Ending three years of diplomatic disputes and legal wranglings involving the US, Canada and China, Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou finally landed in Shenzhen after reportedly reaching an agreement with prosecutors to end what has been described as “hostage diplomacy”.

Her release and return came hours after two Canadians — former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor, who were arrested shortly after Meng was taken into custody in December 2018 in Canada at US request over a bank fraud case—were released from jails in China.

Wanzhou, the 49-year-old daughter of Ren Zhengfei, the billionaire founder of Chinese telecom&nbsp;giant Huawei, was granted release in a Vancouver court hearing after three years of house arrest in Canada while fighting extradition to the United States.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-executive-meng-wanzhou-free-to-leave-canada-judge-rules-415721">Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou free to leave Canada, judge rules</a>

Wanzhou arrived on Saturday evening aboard a chartered jet provided by flag carrier Air China in the southern technology hub of Shenzhen, where Huawei is based.

She received a red-carpet welcome home as Huawei employees waited on the airport tarmac waving Chinese flags, according to live feed on state broadcaster CCTV.

“Being an ordinary citizen, I could not have secured my freedom without the support of my beloved country, and the love of the Chinese people,” Meng told supporters from the tarmac.

Earlier, the two detained Canadians — who were held in China for more than 1,000 days— arrived in Calgary, western Canada on Saturday, and were shown on TV being greeted and hugged by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-founder-says-us-underestimates-company-cant-be-isolated-220252">Huawei founder says US underestimates company, 'can't be isolated'</a>

Wanzhou was arrested at Vancouver International Airport in December 2018 on a US warrant and was indicted on bank fraud charges for allegedly misleading HSBC in 2013 about the telecommunications equipment giant’s business dealings in Iran.

Her arrest sparked a diplomatic storm and drew Canada into the fray when China arrested Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig.

Beijing has denied publicly that the arrests are linked.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ending three years of diplomatic disputes and legal wranglings involving the US, Canada and China, Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou finally landed in Shenzhen after reportedly reaching an agreement with prosecutors to end what has been described as “hostage diplomacy”.

Ending three years of diplomatic disputes and legal wranglings involving the US, Canada and China, Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou finally landed in Shenzhen after reportedly reaching an agreement with prosecutors to end what has been described as “hostage diplomacy”. Her release and return came hours after two Canadians — former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor, who were arrested shortly after Meng was taken into custody in December 2018 in Canada at US request over a bank fraud case—were released from jails in China. Wanzhou, the 49-year-old daughter of Ren Zhengfei, the billionaire founder of Chinese telecom giant Huawei, was granted release in a Vancouver court hearing after three years of house arrest in Canada while fighting extradition to the United States. Also read | Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou free to leave Canada, judge rules Wanzhou arrived on Saturday evening aboard a chartered jet provided by flag carrier Air China in the southern technology hub of Shenzhen, where Huawei is based. She received a red-carpet welcome home as Huawei employees waited on the airport tarmac waving Chinese flags, according to live feed on state broadcaster CCTV. “Being an ordinary citizen, I could not have secured my freedom without the support of my beloved country, and the love of the Chinese people,” Meng told supporters from the tarmac. Earlier, the two detained Canadians — who were held in China for more than 1,000 days— arrived in Calgary, western Canada on Saturday, and were shown on TV being greeted and hugged by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Also read | Huawei founder says US underestimates company, 'can't be isolated' Wanzhou was arrested at Vancouver International Airport in December 2018 on a US warrant and was indicted on bank fraud charges for allegedly misleading HSBC in 2013 about the telecommunications equipment giant’s business dealings in Iran. Her arrest sparked a diplomatic storm and drew Canada into the fray when China arrested Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig. Beijing has denied publicly that the arrests are linked. (With inputs from agencies)

All is well that ends well? Huawei executive back in China, 2 Canadians return after legal-diplomatic row

A possible meeting between Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to be on the agenda, possibly on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Rome at the end of October.

Beijing blames U.S of 'Demonising' China during talks

A high-level Chinese diplomat hit out at the United States on Monday accusing the country of conjuring an "imaginary enemy" in hopes of diverting attention from domestic issues brewing in the States.

The diplomat also accused the US &nbsp;of trying to suppress China as relations between the world's two largest economies take&nbsp;a hit. Currently, Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, the second-ranking US diplomat is in the Chinese city of Tianjin in hopes of resolving tensions.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/beijing-blames-us-of-demonising-china-during-talks-400674/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The United States wants to reignite the sense of national purpose by establishing China as an 'imaginary enemy'," Reuters quoted Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng as saying after the session on Monday morning.

Feng added the US had mobilised its society and government against China.

"As if once China's development is suppressed, US&nbsp;domestic and external problems will be resolved, and America will be great again, and America's hegemony can be continued", Feng said.

Sherman will meet State Councillor and Foreign minister Wang Yi later on Monday. Sherman is also slated to visit Japan, South Korea, and Mongolia as protocols between Beijing and Washington take a hit.

The China visit was the last to be added to the Asia trip itinerary.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/new-outbreak-of-covid-19-in-china-highest-daily-rise-since-january-400714" hreflang="en">New outbreak of COVID-19 in China: Highest daily rise since January</a>

On Saturday, Wang warned that China would not accept the US taking a "superior" position in terms of its relationship with China. This came in a day after China revealed sanctions against US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross among others. 
 
According to Reuters, Sherman's expected position is that of cooperation and welcoming competition between the two countries, with the hope to establish a level playing field and "guardrails" to avoid conflicts in the future.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/stop-demonising-china-beijing-urges-the-us-as-envoy-visits-400627" hreflang="en">Stop 'demonising' China: Beijing urges the US as envoy visits</a>

The US government has remained critical of China's policy towards Hong Kong and the alleged "genocide" in Xinjiang. Amid forced labour concerns, US Senate passed a bill this month to ban imports from the region.

A high-level Chinese diplomat hit out at the United States on Monday accusing the country of conjuring an "imaginary enemy" in hopes of diverting attention from domestic issues brewing in the States.

A high-level Chinese diplomat hit out at the United States on Monday accusing the country of conjuring an "imaginary enemy" in hopes of diverting attention from domestic issues brewing in the States. The diplomat also accused the US of trying to suppress China as relations between the world's two largest economies take a hit. Currently, Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, the second-ranking US diplomat is in the Chinese city of Tianjin in hopes of resolving tensions. "The United States wants to reignite the sense of national purpose by establishing China as an 'imaginary enemy'," Reuters quoted Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng as saying after the session on Monday morning. Feng added the US had mobilised its society and government against China. "As if once China's development is suppressed, US domestic and external problems will be resolved, and America will be great again, and America's hegemony can be continued", Feng said. Sherman will meet State Councillor and Foreign minister Wang Yi later on Monday. Sherman is also slated to visit Japan, South Korea, and Mongolia as protocols between Beijing and Washington take a hit. The China visit was the last to be added to the Asia trip itinerary. Also read: New outbreak of COVID-19 in China: Highest daily rise since January On Saturday, Wang warned that China would not accept the US taking a "superior" position in terms of its relationship with China. This came in a day after China revealed sanctions against US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross among others. According to Reuters, Sherman's expected position is that of cooperation and welcoming competition between the two countries, with the hope to establish a level playing field and "guardrails" to avoid conflicts in the future. Also read: Stop 'demonising' China: Beijing urges the US as envoy visits The US government has remained critical of China's policy towards Hong Kong and the alleged "genocide" in Xinjiang. Amid forced labour concerns, US Senate passed a bill this month to ban imports from the region.

China accuses US of creating 'imaginary enemy' to divert from domestic issues

The US & its allies say China was behind a massive cyber attack that targeted thousands of organisations around the world. WION's Palki tells you how China's state-sponsored hackers carried out one of the biggest cyberattacks in history.

Gravitas: How China breached thousands of organisations with one hacking operation

"This buildup is concerning. It raises questions about the PRC's intent. And for us, it reinforces the importance of pursuing practical measures to reduce nuclear risks," Ned Price said.

US calls China's nuclear arsenal build-up 'concerning'

The origin of coronavirus that causes COVID-19 has remained a mystery even after over 1.5 years the first case of infection was reported in the Wuhan city of China.

US urges China to cooperate on COVID origin probe

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in an interview that that China had recently acted 'more aggressively abroad' and was behaving 'increasingly in adversarial ways.'

Antony Blinken says China acting more aggressively abroad

Issuing a stern warning to China US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said that the United States is concerned about China’s aggressive actions against Taiwan and warned it would be a “serious mistake” for anyone to try to change the status quo in the Western Pacific by force.

Blinken warns China against aggression near Taiwan

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will consider sweeping legislation to counter China`s influence on April 21 instead of the planned date of April 14, committee aides said on Friday.

Democratic and Republican leaders of the panel announced the "Strategic Competition Act of 2021" on Thursday. It includes a range of diplomatic and strategic initiatives to counteract Beijing, reflecting hard-line sentiment on dealings with China members of both political parties.

The 280-page bill addresses economic competition with China, but also humanitarian and democratic values, such as imposing sanctions over the treatment of the minority Muslim Uighurs and supporting democracy in Hong Kong.

China is one of the most bipartisan issues in Washington, with both Democrats and Republicans generally backing efforts to do more to compete against Beijing.

However, Democrats had said they hoped the committee would pass the bill on April 14 to clear the way for the full Senate to schedule a vote quickly. Republicans said the week-long delay would give committee members more time to understand the bill and draft amendments.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will consider sweeping legislation to counter China`s influence on April 21 instead of the planned date of April 14, committee aides said on Friday.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will consider sweeping legislation to counter China`s influence on April 21 instead of the planned date of April 14, committee aides said on Friday. Democratic and Republican leaders of the panel announced the "Strategic Competition Act of 2021" on Thursday. It includes a range of diplomatic and strategic initiatives to counteract Beijing, reflecting hard-line sentiment on dealings with China members of both political parties. The 280-page bill addresses economic competition with China, but also humanitarian and democratic values, such as imposing sanctions over the treatment of the minority Muslim Uighurs and supporting democracy in Hong Kong. China is one of the most bipartisan issues in Washington, with both Democrats and Republicans generally backing efforts to do more to compete against Beijing. However, Democrats had said they hoped the committee would pass the bill on April 14 to clear the way for the full Senate to schedule a vote quickly. Republicans said the week-long delay would give committee members more time to understand the bill and draft amendments.

US Senate panel's consideration of China bill now set for April 21

What does the U.S. naval operation in India's exclusive economic zone mean for the Quad partnership? Will a rift in the Indo-Pacific alliance hand the advantage to China?'

Gravitas: Why is the U.S. antagonising India?

The national security advisers for the United States and the Philippines discussed their shared concerns over Chinese activities in the South China Sea in a call on Wednesday, the White House said.

The Philippines has described the presence of hundreds of Chinese boats inside its 200-mile exclusive economic zone at Whitsun Reef in the South China Sea as “swarming and threatening.”

Manila believes the vessels were manned by maritime militia. Chinese diplomats have said the boats were sheltering from rough seas and no militia were aboard.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Philippines national security adviser Hermogenes Esperon “agreed that the United States and the Philippines will continue to coordinate closely in responding to challenges in the South China Sea,” the White House said.

“Sullivan underscored that the United States stands with our Philippine allies in upholding the rules-based international maritime order, and reaffirmed the applicability of the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty in the South China Sea,” it added.

Canada, Australia, Japan and others have voiced concern about China’s intentions.

Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, China and Vietnam have competing territorial claims in the South China Sea, through which at least $3.4 trillion of annual trade passes.

The national security advisers for the United States and the Philippines discussed their shared concerns over Chinese activities in the South China Sea in a call on Wednesday, the White House said.

The national security advisers for the United States and the Philippines discussed their shared concerns over Chinese activities in the South China Sea in a call on Wednesday, the White House said. The Philippines has described the presence of hundreds of Chinese boats inside its 200-mile exclusive economic zone at Whitsun Reef in the South China Sea as “swarming and threatening.” Manila believes the vessels were manned by maritime militia. Chinese diplomats have said the boats were sheltering from rough seas and no militia were aboard. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Philippines national security adviser Hermogenes Esperon “agreed that the United States and the Philippines will continue to coordinate closely in responding to challenges in the South China Sea,” the White House said. “Sullivan underscored that the United States stands with our Philippine allies in upholding the rules-based international maritime order, and reaffirmed the applicability of the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty in the South China Sea,” it added. Canada, Australia, Japan and others have voiced concern about China’s intentions. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, China and Vietnam have competing territorial claims in the South China Sea, through which at least $3.4 trillion of annual trade passes.

US, Philippines officials discuss Chinese activities in South China Sea

US Secretary Antony Blinken on Monday came out in support of the Philippines after "China's maritime militia" amassed Chinese vessels at a boomerang-shaped Whitsun Reef in the West Philippine sea.

Blinken said the United States will stand by its allies and stand up for the rules-based international order.

"The United States stands with our ally, the Philippines, in the face of the PRC's maritime militia amassing at WhitsunReef. We will always stand by our allies and stand up for the rules-based international order," Blinken tweeted.

The Philippines' air force has been holding air patrols over Chinese fishing vessels on the reef. Meanwhile, their air force has made repeated calls to Beijing for their withdrawal from the area, Al Jazeera reported.

Earlier this month, the diplomatic row was touched off when around 220 vessels were first spotted at the Whitsun Reef.

In response to the Chinese vessels, the Philippines foreign ministry has filed a diplomatic protest against China while the Philippine navy and coast guard ships have been deployed in the area to monitor the situation.

"We are ready to defend our national sovereignty and protect the marine resources of the Philippines," said Philippines defence secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

Last month, the Philippines threatened to order its navy to shoot back at any possible Chinese aggression after China passed a coast guard law allowing it to shoot at vessels in territories claimed by the communist nation.

China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea and has overlapping territorial claims with Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan.

China has been increasing its maritime activities in both the South China Sea and the East China Sea over the past few months, partly in response to Beijing's concerns over the increasing US military presence in the region because of escalating Sino-US tensions.

Beijing's rising assertiveness against counter claimants in the East and South Sea has resulted in unprecedented agreement across the Indo-Pacific.

US Secretary Antony Blinken on Monday came out in support of the Philippines after "China's maritime militia" amassed Chinese vessels at a boomerang-shaped Whitsun Reef in the West Philippine sea.

US Secretary Antony Blinken on Monday came out in support of the Philippines after "China's maritime militia" amassed Chinese vessels at a boomerang-shaped Whitsun Reef in the West Philippine sea. Blinken said the United States will stand by its allies and stand up for the rules-based international order. "The United States stands with our ally, the Philippines, in the face of the PRC's maritime militia amassing at WhitsunReef. We will always stand by our allies and stand up for the rules-based international order," Blinken tweeted. The Philippines' air force has been holding air patrols over Chinese fishing vessels on the reef. Meanwhile, their air force has made repeated calls to Beijing for their withdrawal from the area, Al Jazeera reported. Earlier this month, the diplomatic row was touched off when around 220 vessels were first spotted at the Whitsun Reef. In response to the Chinese vessels, the Philippines foreign ministry has filed a diplomatic protest against China while the Philippine navy and coast guard ships have been deployed in the area to monitor the situation. "We are ready to defend our national sovereignty and protect the marine resources of the Philippines," said Philippines defence secretary Delfin Lorenzana. Last month, the Philippines threatened to order its navy to shoot back at any possible Chinese aggression after China passed a coast guard law allowing it to shoot at vessels in territories claimed by the communist nation. China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea and has overlapping territorial claims with Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan. China has been increasing its maritime activities in both the South China Sea and the East China Sea over the past few months, partly in response to Beijing's concerns over the increasing US military presence in the region because of escalating Sino-US tensions. Beijing's rising assertiveness against counter claimants in the East and South Sea has resulted in unprecedented agreement across the Indo-Pacific.

Blinken backs Philippines as hundreds of China vessels crowd disputed reef

The United States has warned China that its tit-for-tat sanctions against two Americans in the growing dispute over Beijing's treatment of Uyghurs were "baseless" and would only shine a harsh spotlight on the "genocide" in Xinjiang.

"Beijing's attempts to intimidate and silence those speaking out for human rights and fundamental freedoms only contribute to the growing international scrutiny of the ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement on Saturday.

He spoke out after China announced sanctions against two Americans, a Canadian and a rights advocacy body, in response to sanctions imposed this week by the two countries over Beijing's treatment of the Uyghur minority.

Blinken called these sanctions "baseless."

At least one million Uyghurs and people from other mostly Muslim groups have been held in camps in China's Xinjiang region, according to rights groups, who accuse authorities of forcibly sterilising women and imposing forced labour.

The European Union, Britain, Canada and the United States, to this end, have sanctioned several members of Xinjiang's political and economic hierarchy in coordinated action over the allegations, prompting retaliation from Beijing in the form of sanctions on individuals from the EU and Britain.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-accuses-china-of-state-led-social-media-campaign-against-companies-that-boycotted-xinjiang-373554">Also read |&nbsp;US accuses China of 'state-led' social media campaign against companies that boycotted Xinjiang</a>

"We stand in solidarity with Canada, the UK, the EU, and other partners and allies around the world in calling on the PRC to end the human rights violations and abuses against predominantly Muslim Uyghurs and members of other ethnic and religious minority groups in Xinjiang and to release those arbitrarily detained," Blinken said.

Earlier on Saturday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said these sanctions were unacceptable and vowed to continue to defend human rights.

"We will continue to defend human rights around the world with our international partners," Trudeau said on Twitter.

China sanctioned Canadian opposition lawmaker Michael Chong, vice-chair of parliament's Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE), as well as the FAAE's Subcommittee on International Human Rights, which has eight members and this month presented a report concluding that atrocities had been committed in Xinjiang that constitute crimes against humanity and genocide.

Beijing also said it will take measures against the chair and vice-chair of the US government's advisory Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), Gayle Manchin and Tony Perkins, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

"The Chinese government is firmly determined to safeguard its national sovereignty, security and development interests, and urges the relevant parties to clearly understand the situation and redress their mistakes," the ministry said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-hits-two-chinese-officials-with-sanctions-over-uighur-abuses-372382">Also read |&nbsp;US hits two Chinese officials with sanctions over Uighur abuses</a>

"They must stop political manipulation on Xinjiang-related issues, stop interfering in China's internal affairs in any form and refrain from going farther down the wrong path. Otherwise they will get their fingers burnt."

The individuals are banned from entering the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macau, the ministry said, and Chinese citizens and institutions are prohibited from doing business with the three individuals or having any exchanges with the subcommittee.

China has repeatedly denied all accusations of abuse and says its camps offer vocational training and are needed to fight extremism.

Beijing's previous sanctions on US individuals whom it says have seriously undermined China's sovereignty and interests on Xinjiang-related issues remain in effect.

(with inputs)

The United States has warned China that its tit-for-tat sanctions against two Americans in the growing dispute over Beijing's treatment of Uyghurs were "baseless" and would only shine a harsh spotlight on the "genocide" in Xinjiang.

The United States has warned China that its tit-for-tat sanctions against two Americans in the growing dispute over Beijing's treatment of Uyghurs were "baseless" and would only shine a harsh spotlight on the "genocide" in Xinjiang. "Beijing's attempts to intimidate and silence those speaking out for human rights and fundamental freedoms only contribute to the growing international scrutiny of the ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement on Saturday. He spoke out after China announced sanctions against two Americans, a Canadian and a rights advocacy body, in response to sanctions imposed this week by the two countries over Beijing's treatment of the Uyghur minority. Blinken called these sanctions "baseless." At least one million Uyghurs and people from other mostly Muslim groups have been held in camps in China's Xinjiang region, according to rights groups, who accuse authorities of forcibly sterilising women and imposing forced labour. The European Union, Britain, Canada and the United States, to this end, have sanctioned several members of Xinjiang's political and economic hierarchy in coordinated action over the allegations, prompting retaliation from Beijing in the form of sanctions on individuals from the EU and Britain. Also read | US accuses China of 'state-led' social media campaign against companies that boycotted Xinjiang "We stand in solidarity with Canada, the UK, the EU, and other partners and allies around the world in calling on the PRC to end the human rights violations and abuses against predominantly Muslim Uyghurs and members of other ethnic and religious minority groups in Xinjiang and to release those arbitrarily detained," Blinken said. Earlier on Saturday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said these sanctions were unacceptable and vowed to continue to defend human rights. "We will continue to defend human rights around the world with our international partners," Trudeau said on Twitter. China sanctioned Canadian opposition lawmaker Michael Chong, vice-chair of parliament's Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE), as well as the FAAE's Subcommittee on International Human Rights, which has eight members and this month presented a report concluding that atrocities had been committed in Xinjiang that constitute crimes against humanity and genocide. Beijing also said it will take measures against the chair and vice-chair of the US government's advisory Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), Gayle Manchin and Tony Perkins, the foreign ministry said in a statement. "The Chinese government is firmly determined to safeguard its national sovereignty, security and development interests, and urges the relevant parties to clearly understand the situation and redress their mistakes," the ministry said. Also read | US hits two Chinese officials with sanctions over Uighur abuses "They must stop political manipulation on Xinjiang-related issues, stop interfering in China's internal affairs in any form and refrain from going farther down the wrong path. Otherwise they will get their fingers burnt." The individuals are banned from entering the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macau, the ministry said, and Chinese citizens and institutions are prohibited from doing business with the three individuals or having any exchanges with the subcommittee. China has repeatedly denied all accusations of abuse and says its camps offer vocational training and are needed to fight extremism. Beijing's previous sanctions on US individuals whom it says have seriously undermined China's sovereignty and interests on Xinjiang-related issues remain in effect. (with inputs)

Washington condemns China's 'baseless sanctions' against US officials over Xinjiang

The United States has invited the leaders of 40 countries, including that of China and Russia, to participate in a global summit on climate change in April.

US President Joe Biden's Earth Day global summit on climate is part of his effort to elevate climate change as a top priority. It will be held virtually given pandemic restrictions and will be live-streamed for public viewing.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin are invited to the April 22-23 summit, according to a White House statement.

Biden told reporters he had not yet spoken to the two leaders about it, "but they know they're invited."

At his first solo news conference since taking office, Biden on Thursday called Xi and Putin supporters of autocracy.

The White House statement said a key goal of the Earth Day summit and a separate gathering in the Scottish city of Glasgow in November will be to galvanise efforts to keep within reach a goal of limiting planetary warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Climate was also a topic when Biden spoke to European leaders on Thursday in a virtual summit of the European Council.

The Biden administration is expected to announce what the White House called "an ambitious 2030 target" for reducing carbon emissions by the time of the summit.

The summit will bring together 17 countries responsible for 80 percent of global emissions and global GDP. The invitee list of 40 nations includes Canada and Mexico as well as allies in Europe and Asia as well as Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria and South Africa.

Biden is urging world leaders to use the summit as an opportunity to outline how their countries will contribute to reduced emissions, the White House said.

The United States has invited the leaders of 40 countries, including that of China and Russia, to participate in a global summit on climate change in April. US President Joe Biden's Earth Day global summit on climate is part of his effort to elevate climate change as a top priority.

The United States has invited the leaders of 40 countries, including that of China and Russia, to participate in a global summit on climate change in April. US President Joe Biden's Earth Day global summit on climate is part of his effort to elevate climate change as a top priority. It will be held virtually given pandemic restrictions and will be live-streamed for public viewing. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin are invited to the April 22-23 summit, according to a White House statement. Biden told reporters he had not yet spoken to the two leaders about it, "but they know they're invited." At his first solo news conference since taking office, Biden on Thursday called Xi and Putin supporters of autocracy. The White House statement said a key goal of the Earth Day summit and a separate gathering in the Scottish city of Glasgow in November will be to galvanise efforts to keep within reach a goal of limiting planetary warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Climate was also a topic when Biden spoke to European leaders on Thursday in a virtual summit of the European Council. The Biden administration is expected to announce what the White House called "an ambitious 2030 target" for reducing carbon emissions by the time of the summit. The summit will bring together 17 countries responsible for 80 percent of global emissions and global GDP. The invitee list of 40 nations includes Canada and Mexico as well as allies in Europe and Asia as well as Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria and South Africa. Biden is urging world leaders to use the summit as an opportunity to outline how their countries will contribute to reduced emissions, the White House said.

Biden invites 40 world leaders, including Xi and Putin, to virtual climate summit

Tesla Inc chief executive Elon Musk said on Saturday his company would be shut down if its cars were used to spy, his first comments on news that China`s military has banned Teslas from its facilities.

"There`s a very strong incentive for us to be very confidential with any information," Musk told a prominent Chinese forum during a virtual discussion, asserting that Tesla would be shut down if its vehicles spied in China or anywhere else.

Sources told Reuters on Friday that the Chinese military has banned Tesla cars from entering its complexes, citing security concerns over cameras installed on the vehicles.

Those restrictions surfaced as the top Chinese and U.S. diplomats were holding a contentious meeting in Alaska, the first such in-person interaction since U.S. President Joe Biden took office in January.

Musk urged greater mutual trust between the world`s two biggest economies, in his remarks to the China Development Forum, a high-level business gathering is hosted by a foundation under the State Council.

He was holding an discussion panel with Xue Qikun, a Chinese scientist specialising in quantum physics who is now head of Southern University of Science and Technology.

In China, the world`s biggest car market and a key battleground for electric vehicles, Tesla sold 147,445 vehicles last year. However, it is facing more competition this year from domestic rivals from Nio Inc to Geely.

Tesla Inc chief executive Elon Musk said on Saturday his company would be shut down if its cars were used to spy, his first comments on news that China`s military has banned Teslas from its facilities.

Tesla Inc chief executive Elon Musk said on Saturday his company would be shut down if its cars were used to spy, his first comments on news that China`s military has banned Teslas from its facilities. "There`s a very strong incentive for us to be very confidential with any information," Musk told a prominent Chinese forum during a virtual discussion, asserting that Tesla would be shut down if its vehicles spied in China or anywhere else. Sources told Reuters on Friday that the Chinese military has banned Tesla cars from entering its complexes, citing security concerns over cameras installed on the vehicles. Those restrictions surfaced as the top Chinese and U.S. diplomats were holding a contentious meeting in Alaska, the first such in-person interaction since U.S. President Joe Biden took office in January. Musk urged greater mutual trust between the world`s two biggest economies, in his remarks to the China Development Forum, a high-level business gathering is hosted by a foundation under the State Council. He was holding an discussion panel with Xue Qikun, a Chinese scientist specialising in quantum physics who is now head of Southern University of Science and Technology. In China, the world`s biggest car market and a key battleground for electric vehicles, Tesla sold 147,445 vehicles last year. However, it is facing more competition this year from domestic rivals from Nio Inc to Geely.

Musk says Tesla would be shut down if its cars spied in China, elsewhere

Beijing and Washington will likely set up a joint working group on climate change, a Chinese media report has said.

The top Chinese and US diplomats, in their first meeting of Joe Biden's presidency on Thursday and Friday, publically rebuked each other's policies at the start of what Washington called "tough and direct" talks in Alaska.

But after the meeting the two sides were "committed to enhancing communication and cooperation in the field of climate change," news agency Xinhua said on Saturday.

They would also hold talks to facilitate the activities of diplomats and consular missions, "as well as on issues related to media reporters in the spirit of reciprocity and mutual benefit," the report said.

The talks in Anchorage, headed by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and China's top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, had a fiery kickoff, in front of TV cameras, and had appeared to yield no diplomatic breakthroughs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-wrap-up-high-level-alaska-talks-after-bitter-opening-exchanges-371815">Also read |&nbsp;US, China wrap up high-level Alaska talks after bitter opening exchanges</a>

But the Chinese delegation said "both sides share the hope of continuing such type of high-level strategic communication," Xinhua reported.

"The two sides also agreed that they ... will maintain dialogue and communication, conduct mutually beneficial cooperation, avoid misunderstanding and misjudgment, as well as conflict and confrontation, so as to promote sound and steady development of China-US relations."

China and the United States also discussed adjusting travel and visa policies according to the coronavirus pandemic situation, "and gradually promoting the normalization of personnel exchanges between China and the United States," the report said.

After the meetings, Yang told China's CGTN television that the discussions had been constructive and beneficial, "but of course, there are still differences."

Last year, as tensions between Beijing and Washington worsened dramatically, the United States shut China's consulate in Houston, prompting China to shut the US consulate in Chengdu.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-engage-in-undiplomatic-sparring-match-371789">Also read |&nbsp;US-China engage in undiplomatic sparring match</a>

Beijing and Washington will likely set up a joint working group on climate change, a Chinese media report has said. The top Chinese and US diplomats, in their first meeting of Joe Biden's presidency on Thursday and Friday, publically rebuked each other's policies at the start of what Washington called "tough and direct" talks in Alaska.

Beijing and Washington will likely set up a joint working group on climate change, a Chinese media report has said. The top Chinese and US diplomats, in their first meeting of Joe Biden's presidency on Thursday and Friday, publically rebuked each other's policies at the start of what Washington called "tough and direct" talks in Alaska. But after the meeting the two sides were "committed to enhancing communication and cooperation in the field of climate change," news agency Xinhua said on Saturday. They would also hold talks to facilitate the activities of diplomats and consular missions, "as well as on issues related to media reporters in the spirit of reciprocity and mutual benefit," the report said. The talks in Anchorage, headed by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and China's top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, had a fiery kickoff, in front of TV cameras, and had appeared to yield no diplomatic breakthroughs. Also read | US, China wrap up high-level Alaska talks after bitter opening exchanges But the Chinese delegation said "both sides share the hope of continuing such type of high-level strategic communication," Xinhua reported. "The two sides also agreed that they ... will maintain dialogue and communication, conduct mutually beneficial cooperation, avoid misunderstanding and misjudgment, as well as conflict and confrontation, so as to promote sound and steady development of China-US relations." China and the United States also discussed adjusting travel and visa policies according to the coronavirus pandemic situation, "and gradually promoting the normalization of personnel exchanges between China and the United States," the report said. After the meetings, Yang told China's CGTN television that the discussions had been constructive and beneficial, "but of course, there are still differences." Last year, as tensions between Beijing and Washington worsened dramatically, the United States shut China's consulate in Houston, prompting China to shut the US consulate in Chengdu. Also read | US-China engage in undiplomatic sparring match

US, China to work together in fight against climate change

The United States and Japan have decided to closely cooperate in the event of a military clash between China and Taiwan, a report said on Sunday.

According to Kyodo News, US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin brought up the issue when he met with Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi on March 16 -- although there was no discussion on the specifics of how the two countries should coordinate responses to such an emergency, the news outlet reported.

Japan has historically refrained from commenting on potential emergency situations in Taiwan in relation to China and its stance remains to "encourage dialogue for a peaceful solution to cross-strait tensions," Kyodo said.

Austin and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met their counterparts in Tokyo last week in what was the first overseas visit by top members of President Joe Biden's cabinet.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-lashes-out-at-us-japan-says-both-colluding-to-interfere-in-internal-affairs-371144">Also read |&nbsp;China lashes out at US, Japan, says both colluding 'to interfere in internal affairs'</a>

In a joint statement issued with Japan, Austin and Blinken said, "China's behaviour, where inconsistent with the existing international order, presents political, economic, military and technological challenges to the alliance and to the international community."

Taiwan and mainland China have been separately governed since they split as a result of a civil war in 1949. China regards Taiwan as a renegade province awaiting reunification, by force if necessary. To this end, Tokyo’s policy on China-Taiwan relations has always been to encourage dialogue for a peaceful solution to cross-strait tensions.

In the earlier meeting with Austin, Kishi had referred to a recent increase in the number of Chinese warplanes crossing the median line in the Taiwan Strait and a need to study ways for the Self-Defence Forces (SDF) to cooperate with US forces defending Taiwan in the event of Beijing’s aggression.

(with inputs)

The United States and Japan have decided to closely cooperate in the event of a military clash between China and Taiwan, a report said on Sunday. According to Kyodo News, US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin brought up the issue when he met with Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi on March 16 -- although there was no discussion on the specifics of how the two countries should coordinate responses to such an emergency, the news outlet reported.

The United States and Japan have decided to closely cooperate in the event of a military clash between China and Taiwan, a report said on Sunday. According to Kyodo News, US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin brought up the issue when he met with Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi on March 16 -- although there was no discussion on the specifics of how the two countries should coordinate responses to such an emergency, the news outlet reported. Japan has historically refrained from commenting on potential emergency situations in Taiwan in relation to China and its stance remains to "encourage dialogue for a peaceful solution to cross-strait tensions," Kyodo said. Austin and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met their counterparts in Tokyo last week in what was the first overseas visit by top members of President Joe Biden's cabinet. Also read | China lashes out at US, Japan, says both colluding 'to interfere in internal affairs' In a joint statement issued with Japan, Austin and Blinken said, "China's behaviour, where inconsistent with the existing international order, presents political, economic, military and technological challenges to the alliance and to the international community." Taiwan and mainland China have been separately governed since they split as a result of a civil war in 1949. China regards Taiwan as a renegade province awaiting reunification, by force if necessary. To this end, Tokyo’s policy on China-Taiwan relations has always been to encourage dialogue for a peaceful solution to cross-strait tensions. In the earlier meeting with Austin, Kishi had referred to a recent increase in the number of Chinese warplanes crossing the median line in the Taiwan Strait and a need to study ways for the Self-Defence Forces (SDF) to cooperate with US forces defending Taiwan in the event of Beijing’s aggression. (with inputs)

US and Japan affirm cooperation over Taiwan emergency

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reacted angrily Friday to the closed-door trial of a Canadian man detained in China for more than two years on espionage charges, dismissing it as "completely unacceptable."

Businessman Michael Spavor, whose hearing finished after less than three hours on Friday, is one of two Canadians detained, in apparent retaliation for Canada's arrest on a US extradition warrant of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, and formally charged last June with spying.

"Let me be very clear: Their arbitrary detention is completely unacceptable, as is the lack of transparency around these court proceedings," the Canadian leader told a news conference.

Spavor's compatriot, former diplomat Michael Kovrig, is scheduled to go to trial on Monday.&nbsp;

Canada has attacked the charges against its citizens as "trumped-up," and the three cases have sent relations between Ottawa and Beijing to their lowest point in decades, although China has denied any link between Meng's arrest and the action taken against the Canadians.

Diplomats and media were barred from attending Spavor's trial earlier in Dandong, where Canadian officials were joined by envoys from eight other nations including the United States, France and Australia outside the courthouse.

Canadian diplomats waved as a police van with tinted windows believed to be carrying Spavor drove out of the court.

The verdict remains unknown.

A court statement said that the "private hearing" had finished and that the court would "select a date to announce the verdict."

Spavor's family have called for his unconditional release, saying that he was innocent of the accusations and had done much as a businessman to "build constructive ties" between Canada, China and North Korea.

- 'Coercive diplomacy' -

Trudeau said his government, along with allies he thanked publicly for showing "global solidarity in this case," would continue to press China to immediately release the "Two Michaels," as they have become known.

"China needs to understand that it is not just about two Canadians," he said.&nbsp;

"It is about respect for the rule of law and relationships with a broad range of Western countries that is at play with the arbitrary detention and the coercive diplomacy they have engaged in."

These nations, he said, are "concerned about this not just because of these two Canadians, but because of the potential implications for their own citizens."

The timing of the Spavor and Kovrig trials comes as high-level talks got underway between the US and China in Anchorage, Alaska, which observers said was no coincidence.

Jim Nickel,&nbsp;the charge d'affaires of the Canadian embassy in Beijing, told reporters outside the Dandong courtroom in northeastern China that Canada -- with US support -- hopes to obtain Spavor and Kovrig's "immediate release."

In Ottawa, Trudeau commented that "the Americans take this case seriously," adding that the plight of the two Canadians was sure to be raised by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in his first face-to-face meeting with his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi.

US State Department spokeswoman Jalina Porter called the prosecution of the Canadians "deeply alarming," and condemned their "lack of minimum procedural protections during their two years of arbitrary detention."

The United States, she added, stands "shoulder to shoulder with Canada in calling for their release."

The trials of the two Canadians, who were detained in December 2018, also came alongside Huawei chief financial officer Meng's extradition case heading into its final weeks.

Meng, whose father is Huawei founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei, has been fighting extradition to the US on charges that she and the company violated US sanctions on Iran and other laws.

Trudeau has accused Beijing of detaining Spavor and Kovrig to put pressure on Canada to release Meng, while affirming the independence of Canada's judicial system in dealing with the US extradition request.

The two Canadian men have had almost no contact with the outside world since their detention.

Virtual consular visits only resumed in October after a nine-month hiatus that authorities said was due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Meng, meanwhile, remains under house arrest at her Vancouver mansion. Her hearing is expected to wrap up mid-May, barring appeals.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reacted angrily Friday to the closed-door trial of a Canadian man detained in China for more than two years on espionage charges, dismissing it as "completely unacceptable.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reacted angrily Friday to the closed-door trial of a Canadian man detained in China for more than two years on espionage charges, dismissing it as "completely unacceptable." Businessman Michael Spavor, whose hearing finished after less than three hours on Friday, is one of two Canadians detained, in apparent retaliation for Canada's arrest on a US extradition warrant of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, and formally charged last June with spying. "Let me be very clear: Their arbitrary detention is completely unacceptable, as is the lack of transparency around these court proceedings," the Canadian leader told a news conference. Spavor's compatriot, former diplomat Michael Kovrig, is scheduled to go to trial on Monday. Canada has attacked the charges against its citizens as "trumped-up," and the three cases have sent relations between Ottawa and Beijing to their lowest point in decades, although China has denied any link between Meng's arrest and the action taken against the Canadians. Diplomats and media were barred from attending Spavor's trial earlier in Dandong, where Canadian officials were joined by envoys from eight other nations including the United States, France and Australia outside the courthouse. Canadian diplomats waved as a police van with tinted windows believed to be carrying Spavor drove out of the court. The verdict remains unknown. A court statement said that the "private hearing" had finished and that the court would "select a date to announce the verdict." Spavor's family have called for his unconditional release, saying that he was innocent of the accusations and had done much as a businessman to "build constructive ties" between Canada, China and North Korea. - 'Coercive diplomacy' - Trudeau said his government, along with allies he thanked publicly for showing "global solidarity in this case," would continue to press China to immediately release the "Two Michaels," as they have become known. "China needs to understand that it is not just about two Canadians," he said. "It is about respect for the rule of law and relationships with a broad range of Western countries that is at play with the arbitrary detention and the coercive diplomacy they have engaged in." These nations, he said, are "concerned about this not just because of these two Canadians, but because of the potential implications for their own citizens." The timing of the Spavor and Kovrig trials comes as high-level talks got underway between the US and China in Anchorage, Alaska, which observers said was no coincidence. Jim Nickel, the charge d'affaires of the Canadian embassy in Beijing, told reporters outside the Dandong courtroom in northeastern China that Canada -- with US support -- hopes to obtain Spavor and Kovrig's "immediate release." In Ottawa, Trudeau commented that "the Americans take this case seriously," adding that the plight of the two Canadians was sure to be raised by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in his first face-to-face meeting with his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi. US State Department spokeswoman Jalina Porter called the prosecution of the Canadians "deeply alarming," and condemned their "lack of minimum procedural protections during their two years of arbitrary detention." The United States, she added, stands "shoulder to shoulder with Canada in calling for their release." The trials of the two Canadians, who were detained in December 2018, also came alongside Huawei chief financial officer Meng's extradition case heading into its final weeks. Meng, whose father is Huawei founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei, has been fighting extradition to the US on charges that she and the company violated US sanctions on Iran and other laws. Trudeau has accused Beijing of detaining Spavor and Kovrig to put pressure on Canada to release Meng, while affirming the independence of Canada's judicial system in dealing with the US extradition request. The two Canadian men have had almost no contact with the outside world since their detention. Virtual consular visits only resumed in October after a nine-month hiatus that authorities said was due to the coronavirus pandemic. Meng, meanwhile, remains under house arrest at her Vancouver mansion. Her hearing is expected to wrap up mid-May, barring appeals.

Trudeau rebukes China over closed-door prosecution of Canadians

Senior US and Chinese officials have concluded the talks in Alaska which laid bare the depth of tensions between the world's two largest economies at the outset of the Biden administration.

The run-up to the talks in Anchorage followed visits by US officials to allies Japan and South Korea.

"We expected to have tough and direct talks on a wide range of issues, and that's exactly what we had," White House national security advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters Friday moments after the Chinese delegation left the hotel meeting room -- without speaking to reporters.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, standing beside Sullivan, said he was not surprised that the United States got a "defensive response" from China after it raised its concerns over Chinese human rights abuses in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong, as well as over cyberattacks and pressure on Taiwan.

But Blinken said the two sides also had intersecting interests on Iran, North Korea, Afghanistan, and climate change.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/abandon-cold-war-mentality-us-chinese-officials-clash-during-talks-in-alaska-371538">Also read |&nbsp;'Abandon Cold War mentality': US, Chinese officials clash during talks in Alaska</a>

"On economics, on trade, on technology, we told our counterparts that we are reviewing these issues with close consultation with Congress, with our allies and partners, and we will move forward on them in a way that totally protects and advances the interests of our workers and our businesses," Blinken said.

Diplomats from the two sides exchanged pointed opening remarks on Thursday. While Blinken spoke about China's challenge to a rules-based international order, China's top diplomat Yang Jiechi lashed out with a speech criticising US democracy, and foreign and trade policies.

The United States accused China of "grandstanding" for its domestic audience, and both sides suggested the other had broken diplomatic protocol. 
The rebukes played out in front of cameras, but a senior US administration official told reporters that as soon as media had left the room, the two sides "immediately got down to business" and held substantive and direct talks.

While much of President Joe Biden's China policy is still being formulated, including how to handle the tariffs on Chinese goods implemented by his predecessor Donald Trump, his administration has so far placed a stronger emphasis on democratic values and allegations of human rights abuses by China.

Biden has partially staked his approach on China to rebuilding American domestic competitiveness, and several top Republicans, whose cooperation will be crucial to the success of those plans, backed his administration in the face of the heated exchanges from the first day of talks.

China's social media carried comments saying Chinese officials were doing a good job in Alaska, and that the US side lacked sincerity.

Also, China on Friday put a Canadian citizen on trial on spying charges, and potentially plans to hold the trial of another Canadian on Monday, cases embroiled in a wider diplomatic spat between Washington and Beijing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-concludes-trial-of-canadian-accused-of-espionage-behind-closed-doors-371568">Also read |&nbsp;China concludes trial of Canadian accused of espionage behind closed doors</a>

State Department spokeswoman Jalina Porter reiterated US.calls for China to release the two men, Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, from "arbitrary and unacceptable" detention during a regular briefing in Washington.

The Chinese military also banned Tesla cars from entering its housing complexes, citing security concerns over the cameras installed on the vehicles, according to two people who saw notices of the directive.

(with inputs)

Senior US and Chinese officials have concluded the talks in Alaska which laid bare the depth of tensions between the world's two largest economies at the outset of the Biden administration.

Senior US and Chinese officials have concluded the talks in Alaska which laid bare the depth of tensions between the world's two largest economies at the outset of the Biden administration. The run-up to the talks in Anchorage followed visits by US officials to allies Japan and South Korea. "We expected to have tough and direct talks on a wide range of issues, and that's exactly what we had," White House national security advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters Friday moments after the Chinese delegation left the hotel meeting room -- without speaking to reporters. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, standing beside Sullivan, said he was not surprised that the United States got a "defensive response" from China after it raised its concerns over Chinese human rights abuses in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong, as well as over cyberattacks and pressure on Taiwan. But Blinken said the two sides also had intersecting interests on Iran, North Korea, Afghanistan, and climate change. Also read | 'Abandon Cold War mentality': US, Chinese officials clash during talks in Alaska "On economics, on trade, on technology, we told our counterparts that we are reviewing these issues with close consultation with Congress, with our allies and partners, and we will move forward on them in a way that totally protects and advances the interests of our workers and our businesses," Blinken said. Diplomats from the two sides exchanged pointed opening remarks on Thursday. While Blinken spoke about China's challenge to a rules-based international order, China's top diplomat Yang Jiechi lashed out with a speech criticising US democracy, and foreign and trade policies. The United States accused China of "grandstanding" for its domestic audience, and both sides suggested the other had broken diplomatic protocol. The rebukes played out in front of cameras, but a senior US administration official told reporters that as soon as media had left the room, the two sides "immediately got down to business" and held substantive and direct talks. While much of President Joe Biden's China policy is still being formulated, including how to handle the tariffs on Chinese goods implemented by his predecessor Donald Trump, his administration has so far placed a stronger emphasis on democratic values and allegations of human rights abuses by China. Biden has partially staked his approach on China to rebuilding American domestic competitiveness, and several top Republicans, whose cooperation will be crucial to the success of those plans, backed his administration in the face of the heated exchanges from the first day of talks. China's social media carried comments saying Chinese officials were doing a good job in Alaska, and that the US side lacked sincerity. Also, China on Friday put a Canadian citizen on trial on spying charges, and potentially plans to hold the trial of another Canadian on Monday, cases embroiled in a wider diplomatic spat between Washington and Beijing. Also read | China concludes trial of Canadian accused of espionage behind closed doors State Department spokeswoman Jalina Porter reiterated US.calls for China to release the two men, Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, from "arbitrary and unacceptable" detention during a regular briefing in Washington. The Chinese military also banned Tesla cars from entering its housing complexes, citing security concerns over the cameras installed on the vehicles, according to two people who saw notices of the directive. (with inputs)

US, China wrap up high-level Alaska talks after bitter opening exchanges

The US Commerce Department said on Wednesday that it has served subpoenas on multiple Chinese companies that provide information and communications technology services in the United States to see if they pose a national security risk. It, however, did not name any company.

"Beijing has engaged in conduct that blunts our technological edge and threatens our alliances," Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in statement.

The subpoenas will gather information to allow the administration&nbsp;to make a determination for possible action that best protects the security of American companies, American workers, and US national security.

China's Huawei Technologies and ZTE Corp were earlier targetted by the previous administration of Donald Trump for removal from the US telecoms infrastructure.

President Joe Biden's administration said last month it plans to allow a Trump-era rule targetting Chinese technology firms deemed to pose a threat to the United States to go into effect despite objections from US businesses. The Commerce Department issued an interim rule in the final days of the Trump administration aimed at addressing information and communications technology supply chain concerns and said it would become effective after a 60-day period of public comment.

Last month, the department said it would continue to accept public comment on the rule until March 22, when it would go into effect. The subpoenas would not have an impact on the interim final rule's timing, a department official said on Wednesday.

The US Chamber of Commerce and groups representing major industries raised concerns in a letter to the Commerce Department in January that the interim rule gave the government "nearly unlimited authority to intervene in virtually any commercial transaction between US companies and their foreign counterparts that involves technology."

(with inputs from Reuters)

The US Commerce Department said on Wednesday that it has served subpoenas on multiple Chinese companies that provide information and communications technology services in the United States to see if they pose a national security risk.

The US Commerce Department said on Wednesday that it has served subpoenas on multiple Chinese companies that provide information and communications technology services in the United States to see if they pose a national security risk. It, however, did not name any company. "Beijing has engaged in conduct that blunts our technological edge and threatens our alliances," Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in statement. The subpoenas will gather information to allow the administration to make a determination for possible action that best protects the security of American companies, American workers, and US national security. China's Huawei Technologies and ZTE Corp were earlier targetted by the previous administration of Donald Trump for removal from the US telecoms infrastructure. President Joe Biden's administration said last month it plans to allow a Trump-era rule targetting Chinese technology firms deemed to pose a threat to the United States to go into effect despite objections from US businesses. The Commerce Department issued an interim rule in the final days of the Trump administration aimed at addressing information and communications technology supply chain concerns and said it would become effective after a 60-day period of public comment. Last month, the department said it would continue to accept public comment on the rule until March 22, when it would go into effect. The subpoenas would not have an impact on the interim final rule's timing, a department official said on Wednesday. The US Chamber of Commerce and groups representing major industries raised concerns in a letter to the Commerce Department in January that the interim rule gave the government "nearly unlimited authority to intervene in virtually any commercial transaction between US companies and their foreign counterparts that involves technology." (with inputs from Reuters)

US subpoenas Chinese communications firms in probe on national security risks

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Saturday he was traveling to Asia to boost military cooperation with American allies and foster "credible deterrence" against China.&nbsp;

Austin kicked off via Hawaii, seat of the American military command for the Indo-Pacific region, his first foreign visits as Pentagon chief.

"This is all about alliances and partnerships," he told reporters on the trip that is to include meetings with key allies in Tokyo, New Delhi and Seoul.

"It's also about enhancing capabilities," he added, recalling that while the United States was focused on the anti-jihadist struggle in the Middle East, China was modernizing its army at high speed.&nbsp;

"That competitive edge that we've had has eroded," he said. "We still maintain that edge. We are going to increase that edge going forward."

"Our goal is to make sure that we have the capabilities and the operational plans... to be able to offer a credible deterrence to China or anybody else who would want to take on the US," he added.&nbsp;

Lloyd will be joined in Tokyo and Seoul by Secretary of State Antony Blinken.&nbsp;

"One of the things that the secretary of state and I want to do is begin to strengthen those alliances," he said. "This will be more about listening and learning, getting their point of view."

This tour in Asia of the heads of diplomacy and defense of the United States follows an unprecedented summit of the "Quad", an informal alliance born in the 2000s to counterbalance a rising China.

Blinken will join President Joe Biden's national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, in Anchorage on March 18 with their Chinese counterparts Wang Yi and Yang Jiechi.

The Alaska talks will be the first between the powers since Yang met Blinken's hawkish predecessor Mike Pompeo in June in Hawaii -- a setting similarly far from the high-stakes glare of national capitals.

The Biden administration has generally backed the tougher approach to China initiated by former president Donald Trump, but has also insisted that it can be more effective by shoring up alliances and seeking narrow ways to cooperate on priorities such as climate change.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Saturday he was traveling to Asia to boost military cooperation with American allies and foster "credible deterrence" against China.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Saturday he was traveling to Asia to boost military cooperation with American allies and foster "credible deterrence" against China. Austin kicked off via Hawaii, seat of the American military command for the Indo-Pacific region, his first foreign visits as Pentagon chief. "This is all about alliances and partnerships," he told reporters on the trip that is to include meetings with key allies in Tokyo, New Delhi and Seoul. "It's also about enhancing capabilities," he added, recalling that while the United States was focused on the anti-jihadist struggle in the Middle East, China was modernizing its army at high speed. "That competitive edge that we've had has eroded," he said. "We still maintain that edge. We are going to increase that edge going forward." "Our goal is to make sure that we have the capabilities and the operational plans... to be able to offer a credible deterrence to China or anybody else who would want to take on the US," he added. Lloyd will be joined in Tokyo and Seoul by Secretary of State Antony Blinken. "One of the things that the secretary of state and I want to do is begin to strengthen those alliances," he said. "This will be more about listening and learning, getting their point of view." This tour in Asia of the heads of diplomacy and defense of the United States follows an unprecedented summit of the "Quad", an informal alliance born in the 2000s to counterbalance a rising China. Blinken will join President Joe Biden's national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, in Anchorage on March 18 with their Chinese counterparts Wang Yi and Yang Jiechi. The Alaska talks will be the first between the powers since Yang met Blinken's hawkish predecessor Mike Pompeo in June in Hawaii -- a setting similarly far from the high-stakes glare of national capitals. The Biden administration has generally backed the tougher approach to China initiated by former president Donald Trump, but has also insisted that it can be more effective by shoring up alliances and seeking narrow ways to cooperate on priorities such as climate change.

Pentagon chief sees Asia ties as deterrent against China

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has designated five Chinese companies as posing a threat to national security under a 2019 law aimed at protecting their communications networks.

The said 2019 law requires the FCC to identify companies producing telecommunications equipment and services “that have been found to pose an unacceptable risk to US national security.”

The FCC on Friday, to this end, said the companies included Huawei Technologies Co, ZTE Corp, Hytera Communications Corp, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co and Zhejiang Dahua Technology Co.

Acting FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a statement: “This list provides meaningful guidance that will ensure that as next-generation networks are built across the country, they do not repeat the mistakes of the past or use equipment or services that will pose a threat to U.S. national security or the security and safety of Americans.”

The 2019 law used criteria from a defence authorisation bill that previously identified the five Chinese companies. In August 2020, the US government issued regulations barring agencies from buying goods or services from any of the five Chinese companies.

In 2019, the United States placed Huawei, Hikvision and other firms on its economic blacklist.

Last year, the FCC designated Huawei and ZTE as a national security threat to communications networks -- a declaration barring US firms from tapping an $8.3 billion government fund to purchase equipment from the companies.

In February, Huawei challenged the declaration in a petition filed with the Fifth US Circuit Court of Appeals.&nbsp;

The FCC in December finalised rules requiring carriers with ZTE or Huawei equipment to “rip and replace” that equipment. It created a reimbursement program for that effort, and US lawmakers in December approved $1.9 billion to fund the programme.

(with inputs)

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has designated five Chinese companies as posing a threat to national security under a 2019 law aimed at protecting their communications networks.

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has designated five Chinese companies as posing a threat to national security under a 2019 law aimed at protecting their communications networks. The said 2019 law requires the FCC to identify companies producing telecommunications equipment and services “that have been found to pose an unacceptable risk to US national security.” The FCC on Friday, to this end, said the companies included Huawei Technologies Co, ZTE Corp, Hytera Communications Corp, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co and Zhejiang Dahua Technology Co. Acting FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a statement: “This list provides meaningful guidance that will ensure that as next-generation networks are built across the country, they do not repeat the mistakes of the past or use equipment or services that will pose a threat to U.S. national security or the security and safety of Americans.” The 2019 law used criteria from a defence authorisation bill that previously identified the five Chinese companies. In August 2020, the US government issued regulations barring agencies from buying goods or services from any of the five Chinese companies. In 2019, the United States placed Huawei, Hikvision and other firms on its economic blacklist. Last year, the FCC designated Huawei and ZTE as a national security threat to communications networks -- a declaration barring US firms from tapping an $8.3 billion government fund to purchase equipment from the companies. In February, Huawei challenged the declaration in a petition filed with the Fifth US Circuit Court of Appeals. The FCC in December finalised rules requiring carriers with ZTE or Huawei equipment to “rip and replace” that equipment. It created a reimbursement program for that effort, and US lawmakers in December approved $1.9 billion to fund the programme. (with inputs)

Five Chinese companies pose threat to US national security, federal agency says

US President Joe Biden on Friday will hold the first-ever four-way summit with the leaders of India, Australia, and Japan -- in order to cement alliances as concerns grow over a rising China.

Friday's four-way summit, while virtual, will mark the first time that leaders of the United States, Japan, India and Australia have met together following more than a decade of meetings at lower levels of the so-called "Quad."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, Australian PM Scott Morrison, and Japanese PM&nbsp;Yoshihide Suga will meet virtually at 7 pm IST.

India's Ministry of External Affairs said the summit "will provide an opportunity to exchange views on contemporary challenges such as resilient supply chains, emerging and critical technologies, maritime security&nbsp;and climate change."

The summit comes at a time that all four democracies see relations deteriorate with China, which in the past year engaged in a deadly clash with Indian forces in the Himalayas, has stepped up activity near islands administered by Japan and has imposed sanctions on Australian products following a series of disputes.

The Biden administration, however, has been careful not to link the Quad explicitly to China -- a shift in rhetoric after former president Donald Trump's strident denunciations of Beijing.

In strategic guidance released earlier this month, the White House cast China as the top challenger and said the United States can help counter Beijing's "aggression" by "bolstering and defending our unparalleled network of allies and partners."

Blinken has said he will press concerns with Chinese officials on trade and human rights including sweeping new curbs on Hong Kong's elections and the mass incarceration of Uighurs and other mostly Muslim minorities, a policy that both Biden and Trump have described as genocide.

China's state-run Global Times newspaper criticised the Quad summit as a US plot against Beijing, saying in an opinion piece that India -- which has rapidly warming relations with the United States but is not a treaty-bound ally -- should have taken a distance.

"The Quad is not an alliance of like-minded countries as the US claims," the newspaper said, opining that the three other nations face "the embarrassment of being between the pressure from the US and their own interests with China."

But the three other nations have voiced enthusiasm over the summit and said they hoped to discuss Covid-19 and climate change, two key priorities for Biden.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has called the talks "an historic moment in our region" while India said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would promote "a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region."

Japan announced that Prime Minister&nbsp;Suga will become the first foreign leader to see Biden in person, a sign of the primacy the new US leader attaches to allies.

In Tokyo, top government spokesman Katsunobu Kato said that Suga will visit the White House "as early as the first half of April" if conditions allow.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-ever-quad-summit-to-focus-on-indo-pacific-covid-vaccines-369800">Also read |&nbsp;First-ever Quad summit to focus on Indo-Pacific, Covid vaccines</a>

(with inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden on Friday will hold the first-ever four-way summit with the leaders of India, Australia, and Japan -- in order to cement alliances as concerns grow over a rising China.

US President Joe Biden on Friday will hold the first-ever four-way summit with the leaders of India, Australia, and Japan -- in order to cement alliances as concerns grow over a rising China. Friday's four-way summit, while virtual, will mark the first time that leaders of the United States, Japan, India and Australia have met together following more than a decade of meetings at lower levels of the so-called "Quad." Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, Australian PM Scott Morrison, and Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga will meet virtually at 7 pm IST. India's Ministry of External Affairs said the summit "will provide an opportunity to exchange views on contemporary challenges such as resilient supply chains, emerging and critical technologies, maritime security and climate change." The summit comes at a time that all four democracies see relations deteriorate with China, which in the past year engaged in a deadly clash with Indian forces in the Himalayas, has stepped up activity near islands administered by Japan and has imposed sanctions on Australian products following a series of disputes. The Biden administration, however, has been careful not to link the Quad explicitly to China -- a shift in rhetoric after former president Donald Trump's strident denunciations of Beijing. In strategic guidance released earlier this month, the White House cast China as the top challenger and said the United States can help counter Beijing's "aggression" by "bolstering and defending our unparalleled network of allies and partners." Blinken has said he will press concerns with Chinese officials on trade and human rights including sweeping new curbs on Hong Kong's elections and the mass incarceration of Uighurs and other mostly Muslim minorities, a policy that both Biden and Trump have described as genocide. China's state-run Global Times newspaper criticised the Quad summit as a US plot against Beijing, saying in an opinion piece that India -- which has rapidly warming relations with the United States but is not a treaty-bound ally -- should have taken a distance. "The Quad is not an alliance of like-minded countries as the US claims," the newspaper said, opining that the three other nations face "the embarrassment of being between the pressure from the US and their own interests with China." But the three other nations have voiced enthusiasm over the summit and said they hoped to discuss Covid-19 and climate change, two key priorities for Biden. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has called the talks "an historic moment in our region" while India said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would promote "a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region." Japan announced that Prime Minister Suga will become the first foreign leader to see Biden in person, a sign of the primacy the new US leader attaches to allies. In Tokyo, top government spokesman Katsunobu Kato said that Suga will visit the White House "as early as the first half of April" if conditions allow. Also read | First-ever Quad summit to focus on Indo-Pacific, Covid vaccines (with inputs from agencies)

With an eye on China, Biden to hold first summit with India, Australia, Japan

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will meet with top Chinese officials on March 18 in Alaska, the White House said on Wednesday.

This will be the first high-level in-person contact between the two sparring countries under the administration of the new US president, Joe Biden. The meeting will come amid what is shaping up to be a major US diplomatic push to solidify alliances in Asia and Europe to counter China.

National security advisor Jake Sullivan will join the meeting in Anchorage with China's top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, and State Councillor Wang Yi, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said, adding that the administration would approach its relations with China "in lockstep" with its partners. Blinken will join the meeting post his return from his first overseas trip to key US allies Japan and South Korea.

Blinken has already signalled next week's meeting would not be a return to regular senior-level dialogues used under past US administrations, which had been increasingly criticised in Washington for yielding little progress on US grievances with Beijing.

Biden's administration has committed to reviewing elements of US policies toward China, as the world's two largest economies navigate frosty relations that sank to their lowest depths in decades during Donald Trump's presidency.

Biden and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, held their first phone call as leaders last month and appeared at odds on most issues, even as Xi warned that confrontation would be a "disaster" for both nations.

Blinken has also said that if China insists it is not violating the human rights of Uighur Muslims in its Xinjiang region, it should provide the world access to the area.

The talks will follow the visit by Blinken and US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin to Japan and South Korea next week, as well as an online summit on Friday between Biden and the leaders of Japan, India and Australia.

That will be the first leader-level meeting of the four-country group, known as the Quad, seen as part of US efforts to boost its diplomacy in Asia to balance China's growing military and economic power.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will meet with top Chinese officials on March 18 in Alaska, the White House said on Wednesday. This will be the first high-level in-person contact between the two sparring countries under the administration of the new US president, Joe Biden.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will meet with top Chinese officials on March 18 in Alaska, the White House said on Wednesday. This will be the first high-level in-person contact between the two sparring countries under the administration of the new US president, Joe Biden. The meeting will come amid what is shaping up to be a major US diplomatic push to solidify alliances in Asia and Europe to counter China. National security advisor Jake Sullivan will join the meeting in Anchorage with China's top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, and State Councillor Wang Yi, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said, adding that the administration would approach its relations with China "in lockstep" with its partners. Blinken will join the meeting post his return from his first overseas trip to key US allies Japan and South Korea. Blinken has already signalled next week's meeting would not be a return to regular senior-level dialogues used under past US administrations, which had been increasingly criticised in Washington for yielding little progress on US grievances with Beijing. Biden's administration has committed to reviewing elements of US policies toward China, as the world's two largest economies navigate frosty relations that sank to their lowest depths in decades during Donald Trump's presidency. Biden and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, held their first phone call as leaders last month and appeared at odds on most issues, even as Xi warned that confrontation would be a "disaster" for both nations. Blinken has also said that if China insists it is not violating the human rights of Uighur Muslims in its Xinjiang region, it should provide the world access to the area. The talks will follow the visit by Blinken and US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin to Japan and South Korea next week, as well as an online summit on Friday between Biden and the leaders of Japan, India and Australia. That will be the first leader-level meeting of the four-country group, known as the Quad, seen as part of US efforts to boost its diplomacy in Asia to balance China's growing military and economic power.

Top US, China diplomats to hold first in-person talks of Biden presidency

Facebook has decided to halt its efforts to build a trans-Pacific undersea cable due to tensions between the United States and China. This cable would have connected California and Hong Kong.

The project was supposed to facilitate communications through fiber optics capable of carrying large volumes of data with very low waiting times. But Washington resisted, because of perceived potential national security risks regarding China, which has tightened its control over Hong Kong.

"Due to ongoing concerns from the US government about direct communication links between the United States and Hong Kong, we have decided to withdraw our FCC application," a Facebook spokesperson said Wednesday, referring to the Federal Communications Commission.

"We look forward to working with all the parties to reconfigure the system to meet the concerns of the US government."

The cable, named the Pacific Light Cable Network, was originally intended to link the United States, Taiwan, Hong Kong and the Philippines.

The social networking giant and several telecom companies filed their first construction permit in 2018, to connect two sites in California to Hong Kong and Taiwan.

In June, the US Department of Justice recommended that a trans-Pacific undersea cable proposed by Google and Facebook bypass Hong Kong. The Hong Kong landing station "would expose US communications traffic to collection" by Beijing, the department said.

The FCC gave Google permission in April 2020 to operate the link between North America and Taiwan.

(with inputs from AFP)

Facebook has decided to halt its efforts to build a trans-Pacific undersea cable due to tensions between the United States and China. This cable would have connected California and Hong Kong.

Facebook has decided to halt its efforts to build a trans-Pacific undersea cable due to tensions between the United States and China. This cable would have connected California and Hong Kong. The project was supposed to facilitate communications through fiber optics capable of carrying large volumes of data with very low waiting times. But Washington resisted, because of perceived potential national security risks regarding China, which has tightened its control over Hong Kong. "Due to ongoing concerns from the US government about direct communication links between the United States and Hong Kong, we have decided to withdraw our FCC application," a Facebook spokesperson said Wednesday, referring to the Federal Communications Commission. "We look forward to working with all the parties to reconfigure the system to meet the concerns of the US government." The cable, named the Pacific Light Cable Network, was originally intended to link the United States, Taiwan, Hong Kong and the Philippines. The social networking giant and several telecom companies filed their first construction permit in 2018, to connect two sites in California to Hong Kong and Taiwan. In June, the US Department of Justice recommended that a trans-Pacific undersea cable proposed by Google and Facebook bypass Hong Kong. The Hong Kong landing station "would expose US communications traffic to collection" by Beijing, the department said. The FCC gave Google permission in April 2020 to operate the link between North America and Taiwan. (with inputs from AFP)

Facebook halts project for undersea data cable to Hong Kong

China is accelerating moves to supersede American military power in Asia, as a result of which it can invade Taiwan within the next six years, a top US commander has warned.

Taiwan split from China at the end of a civil war in 1949 and exists under the constant threat of invasion by the mainland. Chinese leaders view Taiwan as part of their territory and have vowed to one day take it back.

The US continues to remain the island’s most important unofficial ally -- previously, it wass Donald Trump who embraced warmer ties with the island, and now it is new President Joe Biden whose State Department said in January that its commitment to the island was “rock-solid”. Also, Taiwan’s de facto ambassador to the US was formally invited to Biden’s inauguration, an unprecedented move since 1979 -- when Washington switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China.

“I worry that they’re [China] accelerating their ambitions to supplant the United States and our leadership role in the rules-based international order... by 2050,” Washington’s top military officer in Asia-Pacific, Admiral Philip Davidson, told a US Senate armed services committee hearing on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-continue-assisting-taiwans-self-defence-capabilities-says-white-house-369156">Also read |&nbsp;US to continue assisting Taiwan's self-defence capabilities, says White House&nbsp;</a>

“Taiwan is clearly one of their ambitions before that. And I think the threat is manifest during this decade, in fact, in the next six years."

China also has made expansive territorial claims in the resource-rich South China Sea and even threatens the American island of Guam, underlined Davidson.&nbsp;

"Guam is a target today," he warned, recalling that the Chinese military released a video simulating an attack on an island base strongly resembling US facilities in Diego Garcia and Guam.&nbsp;

He called on lawmakers to approve the installation on Guam of an Aegis Ashore anti-missile battery, capable of intercepting the most powerful Chinese missiles in flight.&nbsp;

Guam "needs to be defended and it needs to be prepared for the threats that will come in the future," Davidson said.&nbsp;

In addition to other Aegis missile defence systems destined for Australia and Japan, Davidson called on lawmakers to budget for offensive armaments "to let China know that the costs of what they seek to do are too high."

Davidson said, however, that missile defence was not enough to deter a potential adversary, and countries&nbsp;need to "score some runs to win the match".

(with inputs)

China is accelerating moves to supersede American military power in Asia, as a result of which it can invade Taiwan within the next six years, a top US commander has warned.

China is accelerating moves to supersede American military power in Asia, as a result of which it can invade Taiwan within the next six years, a top US commander has warned. Taiwan split from China at the end of a civil war in 1949 and exists under the constant threat of invasion by the mainland. Chinese leaders view Taiwan as part of their territory and have vowed to one day take it back. The US continues to remain the island’s most important unofficial ally -- previously, it wass Donald Trump who embraced warmer ties with the island, and now it is new President Joe Biden whose State Department said in January that its commitment to the island was “rock-solid”. Also, Taiwan’s de facto ambassador to the US was formally invited to Biden’s inauguration, an unprecedented move since 1979 -- when Washington switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China. “I worry that they’re [China] accelerating their ambitions to supplant the United States and our leadership role in the rules-based international order... by 2050,” Washington’s top military officer in Asia-Pacific, Admiral Philip Davidson, told a US Senate armed services committee hearing on Tuesday. Also read | US to continue assisting Taiwan's self-defence capabilities, says White House “Taiwan is clearly one of their ambitions before that. And I think the threat is manifest during this decade, in fact, in the next six years." China also has made expansive territorial claims in the resource-rich South China Sea and even threatens the American island of Guam, underlined Davidson. "Guam is a target today," he warned, recalling that the Chinese military released a video simulating an attack on an island base strongly resembling US facilities in Diego Garcia and Guam. He called on lawmakers to approve the installation on Guam of an Aegis Ashore anti-missile battery, capable of intercepting the most powerful Chinese missiles in flight. Guam "needs to be defended and it needs to be prepared for the threats that will come in the future," Davidson said. In addition to other Aegis missile defence systems destined for Australia and Japan, Davidson called on lawmakers to budget for offensive armaments "to let China know that the costs of what they seek to do are too high." Davidson said, however, that missile defence was not enough to deter a potential adversary, and countries need to "score some runs to win the match". (with inputs)

China could invade Taiwan in next six years, top US commander warns

China on Wednesday accused a top US commander of attempting to "hype up" the threat of an invasion of Taiwan to inflate Washington's defence spend.

The US' top military officer in Asia-Pacific, Admiral Philip Davidson, on Tuesday said China could invade Taiwan within the next six years. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos">Pictures: Thousands of Tibetans protest on the 62nd anniversary of the uprising against China</a> 
 
Taiwan split from China at the end of a civil war in 1949 and exists under the constant threat of invasion by the mainland. Chinese leaders view Taiwan as part of their territory and have vowed to one day take it back.

"Taiwan is clearly one of their ambitions before that. And I think the threat is manifest during this decade, in fact, in the next six years," Davidson told a US Senate committee.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-could-invade-taiwan-in-next-six-years-top-us-commander-warns-369267">Also read | China could invade Taiwan in next six years, top US commander warns</a>

Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian, to this end, told reporters in Beijing: "Some US people continue to use the Taiwan issue to hype up China's military threat."

"But in essence this is the US searching for a pretext to increase its military spending, expand its forces and interfere in regional affairs."

Washington switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 1979, but remains the island's most important unofficial ally and military backer.

The US continues to remain the island’s most important unofficial ally -- earlier, it was Donald Trump who embraced warmer ties with the island, and now it is new President Joe Biden whose State Department said in January that its commitment to the island was “rock-solid”.&nbsp;

China also has made expansive territorial claims in the resource-rich South China Sea and even threatens the American island of Guam, underlined Davidson.&nbsp;

"Guam is a target today," he warned, recalling that the Chinese military released a video simulating an attack on an island base strongly resembling US facilities in Diego Garcia and Guam.&nbsp;

China on Wednesday accused a top US commander of attempting to "hype up" the threat of an invasion of Taiwan to inflate Washington's defence spend. The US' top military officer in Asia-Pacific, Admiral Philip Davidson, on Tuesday said China could invade Taiwan within the next six years.

China on Wednesday accused a top US commander of attempting to "hype up" the threat of an invasion of Taiwan to inflate Washington's defence spend. The US' top military officer in Asia-Pacific, Admiral Philip Davidson, on Tuesday said China could invade Taiwan within the next six years. Pictures: Thousands of Tibetans protest on the 62nd anniversary of the uprising against China Taiwan split from China at the end of a civil war in 1949 and exists under the constant threat of invasion by the mainland. Chinese leaders view Taiwan as part of their territory and have vowed to one day take it back. "Taiwan is clearly one of their ambitions before that. And I think the threat is manifest during this decade, in fact, in the next six years," Davidson told a US Senate committee. Also read | China could invade Taiwan in next six years, top US commander warns Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian, to this end, told reporters in Beijing: "Some US people continue to use the Taiwan issue to hype up China's military threat." "But in essence this is the US searching for a pretext to increase its military spending, expand its forces and interfere in regional affairs." Washington switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 1979, but remains the island's most important unofficial ally and military backer. The US continues to remain the island’s most important unofficial ally -- earlier, it was Donald Trump who embraced warmer ties with the island, and now it is new President Joe Biden whose State Department said in January that its commitment to the island was “rock-solid”. China also has made expansive territorial claims in the resource-rich South China Sea and even threatens the American island of Guam, underlined Davidson. "Guam is a target today," he warned, recalling that the Chinese military released a video simulating an attack on an island base strongly resembling US facilities in Diego Garcia and Guam.

China accuses US admiral of 'hyping up' threat of Taiwan invasion

China has extended its lead over the number two filer the United States, the UN patent agency said on Tuesday.

But what exactly is a patent?

It's a sort of a grant that allows an inventor to maintain monopoly over an invention. In other words, a patent allows people to prevent others from copying, using, manufacturing or selling their invention.

Suppose you invent something really unique and awesome. You are able to explain how it stands out from the rest in simple terms, and want to be the sole owner of your invention. All you have to do is get a patent.

The Oxford dictionary defines patent as "an official right to be the only person to make, use or sell a product or an invention."

If you have a patent, you have the right to decide who may or may not use the patented invention.

Patent protection is usually granted for a limited period -- generally for 20 years from the filing date of an application.

Once it expires, the invention becomes common property and can be freely used by anyone. But you can always apply for a patent renewal.

It's generally accepted that the first systemic patent law was developed in Venice during the Renaissance movement.

In 1474, the Venetian patent statute was passed and it read: "Each person, who will make any new ingenious contrivance, shall give notice of the same to the office of our provisioner of common and it will be forbidden to any other in any territory or place of ours to make any other contrivance in a similar form and resemblance without the consent and license of the author up to ten years."

This idea of granting exclusive rights spread throughout the world. In 1624, England passed a statue of monopolies to protect inventor rights. And in 1790, the US incorporated a patent law in its constitution.

In the years that followed, some of the most famous inventions that touched our lives were awarded patents -- the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell secured one in 1876; the electric bulb by Thomas Alva Edison secured a patent in 1878; Karl Benz patented the internal combustion engine in 1879; Philo Fransworth got a patent for the first electronic television system in 1930; and in 2003, Haartsen and Ericsson received a patent for the Bluetooth.

Today, most patents are issued by the World Intellectual Property Organisation -- a global forum for intellectual property rights with 193 member states.

If you want your patent to be globally recognised, you'll have to file an application at the regional office of this organisation.

In 2019, China was leading the rankings at this body with more than 59,000 patent applications. But this does not mean China is innovative.

In 2020, China ranked 14th on this body's global innovation index.

India filed only 2,053 patent applications in 2019, accounting for fewer that 1 per cent of the global filings. It also fared poorly in applying for trademarks, which make up just 0.7 per cent of its global filings in the same year.

And in industrial design, India was nearly absent, having filed for only three designs against the 21,807 designs globally.

In 2020, India ranked 48th on the global innovation index. And that by no means implies India is short on talent. The underlying problem is the lack of an ecosystem that endorses research innovation -- and the ambition of owning a patent.

China has extended its lead over the number two filer the United States, the UN patent agency said on Tuesday. But what exactly is a patent? It's a sort of a grant that allows an inventor to maintain monopoly over an invention.

China has extended its lead over the number two filer the United States, the UN patent agency said on Tuesday. But what exactly is a patent? It's a sort of a grant that allows an inventor to maintain monopoly over an invention. In other words, a patent allows people to prevent others from copying, using, manufacturing or selling their invention. Suppose you invent something really unique and awesome. You are able to explain how it stands out from the rest in simple terms, and want to be the sole owner of your invention. All you have to do is get a patent. The Oxford dictionary defines patent as "an official right to be the only person to make, use or sell a product or an invention." If you have a patent, you have the right to decide who may or may not use the patented invention. Patent protection is usually granted for a limited period -- generally for 20 years from the filing date of an application. Once it expires, the invention becomes common property and can be freely used by anyone. But you can always apply for a patent renewal. It's generally accepted that the first systemic patent law was developed in Venice during the Renaissance movement. In 1474, the Venetian patent statute was passed and it read: "Each person, who will make any new ingenious contrivance, shall give notice of the same to the office of our provisioner of common and it will be forbidden to any other in any territory or place of ours to make any other contrivance in a similar form and resemblance without the consent and license of the author up to ten years." This idea of granting exclusive rights spread throughout the world. In 1624, England passed a statue of monopolies to protect inventor rights. And in 1790, the US incorporated a patent law in its constitution. In the years that followed, some of the most famous inventions that touched our lives were awarded patents -- the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell secured one in 1876; the electric bulb by Thomas Alva Edison secured a patent in 1878; Karl Benz patented the internal combustion engine in 1879; Philo Fransworth got a patent for the first electronic television system in 1930; and in 2003, Haartsen and Ericsson received a patent for the Bluetooth. Today, most patents are issued by the World Intellectual Property Organisation -- a global forum for intellectual property rights with 193 member states. If you want your patent to be globally recognised, you'll have to file an application at the regional office of this organisation. In 2019, China was leading the rankings at this body with more than 59,000 patent applications. But this does not mean China is innovative. In 2020, China ranked 14th on this body's global innovation index. India filed only 2,053 patent applications in 2019, accounting for fewer that 1 per cent of the global filings. It also fared poorly in applying for trademarks, which make up just 0.7 per cent of its global filings in the same year. And in industrial design, India was nearly absent, having filed for only three designs against the 21,807 designs globally. In 2020, India ranked 48th on the global innovation index. And that by no means implies India is short on talent. The underlying problem is the lack of an ecosystem that endorses research innovation -- and the ambition of owning a patent.

What exactly is a patent? Read on to know

A global war for patents is underway -- to control the future of innovation. And the winner will decide who sells you your next smartphone, computer, and smart car.

This war will also decide future wars. It will dictate where countries buy their weapons from, and where they get their vaccine supplies.

Any unique or new product you buy in the market will be affected by the outcome of this war.

The one who gets the patent gets the monopoly on a product -- which is why companies and countries fight to own patents, and one country is racing ahead of others.

It's none other than China. It is now hoarding patents. This comes from the world intellectual property organisation. It is an agency of the United Nations. It has released its annual numbers, and for the second year in a row, China has filed more patents than any other country.

China filed close to 70 thousand applications in 2020.

In comparison, the US filed almost 60,000 patents. Until two years back, it topped the list -- now it ranks #2 on the global list.

Huawei remains the biggest single patent filer under the UN system for the fourth consecutive year.

So, has America lost its edge in innovation? It appears so.

And is China getting ahead?

The number of patents filed is just one yardstick to measure innovation. But it's not the only one.

Year after year now, China tops the list when it comes to the sheer number of patents registered. But that is no guarantee of innovation.

According to a report in 2019, China has three types of patents -- invention, utility, and design.

Critics say most Chinese patent applications are graded utility -- which means they are not as rigorously examined as higher grade invention patents.

Critics have pointed out that the vast majority of patent applications lodged in China are graded utility, which are not as rigorously examined as the higher-grade invention patents.

China emphasises on quantity -- not quality. "If you look at the metrics on numbers of utility patent applications, this suggests the quality of what is coming out is not all high,” one lawyer says.

One thinktank says, "China has not yet matched the innovation level of other leading economies. But it still wants to be a technology superpower. And it's making a big push to get there by breaking down Chinese international patent filings by sector. It is clear that china has not yet matched the innovation level of other leading economies."

Whether it's a light bulb or 5G, China wants to make sure that 'Made in China' products become the only acceptable standard worldwide.

In February, officials from China were leading at least four global standards organisations. This includes the international telecommunication union. It's a United Nations body that governs phone and internet connectivity; a body that will define how the next generation of technologies, like how 5G, will operate.

China wants to have a say in such decisions.

So where do patents come in? Here's what the plan looks like:

First China gets a product patented. Then it pushes for that product to become the global standard. So only China will be able to make and sell it.

And you will only have to use that standard product.

Needless to say, there's big money to be made here. Global standards are based on patented technology.

Those who adopt such standards have to pay licensing fees to the patent owner. So China is pushing it companies to register more patents.

The government offers incentives. For example, just by filing patents, Chinese companies can get cash bonuses and subsidies even a lower tax rate.

Furthermore, a lack of substantive technological improvements in patents may, in part, be incentivised by government policies that emphasise quantity over quality.

By filing for these patents, Chinese companies can receive cash bonuses, subsidies, and even lower corporate income taxes from the government.

And what's in it for the government?

The answer is simple -- power and money.

Beijing wants to dictate the international standard and earn money from licensing. Such a situation would make it harder for other countries to ban 'Made in China' gear.

It will be harder to ban companies like Huawei. China would rather earn that kind of money by designing standards to match technologies developed by its own companies. Because then, they will become indispensable.

If they hold the patents, the world will have to turn to them for future technologies.

It's as simple as that.

A global war for patents is underway -- to control the future of innovation. And the winner will decide who sells you your next smartphone, computer, and smart car.

A global war for patents is underway -- to control the future of innovation. And the winner will decide who sells you your next smartphone, computer, and smart car. This war will also decide future wars. It will dictate where countries buy their weapons from, and where they get their vaccine supplies. Any unique or new product you buy in the market will be affected by the outcome of this war. The one who gets the patent gets the monopoly on a product -- which is why companies and countries fight to own patents, and one country is racing ahead of others. It's none other than China. It is now hoarding patents. This comes from the world intellectual property organisation. It is an agency of the United Nations. It has released its annual numbers, and for the second year in a row, China has filed more patents than any other country. China filed close to 70 thousand applications in 2020. In comparison, the US filed almost 60,000 patents. Until two years back, it topped the list -- now it ranks #2 on the global list. Huawei remains the biggest single patent filer under the UN system for the fourth consecutive year. So, has America lost its edge in innovation? It appears so. And is China getting ahead? The number of patents filed is just one yardstick to measure innovation. But it's not the only one. Year after year now, China tops the list when it comes to the sheer number of patents registered. But that is no guarantee of innovation. According to a report in 2019, China has three types of patents -- invention, utility, and design. Critics say most Chinese patent applications are graded utility -- which means they are not as rigorously examined as higher grade invention patents. Critics have pointed out that the vast majority of patent applications lodged in China are graded utility, which are not as rigorously examined as the higher-grade invention patents. China emphasises on quantity -- not quality. "If you look at the metrics on numbers of utility patent applications, this suggests the quality of what is coming out is not all high,” one lawyer says. One thinktank says, "China has not yet matched the innovation level of other leading economies. But it still wants to be a technology superpower. And it's making a big push to get there by breaking down Chinese international patent filings by sector. It is clear that china has not yet matched the innovation level of other leading economies." Whether it's a light bulb or 5G, China wants to make sure that 'Made in China' products become the only acceptable standard worldwide. In February, officials from China were leading at least four global standards organisations. This includes the international telecommunication union. It's a United Nations body that governs phone and internet connectivity; a body that will define how the next generation of technologies, like how 5G, will operate. China wants to have a say in such decisions. So where do patents come in? Here's what the plan looks like: First China gets a product patented. Then it pushes for that product to become the global standard. So only China will be able to make and sell it. And you will only have to use that standard product. Needless to say, there's big money to be made here. Global standards are based on patented technology. Those who adopt such standards have to pay licensing fees to the patent owner. So China is pushing it companies to register more patents. The government offers incentives. For example, just by filing patents, Chinese companies can get cash bonuses and subsidies even a lower tax rate. Furthermore, a lack of substantive technological improvements in patents may, in part, be incentivised by government policies that emphasise quantity over quality. By filing for these patents, Chinese companies can receive cash bonuses, subsidies, and even lower corporate income taxes from the government. And what's in it for the government? The answer is simple -- power and money. Beijing wants to dictate the international standard and earn money from licensing. Such a situation would make it harder for other countries to ban 'Made in China' gear. It will be harder to ban companies like Huawei. China would rather earn that kind of money by designing standards to match technologies developed by its own companies. Because then, they will become indispensable. If they hold the patents, the world will have to turn to them for future technologies. It's as simple as that.

Is China really leading in the global war for patents?

United States National security commission has recommended that American Universities must take steps to prevent sensitive technology from being stolen by the Chinese military.

Is China stealing US research?

China has clarified it had never asked US diplomats to undergo Covid-19 anal swabs.

The statement on Thursday&nbsp;came following American media reports that State Department personnel had complained of being subjected to the intrusive test.

China -- which has largely brought the virus under control domestically -- said last month that anal swabs can be more effective than normal throat and nose swabs as the virus can linger longer in the digestive system.

China began using anal swabs to test people at high risk of contracting the novel coronavirus, in January.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-deploys-anal-swabs-to-test-for-coronavirus-359649">Also read |&nbsp;China deploys anal swabs to test for coronavirus</a>

On Thursday, Beijing rebuffed reports from Vice and Washington Post -- citing US officials -- that State Department employees in China had been given the test "in error," despite diplomats being exempt from the procedure.

"China has never requested US diplomatic personnel in China to undergo anal swabs," foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said at a regular press briefing Thursday.

Officials in China have used anal swabs to test people it considers at high-risk of contracting Covid-19, including residents of neighbourhoods with confirmed cases as well as some international travellers.

In order to confirm if the method works, officials took anal swabs from residents of neighbourhoods with confirmed Covid-19 cases in Beijing. Those in designated quarantine facilities also underwent the test.

State media reports that anal swabs had been used in Beijing during a small outbreak in January caused a social media uproar, with many commenters on Twitter-like Weibo reacting with a mix of horror and amusement.

(with inputs from agencies)

China has clarified it had never asked US diplomats to undergo Covid-19 anal swabs. The statement on Thursday came following American media reports that State Department personnel had complained of being subjected to the intrusive test.

China has clarified it had never asked US diplomats to undergo Covid-19 anal swabs. The statement on Thursday came following American media reports that State Department personnel had complained of being subjected to the intrusive test. China -- which has largely brought the virus under control domestically -- said last month that anal swabs can be more effective than normal throat and nose swabs as the virus can linger longer in the digestive system. China began using anal swabs to test people at high risk of contracting the novel coronavirus, in January. Also read | China deploys anal swabs to test for coronavirus On Thursday, Beijing rebuffed reports from Vice and Washington Post -- citing US officials -- that State Department employees in China had been given the test "in error," despite diplomats being exempt from the procedure. "China has never requested US diplomatic personnel in China to undergo anal swabs," foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said at a regular press briefing Thursday. Officials in China have used anal swabs to test people it considers at high-risk of contracting Covid-19, including residents of neighbourhoods with confirmed cases as well as some international travellers. In order to confirm if the method works, officials took anal swabs from residents of neighbourhoods with confirmed Covid-19 cases in Beijing. Those in designated quarantine facilities also underwent the test. State media reports that anal swabs had been used in Beijing during a small outbreak in January caused a social media uproar, with many commenters on Twitter-like Weibo reacting with a mix of horror and amusement. (with inputs from agencies)

China refutes reports that said it used Covid-19 anal swabs on US diplomats

us-china-0

Us China, News on Us China, stories on Us China, articles on Us China, Us China stories at Wion, Us China news, Us China latest news

us china-0