Hello and Welcome. This is The Capitals. Your weekly recap of some of the biggest stories from The Capitals worldwide.&nbsp;

A lone protestor standing in front of a line of army tanks at Beijing's Tiananmen Square remains one of the most iconic pictures of defiance in the twentieth century. Crushed by China's Communist Party rulers in June, 1989, Beijing's Tianenmen Square horror turned 34 this week.

In what started as student-led protests in the mid-1980s, by this time of 1989, catapulted huge sections of the Chinese society, demanding political openness and less censorship.&nbsp;

In the weeks following June 4, 1989, up to one million protestors gathered in Tiananmen Square, making it one of the largest public moments of defiance in the 20th century.

Between June 3 to June 4 in 1989, the troops began to move towards Tiananmen Square, opening fire, crushing and arresting protestors to regain control of the area.

The Chinese government deemed them "counter-revolutionary riots". They said that 200 civilians and several dozen security personnel died. But in 2017, newly released documents revealed that Sir Alan Donald, the British Ambassador to China was told by a member of China's State Council that at least 10,000 people were killed in the Tiananmen crackdown.

In 2023, the commemoration of the events of June 1989 remains a muted affair subject to Beijing's massive censorship. Eight people in Hong Kong were arrested earlier as they staged symbolic protest to commemorate the victims of the events of June 1989.

A carnival celebrating Hong Kong's handover to China is scheduled to take place at the park where public commemoration of Tiananmen Square horror used to take place in the city for decades. Elsewhere, overseas Chinese commemorated the victims of Tiananmen with symbolic vigils and anti-Communist Party candle marches.

<h2>Singapore</h2>

Singapore became the most significant diplomatic capital this week as the city-state hosted the Shangri-La Dialogue, one of Asia's key defence summits. While the lack of US-China talks disappointed many, it's the Washington-Beijing showdown in itself which emerged as the summit's highlight despite war in Ukraine being presented as the most pressing issues faced by the world at the moment.&nbsp;

While the Chinese defence minister took a veiled dig at the United States, accusing Washington of indulging in other's business with a 'cold war mentality', the Pentagon flagged China's 'increasingly risky' behaviour in the region.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Indonesian defence minister Prabowo Subianto's proposal to bring peace between Russia and Ukraine brought Jakarta support from Beijing but flak from the most capitals in the West. Calling for the cessation of hostilities, Subianto called for a referendum to be held in the disputed areas.&nbsp;

<h2>Washington DC, United States</h2>

US President Joe Biden this week signed into law the debt ceiling bill that had been passed by Congress preventing a potential default in the largest economy worldwide. The Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 enables the government to raise the debt ceiling and continue borrowing, ensuring the timely payment of obligations. The enactment of law follows a rare moment of display of bipartisan support which raised the government's $31.4 trillion debt ceiling.&nbsp;

<h2>Dakar, Senegal</h2>

Tensions rose high in Dakar after clashes broke out between the supporters of an Opposition politician and police, leading to 15 deaths over two days.

The army was deployed to the streets but scuffles erupted on Friday night in parts of the capital, Dakar, and in other parts of the country.

The tensions flared up after a court convicted opposition leader Ousmane Sonko of morally "corrupting" a young woman and sentenced to two years in prison. This, his supporters say, is government's move to take Sonko out of the running for the 2024 poll.

The United Nations, the European Union and Senegal's former colonial power France have also expressed concern over the violence.

<h2>Kampala, Uganda</h2>

A group of Ugandan street kids from a Kampala slum will perform at the grand finale of Britain's Got Talent. The children of the Triplets Ghetto Kids troupe have already wowed the Britain's Got Talent judges and viewers alike with their energetic dance medley, colourful costumes and captivating smiles.

The Ghetto Kids first became an internet sensation in 2014 when their homemade dance video featuring the hit "Sitya Loss" by Eddy Kenzo, another Ugandan orphan turned music star, went viral.&nbsp;

The clip of several youngsters dancing on a dirt road opened a floodgate of opportunities for the group whose videos on YouTube have had many millions of hits.

They have gone on to win several African and global awards, and have worked with international music stars such as American singer-songwriter Chris Brown and Nigerian Afrobeats star Wizkid.

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Hello and Welcome. This is The Capitals. Your weekly recap of some of the biggest stories from The Capitals worldwide. A lone protestor standing in front of a line of army tanks at Beijing's Tiananmen Square remains one of the most iconic pictures of defiance in the twentieth century.

Hello and Welcome. This is The Capitals. Your weekly recap of some of the biggest stories from The Capitals worldwide. A lone protestor standing in front of a line of army tanks at Beijing's Tiananmen Square remains one of the most iconic pictures of defiance in the twentieth century. Crushed by China's Communist Party rulers in June, 1989, Beijing's Tianenmen Square horror turned 34 this week. In what started as student-led protests in the mid-1980s, by this time of 1989, catapulted huge sections of the Chinese society, demanding political openness and less censorship. In the weeks following June 4, 1989, up to one million protestors gathered in Tiananmen Square, making it one of the largest public moments of defiance in the 20th century. Between June 3 to June 4 in 1989, the troops began to move towards Tiananmen Square, opening fire, crushing and arresting protestors to regain control of the area. The Chinese government deemed them "counter-revolutionary riots". They said that 200 civilians and several dozen security personnel died. But in 2017, newly released documents revealed that Sir Alan Donald, the British Ambassador to China was told by a member of China's State Council that at least 10,000 people were killed in the Tiananmen crackdown. In 2023, the commemoration of the events of June 1989 remains a muted affair subject to Beijing's massive censorship. Eight people in Hong Kong were arrested earlier as they staged symbolic protest to commemorate the victims of the events of June 1989. A carnival celebrating Hong Kong's handover to China is scheduled to take place at the park where public commemoration of Tiananmen Square horror used to take place in the city for decades. Elsewhere, overseas Chinese commemorated the victims of Tiananmen with symbolic vigils and anti-Communist Party candle marches. Singapore Singapore became the most significant diplomatic capital this week as the city-state hosted the Shangri-La Dialogue, one of Asia's key defence summits. While the lack of US-China talks disappointed many, it's the Washington-Beijing showdown in itself which emerged as the summit's highlight despite war in Ukraine being presented as the most pressing issues faced by the world at the moment. While the Chinese defence minister took a veiled dig at the United States, accusing Washington of indulging in other's business with a 'cold war mentality', the Pentagon flagged China's 'increasingly risky' behaviour in the region. Meanwhile, Indonesian defence minister Prabowo Subianto's proposal to bring peace between Russia and Ukraine brought Jakarta support from Beijing but flak from the most capitals in the West. Calling for the cessation of hostilities, Subianto called for a referendum to be held in the disputed areas. Washington DC, United States US President Joe Biden this week signed into law the debt ceiling bill that had been passed by Congress preventing a potential default in the largest economy worldwide. The Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 enables the government to raise the debt ceiling and continue borrowing, ensuring the timely payment of obligations. The enactment of law follows a rare moment of display of bipartisan support which raised the government's $31.4 trillion debt ceiling. Dakar, Senegal Tensions rose high in Dakar after clashes broke out between the supporters of an Opposition politician and police, leading to 15 deaths over two days. The army was deployed to the streets but scuffles erupted on Friday night in parts of the capital, Dakar, and in other parts of the country. The tensions flared up after a court convicted opposition leader Ousmane Sonko of morally "corrupting" a young woman and sentenced to two years in prison. This, his supporters say, is government's move to take Sonko out of the running for the 2024 poll. The United Nations, the European Union and Senegal's former colonial power France have also expressed concern over the violence. Kampala, Uganda A group of Ugandan street kids from a Kampala slum will perform at the grand finale of Britain's Got Talent. The children of the Triplets Ghetto Kids troupe have already wowed the Britain's Got Talent judges and viewers alike with their energetic dance medley, colourful costumes and captivating smiles. The Ghetto Kids first became an internet sensation in 2014 when their homemade dance video featuring the hit "Sitya Loss" by Eddy Kenzo, another Ugandan orphan turned music star, went viral. The clip of several youngsters dancing on a dirt road opened a floodgate of opportunities for the group whose videos on YouTube have had many millions of hits. They have gone on to win several African and global awards, and have worked with international music stars such as American singer-songwriter Chris Brown and Nigerian Afrobeats star Wizkid. 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.

The Capitals: Beijing's Tiananmen horror turns 34, Singapore's Shangri-La moment under sun, and more

The United States on Sunday flagged China's "increasingly risky and coercive activities" in Asia. The Pentagon expressed the concern in the wake of recent acts of Chinese territorial assertions in its neighbourhood.

"We remain concerned about the PLA's increasingly risky and coercive activities in the region, including in recent days," said Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder, who is with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin at a security conference in Singapore.

Meanwhile, the Chinese defence minister warned against establishing NATO-like military alliances in what he referred to as Asia-Pacific, saying they would plunge the region into a "whirlpool" of conflict.

The Chinese side incorrectly referred to the Indo-Pacific region as 'Asia Pacific'.

Li Shangfu's comments came a day after US and Chinese military vessels sailed close to each other in the flashpoint Taiwan Strait, an incident that provoked anger from both sides.

"Attempts to push for NATO-like (alliances) in the Asia-Pacific is a way of kidnapping regional countries and exaggerating conflicts and confrontations," Li said at Shangri La conference in Singapore also attended by US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-panel-recommends-inclusion-of-india-in-nato-plus-597383">US House panel recommends inclusion of India in NATO Plus to deter China</a>

Li said these alliances would "plunge the Asia-Pacific into a whirlpool of disputes and conflicts".

The United States is a member of the AUKUS alliance, which groups it with Australia and Britain.

Washington is also a member of the QUAD group, which includes Australia, India and Japan.

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Why does United States want to open a NATO office in the Pacific?

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"Today's Asia-Pacific needs open and inclusive cooperation, not buddying up into small cliques," Li said at the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit.

"We must not forget the severe disasters brought by the two world wars to peoples of all countries, and we must not allow such tragic history to repeat itself."

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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The United States on Sunday flagged China's "increasingly risky and coercive activities" in Asia. The Pentagon expressed the concern in the wake of recent acts of Chinese territorial assertions in its neighbourhood.

The United States on Sunday flagged China's "increasingly risky and coercive activities" in Asia. The Pentagon expressed the concern in the wake of recent acts of Chinese territorial assertions in its neighbourhood. "We remain concerned about the PLA's increasingly risky and coercive activities in the region, including in recent days," said Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder, who is with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin at a security conference in Singapore. Meanwhile, the Chinese defence minister warned against establishing NATO-like military alliances in what he referred to as Asia-Pacific, saying they would plunge the region into a "whirlpool" of conflict. The Chinese side incorrectly referred to the Indo-Pacific region as 'Asia Pacific'. Li Shangfu's comments came a day after US and Chinese military vessels sailed close to each other in the flashpoint Taiwan Strait, an incident that provoked anger from both sides. "Attempts to push for NATO-like (alliances) in the Asia-Pacific is a way of kidnapping regional countries and exaggerating conflicts and confrontations," Li said at Shangri La conference in Singapore also attended by US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin. Also read | US House panel recommends inclusion of India in NATO Plus to deter China Li said these alliances would "plunge the Asia-Pacific into a whirlpool of disputes and conflicts". The United States is a member of the AUKUS alliance, which groups it with Australia and Britain. Washington is also a member of the QUAD group, which includes Australia, India and Japan. Also watch | Gravitas: Why does United States want to open a NATO office in the Pacific? × "Today's Asia-Pacific needs open and inclusive cooperation, not buddying up into small cliques," Li said at the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit. "We must not forget the severe disasters brought by the two world wars to peoples of all countries, and we must not allow such tragic history to repeat itself." (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.

Pentagon flags China’s ‘increasingly risky and coercive’ activities in Asia

Luxury hotel chain Shangri-La Group has been a victim of a major data breach. Reportedly, the personal data of guests who had stayed at its hotels in countries such as Tokyo, Singapore, Thailand, Taipei, and Hong Kong has been compromised.

Luxury hotel chain Shangri-La Group has been a victim of a major data breach. Reportedly, the personal data of guests who had stayed at its hotels in countries such as Tokyo, Singapore, Thailand, Taipei, and Hong Kong has been compromised. "A sophisticated threat actor managed to bypass Shangri-La's IT security monitoring systems undetected and illegally accessed the guest databases," the hotel chain's senior vice-president for operations and process transformation, Brian Yu informed the affected guests in an e-mail. The database contained data such as guest names, email addresses, phone numbers, postal addresses, Shangri-La Circle membership numbers, reservation dates and company names. "Although we were not able to confirm the content of the exfiltrated data files, it is likely that they contained guest data," he further said. The hotel, however, assured the guests that critical information such as passport numbers, ID numbers, date of birth and credit card numbers were encrypted. The hotel informed that the data breach incident transpired during the May-July period, earlier this year. Interestingly enough, the data breach occurred at the same time as Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's top security summit was held at the Shangri-La, Organe Grove Road hotel in Singapore after a two-year Covid-19-induced hiatus. WATCH | The final day of Shangri-La dialogue underway: China remains firm on Taiwan issue × Experts accessing the data breach suggested that the top security summit might have been the target of the hackers. However, when asked about the same, the Shangri-La hotel authorities refused to make any connection. “There is no evidence to suggest any specific hotel or event was singled out. As a matter of policy, we do not disclose information about our guests," said a hotel spokesman. Read more: China-backed hackers waged cyberattacks on Indian power grid system near Ladakh: Report (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Shangri-La reports major data breach at eight hotels; guests' data leaked

Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe warned US on Friday that Beijing will "not hesitate to start a war" in the event of Taiwan declaring independence. The warning came as he held his first face-to-face meeting with his US counterpart, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin. The meet took place on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore.

Taiwan has its own government but China views the island nation as part of its own territory.

Wei warned Austin that "if anyone dares to split Taiwan from China, the Chinese army will definitely not hesitate to start a war no matter the cost", defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian quoted the minister as saying during the meeting.&nbsp;

The Chinese minister vowed that Beijing would "smash to smithereens any 'Taiwan independence' plot and resolutely uphold the unification of the motherland", according to the Chinese defence ministry.

He "stressed that Taiwan is China's Taiwan... Using Taiwan to contain China will never prevail", the ministry said.&nbsp;

Austin "reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the (Taiwan) Strait, opposition to unilateral changes to the status quo, and called on (China) to refrain from further destabilising actions toward Taiwan", according to the US Department of Defense.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-greenlights-usd-120-million-sale-for-taiwanese-warships-486723">US greenlights USD 120 million sale for Taiwanese warships</a>

Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) has seen repeated violations from Chinese fighter jets.

US President Joe Biden, during a visit to Japan last month, appeared to break decades of US policy when, in response to a question, he said Washington would defend Taiwan militarily if it is attacked by China.&nbsp;

The White House has since insisted its policy of "strategic ambiguity" over whether or not it would intervene has not changed.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe warned US on Friday that Beijing will "not hesitate to start a war" in the event of Taiwan declaring independence. The warning came as he held his first face-to-face meeting with his US counterpart, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin.

Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe warned US on Friday that Beijing will "not hesitate to start a war" in the event of Taiwan declaring independence. The warning came as he held his first face-to-face meeting with his US counterpart, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin. The meet took place on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore. Taiwan has its own government but China views the island nation as part of its own territory. Wei warned Austin that "if anyone dares to split Taiwan from China, the Chinese army will definitely not hesitate to start a war no matter the cost", defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian quoted the minister as saying during the meeting. The Chinese minister vowed that Beijing would "smash to smithereens any 'Taiwan independence' plot and resolutely uphold the unification of the motherland", according to the Chinese defence ministry. He "stressed that Taiwan is China's Taiwan... Using Taiwan to contain China will never prevail", the ministry said. Austin "reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the (Taiwan) Strait, opposition to unilateral changes to the status quo, and called on (China) to refrain from further destabilising actions toward Taiwan", according to the US Department of Defense. Also Read | US greenlights USD 120 million sale for Taiwanese warships Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) has seen repeated violations from Chinese fighter jets. US President Joe Biden, during a visit to Japan last month, appeared to break decades of US policy when, in response to a question, he said Washington would defend Taiwan militarily if it is attacked by China. The White House has since insisted its policy of "strategic ambiguity" over whether or not it would intervene has not changed. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

China talks tough, says will 'not hesitate to start war' over Taiwan

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo meets with Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Bangkok, Thailand. It is the first official meet between the two nations after US President Donald Trump's comment on mediation between India and Pakistan over Kashmir issue. S Jaishankar conveyed India's stand on Kashmir issue to Mike Pompeo. He said, discussion on Kashmir issue if at all will only be with Pakistan and bilateral.

S Jaishankar: Discussion on Kashmir issue will only be with Pakistan and bilateral

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo meets with Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Bangkok, Thailand. It is the first official meet between the two nations after US President Donald Trump's comment on mediation between India and Pakistan over Kashmir issue.

First India-US high level meet after Trump's Kashmir comments

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo meets with Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Bangkok, Thailand. It is the first official meet between the two nations after US President Donald Trump's comment on mediation between India and Pakistan over Kashmir issue. S Jaishankar conveyed India's stand on Kashmir issue to Mike Pompeo.

S Jaishankar conveyed India's stand to Mike Pompeo

Minister of External Affairs of India S Jaishankar will meet US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday on the sidelines of the second day of 9th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers meet in Bangkok, Thailand, in the first official meet between the two nations after US President Donald Trump's comment on mediation between India and Pakistan over Kashmir issue.

Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar to meet Mike Pompeo

Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar meets Mike Pompeo

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Bangkok, Thailand. It was the first official meet between the two nations after US President Donald Trump's comment on mediation between India and Pakistan over Kashmir issue. S Jaishankar conveyed India's stand on Kashmir issue to Mike Pompeo. He said, discussion on Kashmir issue if at all will only be with Pakistan and bilateral. Earlier in the day, United States President Donald Trump once again reiterated his offer to mediate in the Kashmir conflict between India and Pakistan but added that is up to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to accept the offer of assistance.

India to US: Kashmir is a bilateral issue

India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar addresses a meeting in Bangkok. Watch this video to know what he has to say.

S Jaishankar addresses meeting in Bangkok

Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar is likely to have a pull-aside with US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, on the sidelines of 9th East Asia Summit, Foreign Ministers meet in Bangkok. Watch this video to know more.

First India-US meet post Trump's remark

EAM S Jaishankar likely to have pull aside with Mike Pompeo

As tensions between US and China escalate <a href="http://wionews.com/world/philippines-says-ready-for-war-if-troops-harmed-in-disputed-south-china-sea-140935">over military drills in the South China Sea</a>, Lt. General Kenneth McKenzie, director of the US Joint Staff, said the US has a&nbsp;lot of experience in the Western Pacific taking down small islands.

"I would just say that the United States military's had a lot of experience in the Western Pacific taking down small islands," Lieutenant General Kenneth F. McKenzie, Jr said.&nbsp;

The general referring to the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/want-to-see-freedom-of-navigation-so-will-continue-operations-in-south-china-sea-us-140778">World War II campaign when the</a> US forces freed pacific islands of Iwo Jima and Okinawa from the Japanese army, added that, "One shouldn't read anything more into that than a simple statement of historical fact."

In keeping with its larger foreign policy interests in the Pacific, US Secretary of Defense James Mattis met with &nbsp;Vietnam's Defence Minister, Ngô Xuân Lịch, on the sidelines of the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore in order to reinforce Vietnam's "sovereignty over its own future".

China and the US have been trading barbs over the South China Sea conducting military drills close to disputed waters. The islands which have a significant strategic advantage are claimed by China, which is also contested by other countries in the region namely - Indonesia, &nbsp;Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines.

The US has stationed two fleets in the Western Pacific with South China becoming a major flashpoint between China and the US. China has been bringing up artificial islands in the area, claiming it as their own complete with airstrips and surveillance equipment scaring other countries in the region.

The US aircraft carriers with F-18 Hornet, guided missiles and helicopters have been conducting sorties in the South China Sea while keeping a tab on the Chinese Air Force.

China for its part hit out against the US policy in the South China Sea saying, "who is really promoting 'militarisation' in the South China Sea? You can sharpen your eyes, and the answer is there without saying."&nbsp;

"Some people of the United States are hyping up the so-called China's 'militarization' in the South China Sea," the Chinese spokesman said, adding that it was like a thief is crying 'stop thief'.

"Is the freedom of navigation endowed by the international law really what the United States wants, or the 'freedom of rampage' in its dictionary of hegemony?," the Chinese spokesman asserted.

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The US has stationed two fleets in the Western Pacific with South China becoming a major flashpoint between China and the US.

As tensions between US and China escalate over military drills in the South China Sea, Lt. General Kenneth McKenzie, director of the US Joint Staff, said the US has a lot of experience in the Western Pacific taking down small islands. "I would just say that the United States military's had a lot of experience in the Western Pacific taking down small islands," Lieutenant General Kenneth F. McKenzie, Jr said. The general referring to the World War II campaign when the US forces freed pacific islands of Iwo Jima and Okinawa from the Japanese army, added that, "One shouldn't read anything more into that than a simple statement of historical fact." In keeping with its larger foreign policy interests in the Pacific, US Secretary of Defense James Mattis met with Vietnam's Defence Minister, Ngô Xuân Lịch, on the sidelines of the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore in order to reinforce Vietnam's "sovereignty over its own future". China and the US have been trading barbs over the South China Sea conducting military drills close to disputed waters. The islands which have a significant strategic advantage are claimed by China, which is also contested by other countries in the region namely - Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines. The US has stationed two fleets in the Western Pacific with South China becoming a major flashpoint between China and the US. China has been bringing up artificial islands in the area, claiming it as their own complete with airstrips and surveillance equipment scaring other countries in the region. The US aircraft carriers with F-18 Hornet, guided missiles and helicopters have been conducting sorties in the South China Sea while keeping a tab on the Chinese Air Force. China for its part hit out against the US policy in the South China Sea saying, "who is really promoting 'militarisation' in the South China Sea? You can sharpen your eyes, and the answer is there without saying." "Some people of the United States are hyping up the so-called China's 'militarization' in the South China Sea," the Chinese spokesman said, adding that it was like a thief is crying 'stop thief'. "Is the freedom of navigation endowed by the international law really what the United States wants, or the 'freedom of rampage' in its dictionary of hegemony?," the Chinese spokesman asserted.

South China Sea row: US has lots of experience in 'taking down small islands' in Western Pacific, says US general