A day after China declared its GDP had grown 8.1 per cent last year, the country's vice foreign minister Le Yucheng asserted that the Communist Party was "not interested in exceeding the US in GDP".

The minister while speaking at a university in Beijing said the main goal of the Communist Part of China was to "meet the people’s desire for a better life" while adding that it was not after GDP growth.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-energy-crisis-chinas-coal-production-reached-record-levels-last-year-445639">Also Read:&nbsp;Amid energy crisis, China's coal production reached record levels last year</a>

“Exceeding the US in GDP, we are not interested in it," the minister pointed out.

Reports say China's GDP had slowed in the last half of 2021 with the country hit by an energy crisis. China last year had also reported the lowest birthrate in decades.

Reports claim China's fourth-quarter growth rate was the slowest in over a year at just 4 per cent. China's property market was also hit last year with the Evergrande crisis hitting the market.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-economy-is-slowing-a-worrying-sign-for-the-world-445560">Also Read:&nbsp;China’s economy is slowing, a worrying sign for the world</a>

China has been grappling with the new wave of coronavirus infections in the past few months over two years after the virus was first discovered in Wuhan. China has been following a "zero Covid" policy, however, several provinces have been hit by a wave of coronavirus infections with the Omicron variant also spreading fast.

China's manufacturing sector also took a beating last year amid lockdowns even as exports surged in 2021.

Amid tensions with the US, Yucheng said, "China opposes Cold War mentality of unilateralism".

“China and the US should not play a boxing game, we should play a track and field competition," the minister added.

(With inputs from Agencies)

A day after China declared its GDP had grown 8.1 per cent last year, the country's vice foreign minister Le Yucheng asserted that the Communist Party was "not interested in exceeding the US in GDP".

A day after China declared its GDP had grown 8.1 per cent last year, the country's vice foreign minister Le Yucheng asserted that the Communist Party was "not interested in exceeding the US in GDP". The minister while speaking at a university in Beijing said the main goal of the Communist Part of China was to "meet the people’s desire for a better life" while adding that it was not after GDP growth. Also Read: Amid energy crisis, China's coal production reached record levels last year “Exceeding the US in GDP, we are not interested in it," the minister pointed out. Reports say China's GDP had slowed in the last half of 2021 with the country hit by an energy crisis. China last year had also reported the lowest birthrate in decades. Reports claim China's fourth-quarter growth rate was the slowest in over a year at just 4 per cent. China's property market was also hit last year with the Evergrande crisis hitting the market. Also Read: China’s economy is slowing, a worrying sign for the world China has been grappling with the new wave of coronavirus infections in the past few months over two years after the virus was first discovered in Wuhan. China has been following a "zero Covid" policy, however, several provinces have been hit by a wave of coronavirus infections with the Omicron variant also spreading fast. China's manufacturing sector also took a beating last year amid lockdowns even as exports surged in 2021. Amid tensions with the US, Yucheng said, "China opposes Cold War mentality of unilateralism". “China and the US should not play a boxing game, we should play a track and field competition," the minister added. (With inputs from Agencies)

Exceeding the US GDP is not our aim, says Chinese minister

Earlier this week Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart XI Jinping sat down in a virtual meet and spoke for 3 and a half-hour meeting. This meeting was hailed to be an ice breaker between the 2 countries.

Washington still reluctant to completely trust Beijing

The top diplomats from China and the United States have exchanged stern warnings over the flashpoint issue of Taiwan, ahead of Monday's hotly awaited summit between their leaders.

The virtual meeting of presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping comes against a backdrop of rising tensions -- in part over Taiwan, a self-ruling democracy claimed by Beijing, but also over trade, human rights and other issues.

In a phone call Friday with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to discuss preparations for the summit, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken raised concerns over Beijing's "military, diplomatic, and economic pressure" on Taiwan.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-diktat-china-to-bar-people-from-mainland-if-found-supporting-taiwan-independence-427172">New diktat: China to bar people from mainland if found supporting Taiwan independence</a>

Wang warned of the dangers of US actions that might seem supportive of "Taiwan independence."

Washington switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979, but an act of Congress passed that year requires the United States to provide weapons to Taiwan for self-defense.

The US government is careful not to show it recognises Taiwan but it enjoys broad, bipartisan support in Congress, with a group of lawmakers visiting the island this month -- angering Beijing.

"Any connivance of and support for the 'Taiwan independence' forces undermines peace across the Taiwan Strait and would only boomerang in the end," Wang told Blinken, according to a readout of the call released by China on Saturday.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-trying-to-build-psychological-pressure-on-taiwan-through-jet-incursions-reports-423019">China trying to build psychological pressure on Taiwan through jet incursions: Reports</a>

China has ramped up military activities near Taiwan in recent years, with a record number of planes intruding into the island's air defense identification zone in early October.

Washington has repeatedly signaled its support for Taiwan in the face of what it has described as Chinese aggression.

'Responsibly manage competition'

Biden has largely kept the tougher approach on Beijing of his predecessor Donald Trump, with both administrations seeing a rising China as the top challenge of the 21st century.

And while the world's top two emitters of greenhouse gases unveiled a surprise agreement last week to work together on climate change, Washington and Beijing have indicated they will not give ground on flashpoint issues.

US officials have framed Monday's summit as an opportunity to "responsibly manage competition" while trying to cooperate in areas where the two align.

Xi last week warned against the return of Cold War-era tensions in the Asia-Pacific region.

Biden and the Chinese leader have talked by phone twice since the veteran Democrat moved into the White House.

The pair also met extensively when Biden was Barack Obama's vice president and Xi was vice president to Hu Jintao.

The US president had hoped to meet Xi at a recent G20 summit in Rome, but the Chinese leader has not traveled since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and instead agreed to virtual talks by the end of the year.

The top diplomats from China and the United States have exchanged stern warnings over the flashpoint issue of Taiwan, ahead of Monday's hotly awaited summit between their leaders.

The top diplomats from China and the United States have exchanged stern warnings over the flashpoint issue of Taiwan, ahead of Monday's hotly awaited summit between their leaders. The virtual meeting of presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping comes against a backdrop of rising tensions -- in part over Taiwan, a self-ruling democracy claimed by Beijing, but also over trade, human rights and other issues. In a phone call Friday with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to discuss preparations for the summit, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken raised concerns over Beijing's "military, diplomatic, and economic pressure" on Taiwan. Also read | New diktat: China to bar people from mainland if found supporting Taiwan independence Wang warned of the dangers of US actions that might seem supportive of "Taiwan independence." Washington switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979, but an act of Congress passed that year requires the United States to provide weapons to Taiwan for self-defense. The US government is careful not to show it recognises Taiwan but it enjoys broad, bipartisan support in Congress, with a group of lawmakers visiting the island this month -- angering Beijing. "Any connivance of and support for the 'Taiwan independence' forces undermines peace across the Taiwan Strait and would only boomerang in the end," Wang told Blinken, according to a readout of the call released by China on Saturday. Also read | China trying to build psychological pressure on Taiwan through jet incursions: Reports China has ramped up military activities near Taiwan in recent years, with a record number of planes intruding into the island's air defense identification zone in early October. Washington has repeatedly signaled its support for Taiwan in the face of what it has described as Chinese aggression. 'Responsibly manage competition' Biden has largely kept the tougher approach on Beijing of his predecessor Donald Trump, with both administrations seeing a rising China as the top challenge of the 21st century. And while the world's top two emitters of greenhouse gases unveiled a surprise agreement last week to work together on climate change, Washington and Beijing have indicated they will not give ground on flashpoint issues. US officials have framed Monday's summit as an opportunity to "responsibly manage competition" while trying to cooperate in areas where the two align. Xi last week warned against the return of Cold War-era tensions in the Asia-Pacific region. Biden and the Chinese leader have talked by phone twice since the veteran Democrat moved into the White House. The pair also met extensively when Biden was Barack Obama's vice president and Xi was vice president to Hu Jintao. The US president had hoped to meet Xi at a recent G20 summit in Rome, but the Chinese leader has not traveled since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and instead agreed to virtual talks by the end of the year.

US, China trade Taiwan warnings ahead of Biden-Xi summit

US President Biden and Chinese President Xi will hold a virtual summit on Monday, the White House confirmed today.

"The two leaders will discuss ways to responsibly manage the competition between the United States and the PRC, as well as ways to work together where our interests align," the&nbsp;White House said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/joe-biden-to-attend-beijing-winter-olympics-report-says-he-might-get-a-personal-invitation-from-xi-jinping-428790">Also Read:&nbsp;Joe Biden to attend Beijing Winter Olympics?&nbsp;</a>

Press secretary Jen Psaki asserted that the president "will make US intentions clear" on concerns related to China. Tensions between the two countries have escalated over Taiwan as Chinese jets have continued to relentlessly enter Taipei's air defence zone.

US Secretary of state Antony Blinken asserted that the Biden administration will make sure that "Taiwan has the means to defend" amid escalating tensions in the region.&nbsp;

Watch: Xi-Biden&nbsp;to hold virtual meet&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-biden-to-hold-virtual-meet-with-chinese-president-xi-jinping-428695/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

US and China have also repeatedly sparred over the South China Sea issue as President Xi recently said the Asia-Pacific region should not "relapse into the confrontation and division of the Cold War era".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-sets-conciliatory-tone-ahead-of-biden-talks-428353">Also Read:&nbsp;Xi Jinping sets conciliatory tone ahead of Biden talks</a>

The US along with Britain and Australia had recently announced the AUKUS alliance aimed at containing China allowing Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines using US technology. The new military alliance angered China although Sullivan emphasised that it was meant for "greater stability, security and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-seeks-to-contain-beijing-anger-after-biden-vows-taiwan-defence-423109">Also Read:&nbsp;US seeks to contain Beijing anger after Biden vows Taiwan defence</a>

Biden’s national security advisor Jake Sullivan while speaking on the divisions between the two countries said, "China has a different value system. It has different interests."

(With inputs from Agencies)

US President Biden and Chinese President Xi will hold a virtual summit on Monday, the White House confirmed today. "The two leaders will discuss ways to responsibly manage the competition between the United States and the PRC, as well as ways to work together where our interests align," the White House said.

US President Biden and Chinese President Xi will hold a virtual summit on Monday, the White House confirmed today. "The two leaders will discuss ways to responsibly manage the competition between the United States and the PRC, as well as ways to work together where our interests align," the White House said. Also Read: Joe Biden to attend Beijing Winter Olympics? Press secretary Jen Psaki asserted that the president "will make US intentions clear" on concerns related to China. Tensions between the two countries have escalated over Taiwan as Chinese jets have continued to relentlessly enter Taipei's air defence zone. US Secretary of state Antony Blinken asserted that the Biden administration will make sure that "Taiwan has the means to defend" amid escalating tensions in the region. Watch: Xi-Biden to hold virtual meet US and China have also repeatedly sparred over the South China Sea issue as President Xi recently said the Asia-Pacific region should not "relapse into the confrontation and division of the Cold War era". Also Read: Xi Jinping sets conciliatory tone ahead of Biden talks The US along with Britain and Australia had recently announced the AUKUS alliance aimed at containing China allowing Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines using US technology. The new military alliance angered China although Sullivan emphasised that it was meant for "greater stability, security and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region". Also Read: US seeks to contain Beijing anger after Biden vows Taiwan defence Biden’s national security advisor Jake Sullivan while speaking on the divisions between the two countries said, "China has a different value system. It has different interests." (With inputs from Agencies)

US President Biden, Chinese President Xi to hold virtual summit on Monday

China's state-run Global Times has said that government officials had sent a "friendly signal" to US defence&nbsp;secretary Lloyd Austin for talks but the top US official had resorted to "unprofessional" and "unfriendly act of disregarding diplomatic protocol".

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinas-shandong-aircraft-carrier-conducts-military-exercise-in-south-china-sea-382412/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Global Times quoting the Financial Times said Austin made three requests to speak to Xu Qiliang but "China refused to engage".&nbsp; The report added that Financial Times had accused China of "complicating bilateral relations by denying the talk requests", however, it said the allegation was "untrue".

Reports claimed Austin's attempt to connect with Xu Qiliang who is close to President Xi Jinping instead of &nbsp;Wei Fenghe who is the minister of defence&nbsp;was not looked at favourably in some quarters within the Communist Party.

The Global Times report quoting a source said Austin's move to seek out Qiliang "exceeded the demand of diplomatic etiquette". However, reports said Pentagon had confirmed that Austin has not connected with China's top military officials. &nbsp;

US and China have been clashing over the South China Sea issue including the Taiwan issue with Chinese jets repeatedly entering Taipei's airspace.

China views US ships passing through Taiwan Straits as threats to its sovereignty, however, the US has said it has been following the principle of "freedom of navigation".

On Thursday, a US naval destroyer passed through the Parcel islands claimed by China as Chinese officials condemned the move.

The US Seventh Fleet in a statement defended the move, saying: "The United States challenges excessive maritime claims around the world regardless of the identity of the claimant."

"The ships' transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The United States military will continue to fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows," the US 7th Fleet asserted.

China's state-run Global Times has said that government officials had sent a "friendly signal" to US defence secretary Lloyd Austin for talks but the top US official had resorted to "unprofessional" and "unfriendly act of disregarding diplomatic protocol".

China's state-run Global Times has said that government officials had sent a "friendly signal" to US defence secretary Lloyd Austin for talks but the top US official had resorted to "unprofessional" and "unfriendly act of disregarding diplomatic protocol". Watch: The Global Times quoting the Financial Times said Austin made three requests to speak to Xu Qiliang but "China refused to engage". The report added that Financial Times had accused China of "complicating bilateral relations by denying the talk requests", however, it said the allegation was "untrue". Reports claimed Austin's attempt to connect with Xu Qiliang who is close to President Xi Jinping instead of Wei Fenghe who is the minister of defence was not looked at favourably in some quarters within the Communist Party. The Global Times report quoting a source said Austin's move to seek out Qiliang "exceeded the demand of diplomatic etiquette". However, reports said Pentagon had confirmed that Austin has not connected with China's top military officials. US and China have been clashing over the South China Sea issue including the Taiwan issue with Chinese jets repeatedly entering Taipei's airspace. China views US ships passing through Taiwan Straits as threats to its sovereignty, however, the US has said it has been following the principle of "freedom of navigation". On Thursday, a US naval destroyer passed through the Parcel islands claimed by China as Chinese officials condemned the move. The US Seventh Fleet in a statement defended the move, saying: "The United States challenges excessive maritime claims around the world regardless of the identity of the claimant." "The ships' transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The United States military will continue to fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows," the US 7th Fleet asserted.

'Unprofessional and unfriendly': US, China in row over diplomatic protocol

China’s effort to expand its growing influence represents one of the largest threats to the United States, according to a major annual intelligence report released Tuesday, which also warned of the broad national security challenges posed by Moscow and Beijing.

The report does not predict a military confrontation with either Russia or China, but it suggests that so-called gray-zone battles for power, which are meant to fall short of inciting all-out war, will intensify with intelligence operations, cyberattacks and global drives for influence.

The assessment highlights the opportunities and challenges for the Biden administration. Iran, for instance, has not advanced its work on a nuclear weapon, potentially giving President Joe Biden some room to maneuver. But it paints a grim prognosis for a peace deal in Afghanistan, a day before Biden is set to announce that he will withdraw US&nbsp;forces by September. Critics could use the report to suggest that the president is ignoring intelligence agencies’ predictions as he pushes forward with the drawdown.

While much of the report describes traditional national security challenges, it also gives far more attention to climate change and global health than previous threat assessments have done. That shift reflects a pledge by the Biden administration’s top intelligence officials to focus more on such nontraditional challenges.

The report puts China’s push for “global power” first on the list of threats, followed by Russia, Iran and North Korea. There are typically few broad revelations in the annual reports, which are a collection of declassified assessments, although the intelligence agencies’ ranking of threats and how they change over time can be telling.

“Beijing, Moscow, Tehran and Pyongyang have demonstrated the capability and intent to advance their interests at the expense of the United States and its allies, despite the pandemic,” the report said. “China increasingly is a near-peer competitor, challenging the United States in multiple arenas — especially economically, militarily and technologically — and is pushing to change global norms.”

China’s strategy, according to the report, is to drive wedges between the United States and its allies. Beijing has also used its success in combating the coronavirus pandemic to promote the “superiority of its system.”

The report predicts more tensions in the South China Sea, as Beijing continues to intimidate rivals in the region. It also predicts that China will press the government of Taiwan to move forward with unification and criticize efforts by the United States to bolster engagement with Taipei. But the report stopped short of predicting any kind of direct military conflict.

“We expect that friction will grow as Beijing steps up attempts to portray Taipei as internationally isolated and dependent on the mainland for economic prosperity, and as China continues to increase military activity around the island,” the report said.

It also foresees China at least doubling its nuclear stockpile over the next decade. “Beijing is not interested in arms-control agreements that restrict its modernization plans and will not agree to substantive negotiations that lock in US&nbsp;or Russian nuclear advantage,” the report said.

China uses its electronic surveillance and hacking abilities to not only repress dissent domestically but also to conduct intrusions that affect people beyond its borders, the report said. The country also represents a growing threat of cyberattacks against the United States, and the intelligence agencies assess that Beijing “at a minimum, can cause localized, temporary disruptions to critical infrastructure within the United States.”

There are few surprises in the report’s assessment of Russia. It makes clear that although many view Moscow as a declining power, American spy agencies still consider it a pre-eminent threat, pointing to a Russian supply chain hacking that created vulnerabilities in some 18,000 computer networks worldwide. The assessment said that while Russia would avoid direct conflict with the United States, it would use influence campaigns, mercenary operations and military exercises to advance its interests and undermine those of its rival.

Biden spoke to President Vladimir Putin of Russia on Tuesday. While Biden raised the prospect of a summit with Putin, he pressed him on the recent buildup of Russian troops on Ukraine’s border and in Crimea. The report said that Russia would seek opportunities for pragmatic cooperation but that it would also press the United States not to interfere in the domestic concerns of Ukraine and other countries of the former Soviet Union.

While cyberthreats have traditionally been a separate section of the report, this year’s assessment made more of an effort to weave such attacks into the broader threat picture, examining both China’s and Russia’s record of intrusions against the United States.

The intelligence agencies are right to refocus the threat assessment on Russia and China, said Rep. Adam B. Schiff, D-Calif., the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee.

“China’s a rising power and a rising challenge,” said Schiff, whose committee drafted a report last year calling for more resources to be devoted to China. “Russia is a dying power. It poses the threat of a kind of wounded animal that is dangerous because it’s wounded and backed into a corner.”

This year’s report offers a far more robust discussion of the national security implications of climate change, whose threats, for the most part, are long term, but can also have short-term consequences, the report said.

Typically, the director of national intelligence delivers the threat assessment to Congress and releases a written report alongside it. But no declassified assessment was issued last year, as the Trump administration’s intelligence agencies sought to avoid angering the White House.

In 2019, Dan Coats, then the director of national intelligence, delivered an analysis of threats from Iran, North Korea and the Islamic State that was at odds with President Donald Trump’s views. The testimony prompted Trump to lash out on Twitter, admonishing his intelligence chiefs to “go back to school.”

Avril Haines, the director of national intelligence; William Burns, the CIA director; and other top intelligence officials will testify about the report Wednesday and Thursday.

“The American people should know as much as possible about the threats facing our nation and what their intelligence agencies are doing to protect them,” said Haines, whose office released the report.

China’s effort to expand its growing influence represents one of the largest threats to the United States, according to a major annual intelligence report released Tuesday, which also warned of the broad national security challenges posed by Moscow and Beijing.

China’s effort to expand its growing influence represents one of the largest threats to the United States, according to a major annual intelligence report released Tuesday, which also warned of the broad national security challenges posed by Moscow and Beijing. The report does not predict a military confrontation with either Russia or China, but it suggests that so-called gray-zone battles for power, which are meant to fall short of inciting all-out war, will intensify with intelligence operations, cyberattacks and global drives for influence. The assessment highlights the opportunities and challenges for the Biden administration. Iran, for instance, has not advanced its work on a nuclear weapon, potentially giving President Joe Biden some room to maneuver. But it paints a grim prognosis for a peace deal in Afghanistan, a day before Biden is set to announce that he will withdraw US forces by September. Critics could use the report to suggest that the president is ignoring intelligence agencies’ predictions as he pushes forward with the drawdown. While much of the report describes traditional national security challenges, it also gives far more attention to climate change and global health than previous threat assessments have done. That shift reflects a pledge by the Biden administration’s top intelligence officials to focus more on such nontraditional challenges. The report puts China’s push for “global power” first on the list of threats, followed by Russia, Iran and North Korea. There are typically few broad revelations in the annual reports, which are a collection of declassified assessments, although the intelligence agencies’ ranking of threats and how they change over time can be telling. “Beijing, Moscow, Tehran and Pyongyang have demonstrated the capability and intent to advance their interests at the expense of the United States and its allies, despite the pandemic,” the report said. “China increasingly is a near-peer competitor, challenging the United States in multiple arenas — especially economically, militarily and technologically — and is pushing to change global norms.” China’s strategy, according to the report, is to drive wedges between the United States and its allies. Beijing has also used its success in combating the coronavirus pandemic to promote the “superiority of its system.” The report predicts more tensions in the South China Sea, as Beijing continues to intimidate rivals in the region. It also predicts that China will press the government of Taiwan to move forward with unification and criticize efforts by the United States to bolster engagement with Taipei. But the report stopped short of predicting any kind of direct military conflict. “We expect that friction will grow as Beijing steps up attempts to portray Taipei as internationally isolated and dependent on the mainland for economic prosperity, and as China continues to increase military activity around the island,” the report said. It also foresees China at least doubling its nuclear stockpile over the next decade. “Beijing is not interested in arms-control agreements that restrict its modernization plans and will not agree to substantive negotiations that lock in US or Russian nuclear advantage,” the report said. China uses its electronic surveillance and hacking abilities to not only repress dissent domestically but also to conduct intrusions that affect people beyond its borders, the report said. The country also represents a growing threat of cyberattacks against the United States, and the intelligence agencies assess that Beijing “at a minimum, can cause localized, temporary disruptions to critical infrastructure within the United States.” There are few surprises in the report’s assessment of Russia. It makes clear that although many view Moscow as a declining power, American spy agencies still consider it a pre-eminent threat, pointing to a Russian supply chain hacking that created vulnerabilities in some 18,000 computer networks worldwide. The assessment said that while Russia would avoid direct conflict with the United States, it would use influence campaigns, mercenary operations and military exercises to advance its interests and undermine those of its rival. Biden spoke to President Vladimir Putin of Russia on Tuesday. While Biden raised the prospect of a summit with Putin, he pressed him on the recent buildup of Russian troops on Ukraine’s border and in Crimea. The report said that Russia would seek opportunities for pragmatic cooperation but that it would also press the United States not to interfere in the domestic concerns of Ukraine and other countries of the former Soviet Union. While cyberthreats have traditionally been a separate section of the report, this year’s assessment made more of an effort to weave such attacks into the broader threat picture, examining both China’s and Russia’s record of intrusions against the United States. The intelligence agencies are right to refocus the threat assessment on Russia and China, said Rep. Adam B. Schiff, D-Calif., the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. “China’s a rising power and a rising challenge,” said Schiff, whose committee drafted a report last year calling for more resources to be devoted to China. “Russia is a dying power. It poses the threat of a kind of wounded animal that is dangerous because it’s wounded and backed into a corner.” This year’s report offers a far more robust discussion of the national security implications of climate change, whose threats, for the most part, are long term, but can also have short-term consequences, the report said. Typically, the director of national intelligence delivers the threat assessment to Congress and releases a written report alongside it. But no declassified assessment was issued last year, as the Trump administration’s intelligence agencies sought to avoid angering the White House. In 2019, Dan Coats, then the director of national intelligence, delivered an analysis of threats from Iran, North Korea and the Islamic State that was at odds with President Donald Trump’s views. The testimony prompted Trump to lash out on Twitter, admonishing his intelligence chiefs to “go back to school.” Avril Haines, the director of national intelligence; William Burns, the CIA director; and other top intelligence officials will testify about the report Wednesday and Thursday. “The American people should know as much as possible about the threats facing our nation and what their intelligence agencies are doing to protect them,” said Haines, whose office released the report.

China poses biggest threat to US, intelligence report says

US President Joe <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-announces-pentagon-task-force-to-tackle-china-362758">Biden </a>spoke with &nbsp;President Xi Jinping on Wednesday, the White House said on the occasion of Lunar New Year.

Watch:

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Biden asserted the importance of free and open Indo-Pacific during his phone call with the Chinese president while underscoring his concerns about "Beijing’s coercive and unfair economic practices" including the "crackdown in Hong Kong, human rights abuses in Xinjiang, and increasingly assertive actions in the region, including toward Taiwan."&nbsp;

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I spoke today with President Xi to offer good wishes to the Chinese people for Lunar New Year. I also shared concerns about Beijing’s economic practices, human rights abuses, and coercion of Taiwan. I told him I will work with China when it benefits the American people.
— President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1359692096693817347?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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During the phone call, the US president affirmed his priorities towards protecting the American people’s security, prosperity, health, and way of life, the White House said.

It is Biden's first phone call to President Xi since he took office on January 20.

The two leaders also exchanged views on countering the COVID-19 pandemic, and the shared challenges of global health security, climate change and preventing weapons proliferation.

Biden told the Chinese president that his country is "committed to pursuing practical, results-oriented engagements when it advances the interests of the American people and those of our allies."

Earlier on Wednesday, President Biden had announced setting up of a Pentagon task force to review US strategy on China. The US president called for an immediate review of the military-strategic approach to challenges posed by China while visiting the Pentagon for the first time since becoming the president.

"I will never dishonour you, I will never disrespect you," the Biden told the US servicemen, adding, "I will never politicize the work you do."&nbsp;

"So often, our armed forces and the Department of Defense staff are how the rest of the world encounters America," Biden said. "But our country is safer and stronger when we lead not just with the example of our power, but with the power of our example."

US President Joe Biden spoke with President Xi Jinping on Wednesday, the White House said on the occasion of Lunar New Year. Watch: Biden asserted the importance of free and open Indo-Pacific during his phone call with the Chinese president while underscoring his concerns about "Beijing’s coercive and unfair economic practices" including the "crackdown in Hong Kong, human rights abuses in Xinjiang, and increasingly assertive actions in the region, including toward Taiwan.

US President Joe Biden spoke with President Xi Jinping on Wednesday, the White House said on the occasion of Lunar New Year. Watch: Biden asserted the importance of free and open Indo-Pacific during his phone call with the Chinese president while underscoring his concerns about "Beijing’s coercive and unfair economic practices" including the "crackdown in Hong Kong, human rights abuses in Xinjiang, and increasingly assertive actions in the region, including toward Taiwan." I spoke today with President Xi to offer good wishes to the Chinese people for Lunar New Year. I also shared concerns about Beijing’s economic practices, human rights abuses, and coercion of Taiwan. I told him I will work with China when it benefits the American people. — President Biden (@POTUS) February 11, 2021 × During the phone call, the US president affirmed his priorities towards protecting the American people’s security, prosperity, health, and way of life, the White House said. It is Biden's first phone call to President Xi since he took office on January 20. The two leaders also exchanged views on countering the COVID-19 pandemic, and the shared challenges of global health security, climate change and preventing weapons proliferation. Biden told the Chinese president that his country is "committed to pursuing practical, results-oriented engagements when it advances the interests of the American people and those of our allies." Earlier on Wednesday, President Biden had announced setting up of a Pentagon task force to review US strategy on China. The US president called for an immediate review of the military-strategic approach to challenges posed by China while visiting the Pentagon for the first time since becoming the president. "I will never dishonour you, I will never disrespect you," the Biden told the US servicemen, adding, "I will never politicize the work you do." "So often, our armed forces and the Department of Defense staff are how the rest of the world encounters America," Biden said. "But our country is safer and stronger when we lead not just with the example of our power, but with the power of our example."

In first phone call to President Xi, Biden asserts importance of Indo-Pacific; Xinjiang human rights abuses

US President Joe Biden has announced the formation of a Pentagon task force to review the country's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-quad-key-example-of-washington-working-with-allies-for-good-of-indo-pacific-362597">China</a> strategy.

Biden was accompanied by Vice President Kamala Harris, visited the Pentagon for the first time since becoming the president.

"Today I was briefed on a new dod-wide (Department of Defense) China task force that secretary Austin is standing up to look at our strategy and operational concepts, technology and force posturing and so much more. The task force will work quickly drawing on civilian and military experts across the department to provide within the next few months the recommendations to Senator (secretary, ed) Austin on key priorities and decision points so that we can chart a strong path forward on China-related matters."

The US president announced that he has ordered an immediate review the country's military-strategic approach to challenges posed by China. The new defence secretary Lloyd Austin briefed the president on how the US is prepared to deter China in the Pacific.

Last week, the US had moved its aircraft carrier USS Nimitz and its carrier strike group to the Indo-Pacific region as tensions between the two nations increased in the latter stages of Trump's presidency.

The Biden administration is set to continue the tough approach on China on issues related to trade, regional security and human rights.

Last week, Secretary of State Antony Blinken had asserted that the US will stand with South Asian countries against China's pressure. Blinken maintained that the US engagement in the region will continue.

US President Joe Biden has announced the formation of a Pentagon task force to review the country's China strategy. Biden was accompanied by Vice President Kamala Harris, visited the Pentagon for the first time since becoming the president.

US President Joe Biden has announced the formation of a Pentagon task force to review the country's China strategy. Biden was accompanied by Vice President Kamala Harris, visited the Pentagon for the first time since becoming the president. "Today I was briefed on a new dod-wide (Department of Defense) China task force that secretary Austin is standing up to look at our strategy and operational concepts, technology and force posturing and so much more. The task force will work quickly drawing on civilian and military experts across the department to provide within the next few months the recommendations to Senator (secretary, ed) Austin on key priorities and decision points so that we can chart a strong path forward on China-related matters." The US president announced that he has ordered an immediate review the country's military-strategic approach to challenges posed by China. The new defence secretary Lloyd Austin briefed the president on how the US is prepared to deter China in the Pacific. Last week, the US had moved its aircraft carrier USS Nimitz and its carrier strike group to the Indo-Pacific region as tensions between the two nations increased in the latter stages of Trump's presidency. The Biden administration is set to continue the tough approach on China on issues related to trade, regional security and human rights. Last week, Secretary of State Antony Blinken had asserted that the US will stand with South Asian countries against China's pressure. Blinken maintained that the US engagement in the region will continue.

Biden announces Pentagon task force to tackle China

According to a report, China used <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-hackers-targeting-biden-and-trump-are-faking-mcafee-software-google-336251">mobile </a>phone networks in the Caribbean to put together a surveillance network against US mobile phone users.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-this-loophole-allowed-a-hacker-to-remotely-hack-an-iphone-347324/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Chinese authorities reportedly "targeted" US phone subscriber to "track and intercept" phone communications,&nbsp;the Threat Intelligence Report said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-dismisses-accusations-of-hacking-attempt-on-us-vaccine-developer-moderna-317257">Also Read:&nbsp;China dismisses accusations of hacking attempt on US vaccine developer Moderna</a>

In 2018, two major mobile networks - China Mobile and China Unicom targeted US mobile users in significant volumes.

A cluster of attacks was discovered targeting a&nbsp;group of US phones from&nbsp;networks including China Unicom, Cable &amp; Wireless, Barbados and Bahamas Telecom.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

"The attacks against these phones indicated coordination between the operators. This could be achieved by China acquiring network addresses from these two Caribbean operators allowing China to originate attacks, both of which are partially owned by the same parent company Cable &amp; Wireless," it said.

"As surveillance attacks from China decelerated in late&nbsp;2018, they accelerated rapidly in more&nbsp;Caribbean countries such as Antigua, Guyana and the Virgin Islands," the report added.

The report said the "activity" continued until April last year "when&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;the attack volumes across all countries decreased on 3G&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;networks and began transitioning to 4G."

The report informed that China has long expanded its investment in the Caribbean, particularly in the Dominican Republic.

"Huawei has also had a very close relationship with Cable &amp; Wireless based on investment in 4G upgrades at BTC and network investments with other countries in the region," the report said.

The report said that it is likely that many Caribbean operators have sold or leased SS7 Global Title addresses to other cyber-espionage state sponsors and criminal organizations becoming a threat sponsor either deliberately or unintentionally.

According to a report, China used mobile phone networks in the Caribbean to put together a surveillance network against US mobile phone users. Watch: Chinese authorities reportedly "targeted" US phone subscriber to "track and intercept" phone communications, the Threat Intelligence Report said.

According to a report, China used mobile phone networks in the Caribbean to put together a surveillance network against US mobile phone users. Watch: Chinese authorities reportedly "targeted" US phone subscriber to "track and intercept" phone communications, the Threat Intelligence Report said. Also Read: China dismisses accusations of hacking attempt on US vaccine developer Moderna In 2018, two major mobile networks - China Mobile and China Unicom targeted US mobile users in significant volumes. A cluster of attacks was discovered targeting a group of US phones from networks including China Unicom, Cable & Wireless, Barbados and Bahamas Telecom. "The attacks against these phones indicated coordination between the operators. This could be achieved by China acquiring network addresses from these two Caribbean operators allowing China to originate attacks, both of which are partially owned by the same parent company Cable & Wireless," it said. "As surveillance attacks from China decelerated in late 2018, they accelerated rapidly in more Caribbean countries such as Antigua, Guyana and the Virgin Islands," the report added. The report said the "activity" continued until April last year "when the attack volumes across all countries decreased on 3G networks and began transitioning to 4G." The report informed that China has long expanded its investment in the Caribbean, particularly in the Dominican Republic. "Huawei has also had a very close relationship with Cable & Wireless based on investment in 4G upgrades at BTC and network investments with other countries in the region," the report said. The report said that it is likely that many Caribbean operators have sold or leased SS7 Global Title addresses to other cyber-espionage state sponsors and criminal organizations becoming a threat sponsor either deliberately or unintentionally.

China targeted Americans via Caribbean phone networks: Report

China said today that reports of United States blocking imports of cotton it says are harvested with "slave labour" in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nike-and-coca-cola-lobby-against-xinjiang-forced-labor-bill-346470">Xinjiang</a> region is "fake news of so-called forced labour".

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/us-imposes-new-restrictions-on-products-from-chinas-xinjiang-province-347226/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The New York Times had reported that the US government will issue new entry rules for Chinese Communist Party members travelling to the United States.

The Chinese foreign ministry slammed the move asserting that it shows "hatred and abnormal mindset towards the Communist Party."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-bans-cotton-imports-from-chinese-producer-citing-xinjiang-slave-labour-347087">Also Read:&nbsp;US bans cotton imports from Chinese producer, citing Xinjiang slave labour</a>

Reports said&nbsp;that the Trump administration had issued new rules to curtail travel to the United States by members of the Chinese Communist Party by limiting the maximum validity of travel visas for party members and their families to one month and a single entry.

Earlier, CCP members could obtain visitor visas to the United States for up to 10 years. The move is likely to hit top Chinese officials and business leaders, the report said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-tightens-visa-rules-for-chinese-communist-party-members-347141">Also Read:&nbsp;US tightens visa rules for Chinese Communist Party members</a>

The Trump administration in its last few weeks has decided to put a stranglehold on China with reports indicating that US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency will "Withhold Release Order" ban on cotton and cotton products from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-outbreak-in-china-shows-ties-with-forced-labour-in-xinjiang-338937">Xinjiang</a> Production and Construction Corps (XPCC).

The new order allows US Customs and Border Protection officials to detain ships containing cotton originating from Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps.

The United States government has alleged that China has held at least 1 million Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang camps and forced them to work even as China says it is a vocational training centre.

China's foreign ministry said, "Their aim is to constrain and oppress relevant parties and enterprises in China and curb China's development." Chinese foreign ministry official said workers in Xinjiang "choose occupations based on their own wishes."

Xinjiang is a major cotton hub of China. The US House of Representatives had earlier in September unanimously voted to ban all imports from Xinjiang but the bill has yet to pass the Senate.

China said today that reports of United States blocking imports of cotton it says are harvested with "slave labour" in Xinjiang region is "fake news of so-called forced labour".

China said today that reports of United States blocking imports of cotton it says are harvested with "slave labour" in Xinjiang region is "fake news of so-called forced labour". Watch: The New York Times had reported that the US government will issue new entry rules for Chinese Communist Party members travelling to the United States. The Chinese foreign ministry slammed the move asserting that it shows "hatred and abnormal mindset towards the Communist Party." Also Read: US bans cotton imports from Chinese producer, citing Xinjiang slave labour Reports said that the Trump administration had issued new rules to curtail travel to the United States by members of the Chinese Communist Party by limiting the maximum validity of travel visas for party members and their families to one month and a single entry. Earlier, CCP members could obtain visitor visas to the United States for up to 10 years. The move is likely to hit top Chinese officials and business leaders, the report said. Also Read: US tightens visa rules for Chinese Communist Party members The Trump administration in its last few weeks has decided to put a stranglehold on China with reports indicating that US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency will "Withhold Release Order" ban on cotton and cotton products from the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC). The new order allows US Customs and Border Protection officials to detain ships containing cotton originating from Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. The United States government has alleged that China has held at least 1 million Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang camps and forced them to work even as China says it is a vocational training centre. China's foreign ministry said, "Their aim is to constrain and oppress relevant parties and enterprises in China and curb China's development." Chinese foreign ministry official said workers in Xinjiang "choose occupations based on their own wishes." Xinjiang is a major cotton hub of China. The US House of Representatives had earlier in September unanimously voted to ban all imports from Xinjiang but the bill has yet to pass the Senate.

US ban of CCP members: Abnormal mindset towards Communist Party, says China

President Xi Jinping today "congratulated" president-elect Joe Biden for winning US elections on November 3, Chinese state media reported. Watch: Earlier, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin had said: “We respect the choice of the American people.

President Xi Jinping today "congratulated" president-elect Joe Biden for winning US elections on November 3, Chinese state media reported. Watch: Earlier, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin had said: “We respect the choice of the American people. We extend congratulations to Mr Biden and Ms Harris,” adding, "We understand the results of the US election will be determined according to US laws and procedures.” Also Read: 'America is back': Biden introduces his foreign policy and national security team However, President Xi hadn't sent any congratulatory message to Joe Biden since November 3, and after even as the US president-elect began to officially win in various states. In the message, Xi said: "Stick to no conflict or confrontation, mutual respect, (and) the spirit of win-win cooperation" in order to promote the "noble cause" of world peace and development. President Xi added that the "healthy and stable development of US-China relations accords with the fundamental interests of both peoples". Chinese vice-president Wang Qishan also sent a congratulatory message to Kamala Harris on her becoming the next US vice president, Xinhua news agency reported. US and China trade relations have been going through a tumultuous time for the last two years even as US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said the Trump administration wasn't finished yet.

President Xi congratulates president-elect Joe Biden on US election victory

China's foreign ministry said today that the people recently arrested by the US were not Chinese law enforcement officers after Trump administration officials said they were part of "Operation <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-launches-operation-fox-hunt-to-target-dissenters-captures-ex-interpol-chief-311725">Fox Hunt</a>".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/operation-fox-hunt-us-arrests-eight-in-alleged-plot-to-intimidate-citizens-to-return-to-china-338636">Also Read |&nbsp;Operation Fox Hunt: US arrests eight in alleged plot to intimidate citizens to return to China</a>

"US is where the most number of fleeing Chinese suspects of corruption and economic crimes are hiding but in recent years, the US has been passive in responding to China's requests for cooperation," China's foreign ministry official Wang Wenbin had said.

Wenbin said the US should not become a "safe haven" for "criminals and their illegal assets."

The US government had charged eight people recently accusing them of coercing Chinese nationals in the country to return to their home country to face charges in a plot known as “<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-you-need-to-know-about-chinas-espionage-programme-operation-fox-hunt-311547">Operation Fox Hunt</a>” and “Operation Skynet".

China had reportedly launched a campaign in 2014 to get fugitives abroad to return to face charges.

US officials had arrested five suspects in New Jersey, New York and California and charged them with conspiring to act as illegal agents for a foreign government.

However, the Chinese foreign ministry dismissed the charges as &nbsp;"baseless accusation and smears about Chinese efforts to pursue escaped criminals and recover stolen monies".&nbsp;

"We urge the United States ... to shoulder its international obligations and promise, stop coveting after the ill-gotten gains of criminals, and don't be a safe haven for criminals and their illegal assets," the Chinese foreign ministry said.

China's foreign ministry said today that the people recently arrested by the US were not Chinese law enforcement officers after Trump administration officials said they were part of "Operation Fox Hunt".

China's foreign ministry said today that the people recently arrested by the US were not Chinese law enforcement officers after Trump administration officials said they were part of "Operation Fox Hunt". Also Read | Operation Fox Hunt: US arrests eight in alleged plot to intimidate citizens to return to China "US is where the most number of fleeing Chinese suspects of corruption and economic crimes are hiding but in recent years, the US has been passive in responding to China's requests for cooperation," China's foreign ministry official Wang Wenbin had said. Wenbin said the US should not become a "safe haven" for "criminals and their illegal assets." The US government had charged eight people recently accusing them of coercing Chinese nationals in the country to return to their home country to face charges in a plot known as “Operation Fox Hunt” and “Operation Skynet". China had reportedly launched a campaign in 2014 to get fugitives abroad to return to face charges. US officials had arrested five suspects in New Jersey, New York and California and charged them with conspiring to act as illegal agents for a foreign government. However, the Chinese foreign ministry dismissed the charges as "baseless accusation and smears about Chinese efforts to pursue escaped criminals and recover stolen monies". "We urge the United States ... to shoulder its international obligations and promise, stop coveting after the ill-gotten gains of criminals, and don't be a safe haven for criminals and their illegal assets," the Chinese foreign ministry said.

Fox Hunt row: US should not to be haven for criminals, says China

The United States government has charged eight people for running an "illegal Chinese law enforcement operation known as Fox Hunt".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/eye-on-china-us-to-open-embassy-in-maldives-says-pompeo-338589">Also Read:&nbsp;Eye on China: US to open embassy in Maldives, says Pompeo</a>

"Since 2014, at the direction of Chinese General Secretary Xi Jinping, China has been engaged in a global operation known as Fox Hunt," Assistant Attorney General John Demers said.

"China describes Fox Hunt as an international anti-corruption campaign in which it seeks to locate legitimate fugitives around the world and bring them to China to face genuine criminal charges," Demers said, adding," But in many instances the hunted are opponents of Communist Party Chairman Xi -- political rivals, dissidents, and critics," he said. "In either event, the operation is a clear violation of the rule of law and international norms."

The US Assistant Attorney General said that five Chinese agents were arrested in the United States with three believed to be in China. Zhu Yong, Hongru Jin, Michael McMahon Rong Jing and Zheng Congying were arrested by US officials as three others Zhu Feng, Hu Ji, and Li Minjun remained untraced.

"The Chinese government's brazen attempts to surveil, threaten, and harass our own citizens and lawful permanent residents, while on American soil, are part of China's diverse campaign of theft and malign influence in our country and around the world," FBI Director Wray said.

The Justice Department informed charges of conspiracy to act as an agent of China carries&nbsp;a maximum sentence of five years in prison.&nbsp;

Court records showed the agents were allegedly involved in a plot known as &nbsp;“Operation Fox Hunt” and “Operation Skynet" between 2016 and 2019.

The United States government has charged eight people for running an "illegal Chinese law enforcement operation known as Fox Hunt". Also Read: Eye on China: US to open embassy in Maldives, says Pompeo "Since 2014, at the direction of Chinese General Secretary Xi Jinping, China has been engaged in a global operation known as Fox Hunt," Assistant Attorney General John Demers said.

The United States government has charged eight people for running an "illegal Chinese law enforcement operation known as Fox Hunt". Also Read: Eye on China: US to open embassy in Maldives, says Pompeo "Since 2014, at the direction of Chinese General Secretary Xi Jinping, China has been engaged in a global operation known as Fox Hunt," Assistant Attorney General John Demers said. "China describes Fox Hunt as an international anti-corruption campaign in which it seeks to locate legitimate fugitives around the world and bring them to China to face genuine criminal charges," Demers said, adding," But in many instances the hunted are opponents of Communist Party Chairman Xi -- political rivals, dissidents, and critics," he said. "In either event, the operation is a clear violation of the rule of law and international norms." The US Assistant Attorney General said that five Chinese agents were arrested in the United States with three believed to be in China. Zhu Yong, Hongru Jin, Michael McMahon Rong Jing and Zheng Congying were arrested by US officials as three others Zhu Feng, Hu Ji, and Li Minjun remained untraced. "The Chinese government's brazen attempts to surveil, threaten, and harass our own citizens and lawful permanent residents, while on American soil, are part of China's diverse campaign of theft and malign influence in our country and around the world," FBI Director Wray said. The Justice Department informed charges of conspiracy to act as an agent of China carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Court records showed the agents were allegedly involved in a plot known as “Operation Fox Hunt” and “Operation Skynet" between 2016 and 2019.

Operation Fox Hunt: US arrests eight in alleged plot to intimidate citizens to return to China

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign affairs is holding a press conference on US-China relations. Beijing calls the closure of a 'political provocation'. China will be closing the US consulate in Wuhan.

China's relations with US head South: TikTok banned from US govt devices

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is planning to travel to Hawaii to meet with Chinese government officials, Politico reported on Friday, citing two unnamed sources.

Pompeo, who has been vocal in his criticism of China on a range of issues from the origins of the coronavirus pandemic to its Hong Kong policy to the treatment of its ethnic and religious minorities, was planning the trip "quietly" and the arrangements were not finalized, Politico said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-accuses-china-of-stealing-american-research-on-covid-19-298763">Also read:&nbsp;Mike Pompeo accuses China of stealing American research on COVID-19</a>

Relations between the world's two biggest economies have deteriorated in recent months, and U.S. President Donald Trump has said he could even sever relations.

Pompeo said last month that China could have prevented the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people around the world by being more transparent about the coronavirus and accused it of refusing to share information.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-criticises-hsbc-for-corporate-kowtow-to-beijing-304822">Also read:&nbsp;Mike Pompeo criticises HSBC for 'corporate kowtow' to Beijing</a>

He said last month Chinese plans to impose national security laws on Hong Kong would be the "death knell" for the former British colony's autonomy.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is planning to travel to Hawaii to meet with Chinese government officials, Politico reported on Friday, citing two unnamed sources.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is planning to travel to Hawaii to meet with Chinese government officials, Politico reported on Friday, citing two unnamed sources. Pompeo, who has been vocal in his criticism of China on a range of issues from the origins of the coronavirus pandemic to its Hong Kong policy to the treatment of its ethnic and religious minorities, was planning the trip "quietly" and the arrangements were not finalized, Politico said. Also read: Mike Pompeo accuses China of stealing American research on COVID-19 Relations between the world's two biggest economies have deteriorated in recent months, and U.S. President Donald Trump has said he could even sever relations. Pompeo said last month that China could have prevented the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people around the world by being more transparent about the coronavirus and accused it of refusing to share information. Also read: Mike Pompeo criticises HSBC for 'corporate kowtow' to Beijing He said last month Chinese plans to impose national security laws on Hong Kong would be the "death knell" for the former British colony's autonomy.

Mike Pompeo plans to meet Chinese officials in Hawaii: Report

The Trump administration is taking aim at China's transparency, or the lack of it with focus on Chinese companies listing shares on US exchanges.

The US government is keeping an eye on Luckin Coffee. It is a Chinese coffee house chain that was founded in 2017.

In just a matter of three years, it has managed to exceed the number of Starbucks stores in China. In fact, just last year, in 2019 Luckin Coffee made a grand debut at the American stock exchange - Nasdaq.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-plans-to-delist-chinese-companies-300026/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The company's shares surged about 50 per cent on&nbsp;its debut. Now, Luckin Coffee is being delisted by the Nasdaq stock exchange. Nasdaq has cited "public interest concerns" for the delisting. It has mentioned a recent accounting scandal as the key reason.

A massive fraud was uncovered in the company's accounts last month. The company's sales for the second and fourth quarters of 2019 were exaggerated by $310 million. The company allegedly lied and faked transactions. A fraud that has come as a wake-up call for American investors.

The fraud has also proved to be fresh ammunition for the US government against China. Washington is now planning to impose tougher regulations on Chinese stocks. The US Senate is considering legislation that could bar several other Chinese companies from listing shares on US exchanges.

They want Chinese companies to stop raising money from American investors. Republican Senators are planning to submit the "holding foreign companies accountable Act" in the US Senate.

They have the support of some Democrats this time. The legislation is&nbsp;co-sponsored by Democratic Senator Chris van Hollen from Maryland.&nbsp;

It aims to achieve two primary things: Firstly, Chinese companies would be made to establish that they are not state-run or controlled by China in any way. Secondly, their transactions will be reviewed by an American accounting watchdog. Only after that, they will be allowed to raise money in public markets.

Some 600 Chinese companies are listed at the&nbsp;US stock exchanges. Most of these companies could be at risk of being de-listed if the legislation were to pass. America's message to Chinese cash cows is clear - show transparency or get delisted which has bipartisan support.

Both the Democrats and Republicans apparently want to set the record straight that they are both tough on China. The pressure continues on the Chinese regime.&nbsp;

The Trump administration is taking aim at China's transparency, or the lack of it with focus on Chinese companies listing shares on US exchanges. The US government is keeping an eye on Luckin Coffee.

The Trump administration is taking aim at China's transparency, or the lack of it with focus on Chinese companies listing shares on US exchanges. The US government is keeping an eye on Luckin Coffee. It is a Chinese coffee house chain that was founded in 2017. In just a matter of three years, it has managed to exceed the number of Starbucks stores in China. In fact, just last year, in 2019 Luckin Coffee made a grand debut at the American stock exchange - Nasdaq. The company's shares surged about 50 per cent on its debut. Now, Luckin Coffee is being delisted by the Nasdaq stock exchange. Nasdaq has cited "public interest concerns" for the delisting. It has mentioned a recent accounting scandal as the key reason. A massive fraud was uncovered in the company's accounts last month. The company's sales for the second and fourth quarters of 2019 were exaggerated by $310 million. The company allegedly lied and faked transactions. A fraud that has come as a wake-up call for American investors. The fraud has also proved to be fresh ammunition for the US government against China. Washington is now planning to impose tougher regulations on Chinese stocks. The US Senate is considering legislation that could bar several other Chinese companies from listing shares on US exchanges. They want Chinese companies to stop raising money from American investors. Republican Senators are planning to submit the "holding foreign companies accountable Act" in the US Senate. They have the support of some Democrats this time. The legislation is co-sponsored by Democratic Senator Chris van Hollen from Maryland. It aims to achieve two primary things: Firstly, Chinese companies would be made to establish that they are not state-run or controlled by China in any way. Secondly, their transactions will be reviewed by an American accounting watchdog. Only after that, they will be allowed to raise money in public markets. Some 600 Chinese companies are listed at the US stock exchanges. Most of these companies could be at risk of being de-listed if the legislation were to pass. America's message to Chinese cash cows is clear - show transparency or get delisted which has bipartisan support. Both the Democrats and Republicans apparently want to set the record straight that they are both tough on China. The pressure continues on the Chinese regime.

After Luckin Coffee fiasco, US government eyes Chinese companies in American stock exchange

A day after the Trump administration announced caps on the number of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-announces-caps-on-chinese-staff-working-in-state-media-in-us-283847">Chinese</a> nationals who can work for state-run media in the United States, the Chinese government said it will retaliate against US "bullying".

"Out of a Cold War mindset and ideological bias, the US State Department uses groundless reasons to politically oppress Chinese media organisations based in the US," China's foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said while strongly opposing the US move.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-expelling-journalists-china-demands-apology-from-the-wall-street-journal-282443">Also Read: After expelling journalists, China demands apology from WSJ</a>

"The hypocrisy of the United States' so-called freedom of the press as blatant double standard and hegemonic bullying," the foreign ministry spokesman added.

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo had announced on Monday that the US government would be implementing personnel cap on Chinese government-controlled media organizations in the United States.

"We urge Beijing to respect freedom of expression and will continue to seek reciprocity across the bilateral relationship," Pompeo had said.

The move by the US comes as China ordered three reporters from The Wall Street Journal to leave the country after the US-based newspaper in a headline said &nbsp;"China is the Real Sick Man of Asia" although the journalists hadn't written the opinion piece.

However, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said: "It was the US who broke the rules of the game first, China can only follow suit." 
&nbsp;

A day after the Trump administration announced caps on the number of Chinese nationals who can work for state-run media in the United States, the Chinese government said it will retaliate against US "bullying".

A day after the Trump administration announced caps on the number of Chinese nationals who can work for state-run media in the United States, the Chinese government said it will retaliate against US "bullying". "Out of a Cold War mindset and ideological bias, the US State Department uses groundless reasons to politically oppress Chinese media organisations based in the US," China's foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said while strongly opposing the US move. Also Read: After expelling journalists, China demands apology from WSJ "The hypocrisy of the United States' so-called freedom of the press as blatant double standard and hegemonic bullying," the foreign ministry spokesman added. US secretary of state Mike Pompeo had announced on Monday that the US government would be implementing personnel cap on Chinese government-controlled media organizations in the United States. "We urge Beijing to respect freedom of expression and will continue to seek reciprocity across the bilateral relationship," Pompeo had said. The move by the US comes as China ordered three reporters from The Wall Street Journal to leave the country after the US-based newspaper in a headline said "China is the Real Sick Man of Asia" although the journalists hadn't written the opinion piece. However, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said: "It was the US who broke the rules of the game first, China can only follow suit."

It is hegemonic bullying, says China after US caps Chinese nationals in state media in US

After China expelled three The Wall Street Journal reporters over what it called a racist headline, the Chinese ministry spokesman said the newspaper hasn't realised the "seriousness" of their mistake and demanded a formal public apology from the US-based newspaper.

Chinese authorities deemed a headline as &nbsp;"racially discriminatory" after&nbsp;WSJ published an opinion piece titled "China is the Real Sick Man of Asia".

"Faced with malicious humiliation and smearing, China will not be a silent lamb. Secondly, the newspaper claimed that news reports and commentary are relatively independent of each other, making all sorts of excuses for no reason. Who is in charge of the Wall Street Journal? Who will come forward to apologise? If the Wall Street Journal has the audacity to inflict insults, then why not have the courage to apologise?, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said.

"There is only one Wall Street Journal in the world. Since the newspaper went with its own way, it should bear the corresponding consequences," the foreign ministry spokesman added.

The WSJ later reported that three of their journalists were ordered to leave the country.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on denounced China's expulsion of three Wall Street Journal reporters and urged Beijing to respect the freedom of the press.

"Mature, responsible countries understand that free press reports facts and expresses opinions. The correct response is to present counter-arguments, not restrict speech," Pompeo said in a statement. 
&nbsp;

After China expelled three The Wall Street Journal reporters over what it called a racist headline, the Chinese ministry spokesman said the newspaper hasn't realised the "seriousness" of their mistake and demanded a formal public apology from the US-based newspaper.

After China expelled three The Wall Street Journal reporters over what it called a racist headline, the Chinese ministry spokesman said the newspaper hasn't realised the "seriousness" of their mistake and demanded a formal public apology from the US-based newspaper. Chinese authorities deemed a headline as "racially discriminatory" after WSJ published an opinion piece titled "China is the Real Sick Man of Asia". "Faced with malicious humiliation and smearing, China will not be a silent lamb. Secondly, the newspaper claimed that news reports and commentary are relatively independent of each other, making all sorts of excuses for no reason. Who is in charge of the Wall Street Journal? Who will come forward to apologise? If the Wall Street Journal has the audacity to inflict insults, then why not have the courage to apologise?, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said. "There is only one Wall Street Journal in the world. Since the newspaper went with its own way, it should bear the corresponding consequences," the foreign ministry spokesman added. The WSJ later reported that three of their journalists were ordered to leave the country. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on denounced China's expulsion of three Wall Street Journal reporters and urged Beijing to respect the freedom of the press. "Mature, responsible countries understand that free press reports facts and expresses opinions. The correct response is to present counter-arguments, not restrict speech," Pompeo said in a statement.

After expelling journalists, China demands apology from The Wall Street Journal

In an interview to FOX new network, US President Donald Trump has indicated that he is ready to slap tariffs on all remaining Chinese imports. Watch full video to know more.

US President Donald Trump hints at more tariffs on Chinese goods

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said India is well placed to handle the "crossfire" resulting from global trade war on the strength of the country's economy.

At a time when the world is witnessing trade wars across nations, India too will be impacted.

"Obviously, in a situation when the world is seeing trade wars across nations, across continents, India will come in the crossfire. But then it's a crossfire which we can handle," the minister said during Question Hour in Rajya Sabha.

The global trade war has been triggered by the US after it raised duties on imports, including aluminium and steel. Other countries, including India too retaliated by raising import duty on goods from the US.

The minister said irrespective of the world trade situation, India is looking at ways to "encash' opportunities to further exports. 
 
The minister further said India is competent to handle the international trade situation.

Goyal also dismissed contentions that India's exports have been hit badly after the US has terminated its Preferential Trade Treatment or GSP (Generalised System of Preferences) to India from June 5 this year.

"I would like to submit that the total impact of GSP is under $250-269 million in a year and for a country of size and strength of India, I can assure members (of the House) that it will not have any significant impact. India can handle the situation," he said when asked if India was discussing the issue with the US.

GSP, the minister said was unilateral, non-obligatory concession given by the US to India as a developing country.

"Some of the demands that were raised on India were such that India could not yield. I think national sovereignty and national interest is paramount," he said when asked if the government would initiate further negotiations in this regard with the US.

He further said India will continue to negotiate with all countries, including the US, but it will not be at the cost of sovereignty. 
 
On the country's exports, Goyal said it increased significantly during the last fiscal and in the current year also, the outward shipments are showing increasing trends.

He further said India has fortified its foreign exchange reserves and the government is taking pro-active measures to promote exports.

On a question related to the forthcoming visit of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to India, Goyal said there will be discussions on several issues.

Pompeo will be visiting India from June 25-27.&nbsp;

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said India is well placed to handle the "crossfire" resulting from global trade war on the strength of the country's economy.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said India is well placed to handle the "crossfire" resulting from global trade war on the strength of the country's economy. At a time when the world is witnessing trade wars across nations, India too will be impacted. "Obviously, in a situation when the world is seeing trade wars across nations, across continents, India will come in the crossfire. But then it's a crossfire which we can handle," the minister said during Question Hour in Rajya Sabha. The global trade war has been triggered by the US after it raised duties on imports, including aluminium and steel. Other countries, including India too retaliated by raising import duty on goods from the US. The minister said irrespective of the world trade situation, India is looking at ways to "encash' opportunities to further exports. The minister further said India is competent to handle the international trade situation. Goyal also dismissed contentions that India's exports have been hit badly after the US has terminated its Preferential Trade Treatment or GSP (Generalised System of Preferences) to India from June 5 this year. "I would like to submit that the total impact of GSP is under $250-269 million in a year and for a country of size and strength of India, I can assure members (of the House) that it will not have any significant impact. India can handle the situation," he said when asked if India was discussing the issue with the US. GSP, the minister said was unilateral, non-obligatory concession given by the US to India as a developing country. "Some of the demands that were raised on India were such that India could not yield. I think national sovereignty and national interest is paramount," he said when asked if the government would initiate further negotiations in this regard with the US. He further said India will continue to negotiate with all countries, including the US, but it will not be at the cost of sovereignty. On the country's exports, Goyal said it increased significantly during the last fiscal and in the current year also, the outward shipments are showing increasing trends. He further said India has fortified its foreign exchange reserves and the government is taking pro-active measures to promote exports. On a question related to the forthcoming visit of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to India, Goyal said there will be discussions on several issues. Pompeo will be visiting India from June 25-27.

India well placed to deal with global trade crossfire, says Piyush Goyal

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get the lastes updates.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the day, May 15th, 2019

By Charles Hankla 
 
Last week President Donald Trump seemed to be on the cusp of a trade deal with China. A couple of threatening tweets later, the odds of ending the 16-month-old US-China trade war have dropped dramatically.

Whether or not American and Chinese trade negotiators ultimately salvage a deal – the US says China backpedaled on a commitment and intends to raise tariffs within days – the episode highlights drawbacks in Trump’s trade strategy, which tends to be protectionist, confrontational and negotiated one on one.

Unfortunately, Trump’s policies are only an acceleration of a trend in international trade that’s been going on for several decades. It’s a move away from multilateralism – in which many countries agree on certain trading principles – and toward bilateralism – which pits nation against nation, raising the stakes.

I am a specialist in the politics of trade. My observations lead me to believe that the increasing abandonment of multilateralism will have pernicious long-term consequences. Not only will trade become more costly for businesses and consumers, it may even make the planet a more dangerous place.

World trade – Trump style

Before we can understand what has changed, we need to revisit how trade deals have historically been done.

In the decades following World War II, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade was the center of gravity for trade negotiations. While that system wasn’t perfect, most of the world’s countries could at least participate, to one degree or another, in hammering out the rules of trade.

This multilateral trading order reached its heyday in 1995, with the creation of the World Trade Organisation. But more recently, the system has weakened. Today, most of the world’s new agreements are struck between only two countries or within a single region.

Trump has shown little appetite for continuing the multilateral negotiations his predecessors were working on. He’s also hammered on regional accords, famously renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement and withdrawing from the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Trump’s clear preference is for bilateral deals where the US can use its market power to force concessions from its negotiating partners. But Trump has added a level of confrontation and antagonism to world trade not known in the postwar era.

For evidence, look no further than his threats to raise tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of Chinese goods if a deal falls through.

In essence, the United States under Trump has begun to see itself as the victim, rather than the guarantor, of the liberal trading order. This new perspective has made American negotiators more willing to extract temporary concessions from trading partners, even when these come at the cost of destabilizing the system as a whole.

Rules upon rules

One pernicious consequence of abandoning multilateralism is the mounting complexity and discriminatory nature of global trading arrangements.

In international trade, the fewer rules there are the better. One real benefit of the WTO system is that the same rules, more or less, apply to everyone.

But the world’s increasing rejection of multilateralism is creating a complex web of trade regulations that are tremendously hard to navigate. The number of preferential trade agreements jumped from just over 50 in 1990 to nearly 300 in 2010.

More deals like these mean that one set of rules is overlaid by more rules that only apply when trading with specific countries in certain goods and services. For this reason, the economist Jagdish Bhagwati has called bilateral deals “termites in the trading system.”

These “termites” and the informational burdens they create have real costs for companies and consumers, whether in Europe, Asia or the United States. And this growing complexity weakens competition by giving certain companies an edge over others based on their national origin, distorting the efficiency of global markets.

In the end, these burdens can discourage smaller companies from engaging in global commerce, make it more expensive for even the largest businesses and drive up the cost of products for consumers.

Trade conflicts

A second drawback to Trump’s approach is that it increases the risk of war, at least over the long term.

As the political economist David Lake has pointed out, one purpose of the trading system that the US helped set up after World War II was to forestall mutually antagonistic trading blocs like the ones built by Adolf Hitler or, earlier, by the European and Japanese colonial powers.

The origins of the two world wars may have been principally political, but there is little doubt that economic conflicts between blocs contributed to the military tensions.

During the postwar era, the multilateral system took a major step toward insulating trade from such international disputes and strategic competition. Outside of relations with the communist bloc, which only later participated in multilateral trade deals, there is ample reason to believe that economic interdependence helped produce the “long peace” of that period.

For this reason, we should all be worried about the wobbly state of the global trading system. Bilateral and regional deals are making it easier for large countries to use trade policy more explicitly as an arm of foreign and military policy.

Modern bilateral deals are not recreating the colonial systems of the past, but they do tend to center on major powers in what some scholars have called a “hub” and “spoke” pattern. The “hub” often enjoys significant influence over the “spoke,” and not just in commercial affairs. China’s overtures to African countries over a free trade deal, for example, are likely linked to its strategic interest in securing access to national resources.

While I’m not suggesting that these deals are likely to trigger a shooting war anytime soon, an increasingly fractured world will gradually reduce interdependence among countries – which can act as a strong incentive to avoid a fight.

If the rising number of bilateral deals become an instrument of security policy, and trade increasingly flows only to strategically friendly countries, we should all prepare for more violent conflict in the future. 
 
(Charles Hankla is Associate Professor of Political Science, Georgia State University) 
 
(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/trumps-one-on-one-approach-to-china-has-dangerous-implications-for-global-trade-and-world-peace-116505">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
 
&nbsp;

By Charles Hankla Last week President Donald Trump seemed to be on the cusp of a trade deal with China. A couple of threatening tweets later, the odds of ending the 16-month-old US-China trade war have dropped dramatically.

By Charles Hankla Last week President Donald Trump seemed to be on the cusp of a trade deal with China. A couple of threatening tweets later, the odds of ending the 16-month-old US-China trade war have dropped dramatically. Whether or not American and Chinese trade negotiators ultimately salvage a deal – the US says China backpedaled on a commitment and intends to raise tariffs within days – the episode highlights drawbacks in Trump’s trade strategy, which tends to be protectionist, confrontational and negotiated one on one. Unfortunately, Trump’s policies are only an acceleration of a trend in international trade that’s been going on for several decades. It’s a move away from multilateralism – in which many countries agree on certain trading principles – and toward bilateralism – which pits nation against nation, raising the stakes. I am a specialist in the politics of trade. My observations lead me to believe that the increasing abandonment of multilateralism will have pernicious long-term consequences. Not only will trade become more costly for businesses and consumers, it may even make the planet a more dangerous place. World trade – Trump style Before we can understand what has changed, we need to revisit how trade deals have historically been done. In the decades following World War II, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade was the center of gravity for trade negotiations. While that system wasn’t perfect, most of the world’s countries could at least participate, to one degree or another, in hammering out the rules of trade. This multilateral trading order reached its heyday in 1995, with the creation of the World Trade Organisation. But more recently, the system has weakened. Today, most of the world’s new agreements are struck between only two countries or within a single region. Trump has shown little appetite for continuing the multilateral negotiations his predecessors were working on. He’s also hammered on regional accords, famously renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement and withdrawing from the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Trump’s clear preference is for bilateral deals where the US can use its market power to force concessions from its negotiating partners. But Trump has added a level of confrontation and antagonism to world trade not known in the postwar era. For evidence, look no further than his threats to raise tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of Chinese goods if a deal falls through. In essence, the United States under Trump has begun to see itself as the victim, rather than the guarantor, of the liberal trading order. This new perspective has made American negotiators more willing to extract temporary concessions from trading partners, even when these come at the cost of destabilizing the system as a whole. Rules upon rules One pernicious consequence of abandoning multilateralism is the mounting complexity and discriminatory nature of global trading arrangements. In international trade, the fewer rules there are the better. One real benefit of the WTO system is that the same rules, more or less, apply to everyone. But the world’s increasing rejection of multilateralism is creating a complex web of trade regulations that are tremendously hard to navigate. The number of preferential trade agreements jumped from just over 50 in 1990 to nearly 300 in 2010. More deals like these mean that one set of rules is overlaid by more rules that only apply when trading with specific countries in certain goods and services. For this reason, the economist Jagdish Bhagwati has called bilateral deals “termites in the trading system.” These “termites” and the informational burdens they create have real costs for companies and consumers, whether in Europe, Asia or the United States. And this growing complexity weakens competition by giving certain companies an edge over others based on their national origin, distorting the efficiency of global markets. In the end, these burdens can discourage smaller companies from engaging in global commerce, make it more expensive for even the largest businesses and drive up the cost of products for consumers. Trade conflicts A second drawback to Trump’s approach is that it increases the risk of war, at least over the long term. As the political economist David Lake has pointed out, one purpose of the trading system that the US helped set up after World War II was to forestall mutually antagonistic trading blocs like the ones built by Adolf Hitler or, earlier, by the European and Japanese colonial powers. The origins of the two world wars may have been principally political, but there is little doubt that economic conflicts between blocs contributed to the military tensions. During the postwar era, the multilateral system took a major step toward insulating trade from such international disputes and strategic competition. Outside of relations with the communist bloc, which only later participated in multilateral trade deals, there is ample reason to believe that economic interdependence helped produce the “long peace” of that period. For this reason, we should all be worried about the wobbly state of the global trading system. Bilateral and regional deals are making it easier for large countries to use trade policy more explicitly as an arm of foreign and military policy. Modern bilateral deals are not recreating the colonial systems of the past, but they do tend to center on major powers in what some scholars have called a “hub” and “spoke” pattern. The “hub” often enjoys significant influence over the “spoke,” and not just in commercial affairs. China’s overtures to African countries over a free trade deal, for example, are likely linked to its strategic interest in securing access to national resources. While I’m not suggesting that these deals are likely to trigger a shooting war anytime soon, an increasingly fractured world will gradually reduce interdependence among countries – which can act as a strong incentive to avoid a fight. If the rising number of bilateral deals become an instrument of security policy, and trade increasingly flows only to strategically friendly countries, we should all prepare for more violent conflict in the future. (Charles Hankla is Associate Professor of Political Science, Georgia State University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Donald Trump’s one-on-one approach to China has dangerous implications for global trade

China is coercing its neighbours to reorder the Indo-Pacific region, the Pentagon told Congress in its annual budget proposals for the fiscal 2019, beginning October 1 this year.

Trump administration today released their proposal for the fiscal year 2019 budget. Fiscal years are different from calendar years. The budgetary proposal covers October 1, 2018, through September 30, 2019.

&quot;China is leveraging military modernisation, influence operations and predatory economics to coerce neighbouring countries to reorder the Indo-Pacific region to their advantage,&quot; the Pentagon said in its annual defence budget for the fiscal 2019.

As China continues its economic and military ascendance, asserting power through an all-of-nation long-term strategy, it will continue to pursue a military modernisation programme that seeks Indo-Pacific regional hegemony in the near-term and displacement of the US to achieve global preeminence in the future, it said.

The most far-reaching objective of this defence strategy is to set the military relationship between the US and China on a path of transparency and non-aggression, it said.

According to the Pentagon, the central challenge to the US prosperity and security is the reemergence of long term, strategic competition by what the National Security Strategy classifies as revisionist powers.

&quot;It is increasingly clear that China and Russia want to shape a world consistent with their authoritarian model&nbsp;gaining veto authority over other nations&#39; economic, diplomatic and security decisions,&quot; it said.

The Pentagon said Russia seeks veto authority over nations on its periphery in terms of its governmental, economic and diplomatic decisions to shatter the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and to change European and Middle East security and economic structures to its favour.

The use of emerging technologies to discredit and subvert democratic processes in Georgia, Crimea and eastern Ukraine is concern enough, but when coupled with its expanding and modernising nuclear arsenal the challenge is clear.

&quot;Rogue regimes such as North Korea and Iran are destabilising their regions by pursuing nuclear weapons or sponsoring terrorism,&quot; the Pentagon said.

North Korea seeks to guarantee regime survival and increased leverage through a mixture of nuclear, biological, chemical, conventional and unconventional weapons and a growing ballistic missile capability to gain coercive influence over South Korea, Japan and the US.

In the Middle East, Iran is competing with its neighbours, asserting an arc of influence and instability while vying for regional hegemony, using state-sponsored terrorist activities, a growing network of proxies and its missile programme to achieve its objectives, the Pentagon said.

According to the budgetary proposals, competitor states, especially China and Russia have narrowed Department of Defence&#39;s military technological advantages, demanding the US find new and innovative ways to fight in the future.

&quot;China is now a strategic competitor, using predatory economics to intimidate its neighbours while militarising features in the South China Sea. Russia has violated the borders of nearby nations, and pursues veto power over the economic, diplomatic and security decisions of its neighbours,&quot; it said.

Concurrently, North Korea&#39;s actions and rhetoric continue despite the United Nation&#39;s censure and sanctions.

Iran continues to sow violence and remains the most significant challenge to the Middle East stability.

Despite the defeat of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria&#39;s (ISIS) physical caliphate, threats to stability remain as terrorist groups with long reach continue to murder innocent people and threaten peace, the Pentagon added.

China is coercing its neighbours to reorder the Indo-Pacific region, the Pentagon told Congress in its annual budget proposals for fiscal 2019, beginning October 1 this year

China is coercing its neighbours to reorder the Indo-Pacific region, the Pentagon told Congress in its annual budget proposals for the fiscal 2019, beginning October 1 this year. Trump administration today released their proposal for the fiscal year 2019 budget. Fiscal years are different from calendar years. The budgetary proposal covers October 1, 2018, through September 30, 2019. "China is leveraging military modernisation, influence operations and predatory economics to coerce neighbouring countries to reorder the Indo-Pacific region to their advantage," the Pentagon said in its annual defence budget for the fiscal 2019. As China continues its economic and military ascendance, asserting power through an all-of-nation long-term strategy, it will continue to pursue a military modernisation programme that seeks Indo-Pacific regional hegemony in the near-term and displacement of the US to achieve global preeminence in the future, it said. The most far-reaching objective of this defence strategy is to set the military relationship between the US and China on a path of transparency and non-aggression, it said. According to the Pentagon, the central challenge to the US prosperity and security is the reemergence of long term, strategic competition by what the National Security Strategy classifies as revisionist powers. "It is increasingly clear that China and Russia want to shape a world consistent with their authoritarian model gaining veto authority over other nations' economic, diplomatic and security decisions," it said. The Pentagon said Russia seeks veto authority over nations on its periphery in terms of its governmental, economic and diplomatic decisions to shatter the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and to change European and Middle East security and economic structures to its favour. The use of emerging technologies to discredit and subvert democratic processes in Georgia, Crimea and eastern Ukraine is concern enough, but when coupled with its expanding and modernising nuclear arsenal the challenge is clear. "Rogue regimes such as North Korea and Iran are destabilising their regions by pursuing nuclear weapons or sponsoring terrorism," the Pentagon said. North Korea seeks to guarantee regime survival and increased leverage through a mixture of nuclear, biological, chemical, conventional and unconventional weapons and a growing ballistic missile capability to gain coercive influence over South Korea, Japan and the US. In the Middle East, Iran is competing with its neighbours, asserting an arc of influence and instability while vying for regional hegemony, using state-sponsored terrorist activities, a growing network of proxies and its missile programme to achieve its objectives, the Pentagon said. According to the budgetary proposals, competitor states, especially China and Russia have narrowed Department of Defence's military technological advantages, demanding the US find new and innovative ways to fight in the future. "China is now a strategic competitor, using predatory economics to intimidate its neighbours while militarising features in the South China Sea. Russia has violated the borders of nearby nations, and pursues veto power over the economic, diplomatic and security decisions of its neighbours," it said. Concurrently, North Korea's actions and rhetoric continue despite the United Nation's censure and sanctions. Iran continues to sow violence and remains the most significant challenge to the Middle East stability. Despite the defeat of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria's (ISIS) physical caliphate, threats to stability remain as terrorist groups with long reach continue to murder innocent people and threaten peace, the Pentagon added.

China coercing neighbours to reorder Indo-Pacific region: Pentagon

China&rsquo;s foreign ministry has accused a US warship of entering its territorial waters without permission and said it would take &ldquo;necessary measures&rdquo; to ensure its sovereignty is protected.

On the evening of January 17, the missile destroyer USS Hopper came within 12 nautical miles of Huangyan Island in the South China Sea, the ministry said on its website on Saturday.

Huangyan Island is also known as the Scarborough Shoal, a disputed territory in the South China Sea claimed by the Philippines as well as China.

China&rsquo;s navy ordered the vessel to withdraw after determining its identity, Lu Kang, China&rsquo;s foreign ministry spokesman, was quoted as saying.

Lu said the ship violated China&rsquo;s sovereignty and security interests and threatened the safety of China&rsquo;s vessels and personnel in the vicinity.

The United States has criticized China for constructing islands and military installations in the region, saying they could be used to restrict free nautical movement. US vessels have conducted a series of &ldquo;freedom of navigation&rdquo; patrols in the region.

China &ldquo;firmly opposes&rdquo; efforts to use freedom of navigation as an excuse to hurt its sovereignty and urges the United States to &ldquo;correct its mistakes&rdquo;, Lu said.

In a separate statement on Saturday, China&rsquo;s defence ministry said the repeated dispatch of US warships to the region was &ldquo;undermining regional peace and stability&rdquo; and hurting bilateral relations.

The missile destroyer USS Hopper came within 12 nautical miles of Huangyan Island in the South China Sea

China’s foreign ministry has accused a US warship of entering its territorial waters without permission and said it would take “necessary measures” to ensure its sovereignty is protected. On the evening of January 17, the missile destroyer USS Hopper came within 12 nautical miles of Huangyan Island in the South China Sea, the ministry said on its website on Saturday. Huangyan Island is also known as the Scarborough Shoal, a disputed territory in the South China Sea claimed by the Philippines as well as China. China’s navy ordered the vessel to withdraw after determining its identity, Lu Kang, China’s foreign ministry spokesman, was quoted as saying. Lu said the ship violated China’s sovereignty and security interests and threatened the safety of China’s vessels and personnel in the vicinity. The United States has criticized China for constructing islands and military installations in the region, saying they could be used to restrict free nautical movement. US vessels have conducted a series of “freedom of navigation” patrols in the region. China “firmly opposes” efforts to use freedom of navigation as an excuse to hurt its sovereignty and urges the United States to “correct its mistakes”, Lu said. In a separate statement on Saturday, China’s defence ministry said the repeated dispatch of US warships to the region was “undermining regional peace and stability” and hurting bilateral relations.

China vows 'necessary measures' after US warship enters South China Sea

As influential voices within the US&nbsp;business community warn China that US&nbsp;President Donald Trump is serious about tough action over Beijing&#39;s trade practices, there is little sense of a crisis in the Chinese capital, where officials think he is bluffing.

In Beijing, many experts think Washington is unwilling to pay the heavy economic price needed to upset prevailing trade dynamics between the world&#39;s two largest economies.

Hanging over trade relations are several inquiries into whether steel and aluminium imports - including those from China - are harming US&nbsp;national security, possible tariffs on imported solar panels, as well as an investigation into potential Chinese abuse of intellectual property.

&quot;I think this might be a threat to ask for deals from China,&quot; said He Weiwen, a senior fellow at the Center for China and Globalization, a government-affiliated research organisation in Beijing.

Results in most, if not all, of the investigations are seen as imminent. Trump warned in an interview with Reuters on Wednesday of potentially &quot;big damages&quot; against China as a result of the intellectual property inquiry under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.

&nbsp;People in the US&nbsp;business community say this growing gulf in expectations between Washington and Beijing is fuelled in part by the dwindling frequency of talks on commercial issues. The resulting vacuum could set the two governments on a collision course over trade.

&quot;Dialogue is a shadow, a shell, a trickle of what it was, particularly on the economic and commercial issues,&quot; said one US&nbsp;industry source who accompanied a business delegation to Beijing last week to warn senior Chinese officials that time was running out.

The bipartisan group of mostly former senior US&nbsp;officials, including George W. Bush administration veterans Stephen Hadley and Carlos Gutierrez, met with Wang Yang, a member of China&#39;s ruling seven-man Politburo Standing Committee, and Liu He, an economist and ally of President Xi Jinping, among other senior Chinese leaders, the person said.

They delivered a message that trade frictions &quot;are not under control&quot; and that there was a high likelihood of &quot;significant actions&quot; coming soon, according the person who was present at the meetings.

&quot;We hear everything from: both sides will lose, to you&#39;ll lose more,&quot; the person said, characterizing the reception the delegation received from Chinese leaders.

&nbsp;Resilent to a trade war

US&nbsp;businesses operating in China have long chafed at government policies they see as intended to assimilate and supplant foreign technology.

At stake is who controls intellectual property, and how you protect it, said Tim Adams, former US&nbsp;Treasury undersecretary for international affairs in the Bush administration.

&quot;The question is, how do you use a scalpel to respond to it, and does the scalpel actually change behaviour because it&#39;s a scalpel and not a sledgehammer,&quot; said Adams, who now leads the Washington-based Institute of International Finance.

He said China would probably retaliate by weighing whether the actions were in line with World Trade Organization rules before slowly ratcheting up pressure on US&nbsp;businesses, for example by buying from a European company such as Airbus instead of Boeing.

Meanwhile, China&#39;s 2017 trade surplus with the United States reached an all-time high of $275.81 billion, Chinese Customs data showed last week.

The growing likelihood of US&nbsp;trade remedies against China comes amid a bipartisan push in Washington to tighten national security reviews of Chinese companies&#39; efforts to scoop up US&nbsp;technology firms, often in industries closed to US&nbsp;companies in China.

But many in China see such efforts as sure to backfire.

&quot;Politically, the administration of President Donald Trump can&#39;t afford to see China-US&nbsp;economic and trade ties become strained. China is more resilient to a trade war,&quot; China&#39;s state-run Global Times said on Sunday.

China&#39;s Ministry of Commerce did not comment on the US&nbsp;business delegation or the risk of major trade friction. But it said last week that China would take all necessary measures to defend itself.

Kibbles and bits

Beijing suspects that even if Trump implements &quot;targeted tariffs,&quot; as some in the US&nbsp;tech sector expect, they would likely amount to just a few percentage points of the more than $600 billion annual goods and services trade, Chinese experts have said.

For local governments in export-dependent areas, the threat is more worrying. One official in the export powerhouse of Zhejiang province expressed concern to Reuters about Trump&#39;s possible actions, but declined to speak on the record.

&nbsp;The government in Beijing, however, remains stoic.

&quot;Are Chinese officials getting nervous now amid a coming US-China trade war? I don&#39;t think so,&quot; said Wang Jiangyu, a trade expert at the National University of Singapore.

The country has negotiated its way out of previous Section 301 investigations, including in 1992 and 1995.

And a person close to China&#39;s Commerce Ministry, who asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter, said tariffs from the Section 301 case would be self-defeating, and urged negotiation instead.

&quot;We should sit down and discuss this. If their demands are reasonable, we don&#39;t want to go to the WTO,&quot; the person said.

That inclination to fall back on talks and the WTO to resolve frictions may be China&#39;s miscalculation this time, people in the US&nbsp;business community say.

What the Chinese government doesn&#39;t understand is that the Trump administration is &quot;deadly serious,&quot; the member of the US&nbsp;business delegation said. &quot;They aren&#39;t going to settle for kibbles and bits.&quot;

In Beijing, many experts think Washington is unwilling to pay the heavy economic price needed to upset prevailing trade dynamics between the world's two largest economies

As influential voices within the US business community warn China that US President Donald Trump is serious about tough action over Beijing's trade practices, there is little sense of a crisis in the Chinese capital, where officials think he is bluffing. In Beijing, many experts think Washington is unwilling to pay the heavy economic price needed to upset prevailing trade dynamics between the world's two largest economies. Hanging over trade relations are several inquiries into whether steel and aluminium imports - including those from China - are harming US national security, possible tariffs on imported solar panels, as well as an investigation into potential Chinese abuse of intellectual property. "I think this might be a threat to ask for deals from China," said He Weiwen, a senior fellow at the Center for China and Globalization, a government-affiliated research organisation in Beijing. Results in most, if not all, of the investigations are seen as imminent. Trump warned in an interview with Reuters on Wednesday of potentially "big damages" against China as a result of the intellectual property inquiry under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. People in the US business community say this growing gulf in expectations between Washington and Beijing is fuelled in part by the dwindling frequency of talks on commercial issues. The resulting vacuum could set the two governments on a collision course over trade. "Dialogue is a shadow, a shell, a trickle of what it was, particularly on the economic and commercial issues," said one US industry source who accompanied a business delegation to Beijing last week to warn senior Chinese officials that time was running out. The bipartisan group of mostly former senior US officials, including George W. Bush administration veterans Stephen Hadley and Carlos Gutierrez, met with Wang Yang, a member of China's ruling seven-man Politburo Standing Committee, and Liu He, an economist and ally of President Xi Jinping, among other senior Chinese leaders, the person said. They delivered a message that trade frictions "are not under control" and that there was a high likelihood of "significant actions" coming soon, according the person who was present at the meetings. "We hear everything from: both sides will lose, to you'll lose more," the person said, characterizing the reception the delegation received from Chinese leaders. Resilent to a trade war US businesses operating in China have long chafed at government policies they see as intended to assimilate and supplant foreign technology. At stake is who controls intellectual property, and how you protect it, said Tim Adams, former US Treasury undersecretary for international affairs in the Bush administration. "The question is, how do you use a scalpel to respond to it, and does the scalpel actually change behaviour because it's a scalpel and not a sledgehammer," said Adams, who now leads the Washington-based Institute of International Finance. He said China would probably retaliate by weighing whether the actions were in line with World Trade Organization rules before slowly ratcheting up pressure on US businesses, for example by buying from a European company such as Airbus instead of Boeing. Meanwhile, China's 2017 trade surplus with the United States reached an all-time high of $275.81 billion, Chinese Customs data showed last week. The growing likelihood of US trade remedies against China comes amid a bipartisan push in Washington to tighten national security reviews of Chinese companies' efforts to scoop up US technology firms, often in industries closed to US companies in China. But many in China see such efforts as sure to backfire. "Politically, the administration of President Donald Trump can't afford to see China-US economic and trade ties become strained. China is more resilient to a trade war," China's state-run Global Times said on Sunday. China's Ministry of Commerce did not comment on the US business delegation or the risk of major trade friction. But it said last week that China would take all necessary measures to defend itself. Kibbles and bits Beijing suspects that even if Trump implements "targeted tariffs," as some in the US tech sector expect, they would likely amount to just a few percentage points of the more than $600 billion annual goods and services trade, Chinese experts have said. For local governments in export-dependent areas, the threat is more worrying. One official in the export powerhouse of Zhejiang province expressed concern to Reuters about Trump's possible actions, but declined to speak on the record. The government in Beijing, however, remains stoic. "Are Chinese officials getting nervous now amid a coming US-China trade war? I don't think so," said Wang Jiangyu, a trade expert at the National University of Singapore. The country has negotiated its way out of previous Section 301 investigations, including in 1992 and 1995. And a person close to China's Commerce Ministry, who asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter, said tariffs from the Section 301 case would be self-defeating, and urged negotiation instead. "We should sit down and discuss this. If their demands are reasonable, we don't want to go to the WTO," the person said. That inclination to fall back on talks and the WTO to resolve frictions may be China's miscalculation this time, people in the US business community say. What the Chinese government doesn't understand is that the Trump administration is "deadly serious," the member of the US business delegation said. "They aren't going to settle for kibbles and bits."

China looks to call bluff on Trump trade action

Despite all the anti-Chinese remarks he made, Donald Trump was a surprising hero among Chinese nationalists during the presidential campaign. The former reality TV star drew his support from Chinese netizens either privately sharing his loathing for self-serving elitists (China has plenty of them) or excited by the prospects of the oafish Trump speeding up American decline and Chinese ascendency.

These fans were in for a nasty shock when the president-elect tweeted that he had accepted a phone call of congratulations from Taiwanese President Tsai Yingwen&mdash;a figure of contempt for Chinese nationalists. The deceptively innocent exchange marked the first time in almost four decades that an American president (or soon to be president) had openly communicated with a leader of the island-state.

To make matters worse, Trump referred to Tsai on equal terms as president, thus directly contradicting the Beijing-invented narrative of Taiwan as a breakaway province from the Chinese mainland, rather than a de facto independent state with its own leader.

ONE CHINA POLICY

Days later, he hinted at a possible end to the One China policy, making the assertion that the United States was not necessarily bound to such an agreement. Under this policy, both Taipei and Beijing make claim to the title of China (Taiwan is officially the Republic of China), but agree that there is only &ldquo;one China&rdquo;&mdash;in an abstract sense if not a unified nation-state.

Beyond the relationship of the two Chinas, the policy means that no country can hold official relations with both the governments of Taipei and Beijing. For its part, the US gives diplomatic recognition to Beijing but still retains unofficial ties with Taipei.

If Trump steers US policy to treating Taiwan more like an independent state, it undermines the One China principle and by extension the Chinese Communist Party&rsquo;s (CCP) decades-old claim to the island. Feeling its sovereign right over Taipei under threat, Beijing will retaliate.

In fact, on December 15, China captured a US Navy drone, possibly to send Trump a warning message and flex its muscles in the South China Sea. Even before stepping into office, Trump has shown his potential to damage stability in East Asia.

Which makes the threats posed after Trump enters the White House all the more serious. If he chooses to further provoke China after his inauguration in January 2017, it could easily lead to a cycle of escalation in an already volatile region. Besides Taiwan, much of East and Southeast Asia (backed by the US) hold competing claims to territory with China.

It&rsquo;s not clear whether Trump&rsquo;s phone call with Tsai was an intentional plot to undermine Beijing or a result of his ignorance to the sensitivities within East Asian international politics. Given that he is a president-elect who rejects Central Intelligence Agency briefings, it was likely the latter. What kind of diplomatic crisis might he fall into next when dealing with, say, the South China Sea dispute?

DEAL OR NO DEAL

Trump should take a step back before nearing the brink with China. Besides, this diplomatic faux-pas should not be interpreted as a sign of his suddenly principled approach to world politics. Trump is right to stand up for Taiwan. But he is likely doing so for the wrong reasons.

Unlike his predecessors, Trump has shown little concern about US-led stability or democracy in the region. Rather, the protectionist president-elect wants to cut a deal with China over trade for the security of white-collar American jobs. In his official statement, Trump said: &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know why we have to be bound by a &lsquo;one China policy&rsquo; unless we make a deal with China having to do with other things, including trade.&rdquo;

Foreign policy is, of course, about making deals&mdash;a skill that Trump likes to remind people he excels at. But US policy needs to be underpinned by principles and a great strategy in order to work. Simply making deals risks reducing allies like Taiwan down to bargaining chips that can be tossed away when the price is right.

It is especially concerning when considering that no deal can be struck with China in Taiwan&rsquo;s favor. Beijing does not consider Taiwan&rsquo;s status up for negotiation&mdash;unless the outcome is bringing Taipei under CCP rule.

That would give Trump&rsquo;s Chinese fans something to cheer about.

President-elect Donald Trump?s China policy cannot be based on deal making alone

Despite all the anti-Chinese remarks he made, Donald Trump was a surprising hero among Chinese nationalists during the presidential campaign. The former reality TV star drew his support from Chinese netizens either privately sharing his loathing for self-serving elitists (China has plenty of them) or excited by the prospects of the oafish Trump speeding up American decline and Chinese ascendency. These fans were in for a nasty shock when the president-elect tweeted that he had accepted a phone call of congratulations from Taiwanese President Tsai Yingwen—a figure of contempt for Chinese nationalists. The deceptively innocent exchange marked the first time in almost four decades that an American president (or soon to be president) had openly communicated with a leader of the island-state. To make matters worse, Trump referred to Tsai on equal terms as president, thus directly contradicting the Beijing-invented narrative of Taiwan as a breakaway province from the Chinese mainland, rather than a de facto independent state with its own leader. ONE CHINA POLICY Days later, he hinted at a possible end to the One China policy, making the assertion that the United States was not necessarily bound to such an agreement. Under this policy, both Taipei and Beijing make claim to the title of China (Taiwan is officially the Republic of China), but agree that there is only “one China”—in an abstract sense if not a unified nation-state. Beyond the relationship of the two Chinas, the policy means that no country can hold official relations with both the governments of Taipei and Beijing. For its part, the US gives diplomatic recognition to Beijing but still retains unofficial ties with Taipei. If Trump steers US policy to treating Taiwan more like an independent state, it undermines the One China principle and by extension the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) decades-old claim to the island. Feeling its sovereign right over Taipei under threat, Beijing will retaliate. In fact, on December 15, China captured a US Navy drone, possibly to send Trump a warning message and flex its muscles in the South China Sea. Even before stepping into office, Trump has shown his potential to damage stability in East Asia. Which makes the threats posed after Trump enters the White House all the more serious. If he chooses to further provoke China after his inauguration in January 2017, it could easily lead to a cycle of escalation in an already volatile region. Besides Taiwan, much of East and Southeast Asia (backed by the US) hold competing claims to territory with China. It’s not clear whether Trump’s phone call with Tsai was an intentional plot to undermine Beijing or a result of his ignorance to the sensitivities within East Asian international politics. Given that he is a president-elect who rejects Central Intelligence Agency briefings, it was likely the latter. What kind of diplomatic crisis might he fall into next when dealing with, say, the South China Sea dispute? DEAL OR NO DEAL Trump should take a step back before nearing the brink with China. Besides, this diplomatic faux-pas should not be interpreted as a sign of his suddenly principled approach to world politics. Trump is right to stand up for Taiwan. But he is likely doing so for the wrong reasons. Unlike his predecessors, Trump has shown little concern about US-led stability or democracy in the region. Rather, the protectionist president-elect wants to cut a deal with China over trade for the security of white-collar American jobs. In his official statement, Trump said: “I don’t know why we have to be bound by a ‘one China policy’ unless we make a deal with China having to do with other things, including trade.” Foreign policy is, of course, about making deals—a skill that Trump likes to remind people he excels at. But US policy needs to be underpinned by principles and a great strategy in order to work. Simply making deals risks reducing allies like Taiwan down to bargaining chips that can be tossed away when the price is right. It is especially concerning when considering that no deal can be struck with China in Taiwan’s favor. Beijing does not consider Taiwan’s status up for negotiation—unless the outcome is bringing Taipei under CCP rule. That would give Trump’s Chinese fans something to cheer about.

Diplomacy with Beijing is not that easy

US President-elect Donald Trump is &quot;well aware&quot; of what US policy has been on Taiwan, Trump&#39;s spokeswoman said, after the US president-elect spoke by phone on Friday with Taiwan&#39;s president, a move likely to infuriate China.

&quot;President-elect Trump is fully briefed and fully knowledgeable about these issues on an ongoing basis, regardless on who is on the other end of the phone,&quot; Trump spokeswoman Kellyanne Conway told CNN.

The White House on Friday said there was &quot;no change&quot; to the United States&#39; longstanding &quot;one China&quot; policy after&nbsp;Donald Trump spoke with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen.

&quot;We remain firmly committed to our &#39;one China&#39; policy,&quot; said Ned Price, a national security spokesman for President Barack Obama. &quot;Our fundamental interest is in peaceful and stable cross-Strait relations.&quot;

(Reuters)

Trump is 'fully knowledgeable about these issues on an ongoing basis, regardless on who is on the other end of the phone'

US President-elect Donald Trump is "well aware" of what US policy has been on Taiwan, Trump's spokeswoman said, after the US president-elect spoke by phone on Friday with Taiwan's president, a move likely to infuriate China. "President-elect Trump is fully briefed and fully knowledgeable about these issues on an ongoing basis, regardless on who is on the other end of the phone," Trump spokeswoman Kellyanne Conway told CNN. The White House on Friday said there was "no change" to the United States' longstanding "one China" policy after Donald Trump spoke with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen. "We remain firmly committed to our 'one China' policy," said Ned Price, a national security spokesman for President Barack Obama. "Our fundamental interest is in peaceful and stable cross-Strait relations." (Reuters)

Trump is 'well aware' of what US policy has been on Taiwan - spokeswoman

The United States should not interfere in China&#39;s internal affairs on matters related to Tibet, China&#39;s foreign minister Wang Yi told US secretary of state John Kerry in a phone call on Saturday. 
 
According to an account of the call posted on the Chinese foreign ministry website, Kerry reaffirmed that there was no change in the US policy that Tibet is a part of China and that the US does not support Tibetan independence. 
 
The phone call follows on from President Barack Obama&#39;s meeting with the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, last week at the White House despite China warning it would damage diplomatic relations. 
 
China views the Dalai Lama as a dangerous separatist. The meeting came at a time of already heightened tensions between the US and China over Beijing&#39;s pursuit of territorial claims in East Asia. 
 
On the call, Wang and Kerry also discussed the success of the recently concluded bilateral Strategic and Economic Dialogue (SED) in Beijing, according to the foreign ministry posting, which did not give specifics.

Obama's meeting with the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, last week at the White House prompted the phone call

The United States should not interfere in China's internal affairs on matters related to Tibet, China's foreign minister Wang Yi told US secretary of state John Kerry in a phone call on Saturday. According to an account of the call posted on the Chinese foreign ministry website, Kerry reaffirmed that there was no change in the US policy that Tibet is a part of China and that the US does not support Tibetan independence. The phone call follows on from President Barack Obama's meeting with the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, last week at the White House despite China warning it would damage diplomatic relations. China views the Dalai Lama as a dangerous separatist. The meeting came at a time of already heightened tensions between the US and China over Beijing's pursuit of territorial claims in East Asia. On the call, Wang and Kerry also discussed the success of the recently concluded bilateral Strategic and Economic Dialogue (SED) in Beijing, according to the foreign ministry posting, which did not give specifics.

China foreign minister calls John Kerry, asks US not to interfere with Tibet

The United States should not decide its policy on the South China Sea based on what its allies think&nbsp;and should stick to its promises not to take sides in the dispute, a senior Chinese minister said today&nbsp;ahead of Sino-US&nbsp;security talks.

China has been angered by what it views as provocative U.S. military patrols close to islands China controls in the South China Sea. The United States says the patrols are to protect freedom of navigation.

China claims most of the South China Sea, through which $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei have overlapping claims, as well as close military ties with Washington.

Speaking at a forum ahead of next week&#39;s high-level meetings with US&nbsp;officials in Beijing, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zheng Zeguang said his country had every right to protect its sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea.

&quot;In fact the United States is not a claimant in the South China Sea dispute, and it takes no position on territorial disputes,&quot; Zheng said.

&quot;So we hope the US&nbsp;can stick to its promises and not choose sides, but can set its position based on the rights and wrongs of the case rather than whether somebody is an ally,&quot; he added.

&quot;I think if they can do this, and if they can stop provocative acts targeted at China&#39;s sovereignty and security interests, then the US&nbsp;can play a constructive role in maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea and promote a lowering of the temperature on this issue.&quot;

China&#39;s top diplomat, state councillor Yang Jiechi, will take this up with US&nbsp;secretary of state John Kerry at their talks, Zheng added.

The South China Sea is also expected to loom large at Asia&#39;s biggest security summit starting in Singapore on Friday, attended by a senior Chinese admiral.

Last month, Beijing demanded an end to US&nbsp;surveillance near China after two Chinese fighter jets carried out what the Pentagon said was an &quot;unsafe&quot; intercept of a US&nbsp;military reconnaissance aircraft over the South China Sea.

Denouncing people in the United States who viewed China as a threat, which he believed was not a mainstream US&nbsp;view, Zheng said the two countries had proved they can cooperate well on joint issues of global concern, like North Korea and Syria.

&quot;China&#39;s development won&#39;t threaten any country,&quot; Zheng said. &quot;I hope certain people in the United States set themselves straight and spurn Cold War thinking.&quot; 
 
 
&nbsp;

A senior Chinese minister cautions Washington to not take sides in territorial disputes in the region

The United States should not decide its policy on the South China Sea based on what its allies think and should stick to its promises not to take sides in the dispute, a senior Chinese minister said today ahead of Sino-US security talks. China has been angered by what it views as provocative U.S. military patrols close to islands China controls in the South China Sea. The United States says the patrols are to protect freedom of navigation. China claims most of the South China Sea, through which $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei have overlapping claims, as well as close military ties with Washington. Speaking at a forum ahead of next week's high-level meetings with US officials in Beijing, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zheng Zeguang said his country had every right to protect its sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea. "In fact the United States is not a claimant in the South China Sea dispute, and it takes no position on territorial disputes," Zheng said. "So we hope the US can stick to its promises and not choose sides, but can set its position based on the rights and wrongs of the case rather than whether somebody is an ally," he added. "I think if they can do this, and if they can stop provocative acts targeted at China's sovereignty and security interests, then the US can play a constructive role in maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea and promote a lowering of the temperature on this issue." China's top diplomat, state councillor Yang Jiechi, will take this up with US secretary of state John Kerry at their talks, Zheng added. The South China Sea is also expected to loom large at Asia's biggest security summit starting in Singapore on Friday, attended by a senior Chinese admiral. Last month, Beijing demanded an end to US surveillance near China after two Chinese fighter jets carried out what the Pentagon said was an "unsafe" intercept of a US military reconnaissance aircraft over the South China Sea. Denouncing people in the United States who viewed China as a threat, which he believed was not a mainstream US view, Zheng said the two countries had proved they can cooperate well on joint issues of global concern, like North Korea and Syria. "China's development won't threaten any country," Zheng said. "I hope certain people in the United States set themselves straight and spurn Cold War thinking."

China to US: Do not let your allies decide South China Sea policy