prevent a new outbreak, Shanghai has decided to conduct mass testing again. Meanwhile, residents stock up food supplies.

Residents stock up food supplies as Shanghai imposes new COVID lockdown curbs

The commercial hub of Shanghai in China recently began a mass Covid testing for close to 25 million residents in 15 of Shanghai's 16 districts this Saturday. At the same time, Beijing reported an upsurge in cases.

The commercial hub of Shanghai in China recently began a mass Covid testing for close to 25 million residents in 15 of Shanghai's 16 districts this Saturday. At the same time, Beijing reported an upsurge in cases. Authorities are determined to contain an outbreak linked to a popular beauty salon and have barred residents from five districts in Shanghai from leaving their homes during the mass testing period, reported Reuters. This comes after the city lifted a strict two-month lockdown ten days back, aiming to eradicate the community spread of Covid. Also read | Shanghai to lock down and test 2.7 million as Covid fears linger Shanghai reported seven new local symptomatic cases on Saturday, most of which were detected outside of the quarantined area, along with nine new asymptomatic cases being reported, six more than the previous day. China's capital, Beijing, also reported a spike in cases on Saturday with 36 new local symptomatic cases, seven more than the previous day, and 25 new local asymptomatic cases. The authorities claim that China's zero-COVID policy is needed to protect the elderly and the medical system, Reuters reported citing the authorities. Watch | Residents stock up food supplies as Shanghai imposes new COVID lockdown curbs Bar Cluster On Thursday, the capital reinstated a few Covid curbs again, mainly in two districts that includes one of the most populated district, Chaoyang. Chaoyang district is known for its nightlife, shopping, and streets of embassies, which made the authorities shut down entertainment and related venues in the area after a crowd started flaring up in the busy neighbourhood. The cases in Beijing are being linked to an establishment called Heaven Supermarket Bar as close to 61 cases reported in the capital on Saturday had either visited the bar or had some sort of links to it. Also read | Covid restrictions return to Shanghai, Xi Jinping says ‘persistence is victory’ A total of 69 cases linked to the bar have been reported so far from 14 of Beijing's 16 districts. The capital had imposed widespread Covid curbs to fight a significant outbreak that began in the month of April, which was relaxed less than two weeks ago. Mainland China totally reported 210 new coronavirus cases as of June 10, of which 79 were symptomatic and 131 were asymptomatic cases, Reuters reported quoting the National Health Commission. No new deaths have been reported, leaving China's fatalities at 5,226. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Shanghai kicks off new round of mass Covid testing, Beijing cases jump

Covid restrictions return to Shanghai as China decides to lock down millions of people for mass COVID-19 testing this weekend, &nbsp;just 10 days after lifting its gruelling two-month lockdown, unsettling residents and raising concerns about the business impact.

Racing to stop a wider outbreak after discovering a handful of community cases, including a cluster traced to a popular beauty salon, authorities have ordered PCR testing for all residents in 14 of Shanghai's 16 districts over the weekend.&nbsp;

Five of the districts said residents would not be allowed to leave their homes while the testing was carried out. A notice issued by Changning district described the stay-home requirement as "closed management" of the community being sampled.&nbsp;

The latest scare triggered a rush to grocery stores and online platforms to stock up on food, as users of China's Twitter-like Weibo expressed fear they could be locked down for longer, having only started going back to work after the last lockdown was lifted on June 1.

Some areas had remained sealed off or quickly returned to lockdown due to infections and their close contacts. "The residential compound next to mine has already been locked down," said Zhang Jian, a 34-year-old real estate agent.&nbsp;

"If there is mass testing and there is another positive case in the compound, it will have a serious impact on our lives." He added

While China's infection rate is low by global standards, President Xi Jinping has doubled down on a zero-Covid policy that authorities say is needed to protect the elderly and the medical system, even as other countries try to live with the virus.

The latest round of mass testing comes on top of already onerous testing requirements that Shanghai introduced for its 25 million residents after easing its earlier lockdown.&nbsp;

Residents must prove that they have been tested within the last 72 hours to enter areas like malls and offices - or even to use subways and buses. Many have become frustrated by the prospect of queuing for hours to be tested.

Meanwhile, Beijing on Thursday shut entertainment and internet venues in two of the capital's largest districts after tracing cases to a few bars.&nbsp;

Shanghai's earlier lockdown fuelled widespread frustration, anger and even rare protests among its residents, many of whom grappled with lost income, the loss of freedom, the death of friends and relatives, and even hunger.

It also battered China's economy, disrupting supply chains and slowing international trade. And the latest setback has hit sentiment in financial markets.

"We are at the mercy of mass testing. Factories will have to shut down even if only one positive case is detected," said Bettina Schoen-Behanzin, vice president of the European Chamber, adding that European companies were becoming more cautious and rethinking future investments in China.

[with inputs from agencies] 
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Covid restrictions return to Shanghai as China decides to lock down millions of people for mass COVID-19 testing this weekend, just 10 days after lifting its gruelling two-month lockdown, unsettling residents and raising concerns about the business impact.

Covid restrictions return to Shanghai as China decides to lock down millions of people for mass COVID-19 testing this weekend, just 10 days after lifting its gruelling two-month lockdown, unsettling residents and raising concerns about the business impact. Racing to stop a wider outbreak after discovering a handful of community cases, including a cluster traced to a popular beauty salon, authorities have ordered PCR testing for all residents in 14 of Shanghai's 16 districts over the weekend. Five of the districts said residents would not be allowed to leave their homes while the testing was carried out. A notice issued by Changning district described the stay-home requirement as "closed management" of the community being sampled. The latest scare triggered a rush to grocery stores and online platforms to stock up on food, as users of China's Twitter-like Weibo expressed fear they could be locked down for longer, having only started going back to work after the last lockdown was lifted on June 1. Some areas had remained sealed off or quickly returned to lockdown due to infections and their close contacts. "The residential compound next to mine has already been locked down," said Zhang Jian, a 34-year-old real estate agent. "If there is mass testing and there is another positive case in the compound, it will have a serious impact on our lives." He added While China's infection rate is low by global standards, President Xi Jinping has doubled down on a zero-Covid policy that authorities say is needed to protect the elderly and the medical system, even as other countries try to live with the virus. The latest round of mass testing comes on top of already onerous testing requirements that Shanghai introduced for its 25 million residents after easing its earlier lockdown. Residents must prove that they have been tested within the last 72 hours to enter areas like malls and offices - or even to use subways and buses. Many have become frustrated by the prospect of queuing for hours to be tested. Meanwhile, Beijing on Thursday shut entertainment and internet venues in two of the capital's largest districts after tracing cases to a few bars. Shanghai's earlier lockdown fuelled widespread frustration, anger and even rare protests among its residents, many of whom grappled with lost income, the loss of freedom, the death of friends and relatives, and even hunger. It also battered China's economy, disrupting supply chains and slowing international trade. And the latest setback has hit sentiment in financial markets. "We are at the mercy of mass testing. Factories will have to shut down even if only one positive case is detected," said Bettina Schoen-Behanzin, vice president of the European Chamber, adding that European companies were becoming more cautious and rethinking future investments in China. [with inputs from agencies] WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Covid restrictions return to Shanghai, Xi Jinping says ‘persistence is victory’

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news, top headlines and international breakings from all across the globe, stay tuned with Gravitas for more!

Gravitas Global Headlines: Chinese military jet crash; Shanghai covid19 curbs

Parts of China's largest economic hub Shanghai back under lockdown restrictions just days after the city-wide lockdown was lifted, the decision was made after officials found new cases of coronavirus in the community.

China's economic hub Shanghai back under lockdown restrictions, days after the city-wide lockdown was lifted

After easing curbs, Shanghai is again witnessing a rise in COVID cases. To prevent a new outbreak, Shanghai has decided to conduct mass testing again.

Shanghai COVID surge: Shanghai to conduct mass testing again

Tesla was proceeding with an online hiring event in China on Thursday and added two dozen new job postings for the country, a week after Elon Musk threatened job cuts at the electric car maker and said the company was "overstaffed" in some areas.

Tesla plans to hold the event online starting from 7 pm&nbsp;Shanghai time (1100 GMT) and will recruit staff for "smart manufacturing" roles, according to an online post.

Tesla has 224 current openings in China for managers and engineers under that category, according to a separate post on its WeChat account, 24 of which were newly posted on June 9.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-to-provide-elon-musk-with-complete-data-on-fake-users-says-report-486349">Twitter to provide Elon Musk with complete data on fake users, says report</a>

Among the posted positions are managers and engineers to supervise the operation of its 6,000-ton die casting machines known as Giga Press, one of the world's biggest.

Tesla regularly holds such hiring events online in China, with the latest one held in May for summer interns.

Tesla's China revenue more than doubled in 2021 from a year ago, contributing to a quarter of the total income for the US automaker.

The Shanghai plant, which manufactures Model 3 and Model Ys for domestic sale and export, produced more than half of the cars it made last year and Tesla is also planning to expand the factory.

Watch |&nbsp;Twitter-Musk debate on bots: Over 20% of Musk followers bots

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However, output at the plant was badly hit by Shanghai's two-month COVID-19 lockdown that saw it halt work for 22 days and later struggle to return to full production. Prior to this, Tesla had planned to ramp up production at the plant to 22,000 cars a week by mid-May.

Musk, the chief executive, said in an email&nbsp;last week that he had a "super bad feeling" about the economy and needed to cut 10 per cent&nbsp;of staff at the electric car maker. The email was titled "pause all hiring worldwide".

In another email to employees on Friday, Musk said Tesla would reduce salaried headcount by 10 per cent , as it has become "overstaffed in many areas" but added that "hourly headcount will increase".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-expected-china-cambodia-rubbish-claims-of-secret-naval-base-at-ream-as-australia-raises-concern-486103">As expected, China, Cambodia rubbish claims of secret naval base at Ream as Australia raises concern</a>

However on Saturday he backed away from the emails, saying total headcount would increase over the next 12 months and the number of salaried staff should be little changed.

Musk had not commented specifically on staffing in China.

Musk last month compared US workers to those in China, saying American workers tended to try to avoid going to work whereas Chinese workers would not leave the factories.

"They will be burning the 3 am&nbsp;oil," he said at a conference of Chinese workers.

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Tesla was proceeding with an online hiring event in China on Thursday and added two dozen new job postings for the country, a week after Elon Musk threatened job cuts at the electric car maker and said the company was "overstaffed" in some areas.

Tesla was proceeding with an online hiring event in China on Thursday and added two dozen new job postings for the country, a week after Elon Musk threatened job cuts at the electric car maker and said the company was "overstaffed" in some areas. Tesla plans to hold the event online starting from 7 pm Shanghai time (1100 GMT) and will recruit staff for "smart manufacturing" roles, according to an online post. Tesla has 224 current openings in China for managers and engineers under that category, according to a separate post on its WeChat account, 24 of which were newly posted on June 9. Also read | Twitter to provide Elon Musk with complete data on fake users, says report Among the posted positions are managers and engineers to supervise the operation of its 6,000-ton die casting machines known as Giga Press, one of the world's biggest. Tesla regularly holds such hiring events online in China, with the latest one held in May for summer interns. Tesla's China revenue more than doubled in 2021 from a year ago, contributing to a quarter of the total income for the US automaker. The Shanghai plant, which manufactures Model 3 and Model Ys for domestic sale and export, produced more than half of the cars it made last year and Tesla is also planning to expand the factory. Watch | Twitter-Musk debate on bots: Over 20% of Musk followers bots However, output at the plant was badly hit by Shanghai's two-month COVID-19 lockdown that saw it halt work for 22 days and later struggle to return to full production. Prior to this, Tesla had planned to ramp up production at the plant to 22,000 cars a week by mid-May. Musk, the chief executive, said in an email last week that he had a "super bad feeling" about the economy and needed to cut 10 per cent of staff at the electric car maker. The email was titled "pause all hiring worldwide". In another email to employees on Friday, Musk said Tesla would reduce salaried headcount by 10 per cent , as it has become "overstaffed in many areas" but added that "hourly headcount will increase". Also read | As expected, China, Cambodia rubbish claims of secret naval base at Ream as Australia raises concern However on Saturday he backed away from the emails, saying total headcount would increase over the next 12 months and the number of salaried staff should be little changed. Musk had not commented specifically on staffing in China. Musk last month compared US workers to those in China, saying American workers tended to try to avoid going to work whereas Chinese workers would not leave the factories. "They will be burning the 3 am oil," he said at a conference of Chinese workers. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Tesla goes ahead with China hiring event after Musk job warning

Shanghai will lock down a district of 2.7 million people on Saturday to conduct mass coronavirus testing, city authorities said, as the Chinese metropolis struggles to fully emerge from punishing curbs.

The city eased many restrictions last week, after confining most of its 25 million residents to their homes since March as China battled its worst Covid outbreak in two years.

But the lockdown was never fully lifted, with hundreds of thousands in China's biggest city still restricted to their homes and multiple residential compounds put under fresh stay-home orders.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-morning-rush-resumes-after-beijing-reopens-schools-and-workplaces-as-curbs-ease-485733">COVID-19: Morning rush resumes after Beijing reopens schools and workplaces as curbs ease</a>

The southwestern district of Minhang, home to 2.7 million people, will be placed under "closed management" on Saturday morning and all residents will be tested, district authorities said in a social media post on Thursday.

"The closure will be lifted after samples have been collected," they added, without giving a specific time or date.

The statement also did not say what measures would be imposed if any district residents test positive.

Under China's stringent zero-Covid approach, all positive cases are isolated and close contacts -- often including the entire building or community where they live -- are made to quarantine.

Shanghai reported nine new local infections on Thursday -- none in Minhang.

Fears of another lockdown

The district's announcement sparked fear among some social media users that the lockdown could be prolonged beyond Saturday if any cases are found.

"You need to clarify if (the lockdown) will really be lifted after samples are collected," one user wrote on Weibo.

"If there are abnormal results after the tests, what will you do? Continue the lockdown?" asked another.

The city government on Thursday denied rumours that the rest of the city would lock down again in phases, saying that while individual areas had issued confinement orders, the city as a whole was "gradually resuming normal production and life".

The lockdown in Shanghai -- a major global shipping hub -- had threatened to pile further pressure on already-strained international supply chains.

But the city has slowly come back to life in recent days.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/shanghai-film-festival-canceled-owing-to-covid-19-crises-485683">Shanghai Film Festival cancelled due to COVID-19 crisis</a>

Commuters are back on subways and buses as people return to working in their offices, while residents have gathered in parks and along the city's historic waterfront.

But others are chafing under continued restrictions, with residents in one compound in the downtown Xuhui district protesting against the rules this week.

Beijing, meanwhile, was transitioning more smoothly towards normality after shutting restaurants, gyms and subway stations last month to stamp out a smaller outbreak.

The Chinese capital's largest district, however, on Thursday ordered clubs and bars to close after some venues were linked to Covid cases, according to state media.

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Shanghai will lock down a district of 2.7 million people on Saturday to conduct mass coronavirus testing, city authorities said, as the Chinese metropolis struggles to fully emerge from punishing curbs.

Shanghai will lock down a district of 2.7 million people on Saturday to conduct mass coronavirus testing, city authorities said, as the Chinese metropolis struggles to fully emerge from punishing curbs. The city eased many restrictions last week, after confining most of its 25 million residents to their homes since March as China battled its worst Covid outbreak in two years. But the lockdown was never fully lifted, with hundreds of thousands in China's biggest city still restricted to their homes and multiple residential compounds put under fresh stay-home orders. Also read | COVID-19: Morning rush resumes after Beijing reopens schools and workplaces as curbs ease The southwestern district of Minhang, home to 2.7 million people, will be placed under "closed management" on Saturday morning and all residents will be tested, district authorities said in a social media post on Thursday. "The closure will be lifted after samples have been collected," they added, without giving a specific time or date. The statement also did not say what measures would be imposed if any district residents test positive. Under China's stringent zero-Covid approach, all positive cases are isolated and close contacts -- often including the entire building or community where they live -- are made to quarantine. Shanghai reported nine new local infections on Thursday -- none in Minhang. Fears of another lockdown The district's announcement sparked fear among some social media users that the lockdown could be prolonged beyond Saturday if any cases are found. "You need to clarify if (the lockdown) will really be lifted after samples are collected," one user wrote on Weibo. "If there are abnormal results after the tests, what will you do? Continue the lockdown?" asked another. The city government on Thursday denied rumours that the rest of the city would lock down again in phases, saying that while individual areas had issued confinement orders, the city as a whole was "gradually resuming normal production and life". The lockdown in Shanghai -- a major global shipping hub -- had threatened to pile further pressure on already-strained international supply chains. But the city has slowly come back to life in recent days. Also read | Shanghai Film Festival cancelled due to COVID-19 crisis Commuters are back on subways and buses as people return to working in their offices, while residents have gathered in parks and along the city's historic waterfront. But others are chafing under continued restrictions, with residents in one compound in the downtown Xuhui district protesting against the rules this week. Beijing, meanwhile, was transitioning more smoothly towards normality after shutting restaurants, gyms and subway stations last month to stamp out a smaller outbreak. The Chinese capital's largest district, however, on Thursday ordered clubs and bars to close after some venues were linked to Covid cases, according to state media. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Shanghai to lock down and test 2.7 million as Covid fears linger

On June 9, residents of Shanghai's sprawling Minhang area were forced to stay at home for two days in order to control COVID-19 transmission threats.

On June 11, the government of Minhang, which has a population of over 2 million people, will conduct nucleic acid tests for all citizens, and limitations will be eased once the testing is completed, according to the administration's WeChat account.

On Wednesday, Shanghai reported four new confirmed symptomatic COVID-19 cases, all in quarantined zones. There were no new cases in the Minhang district.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-zero-covid-two-districts-sealed-off-once-again-as-lockdowns-continue-to-haunt-shanghai-484839">China Zero-Covid: Two districts sealed off once again, as 'lockdowns' continue to haunt Shanghai</a>

Last week, Shanghai was released from a two-month city-wide lockdown, but certain residential compounds have been re-locked as officials continue to pursue a "dynamic zero-COVID" policy aimed at shutting down transmission chains as quickly as possible.

Residents would be subjected to two days of imprisonment and another 12 days of severe testing beginning Thursday, according to several street-level government authorities.

Residents in at least three Shanghai neighbourhoods will be subjected to five rounds of mandatory tests, which will culminate on June 23, and will be kept indoors until Saturday, according to notices.

Watch |&nbsp;China: Parts of Shanghai impose new lockdown restrictions

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Zhao Dandan, the vice-head of Shanghai`s health commission, told a briefing on Tuesday that the city would continue to implement restrictions even in areas that had not been identified as "high risk". 
 
"Based on the assessment of the epidemic prevention and control trends, related measures will be adjusted dynamically," he said. "We hope the public will continue to understand and cooperate." 
 
The restrictions have triggered protests among residents, and business groups have also said the ongoing preoccupation with "zero-COVID" could lead foreign companies to reconsider their presence in Shanghai.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-residents-spent-2-months-locked-up-but-china-bans-media-from-calling-it-a-lockdown-484410">Shanghai residents spent 2 months 'locked' up, but China bans media from calling it a 'lockdown'</a>

"One of the major issues facing foreign business is the level of uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 restrictions," said Alexandra Hirst, senior policy analyst with the British Chamber of Commerce in China. 
 
"This unpredictability, and increased risk, is resulting in many businesses delaying, reducing or withdrawing entirely from the Chinese market," she said.

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(With inputs from agencies)

On June 9, residents of Shanghai's sprawling Minhang area were forced to stay at home for two days in order to control COVID-19 transmission threats. On June 11, the government of Minhang, which has a population of over 2 million people, will conduct nucleic acid tests for all citizens, and limitations will be eased once the testing is completed, according to the administration's WeChat account.

On June 9, residents of Shanghai's sprawling Minhang area were forced to stay at home for two days in order to control COVID-19 transmission threats. On June 11, the government of Minhang, which has a population of over 2 million people, will conduct nucleic acid tests for all citizens, and limitations will be eased once the testing is completed, according to the administration's WeChat account. On Wednesday, Shanghai reported four new confirmed symptomatic COVID-19 cases, all in quarantined zones. There were no new cases in the Minhang district. Also read | China Zero-Covid: Two districts sealed off once again, as 'lockdowns' continue to haunt Shanghai Last week, Shanghai was released from a two-month city-wide lockdown, but certain residential compounds have been re-locked as officials continue to pursue a "dynamic zero-COVID" policy aimed at shutting down transmission chains as quickly as possible. Residents would be subjected to two days of imprisonment and another 12 days of severe testing beginning Thursday, according to several street-level government authorities. Residents in at least three Shanghai neighbourhoods will be subjected to five rounds of mandatory tests, which will culminate on June 23, and will be kept indoors until Saturday, according to notices. Watch | China: Parts of Shanghai impose new lockdown restrictions Zhao Dandan, the vice-head of Shanghai`s health commission, told a briefing on Tuesday that the city would continue to implement restrictions even in areas that had not been identified as "high risk". "Based on the assessment of the epidemic prevention and control trends, related measures will be adjusted dynamically," he said. "We hope the public will continue to understand and cooperate." The restrictions have triggered protests among residents, and business groups have also said the ongoing preoccupation with "zero-COVID" could lead foreign companies to reconsider their presence in Shanghai. Also read | Shanghai residents spent 2 months 'locked' up, but China bans media from calling it a 'lockdown' "One of the major issues facing foreign business is the level of uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 restrictions," said Alexandra Hirst, senior policy analyst with the British Chamber of Commerce in China. "This unpredictability, and increased risk, is resulting in many businesses delaying, reducing or withdrawing entirely from the Chinese market," she said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

Parts of Shanghai impose new Covid lockdown measures

Covid curbs are back in some parts of Shanghai as four new symptomatic cases were reported. Meanwhile, Shanghai has recently emerged from a two-month lockdown last week.

China: Parts of Shanghai impose new lockdown restrictions

Only a day after city wide Covid restrictions were lifted in China's Shanghai, reports suggest that multiple neighbourhoods have once again been placed under lockdown.&nbsp;Shanghai lifted its two-month-long 'lockdown' on Wednesday, allowing almost 23 million 'low-risk neighbourhoods' of its 25 million residents to venture out of their homes and residential complexes. However, the other two million continued to be confined to their homes, after their areas were designated as 'high-risk'.

According to a report by CNN, on Thursday Shanghai officials during a press conference announced that seven new cases have been detected in two of the city's districts; Jing'an and Pudong. Due to this four neighbourhoods have now been sealed off and designated as 'medium-risk'.

This means that the residents would have to undergo another 14 days of confinement.

Watch |&nbsp;Covid: Shanghai refuses to admit imposing ‘lockdown’ after lifting 2-month long curbs

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The step has been taken under China's Zero-Covid policy and serves as a reminder that lockdowns, quarantine, and mass testing will continue to haunt the lives of the city's residents.&nbsp;

As the four localities were sealed off, 26 close contacts of the infected along with 106 secondary contacts have also been placed under a government quarantine. Additionally, 470,000 people had to undergo COVID-19 testing.

This comes as the government issued a directive for the media, ordering them to refrain from using the term 'ending of lockdown' while describing Shanghai's reopening.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-residents-spent-2-months-locked-up-but-china-bans-media-from-calling-it-a-lockdown-484410">Shanghai residents spent 2 months 'locked' up, but China bans media from calling it a 'lockdown'</a>

Under the new guidelines businesses and shops have been allowed to reopen, however, residents are required to present a negative PCR test done within 72 hours to enter public spaces or use public transport.

While China has declared a victory over the Coronavirus in Shanghai, the city's residents are still struggling in the aftermath of the poorly managed lockdown. There are still many who are suffering from the trauma of losing loved ones, incomes, or going hungry for days in the aftermath of strict measures that even led to a food shortage.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Only a day after city wide Covid restrictions were lifted in China's Shanghai, reports suggest that multiple neighbourhoods have once again been placed under lockdown.

Only a day after city wide Covid restrictions were lifted in China's Shanghai, reports suggest that multiple neighbourhoods have once again been placed under lockdown. Shanghai lifted its two-month-long 'lockdown' on Wednesday, allowing almost 23 million 'low-risk neighbourhoods' of its 25 million residents to venture out of their homes and residential complexes. However, the other two million continued to be confined to their homes, after their areas were designated as 'high-risk'. According to a report by CNN, on Thursday Shanghai officials during a press conference announced that seven new cases have been detected in two of the city's districts; Jing'an and Pudong. Due to this four neighbourhoods have now been sealed off and designated as 'medium-risk'. This means that the residents would have to undergo another 14 days of confinement. Watch | Covid: Shanghai refuses to admit imposing ‘lockdown’ after lifting 2-month long curbs The step has been taken under China's Zero-Covid policy and serves as a reminder that lockdowns, quarantine, and mass testing will continue to haunt the lives of the city's residents. As the four localities were sealed off, 26 close contacts of the infected along with 106 secondary contacts have also been placed under a government quarantine. Additionally, 470,000 people had to undergo COVID-19 testing. This comes as the government issued a directive for the media, ordering them to refrain from using the term 'ending of lockdown' while describing Shanghai's reopening. Also read | Shanghai residents spent 2 months 'locked' up, but China bans media from calling it a 'lockdown' Under the new guidelines businesses and shops have been allowed to reopen, however, residents are required to present a negative PCR test done within 72 hours to enter public spaces or use public transport. While China has declared a victory over the Coronavirus in Shanghai, the city's residents are still struggling in the aftermath of the poorly managed lockdown. There are still many who are suffering from the trauma of losing loved ones, incomes, or going hungry for days in the aftermath of strict measures that even led to a food shortage. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China Zero-Covid: Two districts sealed off once again, as 'lockdowns' continue to haunt Shanghai

Covid-19 restrictions were lifted in Shanghai after cases went down but authorities refuse to admit that a lockdown was imposed in the city. Students find themselves in the depth of mass testing and relying on universities for food and supplies.

Covid: Shanghai refuses to admit imposing ‘lockdown’ after lifting 2-month long curbs

People in some parts of Shanghai are protesting against coronavirus lockdown. Lockdown rules were relaxed in Shanghai from June 1.

Watch: Protests in Shanghai against Covid-19 lockdown

For more than 60 days, residents of China's Shanghai were stuck in a lockdown. Confined to their homes or apartment blocks, they were plagued by problems like food shortages, accessing medical care etc. Now, as their seclusion is finally ending, with most people allowed to venture out, to markets, to work and on public transport, China has cracked down on media for 'calling a spade a spade'.&nbsp;According to a Guardian report, a leaked directive from the city has ordered media to not use the phrase "ending the lockdown" while reporting the end of what clearly was a lockdown.

The leaked directive, which was obtained by China Digital Times said "unlike Wuhan, Shanghai never declared a lockdown, so there is no 'ending the lockdown'."

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: How Zero Covid ravaged Chinese economy

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It further said that “All parts of Shanghai underwent static management-style suppression and suspensions, but the city’s core functions kept operating throughout this period. Emphasise that related measures were temporary, conditional, and limited.”

For more than two months people of the Chinese city with a population of 25 million had to stay cooped up, sometimes for just living in the same apartment building as a Covid positive person. Businesses and factories also suffered.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-shanghai-starts-coming-back-to-life-after-two-month-long-lockdown-484137">In pics - Shanghai starts coming back to life after two-month long lockdown</a>

After weeks of that finally on Thursday curbs were lifted for about 22.5 million people living in low-risk areas. However, masks still remain a requirement and public gatherings are frowned upon.

Cafes and other businesses have returned, but restaurant dining is still prohibited, shops can only function at 75 per cent capacity, and gyms will reopen later.

Shanghai's shutdown was the outcome of China's "zero COVID" approach of eradicating outbreaks at all costs, despite international consensus that coexistence with the virus was unavoidable.

(With inputs from agencies)

For more than 60 days, residents of China's Shanghai were stuck in a lockdown. Confined to their homes or apartment blocks, they were plagued by problems like food shortages, accessing medical care etc.

For more than 60 days, residents of China's Shanghai were stuck in a lockdown. Confined to their homes or apartment blocks, they were plagued by problems like food shortages, accessing medical care etc. Now, as their seclusion is finally ending, with most people allowed to venture out, to markets, to work and on public transport, China has cracked down on media for 'calling a spade a spade'. According to a Guardian report, a leaked directive from the city has ordered media to not use the phrase "ending the lockdown" while reporting the end of what clearly was a lockdown. The leaked directive, which was obtained by China Digital Times said "unlike Wuhan, Shanghai never declared a lockdown, so there is no 'ending the lockdown'." Watch | Gravitas: How Zero Covid ravaged Chinese economy It further said that “All parts of Shanghai underwent static management-style suppression and suspensions, but the city’s core functions kept operating throughout this period. Emphasise that related measures were temporary, conditional, and limited.” For more than two months people of the Chinese city with a population of 25 million had to stay cooped up, sometimes for just living in the same apartment building as a Covid positive person. Businesses and factories also suffered. Also read | In pics - Shanghai starts coming back to life after two-month long lockdown After weeks of that finally on Thursday curbs were lifted for about 22.5 million people living in low-risk areas. However, masks still remain a requirement and public gatherings are frowned upon. Cafes and other businesses have returned, but restaurant dining is still prohibited, shops can only function at 75 per cent capacity, and gyms will reopen later. Shanghai's shutdown was the outcome of China's "zero COVID" approach of eradicating outbreaks at all costs, despite international consensus that coexistence with the virus was unavoidable. (With inputs from agencies)

Shanghai residents spent 2 months 'locked' up, but China bans media from calling it a 'lockdown'

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