China accused the U.S. on Tuesday of trying to sow discord between China and the Southeast Asian countries with which it has long-standing territorial disputes

China says 'Committed to peaceful dispute resolution at South China Sea'

The Trump administration has rejected Beijing's maritime claims in the South China Sea. This has drifted into a conflict that has pitted China against several Southeast Asian countries with competing claims at a time of already-strained relations between Washington and Beijing. Watch report.

South China Sea tensions: Chinese claim over S.China Sea rejected by US

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian held a press conference. Watch to know what he said.

China's Foreign Ministry briefing: Reaction to US remarks on South China sea

Amid rising tensions between Washington and Beijing, White House trade advisor Peter Navarro says he expected the US President Donald Trump to take stricter action against the mobile applications TikTok and&nbsp;WeChat.

China and the US have been engaged in a verbal war for the last few month. The verbal war has also led to problems and roll-backs in trade and other deals, which have largely affected various companies and entities on both sides.

After India banned the use of TikTok app, among various other Chinese-owned applications, Donald Trump, too, expressed his intentions of a probable ban to punish China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazoncom-bans-then-un-bans-tiktok-app-from-employee-mobile-devices-312476">Also read:&nbsp;Amazon.com bans, then un-bans TikTok app from employee mobile devices</a>

The statement made by Trump was not well received by the citizens of the country, as many argued that not only is TikTok a way to express their creativity, but is also a source of income for many.

Now, in an interview with a popular local channel, Peter Navarro tried to justify the action against TikTok by saying that&nbsp;"what the American people have to understand is all of the data that goes into those mobile apps that kids have so much fun with... goes right to servers in China, right to the Chinese military, the Chinese Communist Party."

Navarro, contrary to the views of the locals in the US, believes Donald Trump should take stricter action against TikTok to show the caliber of the US to punish China.

Fast-growing video-sharing app TikTok belongs to the Chinese group ByteDance and has nearly one billion users worldwide.&nbsp;WeChat, owned by Tencent, is the main messaging application in China with more than one billion users.

There has been no further statement by Donald Trump or the White House on this matter.

Amid rising tensions between Washington and Beijing, White House trade advisor Peter Navarro says he expected the US President Donald Trump to take stricter action against the mobile applications TikTok and WeChat.

Amid rising tensions between Washington and Beijing, White House trade advisor Peter Navarro says he expected the US President Donald Trump to take stricter action against the mobile applications TikTok and WeChat. China and the US have been engaged in a verbal war for the last few month. The verbal war has also led to problems and roll-backs in trade and other deals, which have largely affected various companies and entities on both sides. After India banned the use of TikTok app, among various other Chinese-owned applications, Donald Trump, too, expressed his intentions of a probable ban to punish China. Also read: Amazon.com bans, then un-bans TikTok app from employee mobile devices The statement made by Trump was not well received by the citizens of the country, as many argued that not only is TikTok a way to express their creativity, but is also a source of income for many. Now, in an interview with a popular local channel, Peter Navarro tried to justify the action against TikTok by saying that "what the American people have to understand is all of the data that goes into those mobile apps that kids have so much fun with... goes right to servers in China, right to the Chinese military, the Chinese Communist Party." Navarro, contrary to the views of the locals in the US, believes Donald Trump should take stricter action against TikTok to show the caliber of the US to punish China. Fast-growing video-sharing app TikTok belongs to the Chinese group ByteDance and has nearly one billion users worldwide. WeChat, owned by Tencent, is the main messaging application in China with more than one billion users. There has been no further statement by Donald Trump or the White House on this matter.

Expect stricter action against TikTok and WeChat: Peter Navarro

Washington and Beijing recently exchanged visa bans against each other's officials, underscoring the deteriorating relations.

US warns its citizens in China of detention risk

A 57-year-old Chinese man has been arrested in the US for using using US funds to develop expertise for China in&nbsp;the areas of rheumatology and immunology.

Song Guo Zheng was arrested while he was boarding a charter flight to China from&nbsp;Anchorage, Alaska.

Zheng had three large bags, one small suitcase and briefcase with two laptops, three cellular telephones, several USB drives, several silver bars, expired Chinese passports for his family, deeds for property in China, among other items, the Justice Department said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-former-lawyer-michael-cohen-back-in-jail-after-home-confinement-fails-312112">Also read:&nbsp;Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen, back in jail after home confinement fails</a>

"A rheumatology professor and researcher with strong ties to China has been ordered held without bond to face a charge of grant fraud for not disclosing that he was engaged in a sophisticated scheme to use approximately $4.1 million in grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to develop China`s expertise in the areas of rheumatology and immunology," the release said on Thursday.

It has been alleged that Zheng had been suing the US funds since 2014, and had not established his strong ties with Beijing to his US employers.

He has been arrested on the count of fraud of receiving federal funds, and on the count of issuing and making false statements about his employment in China and lying to his US employers.

The investigation is ongoing, but if proven guilty Zheng could face 15 years behind bars.

A 57-year-old Chinese man has been arrested in the US for using using US funds to develop expertise for China in the areas of rheumatology and immunology. Song Guo Zheng was arrested while he was boarding a charter flight to China from Anchorage, Alaska.

A 57-year-old Chinese man has been arrested in the US for using using US funds to develop expertise for China in the areas of rheumatology and immunology. Song Guo Zheng was arrested while he was boarding a charter flight to China from Anchorage, Alaska. Zheng had three large bags, one small suitcase and briefcase with two laptops, three cellular telephones, several USB drives, several silver bars, expired Chinese passports for his family, deeds for property in China, among other items, the Justice Department said. Also read: Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen, back in jail after home confinement fails "A rheumatology professor and researcher with strong ties to China has been ordered held without bond to face a charge of grant fraud for not disclosing that he was engaged in a sophisticated scheme to use approximately $4.1 million in grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to develop China`s expertise in the areas of rheumatology and immunology," the release said on Thursday. It has been alleged that Zheng had been suing the US funds since 2014, and had not established his strong ties with Beijing to his US employers. He has been arrested on the count of fraud of receiving federal funds, and on the count of issuing and making false statements about his employment in China and lying to his US employers. The investigation is ongoing, but if proven guilty Zheng could face 15 years behind bars.

Chinese man arrested for using US funds to develop Chinese expertise

A group of 14 US lawmakers have introduced a bill in the Congress which demands the government to identify, analyse, and combat alleged efforts made by the Chinese government to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic for nationalistic gains.

Introduced by Congressman Jared Golden and co-sponsored by 13 other Congressmen, the 'Preventing China from Exploiting COVID-19 Act' would mandate the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to investigate the ways in which the Chinese government intends to seize on the COVID-19 pandemic to promote its interests on the national stage and evaluate the risks to the United States.

It also asks the DNI to provide policymakers with information they need to address and counter Chinese actions, when necessary, and report its findings to the Congress.

"Since COVID-19 began, there is evidence that China is at work using the pandemic crisis against Americans through cyber-theft and the spread of misinformation,"&nbsp;said Golden.

"We need to fully understand these threats and respond to them. We're introducing the 'Preventing China from Exploiting COVID-19 Act' to gather and analyse important intelligence our country needs to protect American people and businesses,"&nbsp;Golden said.

The bill requires the DNI -- in coordination with the Secretaries of Defense, State, and Homeland Security -- to prepare an assessment of the different ways in which the Chinese government has exploited or could exploit the pandemic, which originated in China, in order to advance China's interests and to undermine the interests of the United States, its allies, and the rule-based international order.

The assessment must be provided to Congress within 90 days and posted in unclassified form on the DNI's website.

"As we fight to save American lives and rebuild our economy, no country should be allowed to exploit the pandemic for its own advantage, yet reports indicate that China has done exactly that," said Congressman Torres Small, a co-sponsor of the bill.

"This is a time when countries should be coming together to fight the spread of COVID-19, not exploiting breakdowns in supply chains or a shortage of critical equipment like masks, gloves and gowns in order to advance their own national security interests. This is unacceptable, and the United States must be able to hold China accountable if it continues," he said.

Among others, the legislation requires the DNI to investigate, analyse, and report on the techniques used by the Chinese government to obstruct or retaliate against nations that have sought a full inquiry into China's role in the emergence and spread of COVID-19, and the Chinese government's motivations for such efforts.

It seeks investigation into the activities undertaken by the Chinese government, like cyber-theft, intended to acquire information and intellectual property related to COVID-19 testing, treatment, and vaccines.

The bill also asks the DNI to probe the manner in which the Chinese government seeks to advance its foreign policy interests by providing economic aid or medical equipment to nations adversely affected by COVID-19, and the degree to which this aid makes recipient countries more likely to adopt positions favourable to China and detrimental to the United States.

The ways in which the Chinese government is using, or may be planning to use, the global disruption and distraction associated with COVID-19 as an opportunity to more aggressively pursue longstanding objectives, including with respect to Hong Kong, Taiwan, Xinjiang, and territorial disputes, is another subject being pointed out by the Congressmen.

Relations between Washington and Beijing have spiralled downward since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. US President Donald Trump has questioned the Asian powerhouse's handing of COVID-19.

The two countries have also sparred over China imposing a new national security law in Hong Kong, restrictions on American journalists, treatment of Uyghurs Muslims and security measures in Tibet.

A group of 14 US lawmakers have introduced a bill in the Congress which demands the government to identify, analyse, and combat alleged efforts made by the Chinese government to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic for nationalistic gains.

A group of 14 US lawmakers have introduced a bill in the Congress which demands the government to identify, analyse, and combat alleged efforts made by the Chinese government to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic for nationalistic gains. Introduced by Congressman Jared Golden and co-sponsored by 13 other Congressmen, the 'Preventing China from Exploiting COVID-19 Act' would mandate the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to investigate the ways in which the Chinese government intends to seize on the COVID-19 pandemic to promote its interests on the national stage and evaluate the risks to the United States. It also asks the DNI to provide policymakers with information they need to address and counter Chinese actions, when necessary, and report its findings to the Congress. "Since COVID-19 began, there is evidence that China is at work using the pandemic crisis against Americans through cyber-theft and the spread of misinformation," said Golden. "We need to fully understand these threats and respond to them. We're introducing the 'Preventing China from Exploiting COVID-19 Act' to gather and analyse important intelligence our country needs to protect American people and businesses," Golden said. The bill requires the DNI -- in coordination with the Secretaries of Defense, State, and Homeland Security -- to prepare an assessment of the different ways in which the Chinese government has exploited or could exploit the pandemic, which originated in China, in order to advance China's interests and to undermine the interests of the United States, its allies, and the rule-based international order. The assessment must be provided to Congress within 90 days and posted in unclassified form on the DNI's website. "As we fight to save American lives and rebuild our economy, no country should be allowed to exploit the pandemic for its own advantage, yet reports indicate that China has done exactly that," said Congressman Torres Small, a co-sponsor of the bill. "This is a time when countries should be coming together to fight the spread of COVID-19, not exploiting breakdowns in supply chains or a shortage of critical equipment like masks, gloves and gowns in order to advance their own national security interests. This is unacceptable, and the United States must be able to hold China accountable if it continues," he said. Among others, the legislation requires the DNI to investigate, analyse, and report on the techniques used by the Chinese government to obstruct or retaliate against nations that have sought a full inquiry into China's role in the emergence and spread of COVID-19, and the Chinese government's motivations for such efforts. It seeks investigation into the activities undertaken by the Chinese government, like cyber-theft, intended to acquire information and intellectual property related to COVID-19 testing, treatment, and vaccines. The bill also asks the DNI to probe the manner in which the Chinese government seeks to advance its foreign policy interests by providing economic aid or medical equipment to nations adversely affected by COVID-19, and the degree to which this aid makes recipient countries more likely to adopt positions favourable to China and detrimental to the United States. The ways in which the Chinese government is using, or may be planning to use, the global disruption and distraction associated with COVID-19 as an opportunity to more aggressively pursue longstanding objectives, including with respect to Hong Kong, Taiwan, Xinjiang, and territorial disputes, is another subject being pointed out by the Congressmen. Relations between Washington and Beijing have spiralled downward since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. US President Donald Trump has questioned the Asian powerhouse's handing of COVID-19. The two countries have also sparred over China imposing a new national security law in Hong Kong, restrictions on American journalists, treatment of Uyghurs Muslims and security measures in Tibet.

US lawmakers seek probe into efforts made by Chinese govt to exploit COVID-19 outbreak

China's top diplomat Thursday warned the United States against "McCarthy-style paranoia" as tensions rise between the two superpowers.

Beijing and Washington have been sparring over a slew of issues, from a new national security law in Hong Kong to trade and US criticism of China's handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

"The current US policy toward China is based on strategic misjudgements... and McCarthy-style paranoia," China's foreign minister Wang Yi said, referring to US senator Joseph McCarthy, who led an anti-communist crusade in his country in the 1950s.

In a pre-recorded speech to a China-US think tank forum, at which former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger also spoke, Wang warned that "artificially creating various China threats may eventually lead to self-fulfilling prophecies."

The comments come weeks after Wang said relations with the United States were "on the brink of a new Cold War", fuelled in part by tensions over the coronavirus pandemic.

US President Donald Trump has accused Beijing of a lack of transparency, and pushed the unproven theory that the virus may have leaked from a Chinese maximum-security laboratory.

"The United States should immediately stop politicising the epidemic... and work with China to promote global cooperation on fighting the virus," Wang said.

But Wang said China is still willing to resume dialogue at all levels to resolve differences.

"China and the United States should not seek to transform each other, but should jointly explore ways for peaceful coexistence of different systems," he said.&nbsp;

China's top diplomat Thursday warned the United States against "McCarthy-style paranoia" as tensions rise between the two superpowers. Beijing and Washington have been sparring over a slew of issues, from a new national security law in Hong Kong to trade and US criticism of China's handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

China's top diplomat Thursday warned the United States against "McCarthy-style paranoia" as tensions rise between the two superpowers. Beijing and Washington have been sparring over a slew of issues, from a new national security law in Hong Kong to trade and US criticism of China's handling of the coronavirus pandemic. "The current US policy toward China is based on strategic misjudgements... and McCarthy-style paranoia," China's foreign minister Wang Yi said, referring to US senator Joseph McCarthy, who led an anti-communist crusade in his country in the 1950s. In a pre-recorded speech to a China-US think tank forum, at which former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger also spoke, Wang warned that "artificially creating various China threats may eventually lead to self-fulfilling prophecies." The comments come weeks after Wang said relations with the United States were "on the brink of a new Cold War", fuelled in part by tensions over the coronavirus pandemic. US President Donald Trump has accused Beijing of a lack of transparency, and pushed the unproven theory that the virus may have leaked from a Chinese maximum-security laboratory. "The United States should immediately stop politicising the epidemic... and work with China to promote global cooperation on fighting the virus," Wang said. But Wang said China is still willing to resume dialogue at all levels to resolve differences. "China and the United States should not seek to transform each other, but should jointly explore ways for peaceful coexistence of different systems," he said.

China warns US against 'McCarthy-style paranoia'

China would "be happy to" participate in trilateral arms control negotiations with the United States and Russia, but only if the US were willing to reduce its nuclear arsenal to its level.

New START is a flagship nuclear arms treaty between the United States and Russia that is due to expire in February next year. Washington has repeatedly called for China to join in trilateral negotiations.

Fu Cong, head of the arms control department of Chinese foreign ministry, reiterated to reporters in Beijing on Wednesday that China has no interest in joining the negotiation with former Cold War-era superpowers, given that the US nuclear arsenal is about 20 times the size of China's.

"I can assure you, if the U.S. says that they are ready to come down to the Chinese level, China would be happy to participate the next day," he said. "But actually, we know that's not going to happen."

"The real purpose is to get rid of all restrictions and have a free hand in seeking military superiority over any adversary, real or imagined," said Fu.

Fu maintained China was prepared to discuss within the framework of the United Nations Security Council's five permanent members all issues related to the reduction of nuclear risks.

(with inputs from Reuters)

China would "be happy to" participate in trilateral arms control negotiations with the United States and Russia, but only if the US were willing to reduce its nuclear arsenal to its level.

China would "be happy to" participate in trilateral arms control negotiations with the United States and Russia, but only if the US were willing to reduce its nuclear arsenal to its level. New START is a flagship nuclear arms treaty between the United States and Russia that is due to expire in February next year. Washington has repeatedly called for China to join in trilateral negotiations. Fu Cong, head of the arms control department of Chinese foreign ministry, reiterated to reporters in Beijing on Wednesday that China has no interest in joining the negotiation with former Cold War-era superpowers, given that the US nuclear arsenal is about 20 times the size of China's. "I can assure you, if the U.S. says that they are ready to come down to the Chinese level, China would be happy to participate the next day," he said. "But actually, we know that's not going to happen." "The real purpose is to get rid of all restrictions and have a free hand in seeking military superiority over any adversary, real or imagined," said Fu. Fu maintained China was prepared to discuss within the framework of the United Nations Security Council's five permanent members all issues related to the reduction of nuclear risks. (with inputs from Reuters)

China challenges US to cut nuclear arsenal to its level

The United States said Tuesday it was restricting visas to Chinese officials over Tibet, renewing a call for "meaningful autonomy" in the predominantly Buddhist region.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-aims-to-become-worlds-only-superpower-says-fbi-director-311476">Also read: China aims to become world's 'only superpower', says FBI director</a> 
 
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he was taking action against an unspecified number of officials under a new US law that presses China to let Americans visit Tibet.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/heres-how-chinas-spy-racket-is-bigger-than-the-cold-war-308878">Also read: Here's how China's spy racket is bigger than the cold war!</a>

"Unfortunately, Beijing has continued systematically to obstruct travel to the Tibetan Autonomous Region and other Tibetan areas by US diplomats and other officials, journalists and tourists, while PRC officials and other citizens enjoy far greater access to the United States," Pompeo said in a statement.

He said he was restricting visas to Chinese officials determined to be "substantially involved" in the exclusion of foreigners from Tibetan areas.

He did not name the officials and the State Department did not immediately comment on how many people would be affected.

The United States has increasingly been issuing such visa sanctions, including over China's recent clampdown on rights in Hong Kong and its ongoing incarceration of some one million Uighurs and other Turkic Muslims.

The Tibet action comes after a 2018 law passed by Congress that aims to pressure China over its tight restrictions in the region.

Beijing has largely barred foreign journalists from visiting Tibet since 2008, when the region saw a wave of self-immolations as protests to conditions and has not responded to US requests to set up a consulate in Lhasa.

By contrast, the law notes that Chinese nationals face no restrictions on visiting any part of the United States.&nbsp;

The United States said Tuesday it was restricting visas to Chinese officials over Tibet, renewing a call for "meaningful autonomy" in the predominantly Buddhist region.

The United States said Tuesday it was restricting visas to Chinese officials over Tibet, renewing a call for "meaningful autonomy" in the predominantly Buddhist region. Also read: China aims to become world's 'only superpower', says FBI director Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he was taking action against an unspecified number of officials under a new US law that presses China to let Americans visit Tibet. Also read: Here's how China's spy racket is bigger than the cold war! "Unfortunately, Beijing has continued systematically to obstruct travel to the Tibetan Autonomous Region and other Tibetan areas by US diplomats and other officials, journalists and tourists, while PRC officials and other citizens enjoy far greater access to the United States," Pompeo said in a statement. He said he was restricting visas to Chinese officials determined to be "substantially involved" in the exclusion of foreigners from Tibetan areas. He did not name the officials and the State Department did not immediately comment on how many people would be affected. The United States has increasingly been issuing such visa sanctions, including over China's recent clampdown on rights in Hong Kong and its ongoing incarceration of some one million Uighurs and other Turkic Muslims. The Tibet action comes after a 2018 law passed by Congress that aims to pressure China over its tight restrictions in the region. Beijing has largely barred foreign journalists from visiting Tibet since 2008, when the region saw a wave of self-immolations as protests to conditions and has not responded to US requests to set up a consulate in Lhasa. By contrast, the law notes that Chinese nationals face no restrictions on visiting any part of the United States.

US will restrict visas for Chinese officials over Tibet, Pompeo says

China on Wednesday said it would impose visa restrictions on US citizens who have engaged in what it called egregious behaviour over Tibet. This move has come in an apparent retaliation against US restrictions on some Chinese officials.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told reporters that Beijing would allow no foreign interference in Tibetan affairs.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, citing what he called human rights abuses by the Chinese government in Tibetan areas, said on Tuesday the United States would restrict visas for some Chinese officials because Beijing obstructs travel to the region by US diplomats, journalists and tourists.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-will-restrict-visas-for-chinese-officials-over-tibet-pompeo-says-311478">Also read | US will restrict visas for Chinese officials over Tibet, Pompeo says</a>

The United States has increasingly been issuing such visa sanctions, including over China's recent clampdown on rights in Hong Kong and its ongoing incarceration of some one million Uighurs and other Turkic Muslims.

The Tibet action comes after a 2018 law passed by Congress that aims to pressure China over its tight restrictions in the region.

Beijing has largely barred foreign journalists from visiting Tibet since 2008, when the region saw a wave of self-immolations as protests to conditions and has not responded to US requests to set up a consulate in Lhasa.

By contrast, the law notes that Chinese nationals face no restrictions on visiting any part of the United States. 
&nbsp;

China on Wednesday said it would impose visa restrictions on US citizens who have engaged in what it called egregious behaviour over Tibet. This move has come in an apparent retaliation against US restrictions on some Chinese officials.

China on Wednesday said it would impose visa restrictions on US citizens who have engaged in what it called egregious behaviour over Tibet. This move has come in an apparent retaliation against US restrictions on some Chinese officials. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told reporters that Beijing would allow no foreign interference in Tibetan affairs. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, citing what he called human rights abuses by the Chinese government in Tibetan areas, said on Tuesday the United States would restrict visas for some Chinese officials because Beijing obstructs travel to the region by US diplomats, journalists and tourists. Also read | US will restrict visas for Chinese officials over Tibet, Pompeo says The United States has increasingly been issuing such visa sanctions, including over China's recent clampdown on rights in Hong Kong and its ongoing incarceration of some one million Uighurs and other Turkic Muslims. The Tibet action comes after a 2018 law passed by Congress that aims to pressure China over its tight restrictions in the region. Beijing has largely barred foreign journalists from visiting Tibet since 2008, when the region saw a wave of self-immolations as protests to conditions and has not responded to US requests to set up a consulate in Lhasa. By contrast, the law notes that Chinese nationals face no restrictions on visiting any part of the United States.

China to impose visa restrictions on US citizens over Tibet

The United States has sent two aircraft carriers into the South China Sea at the same time as China is conducting military exercises in the contested waterway.

US navy sends two aircraft carriers to South China Sea

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday applauded India's sweeping ban on Chinese apps including TikTok, saying New Delhi was ensuring its own security.

"We welcome India's ban on certain mobile apps that can serve as appendages of the CCP surveillance state," Pompeo said, referring to the Chinese Communist Party.

"India's clean app approach will boost India's sovereignty and will also boost India's integrity and national security, as the Indian government cell itself has stated," he said.

India had been the top international market for TikTok, the blockbuster Chinese app popular with young people that lets users upload and share short videos.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government on Monday banned 59 Chinese apps including TikTok, WeChat and Weibo as relations deteriorate in the wake of a brutal border clash.

India's ministry of information technology said the apps "are engaged in activities... prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order."

The head of TikTok India denied charges that the company shared any information from its users with a foreign government, including China.

Pompeo has been on a campaign, with limited success, to dissuade other nations from embracing Chinese telecom giant Huawei, a leader in fifth-generation internet technology.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday applauded India's sweeping ban on Chinese apps including TikTok, saying New Delhi was ensuring its own security. "We welcome India's ban on certain mobile apps that can serve as appendages of the CCP surveillance state," Pompeo said, referring to the Chinese Communist Party.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday applauded India's sweeping ban on Chinese apps including TikTok, saying New Delhi was ensuring its own security. "We welcome India's ban on certain mobile apps that can serve as appendages of the CCP surveillance state," Pompeo said, referring to the Chinese Communist Party. "India's clean app approach will boost India's sovereignty and will also boost India's integrity and national security, as the Indian government cell itself has stated," he said. India had been the top international market for TikTok, the blockbuster Chinese app popular with young people that lets users upload and share short videos. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government on Monday banned 59 Chinese apps including TikTok, WeChat and Weibo as relations deteriorate in the wake of a brutal border clash. India's ministry of information technology said the apps "are engaged in activities... prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order." The head of TikTok India denied charges that the company shared any information from its users with a foreign government, including China. Pompeo has been on a campaign, with limited success, to dissuade other nations from embracing Chinese telecom giant Huawei, a leader in fifth-generation internet technology.

Pompeo welcomes India's ban on Chinese apps including TikTok

The United States is answering China's growing military aggression with a buildup in the Indo-Pacific. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you how the American military is a global fighting force.

Gravitas: America's answer to Chinese military aggression

Calling China's military aggression against India a threat, The United States is reviewing its global troop deployment. Meanwhile, The Global Times has spilled the beans on Chinese casualties in the border clash with India. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you how the pressure on China and its military is building.

Gravitas: How Global Times punctured China's 'no causalities' claim

For those who have closely followed US President Donald Trump's journey to the top, China has not been the most heard word.

There was a time when another word followed Trump closely -- Russia!!!

Trump has been fairly obsessed with Russia. And his reasons were completely different.

Some believe Trump allegedly had Russia interfere in the 2016 presidential election. In other words, he took help from Russia to win the race to the White House.

A Mueller probe was conducted into this, which only sparked more questions than it answered.

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Four years on, elections are round the corner again. And so are reports of foreign meddling.

Apparenty, the US President is again seeking foreign help.

There's talk of another country.&nbsp;

This time it is China -- a country that gave the world 'kung flu'.

Trump only came up with this name -- at an election rally.

In the aftermath, Trump's former national security advisor John Bolton has claimed that he had asked China President Xi Jinping to help him secure 2020 elections.

Bolton was once a part of the Trump administration, and now is his biggest critic. He has come up with a tell-all book on his White House days -- 'The room where it happened: a White House memoir'.

As the title suggests, this book is a first-hand account of everything that happened inside the White House. It provides an arsenal of ammunition to hurl at the president till November.

The biggest charge is that Trump allegedly sought cover assistance for his re-election bid from Xi Jinping.

"He -- Donald Trump -- then, stunningly, turned the conversation to the coming US presidential election, alluding to China’s economic capability to affect the ongoing campaigns, pleading with Xi to ensure he’d win."

There's some proof to the validity of this statement.

Trump's dealings with China go back to pre-White House years.

In 2008, he signed a deal with the Chinese Evergrande group. In 2012, Trump inked a deal for developing a property in Beijing. Around 2016, he reportedly wanted to build Trump hotels in 20 to 30 Chinese cities.

And in 2017, Trump roped in two Chinese companies to construct a golf resort in Dubai.

This history clearly involves a lot of money too. And a lot of it was apparently coming from the Bank of China.

It reportedly supplied a large funding for Trump's real-estate deals. But does a history of business with China make trump guilty of aiding election interference?

Or should one look at how the behaviour of Trump's White House has been towards China.

Since Trump entered the White House, he has been pretty harsh on Beijing. Experts say Trump has single-handedly changed the geo-political tactics.

From declaring a trade war on China and banning Huawei to calling COVID-19 a Chinese virus, Trump has spared no opportunity to take on China. He recently punished China by eliminating Washington's special treatment of Hong Kong.

Trump also sanctioned Chinese officials responsible for running Uighur camps in Xinjiang. He went to the extent of claiming that China wants him to lose the 2020 race.

In short, we still cannot be sure how true Bolton's claims in the book are. 
&nbsp;

For those who have closely followed US President Donald Trump's journey to the top, China has not been the most heard word. There was a time when another word followed Trump closely -- Russia!

For those who have closely followed US President Donald Trump's journey to the top, China has not been the most heard word. There was a time when another word followed Trump closely -- Russia!!! Trump has been fairly obsessed with Russia. And his reasons were completely different. Some believe Trump allegedly had Russia interfere in the 2016 presidential election. In other words, he took help from Russia to win the race to the White House. A Mueller probe was conducted into this, which only sparked more questions than it answered. × Four years on, elections are round the corner again. And so are reports of foreign meddling. Apparenty, the US President is again seeking foreign help. There's talk of another country. This time it is China -- a country that gave the world 'kung flu'. Trump only came up with this name -- at an election rally. In the aftermath, Trump's former national security advisor John Bolton has claimed that he had asked China President Xi Jinping to help him secure 2020 elections. Bolton was once a part of the Trump administration, and now is his biggest critic. He has come up with a tell-all book on his White House days -- 'The room where it happened: a White House memoir'. As the title suggests, this book is a first-hand account of everything that happened inside the White House. It provides an arsenal of ammunition to hurl at the president till November. The biggest charge is that Trump allegedly sought cover assistance for his re-election bid from Xi Jinping. "He -- Donald Trump -- then, stunningly, turned the conversation to the coming US presidential election, alluding to China’s economic capability to affect the ongoing campaigns, pleading with Xi to ensure he’d win." There's some proof to the validity of this statement. Trump's dealings with China go back to pre-White House years. In 2008, he signed a deal with the Chinese Evergrande group. In 2012, Trump inked a deal for developing a property in Beijing. Around 2016, he reportedly wanted to build Trump hotels in 20 to 30 Chinese cities. And in 2017, Trump roped in two Chinese companies to construct a golf resort in Dubai. This history clearly involves a lot of money too. And a lot of it was apparently coming from the Bank of China. It reportedly supplied a large funding for Trump's real-estate deals. But does a history of business with China make trump guilty of aiding election interference? Or should one look at how the behaviour of Trump's White House has been towards China. Since Trump entered the White House, he has been pretty harsh on Beijing. Experts say Trump has single-handedly changed the geo-political tactics. From declaring a trade war on China and banning Huawei to calling COVID-19 a Chinese virus, Trump has spared no opportunity to take on China. He recently punished China by eliminating Washington's special treatment of Hong Kong. Trump also sanctioned Chinese officials responsible for running Uighur camps in Xinjiang. He went to the extent of claiming that China wants him to lose the 2020 race. In short, we still cannot be sure how true Bolton's claims in the book are.

Should claims made in Bolton's new book be trusted?

As per the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report by the US, the&nbsp;Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the state-owned companies are making their employees work in&nbsp;&nbsp;"horrendous conditions" on Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects.

On Thursday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, revealed that, according to the report, China is in Tier-3 category (lowest ranking).

"Our Trafficking in Persons Report calls out a group of nations with a state-sponsored pattern of forced labour. Among them is China, where the CCP and its state-owned enterprises often forcing citizens to work in horrendous conditions on Belt and Road project," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-plans-to-shift-army-to-face-chinese-threat-to-india-and-southeast-asia-mike-pompeo-308641">Also read|&nbsp;US plans to shift army to face Chinese threat to India and Southeast Asia: Mike Pompeo</a>

However, this is not the first time that China has been retained to Tier-3 category. China has been placed in Tier-3 category since 2017, as the US report believes that China&nbsp;"does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so".

"Despite the lack of significant efforts, the government took some steps to address trafficking, including by prosecuting and convicting some traffickers and by continuing to cooperate with international authorities to address forced and fraudulent marriages in the PRC, a key trafficking vulnerability for foreign women and girls," the report said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/book-trouble-trumps-niece-ready-to-release-tell-all-book-about-trump-family-308659">Also read|&nbsp;Book trouble: Trump's niece ready to release tell-all book about Trump family</a>

The report claims that despite these efforts, what is more troublesome is the forced labour that has been undergoing, especially with the help of the mass detention camps where reportedly millions of&nbsp;Uyghurs, ethnic Kazakhs, ethnic Kyrgyz and other Muslims have been detained in Xinjiang.

The report has urged China to put an end to the forced labour.&nbsp;"Cease the use of harassment, threats and illegal discriminatory immigration policies as measures to coerce the return to Xinjiang and subsequent forced labor of ethnic and religious minorities living abroad," it stated.

The TIP report is divided into Tier-1, Tier-2, Tier-2 watchlist, and Tier-3. Countries whose governments fully meet the TVPA`s (Trafficking Victims Protection Act) minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking are categorised as Tier-1.

Countries categorised under Tier-3 get access to only limited resources from the US.

(With inputs from agencies)

As per the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report by the US, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the state-owned companies are making their employees work in "horrendous conditions" on Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects.

As per the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report by the US, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the state-owned companies are making their employees work in "horrendous conditions" on Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects. On Thursday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, revealed that, according to the report, China is in Tier-3 category (lowest ranking). "Our Trafficking in Persons Report calls out a group of nations with a state-sponsored pattern of forced labour. Among them is China, where the CCP and its state-owned enterprises often forcing citizens to work in horrendous conditions on Belt and Road project," he said. Also read| US plans to shift army to face Chinese threat to India and Southeast Asia: Mike Pompeo However, this is not the first time that China has been retained to Tier-3 category. China has been placed in Tier-3 category since 2017, as the US report believes that China "does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so". "Despite the lack of significant efforts, the government took some steps to address trafficking, including by prosecuting and convicting some traffickers and by continuing to cooperate with international authorities to address forced and fraudulent marriages in the PRC, a key trafficking vulnerability for foreign women and girls," the report said. Also read| Book trouble: Trump's niece ready to release tell-all book about Trump family The report claims that despite these efforts, what is more troublesome is the forced labour that has been undergoing, especially with the help of the mass detention camps where reportedly millions of Uyghurs, ethnic Kazakhs, ethnic Kyrgyz and other Muslims have been detained in Xinjiang. The report has urged China to put an end to the forced labour. "Cease the use of harassment, threats and illegal discriminatory immigration policies as measures to coerce the return to Xinjiang and subsequent forced labor of ethnic and religious minorities living abroad," it stated. The TIP report is divided into Tier-1, Tier-2, Tier-2 watchlist, and Tier-3. Countries whose governments fully meet the TVPA`s (Trafficking Victims Protection Act) minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking are categorised as Tier-1. Countries categorised under Tier-3 get access to only limited resources from the US. (With inputs from agencies)

China guilty of forced labour under 'horrendous conditions' on BRI project: US Report

Slips of the tongue seems to have become a common affair in US President Joe Biden’s administration. After Biden himself made the gaffe some time ago, now its House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s turn. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Pelosi misspoke, while calling for the passage of Barack Obama’s agenda instead of Biden’s.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;

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The leader called on the Congress to “keep government open” and work to “address the full Obama agenda of building back better.” &nbsp;

Pelosi has argued that the Congress has a “moral imperative” to pass “the Biden Build Back Better Act,” in a Tuesday "Dear Colleague" letter by writing, “We must and will move forward to keep government open and to lift the debt ceiling.” &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-senators-seek-probe-into-pakistans-role-in-talibans-afghan-victory-416821" hreflang="en">US senators seek probe into Pakistan's role in Taliban’s Afghan victory</a>

Pelosi wrote, “As I write this to you, negotiations are being led by President Biden to advance his vision. The President takes a pride in his agenda, which is shared overwhelmingly by House and Senate Democrats, which creates jobs, gives tax cuts for the middle class, lowers costs for health care and is paid by making the wealthiest few and big corporations pay their fair share.” &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/liberals-dig-in-against-infrastructure-bill-as-party-divisions-persist-416842" hreflang="en">Liberals dig in against infrastructure bill as party divisions persist</a>

Meanwhile, Biden seems to have been gaffe-prone. The 78-year-old appeared to mistake Syria for Libya at a news conference after G7 summit in the UK some months ago. He appeared to make the mistake twice. &nbsp;

During a meeting with governors, US President Joe Biden unintentionally revealed a note from his staff informing him that he had something on his face after a yellow mark was noticed on his chin. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Slips of the tongue seems to have become a common affair in US President Joe Biden’s administration. After Biden himself made the gaffe some time ago, now its House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s turn.

Slips of the tongue seems to have become a common affair in US President Joe Biden’s administration. After Biden himself made the gaffe some time ago, now its House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s turn. On Tuesday, Pelosi misspoke, while calling for the passage of Barack Obama’s agenda instead of Biden’s. Watch: × The leader called on the Congress to “keep government open” and work to “address the full Obama agenda of building back better.” Pelosi has argued that the Congress has a “moral imperative” to pass “the Biden Build Back Better Act,” in a Tuesday "Dear Colleague" letter by writing, “We must and will move forward to keep government open and to lift the debt ceiling.” Also Read: US senators seek probe into Pakistan's role in Taliban’s Afghan victory Pelosi wrote, “As I write this to you, negotiations are being led by President Biden to advance his vision. The President takes a pride in his agenda, which is shared overwhelmingly by House and Senate Democrats, which creates jobs, gives tax cuts for the middle class, lowers costs for health care and is paid by making the wealthiest few and big corporations pay their fair share.” Also Read: Liberals dig in against infrastructure bill as party divisions persist Meanwhile, Biden seems to have been gaffe-prone. The 78-year-old appeared to mistake Syria for Libya at a news conference after G7 summit in the UK some months ago. He appeared to make the mistake twice. During a meeting with governors, US President Joe Biden unintentionally revealed a note from his staff informing him that he had something on his face after a yellow mark was noticed on his chin. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump's national security adviser takes aim warns China

US President Donald Trump has sought to include China in talks to replace New START, the flagship nuclear arms treaty between the United States and Russia, which expires in February.

US and Russian negotiators concluded a round of nuclear arms control talks in Vienna on Monday. The said pact is the last remaining, wide-ranging treaty restricting all nuclear weapons, not just strategic ones.

China should also be involved in the process, US Special Presidential Envoy for Arms Control Marshall Billingslea said on Tuesday.

China, a nuclear power with an arsenal a fraction the size of those of the Cold War-era superpowers, has repeatedly declined.

Washington wants a trilateral deal including China because it says Beijing is secretly racing to increase its arsenal's size and reach, but Moscow favours a multilateral agreement possibly including France and Britain.

"What I would say is we have not made a decision one way or another," Billingslea told a news conference when asked if New START would be extended.

He was speaking a day after a first round of talks with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.

The two sides agreed to set up multiple technical working groups and a second round of talks will be held possibly in late July or early August, depending on the working groups' progress, Billingslea said. He did not specify what the working groups would deal with.

Russia, however, said China joining was unrealistic.

New START imposes limits on the number of US and Russian long-range nuclear warheads and launchers. The deal was made in 2010, but the limits didn't take effect until 2018.

It became the last nuclear arms pact between the two nations after the US Last year scrapped the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces treaty with Russia.

The INF treaty was also criticised because it did not cover China or missile technology that did not exist a generation ago.

(with inputs from agencies)

US President Donald Trump has sought to include China in talks to replace New START, the flagship nuclear arms treaty between the United States and Russia, which expires in February.

US President Donald Trump has sought to include China in talks to replace New START, the flagship nuclear arms treaty between the United States and Russia, which expires in February. US and Russian negotiators concluded a round of nuclear arms control talks in Vienna on Monday. The said pact is the last remaining, wide-ranging treaty restricting all nuclear weapons, not just strategic ones. China should also be involved in the process, US Special Presidential Envoy for Arms Control Marshall Billingslea said on Tuesday. China, a nuclear power with an arsenal a fraction the size of those of the Cold War-era superpowers, has repeatedly declined. Washington wants a trilateral deal including China because it says Beijing is secretly racing to increase its arsenal's size and reach, but Moscow favours a multilateral agreement possibly including France and Britain. "What I would say is we have not made a decision one way or another," Billingslea told a news conference when asked if New START would be extended. He was speaking a day after a first round of talks with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov. The two sides agreed to set up multiple technical working groups and a second round of talks will be held possibly in late July or early August, depending on the working groups' progress, Billingslea said. He did not specify what the working groups would deal with. Russia, however, said China joining was unrealistic. New START imposes limits on the number of US and Russian long-range nuclear warheads and launchers. The deal was made in 2010, but the limits didn't take effect until 2018. It became the last nuclear arms pact between the two nations after the US Last year scrapped the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces treaty with Russia. The INF treaty was also criticised because it did not cover China or missile technology that did not exist a generation ago. (with inputs from agencies)

US negotiates nuclear arms treaty with Russia, wants China's inclusion in talks

US President Donald Trump has said that his administration is talking to India and China to help resolve the ongoing disputes. Watch report.

India-China LAC row: Trump offers to mediate border dispute

President of United States Donald Trump reacted on India-China stand off. he said that tensions between India-China is big problem for both.

US President Trump says, "Tensions between India-China is big problem for both"

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met China's top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, in Hawaii on Wednesday, in high-level face-to-face talks amid tensions between the two strategic rivals.

The world's two largest economies have been at loggerheads over the handling of the coronavirus pandemic and China's move to impose security legislation on Hong Kong, among multiple points of friction that have worsened this year.

Pompeo has been forceful in his criticism of Beijing. This meeting was his first known contact with Yang since they discussed the coronavirus by phone on April 15, and their first face-to-face meeting since last year.

Neither side outlined an agenda for the Hawaii talks, but diplomats and other sources have said the meeting was requested by China.

Yang told Pompeo that Washington needs to respect Beijing's positions on key issues, halt its interference on matters such as Hong Kong, Taiwan and Xinjiang, and work to repair relations, China's foreign ministry said in a statement.

Pompeo stressed "the need for fully-reciprocal dealings between the two nations," US State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement.

He also stressed the need for full transparency and information sharing to combat the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and prevent future outbreaks.

Hours after the meeting ended, China announced that its top parliamentary body will review draft Hong Kong national security legislation during a session that began on Thursday.

Earlier, foreign ministers of the G7 countries, including Pompeo, issued a statement calling on China not to follow through with the Hong Kong legislation, which critics call an assault on the territory's democratic freedoms.

US-China relations have reached their lowest point in years. In mid-May Trump, who has pursued a deal to end a damaging trade war he launched with China, went so far as to suggest he could cut ties with Beijing.

Among his criticisms of China, Pompeo has said it could have prevented hundreds of thousands of deaths from the global coronavirus pandemic by being more transparent. 
Trump has initiated a process of eliminating special US treatment for Hong Kong to punish China for curbing freedoms there, but has stopped short of immediately ending privileges.

(with inputs from Reuters)

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met China's top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, in Hawaii on Wednesday, in high-level face-to-face talks amid tensions between the two strategic rivals.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met China's top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, in Hawaii on Wednesday, in high-level face-to-face talks amid tensions between the two strategic rivals. The world's two largest economies have been at loggerheads over the handling of the coronavirus pandemic and China's move to impose security legislation on Hong Kong, among multiple points of friction that have worsened this year. Pompeo has been forceful in his criticism of Beijing. This meeting was his first known contact with Yang since they discussed the coronavirus by phone on April 15, and their first face-to-face meeting since last year. Neither side outlined an agenda for the Hawaii talks, but diplomats and other sources have said the meeting was requested by China. Yang told Pompeo that Washington needs to respect Beijing's positions on key issues, halt its interference on matters such as Hong Kong, Taiwan and Xinjiang, and work to repair relations, China's foreign ministry said in a statement. Pompeo stressed "the need for fully-reciprocal dealings between the two nations," US State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement. He also stressed the need for full transparency and information sharing to combat the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and prevent future outbreaks. Hours after the meeting ended, China announced that its top parliamentary body will review draft Hong Kong national security legislation during a session that began on Thursday. Earlier, foreign ministers of the G7 countries, including Pompeo, issued a statement calling on China not to follow through with the Hong Kong legislation, which critics call an assault on the territory's democratic freedoms. US-China relations have reached their lowest point in years. In mid-May Trump, who has pursued a deal to end a damaging trade war he launched with China, went so far as to suggest he could cut ties with Beijing. Among his criticisms of China, Pompeo has said it could have prevented hundreds of thousands of deaths from the global coronavirus pandemic by being more transparent. Trump has initiated a process of eliminating special US treatment for Hong Kong to punish China for curbing freedoms there, but has stopped short of immediately ending privileges. (with inputs from Reuters)

Top US, China diplomats meet in Hawaii as tensions flare

The anti-China trade mood has reached US kitchens, where a battle is being waged over competing visions of where and how cabinets should be made.

On one side are America's traditional cabinet companies, employing an estimated 100,000 people in factories across the country, often in small towns close to forests supplying the wood. On the other is a new breed of "ready-to-assemble" firms that grabbed a hefty slice of the business over the last five years by importing disassembled cabinets from China in flat boxes and selling them at unbeatable prices.

In March, the International Trade Commission ruled unanimously in favor of a coalition of 50 US firms fighting to stop the influx. The ITC concluded the imports charged unfairly low prices and slapped on big anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties that will last five years.

"We did this for the American worker," said Mark Trexler, chief operating officer of Cabinetworks Group, the nation's second-largest cabinet maker and a member of the coalition.

While cast as a Chinese cabinet invasion, the ready-to-assemble rise was driven largely by domestic companies, including some of the biggest US players who invented the niche and went to China to source products. Chinese companies have jumped into the business, to be sure, but ready-to-assemble was an American idea. The upshot for Americans from the trade case is likely to be higher cabinet prices.

And Trexler's assertion notwithstanding, jobs are not coming back to US shores because of tariffs. Even as the case was being fought, ready-to-assemble firms like CNC Cabinetry, a privately held company in South Plainfield, New Jersey, were getting out of China - by shifting work to other low-cost countries.

Robert Hunter, CNC's chief operating officer, said no domestic companies will make the disassembled product for him to replace the Chinese supplies - at least not at a competitive price. So he shifted sourcing to Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia and is hunting for a low-cost option in Eastern Europe to have many options for sourcing at a time of spreading trade battles.

SPEED IS ESSENTIAL

CNC was founded in 1992 as a traditional cabinetmaker but shifted to ready-to-assemble after the 2007-2009 recession. At a sprawling facility just outside New York City, rather than making cabinets from scratch, most of the space is devoted to shelves of flat boxes. The key is to have a ready supply of a limited range of sizes and styles, Hunter said.

When a customer calls, Hunter can ship the boxes containing all the parts needed for a cabinet immediately or have his small staff of 50 craftsmen assemble it so the cabinets are ready to install when delivered. The New Jersey facility also makes countertops, which aren't imported, to finish off a kitchen package.

"If you call me today in the morning, I'm shipping tomorrow night," said Hunter.

CNC sells mostly to builders outfitting multiple kitchens and house flippers looking for low prices. Traditional cabinet companies can take weeks or longer to deliver cabinets.

Ready-to-assemble's rapid growth sparked the trade case, say manufacturers, importers and trade attorneys for both sides interviewed by Reuters. The US cabinet industry sells about $10 billion worth of goods a year, and while the two sides dispute how big ready-to-assemble has grown, the ITC noted Chinese imports of cabinets, vanities, and cabinet parts totaled about $4.4 billion in 2018.

Many domestic firms feared they were following the path of America's furniture industry, which began selectively importing Chinese products in the 1990s and was eventually swamped by direct competition from Chinese producers entering the US market. Parts of North Carolina are still dotted with empty furniture factories as a result.

Ready-to-assemble cabinets were depressing prices for everyone, according to domestic firms. They were also coming equipped with features for which US producers had always charged extra, like self-closing drawers.

"History shows the Chinese aren't satisfied until they have the whole industry," said Stephen Wellborn, co-owner of Wellborn Cabinet Inc in Ashland, Alabama. He said the political climate was favorable, given President Donald Trump's commitment to helping domestic manufacturing, but he said they would have brought the trade case anyway.

One irony is that the largest US cabinetmaker, Fortune Brands Home &amp; Security Inc's Masterbrand Cabinet unit, helped develop the ready-to-assemble business in China before deciding it posed a risk to its much larger domestic operations. Masterbrand's US sales were $2.5 billion last year, and it has 10,000 US employees in 20 factories fed mostly by US suppliers.

Masterbrand said it stopped buying from China after the case was filed. But it did not bring those jobs home either. The company now obtains ready-to-assemble cabinets from Vietnam. Cabinets made in Vietnam are 30-40% pricier than China, according to industry sources.

Back at CNC, Hunter said he was also anticipating more trade issues. If shipments grow too much from another country, such as Vietnam, the United States could crack down with duties on those imports as well, he said.

"That's why I want to find sources in five countries, minimum," said Hunter, "because you don't know what comes next." 
&nbsp;

The anti-China trade mood has reached US kitchens, where a battle is being waged over competing visions of where and how cabinets should be made. On one side are America's traditional cabinet companies, employing an estimated 100,000 people in factories across the country, often in small towns close to forests supplying the wood.

The anti-China trade mood has reached US kitchens, where a battle is being waged over competing visions of where and how cabinets should be made. On one side are America's traditional cabinet companies, employing an estimated 100,000 people in factories across the country, often in small towns close to forests supplying the wood. On the other is a new breed of "ready-to-assemble" firms that grabbed a hefty slice of the business over the last five years by importing disassembled cabinets from China in flat boxes and selling them at unbeatable prices. In March, the International Trade Commission ruled unanimously in favor of a coalition of 50 US firms fighting to stop the influx. The ITC concluded the imports charged unfairly low prices and slapped on big anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties that will last five years. "We did this for the American worker," said Mark Trexler, chief operating officer of Cabinetworks Group, the nation's second-largest cabinet maker and a member of the coalition. While cast as a Chinese cabinet invasion, the ready-to-assemble rise was driven largely by domestic companies, including some of the biggest US players who invented the niche and went to China to source products. Chinese companies have jumped into the business, to be sure, but ready-to-assemble was an American idea. The upshot for Americans from the trade case is likely to be higher cabinet prices. And Trexler's assertion notwithstanding, jobs are not coming back to US shores because of tariffs. Even as the case was being fought, ready-to-assemble firms like CNC Cabinetry, a privately held company in South Plainfield, New Jersey, were getting out of China - by shifting work to other low-cost countries. Robert Hunter, CNC's chief operating officer, said no domestic companies will make the disassembled product for him to replace the Chinese supplies - at least not at a competitive price. So he shifted sourcing to Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia and is hunting for a low-cost option in Eastern Europe to have many options for sourcing at a time of spreading trade battles. SPEED IS ESSENTIAL CNC was founded in 1992 as a traditional cabinetmaker but shifted to ready-to-assemble after the 2007-2009 recession. At a sprawling facility just outside New York City, rather than making cabinets from scratch, most of the space is devoted to shelves of flat boxes. The key is to have a ready supply of a limited range of sizes and styles, Hunter said. When a customer calls, Hunter can ship the boxes containing all the parts needed for a cabinet immediately or have his small staff of 50 craftsmen assemble it so the cabinets are ready to install when delivered. The New Jersey facility also makes countertops, which aren't imported, to finish off a kitchen package. "If you call me today in the morning, I'm shipping tomorrow night," said Hunter. CNC sells mostly to builders outfitting multiple kitchens and house flippers looking for low prices. Traditional cabinet companies can take weeks or longer to deliver cabinets. Ready-to-assemble's rapid growth sparked the trade case, say manufacturers, importers and trade attorneys for both sides interviewed by Reuters. The US cabinet industry sells about $10 billion worth of goods a year, and while the two sides dispute how big ready-to-assemble has grown, the ITC noted Chinese imports of cabinets, vanities, and cabinet parts totaled about $4.4 billion in 2018. Many domestic firms feared they were following the path of America's furniture industry, which began selectively importing Chinese products in the 1990s and was eventually swamped by direct competition from Chinese producers entering the US market. Parts of North Carolina are still dotted with empty furniture factories as a result. Ready-to-assemble cabinets were depressing prices for everyone, according to domestic firms. They were also coming equipped with features for which US producers had always charged extra, like self-closing drawers. "History shows the Chinese aren't satisfied until they have the whole industry," said Stephen Wellborn, co-owner of Wellborn Cabinet Inc in Ashland, Alabama. He said the political climate was favorable, given President Donald Trump's commitment to helping domestic manufacturing, but he said they would have brought the trade case anyway. One irony is that the largest US cabinetmaker, Fortune Brands Home & Security Inc's Masterbrand Cabinet unit, helped develop the ready-to-assemble business in China before deciding it posed a risk to its much larger domestic operations. Masterbrand's US sales were $2.5 billion last year, and it has 10,000 US employees in 20 factories fed mostly by US suppliers. Masterbrand said it stopped buying from China after the case was filed. But it did not bring those jobs home either. The company now obtains ready-to-assemble cabinets from Vietnam. Cabinets made in Vietnam are 30-40% pricier than China, according to industry sources. Back at CNC, Hunter said he was also anticipating more trade issues. If shipments grow too much from another country, such as Vietnam, the United States could crack down with duties on those imports as well, he said. "That's why I want to find sources in five countries, minimum," said Hunter, "because you don't know what comes next."

Trade war? US battle over kitchen cabinets really a domestic dispute

A Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) grant agreed in 2017 has widened splits in the Nepal Communist Party.

The party led by PM KP Sharma Oli is divided over a US promise of aid since it risks damaging ties with China.&nbsp;

The opponents of the MCC argue that the aid from the United States is part of a US Indo-Pacific Strategy to limit Chinese influence in the region. They say accepting the MCC would undermine Nepalese sovereignty by drawing country into Washington’s orbit, and anger China.

And this comes in the aftermath of the country becoming involved with India over the disputed territory of Kalapani. Kathmandu had continued its cartographic aggression and currently shows areas of Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura under Nepalese administration.

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It's being believed that the controversy displays Beijing’s increasing clout through its Belt and Road Initiative and diminishing US influence in Nepal.

The US committed to $500 million against a $130 million contribution from Nepal for a 400 kilovolt power transmission line and the upgrade of 300km of roads in the Himalayan country's southeast.&nbsp;

So the moral of the story is Nepal would have to sacrifice infrastructure to please China.

To counter the US aid, when China President Xi Jinping visited Nepal last year, he promised an aid of $50 million.

But can Nepal afford this? Nepal's economy is already stressed. Remittances and tourist dollars have dried up because of the coronavirus pandemic.

In times like these, the last thing one would want to do is put all your eggs in one basket.

But Nepal is doing exactly that.

Consider this -- before China President Xi Jinping's visit to Nepal, its leaders attended a training programme on the former's thinking.

It was an induction of sorts.

But the issue here is the constitutions of the two countries do not match at all. Neither does their political orientation.

Nepal is burning bridges with democratic nations -- to move into the orbit of an authoritarian regime.

And Prime Minister Oli is mistaken if he thinks he can trust China. Because China did not even spare its all-weather ally Pakistan.

China stole power worth $630 million from Pakistan through BRI projects.

Guess Nepal should just realise what's right for it before it's too late.

A Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) grant agreed in 2017 has widened splits in the Nepal Communist Party. The party led by PM KP Sharma Oli is divided over a US promise of aid since it risks damaging ties with China.

A Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) grant agreed in 2017 has widened splits in the Nepal Communist Party. The party led by PM KP Sharma Oli is divided over a US promise of aid since it risks damaging ties with China. The opponents of the MCC argue that the aid from the United States is part of a US Indo-Pacific Strategy to limit Chinese influence in the region. They say accepting the MCC would undermine Nepalese sovereignty by drawing country into Washington’s orbit, and anger China. And this comes in the aftermath of the country becoming involved with India over the disputed territory of Kalapani. Kathmandu had continued its cartographic aggression and currently shows areas of Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura under Nepalese administration. It's being believed that the controversy displays Beijing’s increasing clout through its Belt and Road Initiative and diminishing US influence in Nepal. The US committed to $500 million against a $130 million contribution from Nepal for a 400 kilovolt power transmission line and the upgrade of 300km of roads in the Himalayan country's southeast. So the moral of the story is Nepal would have to sacrifice infrastructure to please China. To counter the US aid, when China President Xi Jinping visited Nepal last year, he promised an aid of $50 million. But can Nepal afford this? Nepal's economy is already stressed. Remittances and tourist dollars have dried up because of the coronavirus pandemic. In times like these, the last thing one would want to do is put all your eggs in one basket. But Nepal is doing exactly that. Consider this -- before China President Xi Jinping's visit to Nepal, its leaders attended a training programme on the former's thinking. It was an induction of sorts. But the issue here is the constitutions of the two countries do not match at all. Neither does their political orientation. Nepal is burning bridges with democratic nations -- to move into the orbit of an authoritarian regime. And Prime Minister Oli is mistaken if he thinks he can trust China. Because China did not even spare its all-weather ally Pakistan. China stole power worth $630 million from Pakistan through BRI projects. Guess Nepal should just realise what's right for it before it's too late.

After India, Nepal risks severing ties with US for China

Nepal's brinkmanship is becoming more dangerous. Anti-India sentiments have been running high in the country, the prime minister of Nepal the man of mottos is himself fueling these sentiments has repeatedly blamed Indians for bringing the Wuhan virus to his country.

Nepal PM Oli says 85% of coronavirus cases in Nepal came from India. Today we saw the result of such dangerous rhetoric an Indian citizen has lost his life. He was killed by the armed police force of Nepal. This happened at the Lal mandi Janki Nagar border in the Sitamarhi district of Bihar.

Nepalese forces say a group of Indians was forcefully trying to enter their country so they resorted to firing India says this version is being investigated. A day before Nepal's parliament holds a special session to vote on a constitutional amendment for its new map house meeting has been scheduled for Saturday as per the parliament's notice. The constitution amendment bill is on top of the agenda the Nepal govt is busy altering maps in the middle of a pandemic. The youth of Nepal is up in arms against its govt's misplaced priorities there have been largescale protests on Thursday. Thousands hit the streets of Kathmandu for a peaceful demonstration this was the second protest in a week these people are demanding financial transparency.

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They are demanding better management of the pandemic Prime Minister KP Oli's attempts at blaming India for the Wuhan virus is not working I want to focus on the border crisis India has repeatedly conveyed its openness to dialogue but Nepal seems to be in a hurry why has a border dispute with a friendly neighbour become so politically charged in Nepal? What are its reasons? What could be the possible factors that escalated this dispute? Is domestic politics the reason.

Kalapani-Lipulekh Border Dispute

India has not only controlled this territory but it has invested in infrastructure projects under its administration on what basis is Nepal laying claim on it then?

Based on a census the Nepal govt conducted there in the 1950s. Kathmandu also refers to the 1815 Sugauli treat to legitimize its claims these facts give way to another question is Nepal acting at China's behest?

China is known to use India's neighbours as proxies young &amp; unstable democracies in political transition are an easy target for the dragon to add to that. India altered its foreign investment laws to hinder hostile takeover by Chinese companies. One cannot rule out how Beijing may have encouraged Nepal to take a bolder stance against India in response to China. After all, has a history of meddling in Nepal's internal affairs the Chinese ambassador is said to have mediated between the warring factions of the ruling Nepal communist party. Beijing has also put pressure on critical reporting by the Nepalese media. The Nepal govt did not even protest we did.&nbsp;

China's political influence has definitely grown in Nepal and India is aware of this.

New Delhi has expressed its displeasure over Nepal's actions. But it has largely remained silent on the issue. The silence is turning out to be a cause of concern.

We haven't seen any significant de-escalatory move by both sides it’s been more than a month. The sooner India settles this dispute the lesser chances of Nepal bowing down to the dragons will.

Nepal's brinkmanship is becoming more dangerous. Anti-India sentiments have been running high in the country, the prime minister of Nepal the man of mottos is himself fueling these sentiments has repeatedly blamed Indians for bringing the Wuhan virus to his country.

Nepal's brinkmanship is becoming more dangerous. Anti-India sentiments have been running high in the country, the prime minister of Nepal the man of mottos is himself fueling these sentiments has repeatedly blamed Indians for bringing the Wuhan virus to his country. Nepal PM Oli says 85% of coronavirus cases in Nepal came from India. Today we saw the result of such dangerous rhetoric an Indian citizen has lost his life. He was killed by the armed police force of Nepal. This happened at the Lal mandi Janki Nagar border in the Sitamarhi district of Bihar. Nepalese forces say a group of Indians was forcefully trying to enter their country so they resorted to firing India says this version is being investigated. A day before Nepal's parliament holds a special session to vote on a constitutional amendment for its new map house meeting has been scheduled for Saturday as per the parliament's notice. The constitution amendment bill is on top of the agenda the Nepal govt is busy altering maps in the middle of a pandemic. The youth of Nepal is up in arms against its govt's misplaced priorities there have been largescale protests on Thursday. Thousands hit the streets of Kathmandu for a peaceful demonstration this was the second protest in a week these people are demanding financial transparency. They are demanding better management of the pandemic Prime Minister KP Oli's attempts at blaming India for the Wuhan virus is not working I want to focus on the border crisis India has repeatedly conveyed its openness to dialogue but Nepal seems to be in a hurry why has a border dispute with a friendly neighbour become so politically charged in Nepal? What are its reasons? What could be the possible factors that escalated this dispute? Is domestic politics the reason. Kalapani-Lipulekh Border Dispute India has not only controlled this territory but it has invested in infrastructure projects under its administration on what basis is Nepal laying claim on it then? Based on a census the Nepal govt conducted there in the 1950s. Kathmandu also refers to the 1815 Sugauli treat to legitimize its claims these facts give way to another question is Nepal acting at China's behest? China is known to use India's neighbours as proxies young & unstable democracies in political transition are an easy target for the dragon to add to that. India altered its foreign investment laws to hinder hostile takeover by Chinese companies. One cannot rule out how Beijing may have encouraged Nepal to take a bolder stance against India in response to China. After all, has a history of meddling in Nepal's internal affairs the Chinese ambassador is said to have mediated between the warring factions of the ruling Nepal communist party. Beijing has also put pressure on critical reporting by the Nepalese media. The Nepal govt did not even protest we did. China's political influence has definitely grown in Nepal and India is aware of this. New Delhi has expressed its displeasure over Nepal's actions. But it has largely remained silent on the issue. The silence is turning out to be a cause of concern. We haven't seen any significant de-escalatory move by both sides it’s been more than a month. The sooner India settles this dispute the lesser chances of Nepal bowing down to the dragons will.

India-Nepal border dispute and China's growing footprint in the Himalayan nation

As US drafts sanctions on many Chinese firms in order to counter its autonomous Hong Kong Security Bill, China retaliated by saying 'Stay out of Hong Kong'.

China warns US to 'Stay out of Hong Kong'

Hong Kong officials have lashed out at US President Donald Trump for his move to strip the city of its special status in a bid to punish China for imposing national security law on the global financial hub.

Trump earlier in the day said the city no longer warranted economic privileges and that some officials could face sanctions.

To this end, security minister John Lee told reporters that Hong Kong could not be threatened and would push ahead with the new laws.

"I don't think they will succeed in using any means to threaten the (Hong Kong) government, because we believe what we are doing is right," Lee said.

Justice minister Teresa Cheng said the basis for Trump's actions was "completely false and wrong", saying national security laws were legal and necessary for the former British colony.

Trump had told reporters at the White House that China's move was a tragedy for the world, but he gave no timetable for the moves, leaving Hong Kong residents, businesses and officials to ponder just how far his administration will go.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong said Saturday marked "a sad day" for China's freest city.

China's parliament this week approved a decision to create laws for Hong Kong to curb sedition, secession, terrorism and foreign interference. Mainland security and intelligence agents may be stationed in the city for the first time.

Authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong insist the legislation will target only a small number of "troublemakers" who threaten China's national security. They say such action is urgently needed after months of sometimes violent anti-government, anti-China protests rocked the city last year.

Protests are simmering again as Hong Kong emerges from its coronavirus shutdown. Demonstrators are expected to take to the streets on Sunday.

Hong Kong officials have lashed out at US President Donald Trump for his move to strip the city of its special status in a bid to punish China for imposing national security law on the global financial hub.

Hong Kong officials have lashed out at US President Donald Trump for his move to strip the city of its special status in a bid to punish China for imposing national security law on the global financial hub. Trump earlier in the day said the city no longer warranted economic privileges and that some officials could face sanctions. To this end, security minister John Lee told reporters that Hong Kong could not be threatened and would push ahead with the new laws. "I don't think they will succeed in using any means to threaten the (Hong Kong) government, because we believe what we are doing is right," Lee said. Justice minister Teresa Cheng said the basis for Trump's actions was "completely false and wrong", saying national security laws were legal and necessary for the former British colony. Trump had told reporters at the White House that China's move was a tragedy for the world, but he gave no timetable for the moves, leaving Hong Kong residents, businesses and officials to ponder just how far his administration will go. The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong said Saturday marked "a sad day" for China's freest city. China's parliament this week approved a decision to create laws for Hong Kong to curb sedition, secession, terrorism and foreign interference. Mainland security and intelligence agents may be stationed in the city for the first time. Authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong insist the legislation will target only a small number of "troublemakers" who threaten China's national security. They say such action is urgently needed after months of sometimes violent anti-government, anti-China protests rocked the city last year. Protests are simmering again as Hong Kong emerges from its coronavirus shutdown. Demonstrators are expected to take to the streets on Sunday.

Hong Kong slams Trump's move to end city's special status

The United States urged China to respect Hong Kong's autonomy, warning that its proposed national security law for the city would be "highly destabilising" and face global opposition.

US law calls for sanctions if HK's autonomy is violated

A bill has passed in the US Senate, that could force state owned Chinese companies to delist from American stock exchanges. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you how the US is escalating its fight with China.

Gravitas: Will the US force Chinese companies to delist from its exchanges?

Crude oil prices, which have been on a steady increase for 3 consecutive weeks, seem to be coming to an end primarily due to the rising tension between the United States and China

Oil prices have risen sharply in recent weeks

Beijing is set to impose a new national security law on Hong Kong following the last year's often violent anti-China unrest that plunged the city into its deepest turmoil since returning to Chinese rule in 1997.

The move is being seen as a turning point, as it would allow China to garner greater control and a sense of security over Hong Kong.

It's also said that the Chinese proposal to impose national security laws on Hong Kong could see mainland intelligence agencies set up bases there, raising fears of direct law enforcement and what US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called a "death knell" for the city's autonomy.

Communist Party rulers in Beijing unveiled details on Friday at the National People's Congress.

Some pro-democracy lawmakers denounced the plans as "the end of Hong Kong".

Foreign diplomats fear establishing new Beijing agencies in Hong Kong could give mainland security and intelligence officers enforcement powers that could potentially put rights and freedoms, protected in the handover agreement, at risk.

DRAFT PROPOSAL

The proposed move will see China's parliament endorse, then annex the laws into Hong Kong's mini-constitution, the Basic Law, without any local legislative scrutiny.

The document said the laws will safeguard the central government's "overall jurisdiction" as well as Hong Kong's "high autonomy" given Hong Kong's "increasingly notable national security risks".

When needed, relevant national security organs of the Central People's Government will set up agencies in Hong Kong to safeguard national security, the draft said.

US STEPS IN

The proposals could also heighten tensions between Beijing and Washington, whose relationship is already frayed by trade disputes and reciprocal accusations over handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

US President Donald Trump warned Washington would react "very strongly" if Beijing went ahead with the security law.

Pompeo said the "disastrous proposal" would be the "death knell" for Hong Kong's autonomy and that the United States stood with the people of Hong Kong.

The US State Department warned a high degree of autonomy and respect for human rights were key to preserving the territory's special status in US law, which has helped it maintain its position as a world financial centre.

In fact, the US Senate in the meantime is set to propose a bill to punish Chinese entities and officials involved with enforcing this proposed law.&nbsp;

Under this, the US will identify entities and officials who back China's law, and then will penalise and punish banks that do business with them -- hitting China where it hurts the most.

Hong Kong has, time and again, stood up to China's oppression and with US's support this time, it remains to be what its plan of action would be.

Beijing is set to impose a new national security law on Hong Kong following the last year's often violent anti-China unrest that plunged the city into its deepest turmoil since returning to Chinese rule in 1997.

Beijing is set to impose a new national security law on Hong Kong following the last year's often violent anti-China unrest that plunged the city into its deepest turmoil since returning to Chinese rule in 1997. The move is being seen as a turning point, as it would allow China to garner greater control and a sense of security over Hong Kong. It's also said that the Chinese proposal to impose national security laws on Hong Kong could see mainland intelligence agencies set up bases there, raising fears of direct law enforcement and what US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called a "death knell" for the city's autonomy. Communist Party rulers in Beijing unveiled details on Friday at the National People's Congress. Some pro-democracy lawmakers denounced the plans as "the end of Hong Kong". Foreign diplomats fear establishing new Beijing agencies in Hong Kong could give mainland security and intelligence officers enforcement powers that could potentially put rights and freedoms, protected in the handover agreement, at risk. DRAFT PROPOSAL The proposed move will see China's parliament endorse, then annex the laws into Hong Kong's mini-constitution, the Basic Law, without any local legislative scrutiny. The document said the laws will safeguard the central government's "overall jurisdiction" as well as Hong Kong's "high autonomy" given Hong Kong's "increasingly notable national security risks". When needed, relevant national security organs of the Central People's Government will set up agencies in Hong Kong to safeguard national security, the draft said. US STEPS IN The proposals could also heighten tensions between Beijing and Washington, whose relationship is already frayed by trade disputes and reciprocal accusations over handling of the coronavirus pandemic. US President Donald Trump warned Washington would react "very strongly" if Beijing went ahead with the security law. Pompeo said the "disastrous proposal" would be the "death knell" for Hong Kong's autonomy and that the United States stood with the people of Hong Kong. The US State Department warned a high degree of autonomy and respect for human rights were key to preserving the territory's special status in US law, which has helped it maintain its position as a world financial centre. In fact, the US Senate in the meantime is set to propose a bill to punish Chinese entities and officials involved with enforcing this proposed law. Under this, the US will identify entities and officials who back China's law, and then will penalise and punish banks that do business with them -- hitting China where it hurts the most. Hong Kong has, time and again, stood up to China's oppression and with US's support this time, it remains to be what its plan of action would be.

With US' support, Hong Kong has a chance to fight back against China's new law

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Trade war? US battle over kitchen cabinets really a domestic dispute