Chinese leader Xi Jinping is not planning to accept US President-elect Donald Trump’s invitation to his January 20 inauguration ceremony. Wall Street Journal reported Thursday (Dec 12) citing ‘people close to Beijing’s thinking’ that China is likely to send a senior official to the ceremony. Meanwhile, news agency AP quoted experts as saying that Jinping might see Trump’s invitation to the event as “too risky” to accept.

Earlier on Thursday, Trump’s incoming Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the GOP leader had extended invitation to the Chinese leader. The WSJ quoted a person close to the Trump Team as saying that Trump deeply values his personal relationship with Xi even as he wanted a competition with China.

Watch:&nbsp;Trump Invites China's President Xi Jinping To Attend Inauguration

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CBS News earlier reported that Trump extended the invitation just a few days after his Nov 5 election. If Xi chooses to honour the invitation, he would become the first Chinese leader to attend the inauguration ceremony of an American president. According to records maintained by the State Department, the last time a foreign head of state attended the ceremony was in 1874. Normally, foreign dignitaries and diplomats attend the event and represent their respective countries.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjfnZTC7KOKAxUtSmwGHf13EDkQxfQBKAB6BAgWEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trumps-tariffs-a-trade-gamble-with-mexico-canada-gravitas-783594" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/videos/trumps-tariffs-a-trade-gamble-with-mexico-canada-gravitas-783594&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjfnZTC7KOKAxUtSmwGHf13EDkQxfQBKAB6BAgWEAE">Trump's Tariffs: A Trade Gamble With Mexico &amp; Canada | GRAVITAS</a>

According to media reports, the Trump team is considering inviting other world leaders to the event as well, with Hungary PM and a longtime GOP ally Viktor Orban already mulling attending.

The invitation to Xi comes in the backdrop of Trump’s tariff threat to Beijing. Last month, he declared his administration would impose tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China. Trump announced plans to impose a 10 per cent universal import tariff, and a 60 per cent tariff on Chinese imports into the United States. On the issue of Taiwan, Trump has vowed to impose “150 per cent to 200 per cent” tariffs” if Beijing goes on to invade the island nation.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese leader Xi Jinping is not planning to accept US President-elect Donald Trump’s invitation to his January 20 inauguration ceremony. Wall Street Journal reported Thursday (Dec 12) citing ‘people close to Beijing’s thinking’ that China is likely to send a senior official to the ceremony.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping is not planning to accept US President-elect Donald Trump’s invitation to his January 20 inauguration ceremony. Wall Street Journal reported Thursday (Dec 12) citing ‘people close to Beijing’s thinking’ that China is likely to send a senior official to the ceremony. Meanwhile, news agency AP quoted experts as saying that Jinping might see Trump’s invitation to the event as “too risky” to accept. Earlier on Thursday, Trump’s incoming Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the GOP leader had extended invitation to the Chinese leader. The WSJ quoted a person close to the Trump Team as saying that Trump deeply values his personal relationship with Xi even as he wanted a competition with China. Watch: Trump Invites China's President Xi Jinping To Attend Inauguration × CBS News earlier reported that Trump extended the invitation just a few days after his Nov 5 election. If Xi chooses to honour the invitation, he would become the first Chinese leader to attend the inauguration ceremony of an American president. According to records maintained by the State Department, the last time a foreign head of state attended the ceremony was in 1874. Normally, foreign dignitaries and diplomats attend the event and represent their respective countries. Also read: Trump's Tariffs: A Trade Gamble With Mexico & Canada | GRAVITAS According to media reports, the Trump team is considering inviting other world leaders to the event as well, with Hungary PM and a longtime GOP ally Viktor Orban already mulling attending. The invitation to Xi comes in the backdrop of Trump’s tariff threat to Beijing. Last month, he declared his administration would impose tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China. Trump announced plans to impose a 10 per cent universal import tariff, and a 60 per cent tariff on Chinese imports into the United States. On the issue of Taiwan, Trump has vowed to impose “150 per cent to 200 per cent” tariffs” if Beijing goes on to invade the island nation. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Too risky to accept,’ Xi likely to decline Trump’s invitation to Jan 20 inauguration

<o:p>The West should not think or assume that China is lagging behind the US and Europe on technological developments, Microsoft’s president and vice-chairman warned according to a detailed report by CNBC.</o:p>

US and China tensions in the past few years have centered on the battle between the two nations for technological supremacy, resulting in several export control measures&nbsp;on critical technologies from both the nations, the CNBC report explained further.<o:p></o:p>

Late last year, China’s Huawei took the market by shock with the release of a smartphone whose studied reviews indicated downloads speeds associated with 5G. This sparked&nbsp;speculation of an apparently clear chip breakthrough that defied US technological sanctions and hence resulted in further escalating tensions.&nbsp;

Speaking at the Web Summit technological conference in Lisbon, Portugal, on November 13, Microsoft’s Brad Smith told CNBC that “in many ways,” China is close to or is even catching up on technology.<o:p></o:p>

“I think one of the dangers, frankly, is that people who don’t go to China too often assume that they’re behind,” he told CNBC in an exclusive conversation. “But when you go there, you’re impressed by how much they’re doing.”<o:p></o:p>

Accordingly, he believes that Chinese and American companies will be competing on technology into the distant future and urged US and European companies to collaborate and to grow economies and bring new advancements like artificial intelligence to the rest of the world, detailed the CNBC report further.<o:p></o:p>

Microsoft has operated in China since 1992<o:p></o:p>

Microsoft has operated in China since 1992, according to the company’s website, including through its largest research and development center outside the US.

Further, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella elaborated last year that the firm wasn’t focused on China as a domestic market, but that it provides services to Chinese companies and has a more visible presence locally than do many other US technology giants.

<o:p>It is further anticipated that going ahead, issues related to technology transfer, movement of data, designs and innovations between the US and China will get more demanding and challenging for both the nations. Even as the US now moves towards a transition in administration from Biden to Trump.</o:p>

According to experts a clear business relationship between a US company and China is only possible, when the US offers a service that the Chinese government aspires to have and the US government is willing to allow such a transfer.

Therefore, as China further consolidates and closes the technological gap on the US, some more technology will move to China and this might continue to even propel the Chinese economy going ahead.&nbsp;

It is hence crucial to note that the gap between the US and China in terms of cutting-edge technology is rapidly reducing. This is bound to bring more challenges and difficulties for both the nations to adjust accordingly.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

The West should not think or assume that China is lagging behind the US and Europe on technological developments, Microsoft’s president and vice-chairman warned according to a detailed report by CNBC.

The West should not think or assume that China is lagging behind the US and Europe on technological developments, Microsoft’s president and vice-chairman warned according to a detailed report by CNBC. US and China tensions in the past few years have centered on the battle between the two nations for technological supremacy, resulting in several export control measures on critical technologies from both the nations, the CNBC report explained further. Late last year, China’s Huawei took the market by shock with the release of a smartphone whose studied reviews indicated downloads speeds associated with 5G. This sparked speculation of an apparently clear chip breakthrough that defied US technological sanctions and hence resulted in further escalating tensions. Speaking at the Web Summit technological conference in Lisbon, Portugal, on November 13, Microsoft’s Brad Smith told CNBC that “in many ways,” China is close to or is even catching up on technology. “I think one of the dangers, frankly, is that people who don’t go to China too often assume that they’re behind,” he told CNBC in an exclusive conversation. “But when you go there, you’re impressed by how much they’re doing.” Accordingly, he believes that Chinese and American companies will be competing on technology into the distant future and urged US and European companies to collaborate and to grow economies and bring new advancements like artificial intelligence to the rest of the world, detailed the CNBC report further. Microsoft has operated in China since 1992 Microsoft has operated in China since 1992, according to the company’s website, including through its largest research and development center outside the US. Further, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella elaborated last year that the firm wasn’t focused on China as a domestic market, but that it provides services to Chinese companies and has a more visible presence locally than do many other US technology giants. It is further anticipated that going ahead, issues related to technology transfer, movement of data, designs and innovations between the US and China will get more demanding and challenging for both the nations. Even as the US now moves towards a transition in administration from Biden to Trump. According to experts a clear business relationship between a US company and China is only possible, when the US offers a service that the Chinese government aspires to have and the US government is willing to allow such a transfer. Therefore, as China further consolidates and closes the technological gap on the US, some more technology will move to China and this might continue to even propel the Chinese economy going ahead. It is hence crucial to note that the gap between the US and China in terms of cutting-edge technology is rapidly reducing. This is bound to bring more challenges and difficulties for both the nations to adjust accordingly.

Microsoft President: China closing technology gap with the West

The US Navy has come up with a radical, cost-effective idea to keep up with the latest security challenges in the troubled waters of the Pacific region. According to media reports, the country is mulling over converting its surplus oil rigs into mobile missile defence and resupply bases.

Although their feasibility and effectiveness are doubted by some, experts believe this could emerge as a cost-effective idea to enhance the USA’s naval capabilities in the wake of increased security challenges from China.

The ambitious plan was unveiled at the Sea Air Space 2024 expo in Washington DC and is led by Gibbs &amp; Cox, a Leidos company.

<h2>The idea</h2>

The plan, known as the Mobile Defence/Depot Platform (MODEP) concept, involved converting oil rigs into bases and then positioning them at strategic locations offshore.

These makeshift bases will be capable of operating on their own for a good 12 months.

These rigs would help the US Navy enhance air defence capabilities and aid strike missions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjQ5-2mstaFAxU2sFYBHdR1C20QxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-sanctions-on-chinese-belarusian-firms-for-aiding-pakistans-missile-project-713359" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-sanctions-on-chinese-belarusian-firms-for-aiding-pakistans-missile-project-713359&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjQ5-2mstaFAxU2sFYBHdR1C20QxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">US imposes sanctions on Chinese, Belarusian firms for aiding Pakistan's missile project</a>

These platforms would be able to hold up to 100 large missile launchers and up to 512 vertical launch systems (VLS).

<h2>Strategic game changer</h2>

US officials have hailed the concept as a strategic game changer, with Heruningtyas Desi Purnamasari, an official at the US Navy, saying that such bases would substantially reduce risks and costs associated with land-based defence systems.

As per estimates, the converted bases will only cost 10 per cent of the newly-built Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system.

<h2>Concerns</h2>

But not everyone has lauded the idea.

Some have warned that such bases could become vulnerable military targets. They also raise concerns that these could prove to be ineffective when compared to the conventional capabilities of these semi-permanent offshore military bases.

However, overall, the project looks ambitious and reflects a broader shift in military strategy as the US adapts to new geopolitical realities and technological advancements in warfare.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US Navy has come up with a radical, cost-effective idea to keep up with the latest security challenges in the troubled waters of the Pacific region. According to media reports, the country is mulling over converting its surplus oil rigs into mobile missile defence and resupply bases.

The US Navy has come up with a radical, cost-effective idea to keep up with the latest security challenges in the troubled waters of the Pacific region. According to media reports, the country is mulling over converting its surplus oil rigs into mobile missile defence and resupply bases. Although their feasibility and effectiveness are doubted by some, experts believe this could emerge as a cost-effective idea to enhance the USA’s naval capabilities in the wake of increased security challenges from China. The ambitious plan was unveiled at the Sea Air Space 2024 expo in Washington DC and is led by Gibbs & Cox, a Leidos company. The idea The plan, known as the Mobile Defence/Depot Platform (MODEP) concept, involved converting oil rigs into bases and then positioning them at strategic locations offshore. These makeshift bases will be capable of operating on their own for a good 12 months. These rigs would help the US Navy enhance air defence capabilities and aid strike missions. Also read: US imposes sanctions on Chinese, Belarusian firms for aiding Pakistan's missile project These platforms would be able to hold up to 100 large missile launchers and up to 512 vertical launch systems (VLS). Strategic game changer US officials have hailed the concept as a strategic game changer, with Heruningtyas Desi Purnamasari, an official at the US Navy, saying that such bases would substantially reduce risks and costs associated with land-based defence systems. As per estimates, the converted bases will only cost 10 per cent of the newly-built Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system. Concerns But not everyone has lauded the idea. Some have warned that such bases could become vulnerable military targets. They also raise concerns that these could prove to be ineffective when compared to the conventional capabilities of these semi-permanent offshore military bases. However, overall, the project looks ambitious and reflects a broader shift in military strategy as the US adapts to new geopolitical realities and technological advancements in warfare. (With inputs from agencies)

US comes up with the radical idea of converting oil rigs into mobile missile bases to counter China

Amid rising tensions with China after the trilateral summit, the US Commerce Department took action against four Chinese companies for allegedly helping the Chinese military.

Amid rising tensions with China after the trilateral summit, the US Commerce Department took action against four Chinese companies for allegedly helping the Chinese military. The blacklisted companies include Linkzol (Beijing) Technology Co, Xi'an Like Innovative Information Technology Co, Beijing Anwise Technology Co, and SITONHOLY (Tianjin) Co. Commerce Department. The US has added a total of 11 companies to Commerce Department Entity List this week. This means they won't be able to access American goods and technology. The US Commerce Department accused all four companies of giving artificial intelligence (AI) chips to the Chinese military to aid its progress. This is part of the US government's attempt to prevent critical American technology from being used by the military in China. How did China respond to it? China, on the other hand, refuted the allegations and Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning denounced them as attempts to "contain and suppress" Chinese companies. China promised to take "necessary steps" to protect its interests. Also read: China asks Philippines to 'stop provocations' if it wants to 'ease tensions' Five other firms were also subject to export restrictions by the US, which said they were supporting drone manufacture in response to Iran's assaults in the Red Sea and Russia's strikes in Ukraine. China sanctions US defence firms Earlier this week, China barred top officials from two US defence companies from visiting the country and froze their assets in reaction to their arms sales to Taiwan. The sanctions took effect on Thursday and targeted General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, that produces unmanned aerial systems, and General Dynamics Land Systems, a subsidiary of General Dynamics. China said that the arms sales "seriously interferes" in its internal affairs and "damages" its sovereignty and territorial integrity. "The continued sale of arms by the United States to China's Taiwan region is a serious violation of the one-China principle and the provisions of the three joint communiqués of the United States and China," the statement added. (With inputs from agencies)

US blacklists four Chinese companies for supplying AI chips to Chinese military

Despite long-standing disagreements that have affected the bilateral relationship, United States is 'hopeful working with China' to tackle climate change.

Climate Change: US to work with China despite disagreements

The United States on Friday accused China of undertaking a “state-led” social media campaign against companies for deciding against using cotton from China’s Xinjiang region over concerns of forced labour.

Jalina Porter, the State Department spokeswoman said that the social media campaign and consumer boycotts were targeting American, European, and Japanese businesses.

"We commend and stand with companies that adhere to US laws and ensure that products we are consuming are not made with forced labor," Porter said during a briefing.&nbsp;“We support and encourage businesses to respect human rights in line with the UN guiding principles on business and human rights and the OECD guidelines for multinational enterprises," she added.

Xinjiang is one of the world’s leading producers of cotton, but China has been accused of committing “genocide” against Uighur Muslims in the region and forcing people to work.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/china-imposes-sanctions-on-uk-individuals-over-xinjiang-373263" hreflang="en">China imposes sanctions on UK individuals over Xinjiang</a>

China has denied all such claims, claiming they have set up vocational training centres for Uighur Muslims to counter religious extremism.

White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki had earlier urged the international community to "oppose China's weaponizing of private companies' dependence on its markets to stifle free expression and inhibit ethical business practices”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/which-foreign-brands-are-feeding-chinas-slave-camps-in-xinjiang-373186" hreflang="en">Which foreign brands are feeding China's slave camps in Xinjiang</a>

Many international companies have put out statements claiming they no longer intend to use cotton coming from Xinjiang. Chinese consumers have responded to these moves strongly. Many celebrities in the country have ceased deals with brands like Nike and other US brands, including New Balance, Under Armour, Tommy Hilfiger, and Converse.&nbsp;

Multiple countries have recently imposed sanctions on Chinese officials for alleged human rights abuses in the region.

The United States on Friday accused China of undertaking a “state-led” social media campaign against companies for deciding against using cotton from China’s Xinjiang region over concerns of forced labour.

The United States on Friday accused China of undertaking a “state-led” social media campaign against companies for deciding against using cotton from China’s Xinjiang region over concerns of forced labour. Jalina Porter, the State Department spokeswoman said that the social media campaign and consumer boycotts were targeting American, European, and Japanese businesses. "We commend and stand with companies that adhere to US laws and ensure that products we are consuming are not made with forced labor," Porter said during a briefing. “We support and encourage businesses to respect human rights in line with the UN guiding principles on business and human rights and the OECD guidelines for multinational enterprises," she added. Xinjiang is one of the world’s leading producers of cotton, but China has been accused of committing “genocide” against Uighur Muslims in the region and forcing people to work. Also read: China imposes sanctions on UK individuals over Xinjiang China has denied all such claims, claiming they have set up vocational training centres for Uighur Muslims to counter religious extremism. White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki had earlier urged the international community to "oppose China's weaponizing of private companies' dependence on its markets to stifle free expression and inhibit ethical business practices”. Also read: Which foreign brands are feeding China's slave camps in Xinjiang Many international companies have put out statements claiming they no longer intend to use cotton coming from Xinjiang. Chinese consumers have responded to these moves strongly. Many celebrities in the country have ceased deals with brands like Nike and other US brands, including New Balance, Under Armour, Tommy Hilfiger, and Converse. Multiple countries have recently imposed sanctions on Chinese officials for alleged human rights abuses in the region.

US accuses China of 'state-led' social media campaign against companies that boycotted Xinjiang

The President of United States Joe Biden has inherited a toxic relationship with the world's second-largest economy. Tensions between the U.S. and China are rising on multiple fronts.

U.S. President Joe Biden warns China over expansionism in Asia

China and the United States targetted each other on their understanding of the press freedom as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo criticised the official newspaper of China's ruling Communist Party for refusing to carry an op-ed by the US envoy.

The comments came amid rapidly deteriorating relations between the two nations&nbsp;ahead of November's US presidential election, with arguments over trade, human rights and the coronavirus pandemic.

"The People's Daily's response once again exposes the Chinese Communist Party's fear of free speech and serious intellectual debate – as well as Beijing's hypocrisy when it complains about lack of fair and reciprocal treatment in other countries," Pompeo said in a statement late on Wednesday.

The refusal by the People's Daily comes after a US decision to revoke more than 1,000 visas of Chinese nationals this week, and as both countries restrict or revoke visas for each others' journalists.

Titled "Resetting the Relationship Based on Reciprocity", Ambassador Terry Branstad's article referred to an imbalance in the US-China relationship, noting that US companies, journalists, diplomats, and even civil society suffered unequal access in China.

"While US journalists face restrictions on reporting and even entering China, Chinese state media workers have long enjoyed open access in the United States," Branstad wrote.

The People's Daily then wrote a letter saying the US envoy's article failed to meet its standards.

"In our opinion, the op-ed in the name of Ambassador Branstad is full of loopholes and seriously inconsistent with facts," the paper said, in a letter released by the State Department.

In a statement on Thursday, the paper said it had the right, like US media, to decide what it publishes and to make necessary edits, decrying Pompeo's remarks as a vicious attack on Chinese media.

"It is extremely ironic that on the one hand the US side rudely and unreasonably supresses Chinese media like the People's Daily as Communist Party 'propaganda machines', and on the other demands they disseminate wrong points of view for the United States."

Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said China's ambassador in Washington, who frequently appears in US media, has never smeared his host country and is committed to promoting friendly exchanges and cooperation.

Pompeo said China must respect the free press.

"Their refusal to do so shows just how much China's unelected Party elites fear their own people's free-thinking and the free world's judgment about their governance practices inside China."

China and the United States targetted each other on their understanding of the press freedom as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo criticised the official newspaper of China's ruling Communist Party for refusing to carry an op-ed by the US envoy.

China and the United States targetted each other on their understanding of the press freedom as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo criticised the official newspaper of China's ruling Communist Party for refusing to carry an op-ed by the US envoy. The comments came amid rapidly deteriorating relations between the two nations ahead of November's US presidential election, with arguments over trade, human rights and the coronavirus pandemic. "The People's Daily's response once again exposes the Chinese Communist Party's fear of free speech and serious intellectual debate – as well as Beijing's hypocrisy when it complains about lack of fair and reciprocal treatment in other countries," Pompeo said in a statement late on Wednesday. The refusal by the People's Daily comes after a US decision to revoke more than 1,000 visas of Chinese nationals this week, and as both countries restrict or revoke visas for each others' journalists. Titled "Resetting the Relationship Based on Reciprocity", Ambassador Terry Branstad's article referred to an imbalance in the US-China relationship, noting that US companies, journalists, diplomats, and even civil society suffered unequal access in China. "While US journalists face restrictions on reporting and even entering China, Chinese state media workers have long enjoyed open access in the United States," Branstad wrote. The People's Daily then wrote a letter saying the US envoy's article failed to meet its standards. "In our opinion, the op-ed in the name of Ambassador Branstad is full of loopholes and seriously inconsistent with facts," the paper said, in a letter released by the State Department. In a statement on Thursday, the paper said it had the right, like US media, to decide what it publishes and to make necessary edits, decrying Pompeo's remarks as a vicious attack on Chinese media. "It is extremely ironic that on the one hand the US side rudely and unreasonably supresses Chinese media like the People's Daily as Communist Party 'propaganda machines', and on the other demands they disseminate wrong points of view for the United States." Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said China's ambassador in Washington, who frequently appears in US media, has never smeared his host country and is committed to promoting friendly exchanges and cooperation. Pompeo said China must respect the free press. "Their refusal to do so shows just how much China's unelected Party elites fear their own people's free-thinking and the free world's judgment about their governance practices inside China."

China, US exchange barbs after paper refuses to carry envoy's op-ed

US President Donald Trump says, he is not interested in talking with China over trade deal because of the Coronavirus pandemic. Trump also ends Hong Kong's special status with China

Trump not interested in China Trade talks, ends Hong Kong preferential status

US President Donald Trump says, he is not interested in talking with China over trade deal because of the Coronavirus pandemic. Trump also ends Hong Kong's special status with China.

China vows retaliation after Trump ends special status for Hong Kong