The United States and China clashed in rare talks Friday as President Joe Biden made his international debut at the G7 summit, with his administration pressing Beijing on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid</a>, Taiwan and human rights.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken, joining Biden at the summit of industrial democracies in England, spoke by telephone with senior Chinese official Yang Jiechi, their first talks since a heated in-person encounter in Alaska in March.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-leaders-meet-at-g7-summit-amid-coronavirus-crisis-390883">World leaders meet at G7 summit amid coronavirus crisis</a>

As Biden used his first presidential trip abroad to unveil a massive plan to buy and distribute 500 million Covid vaccine doses around the world, Blinken renewed US pressure on China over the origins of the pandemic that has killed more than 3.7 million people.

Blinken "stressed the importance of cooperation and transparency regarding the origin of the virus," including allowing World Health Organization experts back into China, State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement.

Biden has ordered US intelligence to report back by late August on whether Covid-19, first detected in late 2019 in the city of Wuhan, emerged from an animal source or a laboratory accident.

Former President Donald Trump trotted out the lab-leak theory but was widely dismissed, with many believing he was seeking to deflect criticism over his own handling of the pandemic, but Biden has said there was a need for further study after criticizing Beijing for not giving more access to a WHO probe.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/g7-summit-from-protests-to-elbow-bumps-day-1-in-cornwall-391023/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Yang told Blinken that the laboratory theory was "absurd," according to the state-run China Global Television Network.

"We urge the US side to respect facts and science, not to politicize the origin tracing and to focus its attention on international cooperation on the fight against the pandemic," Yang said.

China, which like Russia has been shipping its own vaccines to friendly countries, has sought to rebrand itself in the world's eyes not as the country that failed to stop the virus but as a model on how to contain it.

'Interests of small circles'&nbsp;

Yang, a senior Politburo member who has long taken a lead in Beijing's handling of the United States, renewed denunciations of Washington as Biden met with leaders from other Group of Seven nations, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-g7-may-reallocate-100-billion-from-imf-funds-to-covid-ravaged-nations-390990">US says G7 may reallocate $100 billion from IMF funds to COVID-ravaged nations</a>

"Genuine multilateralism is not pseudo-multilateralism based on the interests of small circles," Yang told Blinken, according to China Central Television.

"The only genuine multilateralism is that founded on the principles of the charter of the United Nations and international law," Yang said.

Yang also renewed accusations of US hypocrisy on human rights as Blinken pressed on what the United States considers the genocide of Uyghurs and other mostly Muslim Turkic people who are incarcerated in camps.

"The United States should resolve its own domestic serious human rights violations, and not use the so-called human rights issues as an excuse to arbitrarily interfere in the internal affairs of other countries," he said.

Yang made similar accusations about the United States in front of cameras during the meeting in Anchorage, taking aback US officials who expected brief, civil remarks but raising his star power inside China.

Concern on Taiwan

Blinken also voiced alarm at China's increasing pressure on Taiwan including military flights off its coast.

Blinken "called on Beijing to cease its pressure campaign against Taiwan and peacefully resolve cross-Strait issues," the State Department statement said.

Washington has been increasingly alarmed that China will attempt to use force on Taiwan, a self-governing democracy it considers part of its territory, after its sweeping curbs on freedoms in Hong Kong.

The United States in recent days agreed to reopen trade talks with Taiwan and authorized a military plane to bring a delegation of senators who offered Covid vaccines.

Amid wide bipartisan criticism of China, Biden has largely continued the hawkish stance of Trump, in substance if not in tone.

The Biden administration has described China as a pre-eminent international challenge and vowed to counter it by shoring up alliances and investing heavily in infrastructure and development at home.

The United States and China clashed in rare talks Friday as President Joe Biden made his international debut at the G7 summit, with his administration pressing Beijing on Covid, Taiwan and human rights.

The United States and China clashed in rare talks Friday as President Joe Biden made his international debut at the G7 summit, with his administration pressing Beijing on Covid, Taiwan and human rights. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, joining Biden at the summit of industrial democracies in England, spoke by telephone with senior Chinese official Yang Jiechi, their first talks since a heated in-person encounter in Alaska in March. Also read | World leaders meet at G7 summit amid coronavirus crisis As Biden used his first presidential trip abroad to unveil a massive plan to buy and distribute 500 million Covid vaccine doses around the world, Blinken renewed US pressure on China over the origins of the pandemic that has killed more than 3.7 million people. Blinken "stressed the importance of cooperation and transparency regarding the origin of the virus," including allowing World Health Organization experts back into China, State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement. Biden has ordered US intelligence to report back by late August on whether Covid-19, first detected in late 2019 in the city of Wuhan, emerged from an animal source or a laboratory accident. Former President Donald Trump trotted out the lab-leak theory but was widely dismissed, with many believing he was seeking to deflect criticism over his own handling of the pandemic, but Biden has said there was a need for further study after criticizing Beijing for not giving more access to a WHO probe. Yang told Blinken that the laboratory theory was "absurd," according to the state-run China Global Television Network. "We urge the US side to respect facts and science, not to politicize the origin tracing and to focus its attention on international cooperation on the fight against the pandemic," Yang said. China, which like Russia has been shipping its own vaccines to friendly countries, has sought to rebrand itself in the world's eyes not as the country that failed to stop the virus but as a model on how to contain it. 'Interests of small circles' Yang, a senior Politburo member who has long taken a lead in Beijing's handling of the United States, renewed denunciations of Washington as Biden met with leaders from other Group of Seven nations, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan. Also read | US says G7 may reallocate $100 billion from IMF funds to COVID-ravaged nations "Genuine multilateralism is not pseudo-multilateralism based on the interests of small circles," Yang told Blinken, according to China Central Television. "The only genuine multilateralism is that founded on the principles of the charter of the United Nations and international law," Yang said. Yang also renewed accusations of US hypocrisy on human rights as Blinken pressed on what the United States considers the genocide of Uyghurs and other mostly Muslim Turkic people who are incarcerated in camps. "The United States should resolve its own domestic serious human rights violations, and not use the so-called human rights issues as an excuse to arbitrarily interfere in the internal affairs of other countries," he said. Yang made similar accusations about the United States in front of cameras during the meeting in Anchorage, taking aback US officials who expected brief, civil remarks but raising his star power inside China. Concern on Taiwan Blinken also voiced alarm at China's increasing pressure on Taiwan including military flights off its coast. Blinken "called on Beijing to cease its pressure campaign against Taiwan and peacefully resolve cross-Strait issues," the State Department statement said. Washington has been increasingly alarmed that China will attempt to use force on Taiwan, a self-governing democracy it considers part of its territory, after its sweeping curbs on freedoms in Hong Kong. The United States in recent days agreed to reopen trade talks with Taiwan and authorized a military plane to bring a delegation of senators who offered Covid vaccines. Amid wide bipartisan criticism of China, Biden has largely continued the hawkish stance of Trump, in substance if not in tone. The Biden administration has described China as a pre-eminent international challenge and vowed to counter it by shoring up alliances and investing heavily in infrastructure and development at home.

US, China clash as Biden debuts at G7

US President Joe Biden on Thursday expanded a blacklist of Chinese firms that are off-limits to American investors over their links to Beijing's "military-industrial complex," in a sign of Washington's continued pressure campaign against China.

Former US President Donald Trump had prohibited Americans from buying stakes in 31 Chinese companies that were deemed to be supplying or supporting China's military and security apparatus, and Biden's move expands the blacklist to 59.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-to-review-donald-trumps-china-investment-blacklist-report-389225">Biden to review Donald Trump's China investment blacklist: Report</a>

The latest batch of sanctions target companies involved in Chinese surveillance technology used to "facilitate repression or serious human rights abuses," which "undermine the security or democratic values of the United States and our allies," according to a White House statement.

The initial list published under Trump included major telecoms, construction and technology firms such as China Mobile, China Telecom, video surveillance firm Hikvision, and China Railway Construction Corp.

It was among a series of measures by the White House aimed at the Asian giant, which have left ties between the two countries severely strained.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-blacklist-dozens-of-chinese-firms-including-smic-report-says-350642">US to blacklist dozens of Chinese firms including SMIC, report says</a>

Before the US order was released, Beijing repeated its outrage at the Trump-era blacklist Thursday and vowed to protect Chinese companies' rights, claiming the blacklist was "politically motivated" and "ignores the facts and actual situation" of the firms involved.

The ban "severely undermines normal market rules and order" and "damages... the interests of global investors, including US investors," foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a routine briefing.

Previously, the sanctions and choice of targets were tied to a congressionally mandated Defense Department report.

While the Biden administration has pledged to take a more diplomatic line with China following the upheaval of his predecessor, he has said he will keep to a strict line on several issues including defense and technology.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-delays-chinese-investment-bans-impact-on-certain-firms-359737">US delays Chinese investment ban's impact on certain firms</a>

A tough line on China has rare cross-party support in Congress, with lawmakers determined to keep a lid on its growing global clout.

Republican senators Tom Cotton and Marco Rubio, alongside Democrats Gary Peters and Mark Kelly, published a bi-partisan letter earlier this week urging the administration to publish a new list.

"The US government must continue to act boldly in blocking the Chinese Communist Party's economic predation against our industrial base," they said.

US President Joe Biden on Thursday expanded a blacklist of Chinese firms that are off-limits to American investors over their links to Beijing's "military-industrial complex," in a sign of Washington's continued pressure campaign against China.

US President Joe Biden on Thursday expanded a blacklist of Chinese firms that are off-limits to American investors over their links to Beijing's "military-industrial complex," in a sign of Washington's continued pressure campaign against China. Former US President Donald Trump had prohibited Americans from buying stakes in 31 Chinese companies that were deemed to be supplying or supporting China's military and security apparatus, and Biden's move expands the blacklist to 59. Also Read | Biden to review Donald Trump's China investment blacklist: Report The latest batch of sanctions target companies involved in Chinese surveillance technology used to "facilitate repression or serious human rights abuses," which "undermine the security or democratic values of the United States and our allies," according to a White House statement. The initial list published under Trump included major telecoms, construction and technology firms such as China Mobile, China Telecom, video surveillance firm Hikvision, and China Railway Construction Corp. It was among a series of measures by the White House aimed at the Asian giant, which have left ties between the two countries severely strained. Also Read | US to blacklist dozens of Chinese firms including SMIC, report says Before the US order was released, Beijing repeated its outrage at the Trump-era blacklist Thursday and vowed to protect Chinese companies' rights, claiming the blacklist was "politically motivated" and "ignores the facts and actual situation" of the firms involved. The ban "severely undermines normal market rules and order" and "damages... the interests of global investors, including US investors," foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a routine briefing. Previously, the sanctions and choice of targets were tied to a congressionally mandated Defense Department report. While the Biden administration has pledged to take a more diplomatic line with China following the upheaval of his predecessor, he has said he will keep to a strict line on several issues including defense and technology. Also Read | US delays Chinese investment ban's impact on certain firms A tough line on China has rare cross-party support in Congress, with lawmakers determined to keep a lid on its growing global clout. Republican senators Tom Cotton and Marco Rubio, alongside Democrats Gary Peters and Mark Kelly, published a bi-partisan letter earlier this week urging the administration to publish a new list. "The US government must continue to act boldly in blocking the Chinese Communist Party's economic predation against our industrial base," they said.

Joe Biden blacklists 28 more Chinese firms to investors, says White House

President Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;signed an executive order on Thursday that bans US entities from investing in dozens of Chinese companies with alleged ties to defence or surveillance technology sectors.<o:p></o:p>

The move, which his administration says expands the scope of a legally flawed Trump-era order, drew anger from Beijing.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-blacklists-28-more-chinese-firms-to-investors-says-white-house-389330">Joe Biden blacklists 28 more Chinese firms to investors, says White House</a>

<o:p></o:p>

The Treasury Department will enforce and update on a "rolling basis" the new list of about 59 companies, which bars buying or selling publicly traded securities in target companies, and replaces an earlier list from the Department of Defense, senior administration officials told reporters.<o:p></o:p>

The order prevents US investment from supporting the Chinese military-industrial complex, as well as military, intelligence, and security research and development programs,&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;said in the order.<o:p></o:p>

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-to-review-donald-trumps-china-investment-blacklist-report-389225">Biden to review Donald Trump's China investment blacklist: Report</a><o:p></o:p>

"In addition, I find that the use of Chinese surveillance technology outside the PRC and the development or use of Chinese surveillance technology to facilitate repression or serious human rights abuse constitute unusual and extraordinary threats,"&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;said, using the acronym for the People's Republic of China.<o:p></o:p>

Major Chinese firms included on the previous Defense Department list were also placed on the updated list, including Aviation Industry Corp of China (AVIC), China Mobile Communications Group, China National Offshore Oil Corp (CNOOC), Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co Ltd, Huawei Technologies Ltd and Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC).<o:p></o:p>

SMIC is key to China's national drive to boost its domestic chip sector.

<o:p></o:p>

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-blacklist-dozens-of-chinese-firms-including-smic-report-says-350642">US to blacklist dozens of Chinese firms including SMIC, report says</a>

"We fully expect that in the months ahead ... we'll be adding additional companies to the new executive order's restrictions," one of the senior officials said.<o:p></o:p>

A second official told reporters that the inclusion of Chinese surveillance technology companies expanded the scope of the Trump administration's initial order last year, which the White House argues was carelessly drafted, leaving it open to court challenges.

<o:p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-defines-his-underlying-challenge-with-china-prove-democracy-works-373763">Biden defines his underlying challenge with China: ‘Prove democracy works’</a></o:p>

"The US government is stretching the concept of national security, abusing national power and using every possible means to suppress and restrict Chinese enterprises," said Wang Wenbin, a spokesman at the Chinese foreign ministry.<o:p></o:p>

"We are firmly opposed to this," Wang told reporters at a regular briefing on Friday, urging the United States to withdraw the list.

<o:p></o:p>

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-delays-chinese-investment-bans-impact-on-certain-firms-359737">US delays Chinese investment ban's impact on certain firms</a>

Biden&nbsp;has been reviewing a number of aspects of US policy toward China, and his administration had extended a deadline for implementation set by former President Donald Trump's order while it crafted its new policy framework.<o:p></o:p>

The move is part of&nbsp;Biden's broader series of steps to counter China, including reinforcing US alliances and pursuing large domestic investments to bolster American economic competitiveness, amid increasingly sour relations between the world's two biggest economies.<o:p></o:p>

Biden's Indo-Pacific policy coordinator, Kurt Campbell, said last month that a period of engagement with China had come to an end and that the dominant paradigm in bilateral ties going forward would be one of competition.<o:p></o:p>

Senior officials said the Treasury Department would give guidance later on what the scope of surveillance technology means, including whether companies are facilitating "repression or serious human rights abuses."

<o:p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-trump-biden-faces-pressure-to-stand-up-to-china-by-embracing-taiwan-345058">After Trump, Biden faces pressure to stand up to China by embracing Taiwan</a></o:p>

"We really want to make sure that any future prohibitions are on legally solid ground. So, our first listings really reflect that," a second senior administration official said.<o:p></o:p>

Chinese investors shrugged off the list, with most of the stocks named, including newly-added ones, making gains on Friday morning.<o:p></o:p>

Wu Kan, portfolio manager at Soochow Securities Co, said listed companies were in vital industries such as defence and semiconductors and would get government support, making them investment opportunities.

<o:p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/that-was-fast-blowups-with-china-and-russia-in-bidens-first-60-days-372054">That was fast: Blowups with China and Russia in Biden’s first 60 days</a></o:p>

"China has given up illusions and is fully prepared for decoupling in those strategic sectors that relate to national security...so the new ban list is not really a surprise," he said.<o:p></o:p>

Time to 'Unwind'<o:p></o:p>

Investors would have time to "unwind" investments, a third official said.<o:p></o:p>

The order said the ban would take effect on Aug. 2 for those companies currently listed. US investors would still have 365 days from the date of this or future listings to make transactions for the purpose of divesting, and while it was not required, divesting later than 365 days after listing would be prohibited without authorization.<o:p></o:p>

The new list, while overall adding about 10 publicly listed companies, provided few surprises for investors looking to see if they need to unload even more Chinese stocks and bonds.<o:p></o:p>

Not included, however, were some previously identified companies, such as Commercial Aircraft Corp of China (COMAC), which is spearheading efforts to compete with Boeing Co and Airbus, and two that challenged the ban in court, Gowin Semiconductor Corp and Luokung Technology Corp.<o:p></o:p>

Sinochem, on the earlier list, was also dropped.<o:p></o:p>

In May, a judge signed an order removing the designation on Chinese mobile phone maker Xiaomi, which was among the more high-profile Chinese technology companies that the Trump administration targeted for alleged ties to China's military.<o:p></o:p>

Stewart Baker, a former Department of Homeland Security official, said the Treasury's "settled regulatory and legal regime" made it a better place than the Defense Department to enforce the ban.<o:p></o:p>

"This follows in a growing tradition of the&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;administration coming along and saying: 'Trump was right in principle and wrong in execution, and we'll fix that,'" Baker said.

President Joe Biden signed an executive order on Thursday that bans US entities from investing in dozens of Chinese companies with alleged ties to defence or surveillance technology sectors.

President Joe Biden signed an executive order on Thursday that bans US entities from investing in dozens of Chinese companies with alleged ties to defence or surveillance technology sectors. The move, which his administration says expands the scope of a legally flawed Trump-era order, drew anger from Beijing. Also Read | Joe Biden blacklists 28 more Chinese firms to investors, says White House The Treasury Department will enforce and update on a "rolling basis" the new list of about 59 companies, which bars buying or selling publicly traded securities in target companies, and replaces an earlier list from the Department of Defense, senior administration officials told reporters. The order prevents US investment from supporting the Chinese military-industrial complex, as well as military, intelligence, and security research and development programs, Biden said in the order. Also Read | Biden to review Donald Trump's China investment blacklist: Report "In addition, I find that the use of Chinese surveillance technology outside the PRC and the development or use of Chinese surveillance technology to facilitate repression or serious human rights abuse constitute unusual and extraordinary threats," Biden said, using the acronym for the People's Republic of China. Major Chinese firms included on the previous Defense Department list were also placed on the updated list, including Aviation Industry Corp of China (AVIC), China Mobile Communications Group, China National Offshore Oil Corp (CNOOC), Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co Ltd, Huawei Technologies Ltd and Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC). SMIC is key to China's national drive to boost its domestic chip sector. Also Read | US to blacklist dozens of Chinese firms including SMIC, report says "We fully expect that in the months ahead ... we'll be adding additional companies to the new executive order's restrictions," one of the senior officials said. A second official told reporters that the inclusion of Chinese surveillance technology companies expanded the scope of the Trump administration's initial order last year, which the White House argues was carelessly drafted, leaving it open to court challenges. Also Read | Biden defines his underlying challenge with China: ‘Prove democracy works’ "The US government is stretching the concept of national security, abusing national power and using every possible means to suppress and restrict Chinese enterprises," said Wang Wenbin, a spokesman at the Chinese foreign ministry. "We are firmly opposed to this," Wang told reporters at a regular briefing on Friday, urging the United States to withdraw the list. Also Read | US delays Chinese investment ban's impact on certain firms Biden has been reviewing a number of aspects of US policy toward China, and his administration had extended a deadline for implementation set by former President Donald Trump's order while it crafted its new policy framework. The move is part of Biden's broader series of steps to counter China, including reinforcing US alliances and pursuing large domestic investments to bolster American economic competitiveness, amid increasingly sour relations between the world's two biggest economies. Biden's Indo-Pacific policy coordinator, Kurt Campbell, said last month that a period of engagement with China had come to an end and that the dominant paradigm in bilateral ties going forward would be one of competition. Senior officials said the Treasury Department would give guidance later on what the scope of surveillance technology means, including whether companies are facilitating "repression or serious human rights abuses." Also Read | After Trump, Biden faces pressure to stand up to China by embracing Taiwan "We really want to make sure that any future prohibitions are on legally solid ground. So, our first listings really reflect that," a second senior administration official said. Chinese investors shrugged off the list, with most of the stocks named, including newly-added ones, making gains on Friday morning. Wu Kan, portfolio manager at Soochow Securities Co, said listed companies were in vital industries such as defence and semiconductors and would get government support, making them investment opportunities. Also Read | That was fast: Blowups with China and Russia in Biden’s first 60 days "China has given up illusions and is fully prepared for decoupling in those strategic sectors that relate to national security...so the new ban list is not really a surprise," he said. Time to 'Unwind' Investors would have time to "unwind" investments, a third official said. The order said the ban would take effect on Aug. 2 for those companies currently listed. US investors would still have 365 days from the date of this or future listings to make transactions for the purpose of divesting, and while it was not required, divesting later than 365 days after listing would be prohibited without authorization. The new list, while overall adding about 10 publicly listed companies, provided few surprises for investors looking to see if they need to unload even more Chinese stocks and bonds. Not included, however, were some previously identified companies, such as Commercial Aircraft Corp of China (COMAC), which is spearheading efforts to compete with Boeing Co and Airbus, and two that challenged the ban in court, Gowin Semiconductor Corp and Luokung Technology Corp. Sinochem, on the earlier list, was also dropped. In May, a judge signed an order removing the designation on Chinese mobile phone maker Xiaomi, which was among the more high-profile Chinese technology companies that the Trump administration targeted for alleged ties to China's military. Stewart Baker, a former Department of Homeland Security official, said the Treasury's "settled regulatory and legal regime" made it a better place than the Defense Department to enforce the ban. "This follows in a growing tradition of the Biden administration coming along and saying: 'Trump was right in principle and wrong in execution, and we'll fix that,'" Baker said.

Biden order bans investment in dozens of Chinese defence, tech firms

President Joe Biden declared Wednesday that Washington does not wish to have a conflict with China, the US’ strategic rival.

In his first speech to Congress, Biden said that he had told his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping that "we welcome the competition — and that we are not looking for conflict." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-hails-us-coronavirus-fight-as-one-of-greatest-logistical-achievements-381248">Also read | Biden hails US coronavirus fight as one of 'greatest logistical achievements'</a> 
 
Biden argued that the spending plans were needed to keep up with China, which his administration sees as a major strategic challenger.

"China and other countries are closing in fast. We have to develop and dominate the products and technologies of the future," Biden said.

He said he had spent a lot of time talking to Chinese President Xi Jinping.

“He’s deadly earnest about becoming the most significant, consequential nation in the world. He and others, autocrats, think that democracy can’t compete in the 21st century with autocracies. It takes too long to get consensus," he said.

Last month, Biden had said he would prevent China from passing the United States to become the most powerful country in the world, vowing to invest heavily to ensure America prevails in the race between the world’s two largest economies.

Today, during his speech to Congress Biden appeared in the chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives at an event scaled back this year because of the pandemic, with a small, specially selected group of Democratic and Republican lawmakers arrayed before him, and the first woman to serve as US Vice President, Kamala Harris, behind him.

Seizing on the coronavirus pandemic as an opportunity to advance his priorities at a time of political polarisation, Biden told the joint session and millions of people watching on television that "America is ready for a takeoff."

"Now, after just 100 days, I can report to the nation: America is on the move again, turning peril into possibility, crisis into opportunity, setback into strength," Biden said.

(With inputs from agencies)

President Joe Biden declared Wednesday that Washington does not wish to have a conflict with China, the US’ strategic rival. In his first speech to Congress, Biden said that he had told his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping that "we welcome the competition — and that we are not looking for conflict.

President Joe Biden declared Wednesday that Washington does not wish to have a conflict with China, the US’ strategic rival. In his first speech to Congress, Biden said that he had told his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping that "we welcome the competition — and that we are not looking for conflict." Also read | Biden hails US coronavirus fight as one of 'greatest logistical achievements' Biden argued that the spending plans were needed to keep up with China, which his administration sees as a major strategic challenger. "China and other countries are closing in fast. We have to develop and dominate the products and technologies of the future," Biden said. He said he had spent a lot of time talking to Chinese President Xi Jinping. “He’s deadly earnest about becoming the most significant, consequential nation in the world. He and others, autocrats, think that democracy can’t compete in the 21st century with autocracies. It takes too long to get consensus," he said. Last month, Biden had said he would prevent China from passing the United States to become the most powerful country in the world, vowing to invest heavily to ensure America prevails in the race between the world’s two largest economies. Today, during his speech to Congress Biden appeared in the chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives at an event scaled back this year because of the pandemic, with a small, specially selected group of Democratic and Republican lawmakers arrayed before him, and the first woman to serve as US Vice President, Kamala Harris, behind him. Seizing on the coronavirus pandemic as an opportunity to advance his priorities at a time of political polarisation, Biden told the joint session and millions of people watching on television that "America is ready for a takeoff." "Now, after just 100 days, I can report to the nation: America is on the move again, turning peril into possibility, crisis into opportunity, setback into strength," Biden said. (With inputs from agencies)

US says it 'does not seek conflict' with China, welcomes 'competition'

China is increasingly becoming a near-peer competitor of the US, posing challenges in multiple domains, while pushing to revise global norms in ways that favour the authoritarian Chinese system, a top American intelligence officer has told lawmakers.

Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines on Wednesday briefed members of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence on the worldwide threat assessment of the US.

“China increasingly is a near-peer competitor, challenging the United States in multiple areas while pushing to revise global norms in ways that favour the authoritarian Chinese system,” Haines said.

China, she said, is employing a comprehensive approach to demonstrate its growing strength and compel regional neighbours to acquiesce to Beijing’s preferences, including its claims over disputed territory and assertions of sovereignty over Taiwan.

“It also has substantial cyber capabilities that, if deployed at a minimum, can cause localised temporary disruptions to critical infrastructure inside the United States,” Haines said.

Russia, Iran and North Korea are the other three countries that pose threats to the United States, she said.

At the same time, regional conflicts continue to fuel humanitarian crises, undermine stability and threaten US persons and interests.

“The fighting in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria has a direct implication for U.S. forces, while tensions between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan remain a concern for the world. The iterate of violence between Israel and Iran, the activity of foreign powers in Libya and conflicts in other areas, including Africa and the Middle East, has the potential to escalate or spread,” Haines said.

“Asia has periodic upheavals, such as the Burmese military seizure of power in February. Latin America has contested elections. Violent popular protests are likely to continue to produce volatility. And Africa will continue to see ongoing marginalisation of some communities, ethnic conflict, and contentious elections,” she said.

Senator Mark Warner, Chairman of the Senate Committee, described the rise of China as a major challenge for the United States.

“As we grapple with the challenges posed by a rising China, our problem is with the Chinese Communist Party, not with the Chinese people or the Chinese diaspora globally. And certainly not with Asian Americans here in the United States,” he said.

As China grows in power and stature, the CCP has sought to undercut the United States as the world’s leading technological power, he said.

“We see this in the reliance on both strategic investments and traditional espionage to acquire intellectual property, their use and export of surveillance technology to authoritarian regimes, and their modernization of traditional and asymmetric military capabilities, including in the space and cyber domains,” Warner said.

“When we look at development, for example, of 5G technology, we’ve seen the CCP act aggressively to influence international standard-setting bodies and invest in a national champion, Huawei, that threatens to dominate the worldwide telecommunications market,” Warner said.

“I fear that the CCP will develop a similar strategy to dominate the development of other emerging technologies, including AI, quantum computing, and BAU technology. In many ways, the IC is the only part of our overall enterprise that sees across all domains in this field, and I think we must be clear-eyed in assessing the threats posed by the CCP,” he added.

Senator Marco Rubio said that the United States made a mistake to not focus on both China’s capabilities and on its growing and intensifying efforts to involve and engage itself in the political environment in the United States.

“Different aims, perhaps, different tactics in some ways. But certainly, they have every capability that the Russians do, and more, in many cases. And they are certainly interested in moulding public discourse and creating political pressure among creating pressure on political figures who they don’t like here in the United States,” he said.

FBI Director Christopher Wray told Senators that the investigating agency now has over 2,000 investigations that tie back to the Chinese government.

“And on the economic espionage investigation side alone, it’s about a 1,300 per cent increase over the last several years. We’re opening a new investigation into China every 10 hours. And I can assure the committee, that’s not because our folks don’t have anything to do with their time,” he said.

China is increasingly becoming a near-peer competitor of the US, posing challenges in multiple domains, while pushing to revise global norms in ways that favour the authoritarian Chinese system, a top American intelligence officer has told lawmakers.

China is increasingly becoming a near-peer competitor of the US, posing challenges in multiple domains, while pushing to revise global norms in ways that favour the authoritarian Chinese system, a top American intelligence officer has told lawmakers. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines on Wednesday briefed members of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence on the worldwide threat assessment of the US. “China increasingly is a near-peer competitor, challenging the United States in multiple areas while pushing to revise global norms in ways that favour the authoritarian Chinese system,” Haines said. China, she said, is employing a comprehensive approach to demonstrate its growing strength and compel regional neighbours to acquiesce to Beijing’s preferences, including its claims over disputed territory and assertions of sovereignty over Taiwan. “It also has substantial cyber capabilities that, if deployed at a minimum, can cause localised temporary disruptions to critical infrastructure inside the United States,” Haines said. Russia, Iran and North Korea are the other three countries that pose threats to the United States, she said. At the same time, regional conflicts continue to fuel humanitarian crises, undermine stability and threaten US persons and interests. “The fighting in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria has a direct implication for U.S. forces, while tensions between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan remain a concern for the world. The iterate of violence between Israel and Iran, the activity of foreign powers in Libya and conflicts in other areas, including Africa and the Middle East, has the potential to escalate or spread,” Haines said. “Asia has periodic upheavals, such as the Burmese military seizure of power in February. Latin America has contested elections. Violent popular protests are likely to continue to produce volatility. And Africa will continue to see ongoing marginalisation of some communities, ethnic conflict, and contentious elections,” she said. Senator Mark Warner, Chairman of the Senate Committee, described the rise of China as a major challenge for the United States. “As we grapple with the challenges posed by a rising China, our problem is with the Chinese Communist Party, not with the Chinese people or the Chinese diaspora globally. And certainly not with Asian Americans here in the United States,” he said. As China grows in power and stature, the CCP has sought to undercut the United States as the world’s leading technological power, he said. “We see this in the reliance on both strategic investments and traditional espionage to acquire intellectual property, their use and export of surveillance technology to authoritarian regimes, and their modernization of traditional and asymmetric military capabilities, including in the space and cyber domains,” Warner said. “When we look at development, for example, of 5G technology, we’ve seen the CCP act aggressively to influence international standard-setting bodies and invest in a national champion, Huawei, that threatens to dominate the worldwide telecommunications market,” Warner said. “I fear that the CCP will develop a similar strategy to dominate the development of other emerging technologies, including AI, quantum computing, and BAU technology. In many ways, the IC is the only part of our overall enterprise that sees across all domains in this field, and I think we must be clear-eyed in assessing the threats posed by the CCP,” he added. Senator Marco Rubio said that the United States made a mistake to not focus on both China’s capabilities and on its growing and intensifying efforts to involve and engage itself in the political environment in the United States. “Different aims, perhaps, different tactics in some ways. But certainly, they have every capability that the Russians do, and more, in many cases. And they are certainly interested in moulding public discourse and creating political pressure among creating pressure on political figures who they don’t like here in the United States,” he said. FBI Director Christopher Wray told Senators that the investigating agency now has over 2,000 investigations that tie back to the Chinese government. “And on the economic espionage investigation side alone, it’s about a 1,300 per cent increase over the last several years. We’re opening a new investigation into China every 10 hours. And I can assure the committee, that’s not because our folks don’t have anything to do with their time,” he said.

China increasingly a near-peer competitor, posing multiple challenges: Top US intelligence officer

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Thursday told emissaries visiting at US&nbsp;President Joe Biden's request that the island would work with the United States to deter 'adventurous manoeuvres and provocations' amid threats from Chinese military activities.

Former senior US&nbsp;officials, including former US&nbsp;Senator Chris Dodd and former Deputy Secretaries of State Richard Armitage and James Steinberg, are visiting Taipei in a trip to signal Biden's commitment to Taiwan and its democracy.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/stay-out-of-taiwan-china-warns-biden-377666/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Tsai told the US&nbsp;delegation in a meeting at the Presidential Office that Chinese military activities in the region have threatened regional peace and stability.

"We are very willing to work with like-minded countries, including the United States, to jointly safeguard the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific and deter adventurous manoeuvres and provocations," Tsai said in the meeting that was broadcast live on Facebook.

She vowed to continue to cooperate with the United States to counter "cognitive warfare" and misinformation. She did not elaborate.

Tsai also told the delegation that Taiwan looks forward to resuming trade talks with the United States as soon as possible.

Taiwan is&nbsp;China's most sensitive territorial issue and a major source of contention with Washington, which is required by US&nbsp;law to help the island defend itself.

The island has complained over the last few months about almost daily missions by&nbsp;China's air force near its air defence identification zone (ADIZ). Twenty-five Chinese aircraft, including fighters and nuclear-capable bombers, entered Taiwan's ADIZ on Monday in the largest reported incursion to date.

The unofficial US&nbsp;visit, which a White House official called a "personal signal" of the president's commitment to Chinese-claimed Taiwan, is further straining Sino-US&nbsp;relations.

China&nbsp;on Wednesday described its military exercises near Taiwan as "combat drills" and said the meeting of the US&nbsp;officials with Tsai "will only exacerbate the tense situation in the Taiwan Strait".

(With input from agencies)

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Thursday told emissaries visiting at US President Joe Biden's request that the island would work with the United States to deter 'adventurous manoeuvres and provocations' amid threats from Chinese military activities.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Thursday told emissaries visiting at US President Joe Biden's request that the island would work with the United States to deter 'adventurous manoeuvres and provocations' amid threats from Chinese military activities. Former senior US officials, including former US Senator Chris Dodd and former Deputy Secretaries of State Richard Armitage and James Steinberg, are visiting Taipei in a trip to signal Biden's commitment to Taiwan and its democracy. Tsai told the US delegation in a meeting at the Presidential Office that Chinese military activities in the region have threatened regional peace and stability. "We are very willing to work with like-minded countries, including the United States, to jointly safeguard the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific and deter adventurous manoeuvres and provocations," Tsai said in the meeting that was broadcast live on Facebook. She vowed to continue to cooperate with the United States to counter "cognitive warfare" and misinformation. She did not elaborate. Tsai also told the delegation that Taiwan looks forward to resuming trade talks with the United States as soon as possible. Taiwan is China's most sensitive territorial issue and a major source of contention with Washington, which is required by US law to help the island defend itself. The island has complained over the last few months about almost daily missions by China's air force near its air defence identification zone (ADIZ). Twenty-five Chinese aircraft, including fighters and nuclear-capable bombers, entered Taiwan's ADIZ on Monday in the largest reported incursion to date. The unofficial US visit, which a White House official called a "personal signal" of the president's commitment to Chinese-claimed Taiwan, is further straining Sino-US relations. China on Wednesday described its military exercises near Taiwan as "combat drills" and said the meeting of the US officials with Tsai "will only exacerbate the tense situation in the Taiwan Strait". (With input from agencies)

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen says will counter China's 'adventurous manoeuvres' with US

China is increasingly becoming a near-peer competitor of the US, posing challenges in multiple domains, while pushing to revise global norms in ways that favour the authoritarian Chinese system, a top American intelligence officer has told lawmakers.

Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines on Wednesday briefed members of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence on the worldwide threat assessment of the US.

"China increasingly is a near-peer competitor, challenging the United States in multiple areas while pushing to revise global norms in ways that favour the authoritarian Chinese system," Haines said.

China, she said, is employing a comprehensive approach to demonstrate its growing strength and compel regional neighbours to acquiesce to Beijing's preferences, including its claims over disputed territory and assertions of sovereignty over Taiwan.

“It also has substantial cyber capabilities that, if deployed at a minimum, can cause localised temporary disruptions to critical infrastructure inside the United States,” Haines said.

Russia, Iran and North Korea are the other three countries that pose threats to the United States, she said.

At the same time regional conflicts continue to fuel humanitarian crises, undermine stability and threaten US persons and interests.

“The fighting in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria has a direct implication for U.S. forces, while tensions between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan remain a concern for the world. The iterate of violence between Israel and Iran, the activity of foreign powers in Libya and conflicts in other areas, including Africa and the Middle East, have the potential to escalate or spread,” Haines said.

“Asia has periodic upheavals, such as the Burmese military seizure of power in February. Latin America has contested elections. Violent popular protests are likely to continue to produce volatility. And Africa will continue to see ongoing marginalisation of some communities, ethnic conflict, and contentious elections,” she said.

Senator Mark Warner, Chairman of the Senate Committee, described the rise of China as a major challenge for the United States.

“As we grapple with the challenges posed by a rising China, our problem is with the Chinese Communist Party, not with the Chinese people or the Chinese diaspora globally. And certainly not with Asian Americans here in the United States," he said.

As China grows in power and stature, the CCP has sought to undercut the United States as the world's leading technological power, he said.

“We see this in the reliance on both strategic investments and traditional espionage to acquire intellectual property, their use and export of surveillance technology to authoritarian regimes, and their modernization of traditional and asymmetric military capabilities, including in the space and cyber domains,” Warner said.

“When we look at development, for example, of 5G technology, we've seen the CCP act aggressively to influence international standard-setting bodies and invest in a national champion, Huawei, that threatens to dominate the worldwide telecommunications market,” Warner said.

“I fear that the CCP will develop a similar strategy to dominate the development of other emerging technologies, including AI, quantum computing, and BAU technology. In many ways, the IC is the only part of our overall enterprise that sees across all domains in this field, and I think we must be clear-eyed in assessing the threats posed by the CCP,” he added.

Senator Marco Rubio said that the United States made a mistake to not focus on both China's capabilities and on its growing and intensifying efforts to involve and engage itself in the political environment in the United States.

"Different aims, perhaps, different tactics in some ways. But certainly, they have every capability that the Russians do, and more, in many cases. And they are certainly interested in molding public discourse and creating political pressure among creating pressure on political figures who they don't like here in the United States," he said.

FBI Director Christopher Wray told Senators that the investigating agency now has over 2,000 investigations that tie back to the Chinese government.

"And on the economic espionage investigation side alone, it's about a 1,300 percent increase over the last several years. We're opening a new investigation into China every 10 hours. And I can assure the committee, that's not because our folks don't have anything to do with their time,” he said.

China is increasingly becoming a near-peer competitor of the US, posing challenges in multiple domains, while pushing to revise global norms in ways that favour the authoritarian Chinese system, a top American intelligence officer has told lawmakers. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines on Wednesday briefed members of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence on the worldwide threat assessment of the US. "China increasingly is a near-peer competitor, challenging the United States in multiple areas while pushing to revise global norms in ways that favour the authoritarian Chinese system," Haines said. China, she said, is employing a comprehensive approach to demonstrate its growing strength and compel regional neighbours to acquiesce to Beijing's preferences, including its claims over disputed territory and assertions of sovereignty over Taiwan. “It also has substantial cyber capabilities that, if deployed at a minimum, can cause localised temporary disruptions to critical infrastructure inside the United States,” Haines said. Russia, Iran and North Korea are the other three countries that pose threats to the United States, she said. At the same time regional conflicts continue to fuel humanitarian crises, undermine stability and threaten US persons and interests. “The fighting in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria has a direct implication for U.S. forces, while tensions between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan remain a concern for the world. The iterate of violence between Israel and Iran, the activity of foreign powers in Libya and conflicts in other areas, including Africa and the Middle East, have the potential to escalate or spread,” Haines said. “Asia has periodic upheavals, such as the Burmese military seizure of power in February. Latin America has contested elections. Violent popular protests are likely to continue to produce volatility. And Africa will continue to see ongoing marginalisation of some communities, ethnic conflict, and contentious elections,” she said. Senator Mark Warner, Chairman of the Senate Committee, described the rise of China as a major challenge for the United States. “As we grapple with the challenges posed by a rising China, our problem is with the Chinese Communist Party, not with the Chinese people or the Chinese diaspora globally. And certainly not with Asian Americans here in the United States," he said. As China grows in power and stature, the CCP has sought to undercut the United States as the world's leading technological power, he said. “We see this in the reliance on both strategic investments and traditional espionage to acquire intellectual property, their use and export of surveillance technology to authoritarian regimes, and their modernization of traditional and asymmetric military capabilities, including in the space and cyber domains,” Warner said. “When we look at development, for example, of 5G technology, we've seen the CCP act aggressively to influence international standard-setting bodies and invest in a national champion, Huawei, that threatens to dominate the worldwide telecommunications market,” Warner said. “I fear that the CCP will develop a similar strategy to dominate the development of other emerging technologies, including AI, quantum computing, and BAU technology. In many ways, the IC is the only part of our overall enterprise that sees across all domains in this field, and I think we must be clear-eyed in assessing the threats posed by the CCP,” he added. Senator Marco Rubio said that the United States made a mistake to not focus on both China's capabilities and on its growing and intensifying efforts to involve and engage itself in the political environment in the United States. "Different aims, perhaps, different tactics in some ways. But certainly, they have every capability that the Russians do, and more, in many cases. And they are certainly interested in molding public discourse and creating political pressure among creating pressure on political figures who they don't like here in the United States," he said. FBI Director Christopher Wray told Senators that the investigating agency now has over 2,000 investigations that tie back to the Chinese government. "And on the economic espionage investigation side alone, it's about a 1,300 percent increase over the last several years. We're opening a new investigation into China every 10 hours. And I can assure the committee, that's not because our folks don't have anything to do with their time,” he said.

China increasingly a near-peer competitor, posing multiple challenges: Top US intel officer

The Chinese government has warned the United States to refrain from playing with fire, immediately stop official contact with Taiwan in any form.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said that the so-called guidelines for US government interaction with Taiwan counterparts blatantly encourages US government engagement with Taiwan, which severely violates the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués and runs counter to the serious political commitment the US has made to China on the Taiwan question.

"The Taiwan question concerns China’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and core interests. There is zero room for compromise and not an inch to give. We urge the U.S. side to grasp the situation, earnestly abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués, refrain from playing with fire, immediately stop official contact with Taiwan in any form, prudently and properly handle Taiwan-related issues, and avoid sending any wrong signals to the "Taiwan independence" forces, lest it should shake the foundation of China-US relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," he added. 
&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-south-china-sea-china-and-us-send-warships-into-disputed-waters-375776/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The U.S. State Department’s Friday decision to deepen relations with self-ruled Taiwan came amid stepped-up Chinese military activity around the island, including almost daily air force incursions into Taiwan’s air defence zone.

Taiwan is China’s most sensitive territorial and diplomatic issue and a regular source of Sino-U.S. friction. China has never renounced the use of force to bring the democratically ruled island under its control.

Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced days before the end of former President Donald Trump’s presidency in January that he was lifting restrictions on contacts between U.S. officials and their Taiwanese counterparts.

While Washington officially recognises Beijing rather than

Taipei, like most countries, the United States is Taiwan’s most important international supporter and arms seller.

The United States is required by law to provide the island with the means to defend itself.

China believes the United States is colluding with Taiwan to challenge Beijing and giving support to those who want the island to declare formal independence.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen says the island is an independent country called the Republic of China, its formal name, and that she will defend its freedom and security.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Chinese government has warned the United States to refrain from playing with fire, immediately stop official contact with Taiwan in any form. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said that the so-called guidelines for US government interaction with Taiwan counterparts blatantly encourages US government engagement with Taiwan, which severely violates the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués and runs counter to the serious political commitment the US has made to China on the Taiwan question.

The Chinese government has warned the United States to refrain from playing with fire, immediately stop official contact with Taiwan in any form. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said that the so-called guidelines for US government interaction with Taiwan counterparts blatantly encourages US government engagement with Taiwan, which severely violates the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués and runs counter to the serious political commitment the US has made to China on the Taiwan question. "The Taiwan question concerns China’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and core interests. There is zero room for compromise and not an inch to give. We urge the U.S. side to grasp the situation, earnestly abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués, refrain from playing with fire, immediately stop official contact with Taiwan in any form, prudently and properly handle Taiwan-related issues, and avoid sending any wrong signals to the "Taiwan independence" forces, lest it should shake the foundation of China-US relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," he added. The U.S. State Department’s Friday decision to deepen relations with self-ruled Taiwan came amid stepped-up Chinese military activity around the island, including almost daily air force incursions into Taiwan’s air defence zone. Taiwan is China’s most sensitive territorial and diplomatic issue and a regular source of Sino-U.S. friction. China has never renounced the use of force to bring the democratically ruled island under its control. Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced days before the end of former President Donald Trump’s presidency in January that he was lifting restrictions on contacts between U.S. officials and their Taiwanese counterparts. While Washington officially recognises Beijing rather than Taipei, like most countries, the United States is Taiwan’s most important international supporter and arms seller. The United States is required by law to provide the island with the means to defend itself. China believes the United States is colluding with Taiwan to challenge Beijing and giving support to those who want the island to declare formal independence. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen says the island is an independent country called the Republic of China, its formal name, and that she will defend its freedom and security. (With inputs from agencies)

Stop any form of US-Taiwan official contacts: China warns America

Fuelling the worsening relationship between the US and China, the US Senate’s new policy will have a “profound effect” on the Chinese entities.

The Strategic Competition Act of 2021, a 283-page bill, will be introduced next week and aims to provide help for American companies to diversify their global supply chain.

“This includes in terms of developing new technologies, global investment strategies, selling into US-allied countries, receiving support from the Chinese government, and how the country's technology market interacts and influences global governance and standards-setting,” said Cameron Johnson, an adjunct faculty instructor at New York University and a partner at Shanghai-based Tidal Wave Solutions told South China Morning Post.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/son-of-a-donald-trump-slams-republican-leaders-during-dinner-at-mar-a-lago-club-376769" hreflang="en">'Son of a...': Donald Trump slams Republican leaders during dinner</a>

The bill’s science and technology section will lay out pointers to provide help for US-based companies in diversifying global supply chain; total or partial acquisition of infrastructure like 5G mobile networks and undersea cables; negotiations for bilateral and plurilateral digital trade agreements; and building up cybersecurity capabilities.

More importantly, the bill is set to call sanctions against Chinese officials who are accused of “forced labour, forced sterilisation and other abuses in Xinjiang”. The region has had numerous reports of human rights violations as the United Nations has also reported that more than one million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities are being subjected to torture.

The bill will also set aside nearly $10 million “to promote democracy in Hong Kong”. The US State Department will also be asked to make a report on “the extent to which the Government of China uses the status of Hong Kong to circumvent the laws and protections of the United States”.

It "focuses on countering and confronting China's predatory international economic behaviour, and includes measures to track intellectual property violators, Chinese government subsidies, monitor Chinese use of Hong Kong to circumvent US export controls, and track the presence of Chinese companies in US capital markets. Directs the United States to provide technical assistance to countries working to counter foreign corrupt practices, and debt relief to the poorest countries who have requested forbearance due to the Covid-19 pandemic," a statement by the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations read.

The bill also calls for strengthening military ties with the country’s allies in the Indo-Pacific region.

It "calls for enhanced coordination and cooperation with allies on arms control in the face of China's military modernization and expansion, and requires reporting on Chinese ballistic, hypersonic glide, and cruise missiles, conventional forces, nuclear, space, cyberspace and other strategic domains."

(With inputs from agencies)

Fuelling the worsening relationship between the US and China, the US Senate’s new policy will have a “profound effect” on the Chinese entities. The Strategic Competition Act of 2021, a 283-page bill, will be introduced next week and aims to provide help for American companies to diversify their global supply chain.

Fuelling the worsening relationship between the US and China, the US Senate’s new policy will have a “profound effect” on the Chinese entities. The Strategic Competition Act of 2021, a 283-page bill, will be introduced next week and aims to provide help for American companies to diversify their global supply chain. “This includes in terms of developing new technologies, global investment strategies, selling into US-allied countries, receiving support from the Chinese government, and how the country's technology market interacts and influences global governance and standards-setting,” said Cameron Johnson, an adjunct faculty instructor at New York University and a partner at Shanghai-based Tidal Wave Solutions told South China Morning Post. Also read | 'Son of a...': Donald Trump slams Republican leaders during dinner The bill’s science and technology section will lay out pointers to provide help for US-based companies in diversifying global supply chain; total or partial acquisition of infrastructure like 5G mobile networks and undersea cables; negotiations for bilateral and plurilateral digital trade agreements; and building up cybersecurity capabilities. More importantly, the bill is set to call sanctions against Chinese officials who are accused of “forced labour, forced sterilisation and other abuses in Xinjiang”. The region has had numerous reports of human rights violations as the United Nations has also reported that more than one million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities are being subjected to torture. The bill will also set aside nearly $10 million “to promote democracy in Hong Kong”. The US State Department will also be asked to make a report on “the extent to which the Government of China uses the status of Hong Kong to circumvent the laws and protections of the United States”. It "focuses on countering and confronting China's predatory international economic behaviour, and includes measures to track intellectual property violators, Chinese government subsidies, monitor Chinese use of Hong Kong to circumvent US export controls, and track the presence of Chinese companies in US capital markets. Directs the United States to provide technical assistance to countries working to counter foreign corrupt practices, and debt relief to the poorest countries who have requested forbearance due to the Covid-19 pandemic," a statement by the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations read. The bill also calls for strengthening military ties with the country’s allies in the Indo-Pacific region. It "calls for enhanced coordination and cooperation with allies on arms control in the face of China's military modernization and expansion, and requires reporting on Chinese ballistic, hypersonic glide, and cruise missiles, conventional forces, nuclear, space, cyberspace and other strategic domains." (With inputs from agencies)

US increases pressure on China through new strategic competition policy

China's foreign ministry said on Friday&nbsp;it would take necessary measures to protect the legal rights of Chinese companies, after the United States added Chinese supercomputing entities to an economic&nbsp;blacklist.

"US&nbsp;containment and suppression cannot hold back the march of China's scientific and technological development," he said at a daily news conference in Beijing on Friday.

The US&nbsp;Commerce Department said on Thursday it was adding seven Chinese supercomputing entities to a US&nbsp;economic&nbsp;blacklist&nbsp;for assisting Chinese military efforts.

The Commerce Department said the seven were "involved with building supercomputers used by China's military actors, its destabilising military modernization efforts, and/or weapons of mass destruction programs."

The department is adding Tianjin Phytium Information Technology, Shanghai High-Performance Integrated Circuit Design Center, Sunway Microelectronics, the National Supercomputing Center Jinan, the National Supercomputing Center Shenzhen, the National Supercomputing Center Wuxi, and the National Supercomputing Center Zhengzhou to its&nbsp;blacklist.

Companies or others listed on the US&nbsp;Entity List are required to apply for licenses from the Commerce Department that face tough scrutiny when they seek permission to receive items from US&nbsp;suppliers.

"Supercomputing capabilities are vital for the development of many, perhaps almost all,&nbsp;modern weapons and national security systems, such as nuclear weapons and hypersonic weapons, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in a statement.

The new rules take effect immediately but do not apply to goods from US&nbsp;suppliers already en route.

During the administration of former US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, the US&nbsp;added dozens of Chinese companies to its economic&nbsp;blacklist, including the country’s top smartphone maker Huawei Technologies, top chipmaker SMIC and the largest drone manufacturer, SZ DJI Technology Co Ltd.

China's foreign ministry said on Friday it would take necessary measures to protect the legal rights of Chinese companies, after the United States added Chinese supercomputing entities to an economic blacklist.

China's foreign ministry said on Friday it would take necessary measures to protect the legal rights of Chinese companies, after the United States added Chinese supercomputing entities to an economic blacklist. "US containment and suppression cannot hold back the march of China's scientific and technological development," he said at a daily news conference in Beijing on Friday. The US Commerce Department said on Thursday it was adding seven Chinese supercomputing entities to a US economic blacklist for assisting Chinese military efforts. The Commerce Department said the seven were "involved with building supercomputers used by China's military actors, its destabilising military modernization efforts, and/or weapons of mass destruction programs." The department is adding Tianjin Phytium Information Technology, Shanghai High-Performance Integrated Circuit Design Center, Sunway Microelectronics, the National Supercomputing Center Jinan, the National Supercomputing Center Shenzhen, the National Supercomputing Center Wuxi, and the National Supercomputing Center Zhengzhou to its blacklist. Companies or others listed on the US Entity List are required to apply for licenses from the Commerce Department that face tough scrutiny when they seek permission to receive items from US suppliers. "Supercomputing capabilities are vital for the development of many, perhaps almost all, modern weapons and national security systems, such as nuclear weapons and hypersonic weapons, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in a statement. The new rules take effect immediately but do not apply to goods from US suppliers already en route. During the administration of former US President Donald Trump, the US added dozens of Chinese companies to its economic blacklist, including the country’s top smartphone maker Huawei Technologies, top chipmaker SMIC and the largest drone manufacturer, SZ DJI Technology Co Ltd.

China vows 'necessary measures' after US blacklists its supercomputing entities

The United States on Wednesday warned China against what the Philippines and Taiwan see as increasingly aggressive moves, reminding Beijing of Washington's obligations to its partners.

State Department spokesman Ned Price reiterated at a regular briefing that the US&nbsp;commitment to Taiwan was "rock solid."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-south-china-sea-china-and-us-send-warships-into-disputed-waters-375776/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"An armed attack against the Philippines' armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the Pacific, including in the South China Sea, will trigger our obligations under the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty," Price told reporters.

"We share the concerns of our Philippine allies regarding the continued reported massing of PRC maritime militia near the Whitsun Reef," Price said, referring to the People's Republic of China.

China sent more fighter jets into Taiwan's air defense zone on Wednesday in a stepped-up show of force around the island Beijing claims as its own, and Taiwan's foreign minister said it would fight to the end if China attacks.

China, which claims almost the entirety of the resource-rich sea, has refused weeks of appeals by the Philippines to withdraw the vessels, which Manila says unlawfully entered its exclusive economic zone.

Price voiced "concern" about the Chinese moves, saying: "The United States maintains the capacity to resist any resort to force or other forms of coercion that would jeopardize the security or the social or economic system of the people on Taiwan."

He was using language from the Taiwan Relations Act, under which the United States is obliged to provide the island with the means to defend itself against Beijing.

President Joe Biden has vowed a robust defense of allies and, in a rare point of continuity with his predecessor Donald Trump, has supported strong pushback against Chinese assertiveness.

The democratic self-governed island has complained of repeated military activities by Beijing in recent months, with China's air force making almost daily forays in Taiwan's air defense identification zone. On Monday, China said an aircraft carrier group was exercising close to the island.

Taiwan's Defence Ministry said 15 Chinese aircraft, including 12 fighters, entered its air defense identification zone, with an anti-submarine aircraft flying to the south through the Bashi Channel between Taiwan and the Philippines.

Taiwan's air force sent up aircraft to intercept and warn the Chinese away, the ministry added.

Adding to the stepped-up military activity, the US&nbsp;Navy said its John S. McCain guided-missile destroyer conducted a "routine" transit of the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday.

The United States on Wednesday warned China against what the Philippines and Taiwan see as increasingly aggressive moves, reminding Beijing of Washington's obligations to its partners.

The United States on Wednesday warned China against what the Philippines and Taiwan see as increasingly aggressive moves, reminding Beijing of Washington's obligations to its partners. State Department spokesman Ned Price reiterated at a regular briefing that the US commitment to Taiwan was "rock solid." "An armed attack against the Philippines' armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the Pacific, including in the South China Sea, will trigger our obligations under the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty," Price told reporters. "We share the concerns of our Philippine allies regarding the continued reported massing of PRC maritime militia near the Whitsun Reef," Price said, referring to the People's Republic of China. China sent more fighter jets into Taiwan's air defense zone on Wednesday in a stepped-up show of force around the island Beijing claims as its own, and Taiwan's foreign minister said it would fight to the end if China attacks. China, which claims almost the entirety of the resource-rich sea, has refused weeks of appeals by the Philippines to withdraw the vessels, which Manila says unlawfully entered its exclusive economic zone. Price voiced "concern" about the Chinese moves, saying: "The United States maintains the capacity to resist any resort to force or other forms of coercion that would jeopardize the security or the social or economic system of the people on Taiwan." He was using language from the Taiwan Relations Act, under which the United States is obliged to provide the island with the means to defend itself against Beijing. President Joe Biden has vowed a robust defense of allies and, in a rare point of continuity with his predecessor Donald Trump, has supported strong pushback against Chinese assertiveness. The democratic self-governed island has complained of repeated military activities by Beijing in recent months, with China's air force making almost daily forays in Taiwan's air defense identification zone. On Monday, China said an aircraft carrier group was exercising close to the island. Taiwan's Defence Ministry said 15 Chinese aircraft, including 12 fighters, entered its air defense identification zone, with an anti-submarine aircraft flying to the south through the Bashi Channel between Taiwan and the Philippines. Taiwan's air force sent up aircraft to intercept and warn the Chinese away, the ministry added. Adding to the stepped-up military activity, the US Navy said its John S. McCain guided-missile destroyer conducted a "routine" transit of the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday.

US warns China over increasingly aggressive moves against Taiwan, Philippines

Chinese furniture maker Hong Jinshi first created a couple of pint-sized statues of former U.S. President Donald Trump meditating in a Buddhist pose as a fun project for himself last year. Six months on, Hong's amusing hobby has turned into a small side-hustle, with a workshop in the town of Dehua in Fujian province on track to produce an inaugural batch of 250 statues of Trump dressed in Buddhist robes with his legs crossed.

Buddhism & Donald Trump- sounds amusing? Trump's Buddha statue a hit on Chinese e-commerce website

The US has condemned China's actions to change the electoral system in Hong Kong,&nbsp;accusing it of further reducing participation and representation in the city. The State Department has also expressed concern about the second delay in the territory's Legislative Council elections.

"We are deeply concerned by these changes to Hong Kong's electoral system, which defy the will of people in Hong Kong and deny Hong Kongers a voice in their own governance," a State Department spokesperson was quoted by Reuters as saying.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-parliament-approves-plan-for-electoral-reforms-in-hong-kong-report-374180">China's parliament approves plan for electoral reforms in Hong Kong: Report</a>

Hong Kong's electoral system curbs democratic representation and the US has accused China of playing a major part in consolidating the increasingly authoritarian grip on Hong Kong.

The US State Department has urged China to uphold its international obligations under the Joint Declaration, an anonymous spokesperson said.

"We are...deeply concerned by the delay of the September LegCo [Legislative Council] elections for the second time," the spokesperson added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-sharply-reduces-elected-seats-in-hong-kong-legislature-to-20-from-35-374323">China sharply reduces elected seats in Hong Kong legislature to 20 from 35</a>

The Legislative Council elections had already been postponed to September earlier by the government citing coronavirus as a reason. It has now been further shelved till December.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said the changes would be submitted to the Legislative Council by mid-April and she expected to see them passed by the end of May.

Additionally, the UK has accused China of breaching the 1984 Joint Declaration — which was signed by then Chinese Premier Zhao Ziyang and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher — that assures Hong Kong's autonomy under a "one country, two systems" agreement.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US has condemned China's actions to change the electoral system in Hong Kong, accusing it of further reducing participation and representation in the city. The State Department has also expressed concern about the second delay in the territory's Legislative Council elections.

The US has condemned China's actions to change the electoral system in Hong Kong, accusing it of further reducing participation and representation in the city. The State Department has also expressed concern about the second delay in the territory's Legislative Council elections. "We are deeply concerned by these changes to Hong Kong's electoral system, which defy the will of people in Hong Kong and deny Hong Kongers a voice in their own governance," a State Department spokesperson was quoted by Reuters as saying. Also read | China's parliament approves plan for electoral reforms in Hong Kong: Report Hong Kong's electoral system curbs democratic representation and the US has accused China of playing a major part in consolidating the increasingly authoritarian grip on Hong Kong. The US State Department has urged China to uphold its international obligations under the Joint Declaration, an anonymous spokesperson said. "We are...deeply concerned by the delay of the September LegCo [Legislative Council] elections for the second time," the spokesperson added. Also read | China sharply reduces elected seats in Hong Kong legislature to 20 from 35 The Legislative Council elections had already been postponed to September earlier by the government citing coronavirus as a reason. It has now been further shelved till December. Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said the changes would be submitted to the Legislative Council by mid-April and she expected to see them passed by the end of May. Additionally, the UK has accused China of breaching the 1984 Joint Declaration — which was signed by then Chinese Premier Zhao Ziyang and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher — that assures Hong Kong's autonomy under a "one country, two systems" agreement. (With inputs from agencies)

US condemns China's efforts to silence Hong Kong's democratic voices

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

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

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

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

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday that the US&nbsp;will not press Washington's allies to choose between their ties with the country and its allies.

The first top US&nbsp;official to visit NATO since President Joe Biden took office in January,&nbsp;Blinken&nbsp;said ''the United States won't force our allies into an 'us-or-them' choice with China."

Blinken&nbsp;said China's military rise and Russia's attempts to destabilise the West were threats that required NATO to come together, urging Turkey to embrace the alliance.

Having already bought Russian weapons, Turkey briefly blocked NATO defence plans in 2019 and launched an offensive on US-backed rebels in Syria, prompting French President Emmanuel Macron to assert that NATO was "experiencing brain death".

The comments from Blinken represent a major shift in US policy from attempts by former leader Donald Trump to strong arm allies into taking a tougher line on Beijing.&nbsp;

President&nbsp;Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;is keen to take a multilateral approach as he looks to enlist NATO allies and partners such as the European Union in a united front of democracies to challenge authoritarian China.&nbsp;

Washington and Brussels took a first step towards joint action against Beijing by unveiling synchronised sanctions on Monday over the crackdown on the Uyghurs in China. &nbsp;

Earlier,&nbsp;the United States and China levelled sharp rebukes of each others' policies in the first high-level, in-person talks of the Biden administration on Thursday, with deeply strained relations of the two global rivals on rare public display during the meeting's opening session in Alaska.

The United States is looking for China to change its behaviour if it wants to reset sour relations, but Beijing has said Washington is full of illusions if it thinks it will compromise.

Sparring in an unusually extended back-and-forth in front of cameras, US&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony&nbsp;Blinken&nbsp;and national security adviser Jake Sullivan opened their meeting with China's top diplomat Yang Jiechi and State Councilor Wang Yi in Anchorage, fresh off of&nbsp;Blinken's visits to allies Japan and South Korea.

&nbsp;Washington says&nbsp;Blinken's Asia tour before the meeting with Chinese officials, as well as US&nbsp;outreach to Europe, India and other partners, shows how the United States has strengthened its hand to confront China since Biden took office in January.

At talks with South Korean Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong in Seoul,&nbsp;Blinken had said China was using "coercion and aggression," citing its actions towards Taiwan and Hong Kong and in the contested East and South China Seas.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday that the US will not press Washington's allies to choose between their ties with the country and its allies. The first top US official to visit NATO since President Joe Biden took office in January, Blinken said ''the United States won't force our allies into an 'us-or-them' choice with China.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday that the US will not press Washington's allies to choose between their ties with the country and its allies. The first top US official to visit NATO since President Joe Biden took office in January, Blinken said ''the United States won't force our allies into an 'us-or-them' choice with China." Blinken said China's military rise and Russia's attempts to destabilise the West were threats that required NATO to come together, urging Turkey to embrace the alliance. Having already bought Russian weapons, Turkey briefly blocked NATO defence plans in 2019 and launched an offensive on US-backed rebels in Syria, prompting French President Emmanuel Macron to assert that NATO was "experiencing brain death". The comments from Blinken represent a major shift in US policy from attempts by former leader Donald Trump to strong arm allies into taking a tougher line on Beijing. President Joe Biden is keen to take a multilateral approach as he looks to enlist NATO allies and partners such as the European Union in a united front of democracies to challenge authoritarian China. Washington and Brussels took a first step towards joint action against Beijing by unveiling synchronised sanctions on Monday over the crackdown on the Uyghurs in China. Earlier, the United States and China levelled sharp rebukes of each others' policies in the first high-level, in-person talks of the Biden administration on Thursday, with deeply strained relations of the two global rivals on rare public display during the meeting's opening session in Alaska. The United States is looking for China to change its behaviour if it wants to reset sour relations, but Beijing has said Washington is full of illusions if it thinks it will compromise. Sparring in an unusually extended back-and-forth in front of cameras, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and national security adviser Jake Sullivan opened their meeting with China's top diplomat Yang Jiechi and State Councilor Wang Yi in Anchorage, fresh off of Blinken's visits to allies Japan and South Korea. Washington says Blinken's Asia tour before the meeting with Chinese officials, as well as US outreach to Europe, India and other partners, shows how the United States has strengthened its hand to confront China since Biden took office in January. At talks with South Korean Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong in Seoul, Blinken had said China was using "coercion and aggression," citing its actions towards Taiwan and Hong Kong and in the contested East and South China Seas.

US will not push allies into 'us-or-them choice' on China, says Antony Blinken

Tesla Inc chief executive Elon Musk said on Saturday it would be good for the United States and China to have more trust in each other. 
 
Musk was holding a&nbsp;discussion panel with Xue Qikun, a Chinese scientist specialising in quantum physics who is now head of Southern University of Scientist and Technology. They were participating in the China Development Forum, a high-level business gathering is hosted by a foundation under the State Council.

(more details awaited)

Tesla Inc chief executive Elon Musk said on Saturday it would be good for the United States and China to have more trust in each other. Musk was holding a discussion panel with Xue Qikun, a Chinese scientist specialising in quantum physics who is now head of Southern University of Scientist and Technology.

Tesla Inc chief executive Elon Musk said on Saturday it would be good for the United States and China to have more trust in each other. Musk was holding a discussion panel with Xue Qikun, a Chinese scientist specialising in quantum physics who is now head of Southern University of Scientist and Technology. They were participating in the China Development Forum, a high-level business gathering is hosted by a foundation under the State Council. (more details awaited)

Would be good for US, China to increase mutual trust: Elon Musk

The first high-level US-China&nbsp;meeting of the Biden administration got off to a fiery start on Thursday&nbsp;in Achorage with both sides levelling sharp rebukes of the others' policies in a rare public display that underscored the level of bilateral tension.

The run-up to the talks in Anchorage, Alaska, which followed visits by US&nbsp;officials to allies Japan and South Korea, was marked by a flurry of moves by Washington that showed it was taking a tough stance, and by a blunt talk from Beijing.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sensed-strong-smell-of-gunpowder-in-us-talks-says-china-371685" hreflang="en">Sensed strong smell of gunpowder in US talks, says China</a>

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Communist Party foreign affairs chief Yang Jiechi took aim at each other's country's policies on Thursday in their meeting in Anchorage.

Jiechi said ''Well, I think we thought too well of the United States. We thought the U.S. side would follow the necessary diplomatic protocols.&nbsp;So for China, it was necessary that we make our position clear.''

''Let me say here, that in front of the Chinese side the United States does not have the qualification to say that it wants to speak to China from a position of strength.''

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/abandon-cold-war-mentality-us-chinese-officials-clash-during-talks-in-alaska-371538" hreflang="en">'Abandon Cold War mentality': US, Chinese officials clash during Alaska talks</a>

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday mocked Joe Biden for calling him a "killer", saying "it takes one to know one", as ties between Moscow and Washington sank to new lows.

US President Biden's comments sparked the biggest crisis between&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;and the United States in years, with Moscow recalling its ambassador for consultations and warning that ties were on the brink of outright "collapse".

But speaking during an event marking seven years since&nbsp;Russia's annexation of Crimea, Putin ruled out severing ties with the United States altogether and lobbed a jab at the 78-year-old US leader.

"We always see in another person our own qualities and think that he is the same as us," Putin said, referring to Biden's "killer" comment.

"It takes one to know one," Putin added, citing a saying from his Soviet-era childhood in Saint Petersburg.&nbsp;

It is not&nbsp;unprecedented for world leaders to insult and mock each other.&nbsp;

Richard Nixon once dubbed Canada's Pierre Trudeau as a ''pompous egghead''. While George W. Bush called &nbsp;North Korea's Kim jong-il a ''pygmy.''

Similarly,&nbsp;Hugo Chavez called Barack Obama a ''poor ignoramus''&nbsp;and French leader Nicolas Sarkozy called Benjamin Netanyahu a ''liar.''

Former US President Donald Trump mocked Biden by saying that&nbsp;''he was only a good vice president because he understood how to kiss Barack Obama's [ass]."

He also&nbsp;called Justin Trudeau ''two-faced,''&nbsp;labelled Syria's president Bashar-al-Assad an 'animal', and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un&nbsp;a 'little rocket man', that is a&nbsp;'dotard'.

Even though Trump has left office but his&nbsp;style of politics&nbsp;seems to have permeated global diplomacy&nbsp;and the world seems to have turned into one big reality-tv show.

The first high-level US-China meeting of the Biden administration got off to a fiery start on Thursday in Achorage with both sides levelling sharp rebukes of the others' policies in a rare public display that underscored the level of bilateral tension.

The first high-level US-China meeting of the Biden administration got off to a fiery start on Thursday in Achorage with both sides levelling sharp rebukes of the others' policies in a rare public display that underscored the level of bilateral tension. The run-up to the talks in Anchorage, Alaska, which followed visits by US officials to allies Japan and South Korea, was marked by a flurry of moves by Washington that showed it was taking a tough stance, and by a blunt talk from Beijing. Also read| Sensed strong smell of gunpowder in US talks, says China Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Communist Party foreign affairs chief Yang Jiechi took aim at each other's country's policies on Thursday in their meeting in Anchorage. Jiechi said ''Well, I think we thought too well of the United States. We thought the U.S. side would follow the necessary diplomatic protocols. So for China, it was necessary that we make our position clear.'' ''Let me say here, that in front of the Chinese side the United States does not have the qualification to say that it wants to speak to China from a position of strength.'' Also read| 'Abandon Cold War mentality': US, Chinese officials clash during Alaska talks Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday mocked Joe Biden for calling him a "killer", saying "it takes one to know one", as ties between Moscow and Washington sank to new lows. US President Biden's comments sparked the biggest crisis between Russia and the United States in years, with Moscow recalling its ambassador for consultations and warning that ties were on the brink of outright "collapse". But speaking during an event marking seven years since Russia's annexation of Crimea, Putin ruled out severing ties with the United States altogether and lobbed a jab at the 78-year-old US leader. "We always see in another person our own qualities and think that he is the same as us," Putin said, referring to Biden's "killer" comment. "It takes one to know one," Putin added, citing a saying from his Soviet-era childhood in Saint Petersburg. It is not unprecedented for world leaders to insult and mock each other. Richard Nixon once dubbed Canada's Pierre Trudeau as a ''pompous egghead''. While George W. Bush called North Korea's Kim jong-il a ''pygmy.'' Similarly, Hugo Chavez called Barack Obama a ''poor ignoramus'' and French leader Nicolas Sarkozy called Benjamin Netanyahu a ''liar.'' Former US President Donald Trump mocked Biden by saying that ''he was only a good vice president because he understood how to kiss Barack Obama's [ass]." He also called Justin Trudeau ''two-faced,'' labelled Syria's president Bashar-al-Assad an 'animal', and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un a 'little rocket man', that is a 'dotard'. Even though Trump has left office but his style of politics seems to have permeated global diplomacy and the world seems to have turned into one big reality-tv show.

US-China engage in undiplomatic sparring match

China on Friday said that it sensed a ''strong smell of gunpowder and drama''&nbsp;from talks with top American diplomats in Alaska, continuing the contentious tone of the first face-to-face meetings under the Biden administration.

The first high-level US-China&nbsp;meeting of the Biden administration got off to a fiery start on Thursday&nbsp;in Achorage with both sides levelling sharp rebukes of the others' policies in a rare public display that underscored the level of bilateral tension.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/abandon-cold-war-mentality-us-chinese-officials-clash-during-talks-in-alaska-371538">'Abandon Cold War mentality': US, Chinese officials clash during Alaska talks</a>

"It was due to the fact that the US&nbsp;didn't respect the timings that had been agreed upon for the relevant remarks. It is the US&nbsp;that first provoked and stirred conflict (before the talks). So for both sides, from the start of the opening remarks, the venue totally reeked of explosives and was full of dramatic colours. This was not&nbsp;China's original intention," Zhao Lijian, a spokesman at the Chinese foreign ministry, said at a daily briefing.

The run-up to the talks in Anchorage, Alaska, which followed visits by US&nbsp;officials to allies Japan and South Korea, was marked by a flurry of moves by Washington that showed it was taking a tough stance, and by a blunt talk from Beijing.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Communist Party foreign affairs chief Yang Jiechi took aim at each other's country's policies on Thursday in their meeting in Anchorage.

Zhao accused the US side of overrunning the agreed time for opening remarks, prompting a sharp response from the Chinese delegation.

The meetings, set to continue Friday, come amid disputes over trade, technology, human rights and China's territorial claims to Taiwan and islands in the South China and East China seas.

China has also strongly objected to the US calls for greater transparency about the origins of the coronavirus pandemic, the first cases of which were recorded in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019.

/''It was the US side that ... Provoked the dispute in the first place, so the two sides had a strong smell of gunpowder and drama from the beginning in the opening remarks. It was not the original intention of the Chinese side," Zhao told reporters at a daily briefing.

At the Alaska meeting, Blinken affirmed US solidarity with its allies in pushing back against China's increasing efforts to spread its authoritarian mode of government through political and economic pressure.

Yang responded with a list of Chinese complaints, accusing Washington of hypocrisy for criticizing Beijing on human rights and other issues at a time when the United States itself has been roiled by domestic discontent.&nbsp;

China on Friday said that it sensed a ''strong smell of gunpowder and drama'' from talks with top American diplomats in Alaska, continuing the contentious tone of the first face-to-face meetings under the Biden administration.

China on Friday said that it sensed a ''strong smell of gunpowder and drama'' from talks with top American diplomats in Alaska, continuing the contentious tone of the first face-to-face meetings under the Biden administration. The first high-level US-China meeting of the Biden administration got off to a fiery start on Thursday in Achorage with both sides levelling sharp rebukes of the others' policies in a rare public display that underscored the level of bilateral tension. Also read: 'Abandon Cold War mentality': US, Chinese officials clash during Alaska talks "It was due to the fact that the US didn't respect the timings that had been agreed upon for the relevant remarks. It is the US that first provoked and stirred conflict (before the talks). So for both sides, from the start of the opening remarks, the venue totally reeked of explosives and was full of dramatic colours. This was not China's original intention," Zhao Lijian, a spokesman at the Chinese foreign ministry, said at a daily briefing. The run-up to the talks in Anchorage, Alaska, which followed visits by US officials to allies Japan and South Korea, was marked by a flurry of moves by Washington that showed it was taking a tough stance, and by a blunt talk from Beijing. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Communist Party foreign affairs chief Yang Jiechi took aim at each other's country's policies on Thursday in their meeting in Anchorage. Zhao accused the US side of overrunning the agreed time for opening remarks, prompting a sharp response from the Chinese delegation. The meetings, set to continue Friday, come amid disputes over trade, technology, human rights and China's territorial claims to Taiwan and islands in the South China and East China seas. China has also strongly objected to the US calls for greater transparency about the origins of the coronavirus pandemic, the first cases of which were recorded in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019. /''It was the US side that ... Provoked the dispute in the first place, so the two sides had a strong smell of gunpowder and drama from the beginning in the opening remarks. It was not the original intention of the Chinese side," Zhao told reporters at a daily briefing. At the Alaska meeting, Blinken affirmed US solidarity with its allies in pushing back against China's increasing efforts to spread its authoritarian mode of government through political and economic pressure. Yang responded with a list of Chinese complaints, accusing Washington of hypocrisy for criticizing Beijing on human rights and other issues at a time when the United States itself has been roiled by domestic discontent.

Sensed strong smell of gunpowder in US talks, says China

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned China against&nbsp;using "coercion and aggression" on Tuesday during his first overseas trip to Japan.

China's extensive territorial claims in the East and South China Seas have become a priority issue in an increasingly testy Sino-US&nbsp;relationship and are an important security concern for Japan.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/antony-blinken-and-lloyd-austin-on-4-day-trip-to-japan-and-south-korea-370875/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We will push back, if necessary when China uses coercion and aggression to get its way," Blinken said.

His visit to Tokyo with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is the first overseas trip&nbsp;by top members of President Joe Biden's cabinet. It follows last week's summit of the leaders of the Quad grouping, consisting of the United States, Japan, Australia and India.

The Alaska meeting will bring together for the first time senior Biden administration officials and their Chinese counterparts to discuss frayed ties between the world's top two economies.

Washington has criticised what it called Beijing's attempts to bully neighbours with competing interests. China has denounced what it called US efforts to foment unrest in the region and interfere in what it calls its internal affairs.

In a joint statement, the US officials and their Japanese counterparts said, "China's behaviour, where inconsistent with the existing international order, presents political, economic, military and technological challenges".

"The ministers committed to opposing coercion and destabilising behaviour towards others in the region," they added.

Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin and top US diplomat Antony Blinken are on their first overseas trip, which began on Monday in Japan, looking to shore up regional alliances and send a message to Beijing.

They will continue on to South Korea, and a policy review by the new administration of its approach to Pyongyang is also a key part of the diplomatic outreach.

But discussions in Tokyo focused on China, including its increasing presence around islands disputed with Japan, as well as the situation in Taiwan and Hong Kong.

The two countries committed themselves to oppose coercion and destabilizing behaviour towards others in the region that undermines the rules-based international system, they added.

The meeting was held in the "2+2" format with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi as hosts.

North Korea was in sharp focus after the White House said Pyongyang had rebuffed efforts at dialogue.

The isolated nation, which has pursued nuclear and missile programmes in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions, warned the Biden administration against "causing a stink" if it wanted peace, state media said on Tuesday.

Blinken underscored the importance of working closely with Japan and South Korea on the denuclearisation of North Korea.

"We have no greater strategic advantage when it comes to North Korea than this alliance," he said. "We approach that challenge as an alliance and we’ve got to do that if we are going to be effective."

'Unwavering commitment'

The ministers also discussed Washington's "unwavering commitment" to defend Japan in its dispute with China over islets in the East China Sea and repeated their opposition to China's "unlawful" maritime claims in the South China Sea.

They shared concerns over developments such as the law China passed in January allowing its coast guard to fire on foreign vessels.

China has sent coast guard vessels to chase away fishing vessels from countries with which it has disputes in regional waters, sometimes resulting in their sinking.

Motegi said China-related issues took up the majority of his two-way talks with Blinken and expressed strong opposition to the neighbour's "unilateral attempt" to change the status quo in the East and South China Seas.

In Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a regular news briefing that US-Japan ties "shouldn't target or undermine the interests of any third party," and should boost "peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific".

Blinken expressed concern over the Myanmar military's attempt to overturn the results of a democratic election and its crackdown on peaceful protesters.

He also reaffirmed Washington's commitment to human rights, saying, "China uses coercion and aggression to systematically erode autonomy in Hong Kong, undercut democracy in Taiwan, abusing human rights in Xinjiang and Tibet."

Motegi said Blinken expressed support during the meeting for the staging of the Tokyo Olympics, set to run from July 23 to Aug&nbsp;8 after being postponed from last year because of the coronavirus crisis.

But Blinken sounded non-committal in his remarks to Tokyo-based US&nbsp;diplomats, saying the summer Games involved planning for several different scenarios. But he added, "Whenever and however Team USA ends up competing, it will be because of you."

The US&nbsp;officials ended the visit with a courtesy call on Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who is set to visit the White House in April as the first foreign leader to meet Biden.

Both will leave Tokyo for Seoul on Wednesday for talks in the South Korean capital until Thursday.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned China against using "coercion and aggression" on Tuesday during his first overseas trip to Japan. China's extensive territorial claims in the East and South China Seas have become a priority issue in an increasingly testy Sino-US relationship and are an important security concern for Japan.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned China against using "coercion and aggression" on Tuesday during his first overseas trip to Japan. China's extensive territorial claims in the East and South China Seas have become a priority issue in an increasingly testy Sino-US relationship and are an important security concern for Japan. "We will push back, if necessary when China uses coercion and aggression to get its way," Blinken said. His visit to Tokyo with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is the first overseas trip by top members of President Joe Biden's cabinet. It follows last week's summit of the leaders of the Quad grouping, consisting of the United States, Japan, Australia and India. The Alaska meeting will bring together for the first time senior Biden administration officials and their Chinese counterparts to discuss frayed ties between the world's top two economies. Washington has criticised what it called Beijing's attempts to bully neighbours with competing interests. China has denounced what it called US efforts to foment unrest in the region and interfere in what it calls its internal affairs. In a joint statement, the US officials and their Japanese counterparts said, "China's behaviour, where inconsistent with the existing international order, presents political, economic, military and technological challenges". "The ministers committed to opposing coercion and destabilising behaviour towards others in the region," they added. Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin and top US diplomat Antony Blinken are on their first overseas trip, which began on Monday in Japan, looking to shore up regional alliances and send a message to Beijing. They will continue on to South Korea, and a policy review by the new administration of its approach to Pyongyang is also a key part of the diplomatic outreach. But discussions in Tokyo focused on China, including its increasing presence around islands disputed with Japan, as well as the situation in Taiwan and Hong Kong. The two countries committed themselves to oppose coercion and destabilizing behaviour towards others in the region that undermines the rules-based international system, they added. The meeting was held in the "2+2" format with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi as hosts. North Korea was in sharp focus after the White House said Pyongyang had rebuffed efforts at dialogue. The isolated nation, which has pursued nuclear and missile programmes in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions, warned the Biden administration against "causing a stink" if it wanted peace, state media said on Tuesday. Blinken underscored the importance of working closely with Japan and South Korea on the denuclearisation of North Korea. "We have no greater strategic advantage when it comes to North Korea than this alliance," he said. "We approach that challenge as an alliance and we’ve got to do that if we are going to be effective." 'Unwavering commitment' The ministers also discussed Washington's "unwavering commitment" to defend Japan in its dispute with China over islets in the East China Sea and repeated their opposition to China's "unlawful" maritime claims in the South China Sea. They shared concerns over developments such as the law China passed in January allowing its coast guard to fire on foreign vessels. China has sent coast guard vessels to chase away fishing vessels from countries with which it has disputes in regional waters, sometimes resulting in their sinking. Motegi said China-related issues took up the majority of his two-way talks with Blinken and expressed strong opposition to the neighbour's "unilateral attempt" to change the status quo in the East and South China Seas. In Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a regular news briefing that US-Japan ties "shouldn't target or undermine the interests of any third party," and should boost "peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific". Blinken expressed concern over the Myanmar military's attempt to overturn the results of a democratic election and its crackdown on peaceful protesters. He also reaffirmed Washington's commitment to human rights, saying, "China uses coercion and aggression to systematically erode autonomy in Hong Kong, undercut democracy in Taiwan, abusing human rights in Xinjiang and Tibet." Motegi said Blinken expressed support during the meeting for the staging of the Tokyo Olympics, set to run from July 23 to Aug 8 after being postponed from last year because of the coronavirus crisis. But Blinken sounded non-committal in his remarks to Tokyo-based US diplomats, saying the summer Games involved planning for several different scenarios. But he added, "Whenever and however Team USA ends up competing, it will be because of you." The US officials ended the visit with a courtesy call on Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who is set to visit the White House in April as the first foreign leader to meet Biden. Both will leave Tokyo for Seoul on Wednesday for talks in the South Korean capital until Thursday.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warns China against 'coercion and aggression'

The White House on Tuesday said America's relationship with China is&nbsp;one of "strong competition".

The statement comes a day after&nbsp;Beijing urged the US to stop interfering in its internal affairs and lift trade sanctions.

Earlier,&nbsp;Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had said&nbsp;that the US should stop "smearing" the ruling Communist Party of China and its one-party political system, lift sanctions on trade and halt Washington's backing of "separatist forces''&nbsp;in Taiwan, Tibet, Hong Kong and Xinjiang.

He also said that the Biden administration should adjust&nbsp;the hardline policy pursued by former President Donald Trump towards Beijing to check its growing influence.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki assured that the Biden administration will work in close coordination with partners and allies to make sure that it is coming from a position of strength.

The relations between China and the US are at an all-time low. The two countries are currently engaged in a bitter confrontation over various issues, including trade, the origins of the novel coronavirus pandemic, the communist giant's aggressive military moves in the disputed South China Sea and human rights.

At the Capitol, House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that the US Congress is dedicated to holding China accountable for its abuses, including targeting Uyghurs, Tibetans, activists and vulnerable communities on the mainland, and now, Hong Kong.

Last week, more than 15 legislations were introduced in the United States Congress against China.

''The United States Congress has long been united on a bipartisan and bicameral basis to holding China accountable for its repression and abuses, including targeting Uyghurs, the Tibetan people, human rights activists and vulnerable communities on the mainland, and now, Hong Kong. We must ensure that all oppressed and persecuted by Beijing know that they have not been forgotten,'' Pelosi said.

''The Chinese government must know that the world is watching its strangulation of human rights and that we must put all options on the table for holding China accountable,''&nbsp;she said in a statement on the Chinese government's ongoing trial of democracy leader Martin Lee, along with eight other pro-democracy leaders.

The White House on Tuesday said America's relationship with China is one of "strong competition". The statement comes a day after Beijing urged the US to stop interfering in its internal affairs and lift trade sanctions.

The White House on Tuesday said America's relationship with China is one of "strong competition". The statement comes a day after Beijing urged the US to stop interfering in its internal affairs and lift trade sanctions. Earlier, Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had said that the US should stop "smearing" the ruling Communist Party of China and its one-party political system, lift sanctions on trade and halt Washington's backing of "separatist forces'' in Taiwan, Tibet, Hong Kong and Xinjiang. He also said that the Biden administration should adjust the hardline policy pursued by former President Donald Trump towards Beijing to check its growing influence. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki assured that the Biden administration will work in close coordination with partners and allies to make sure that it is coming from a position of strength. The relations between China and the US are at an all-time low. The two countries are currently engaged in a bitter confrontation over various issues, including trade, the origins of the novel coronavirus pandemic, the communist giant's aggressive military moves in the disputed South China Sea and human rights. At the Capitol, House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that the US Congress is dedicated to holding China accountable for its abuses, including targeting Uyghurs, Tibetans, activists and vulnerable communities on the mainland, and now, Hong Kong. Last week, more than 15 legislations were introduced in the United States Congress against China. ''The United States Congress has long been united on a bipartisan and bicameral basis to holding China accountable for its repression and abuses, including targeting Uyghurs, the Tibetan people, human rights activists and vulnerable communities on the mainland, and now, Hong Kong. We must ensure that all oppressed and persecuted by Beijing know that they have not been forgotten,'' Pelosi said. ''The Chinese government must know that the world is watching its strangulation of human rights and that we must put all options on the table for holding China accountable,'' she said in a statement on the Chinese government's ongoing trial of democracy leader Martin Lee, along with eight other pro-democracy leaders.

White House says relationship with China is one of 'strong competition'

China's foreign minister Wang Yi on Monday called on the new administration under President Joe Biden to reopen dialogue between the two countries but also warned the US not to meddle in China's internal affairs.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-urges-us-to-lift-bans-restore-ties-365320/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We have no intention to challenge or replace the US. We are ready to have a peaceful co-existence and common developments with the US, likewise, we hope the US will respect China's core interests, national dignity and rights of development," China's foreign minister said.

"We urge the US to stop smearing the Communist Party of China and China's political system, stop conniving at or support the erroneous words and actions of the separatist forces for Taiwan independence, and stop undermining China's sovereignty and security on internal affairs concerning Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Tibet, " Wang asserted.

"China and the US have different social systems and in different stage of development, different cultures and histories, so it is natural that both sides have differences and conflicts. What is key is utilising dialogue to get to know more about each other and not be defined by differences between both countries," Yi added.

Wang pointed to the recent call between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Biden as a "positive step". Washington and Beijing have clashed on multiple fronts including trade, accusations of human rights over the past few years under the former Trump administration.

"The door of dialogue with China has always been opened. We are always prepared to start an open and public dialogue with the US that is aimed at solving problems," Yi said, saying further that, "China is happy to see American companies in China achieve bigger success. And will take beneficial measures to make improve China's business environment."

China's foreign minister also called the US to &nbsp;remove "unreasonable tariffs" on Chinese products and to "remove unilateral sanctions on Chinese companies, research and scientific institutions." 
&nbsp;

China's foreign minister Wang Yi on Monday called on the new administration under President Joe Biden to reopen dialogue between the two countries but also warned the US not to meddle in China's internal affairs.

China's foreign minister Wang Yi on Monday called on the new administration under President Joe Biden to reopen dialogue between the two countries but also warned the US not to meddle in China's internal affairs. Watch: "We have no intention to challenge or replace the US. We are ready to have a peaceful co-existence and common developments with the US, likewise, we hope the US will respect China's core interests, national dignity and rights of development," China's foreign minister said. "We urge the US to stop smearing the Communist Party of China and China's political system, stop conniving at or support the erroneous words and actions of the separatist forces for Taiwan independence, and stop undermining China's sovereignty and security on internal affairs concerning Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Tibet, " Wang asserted. "China and the US have different social systems and in different stage of development, different cultures and histories, so it is natural that both sides have differences and conflicts. What is key is utilising dialogue to get to know more about each other and not be defined by differences between both countries," Yi added. Wang pointed to the recent call between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Biden as a "positive step". Washington and Beijing have clashed on multiple fronts including trade, accusations of human rights over the past few years under the former Trump administration. "The door of dialogue with China has always been opened. We are always prepared to start an open and public dialogue with the US that is aimed at solving problems," Yi said, saying further that, "China is happy to see American companies in China achieve bigger success. And will take beneficial measures to make improve China's business environment." China's foreign minister also called the US to remove "unreasonable tariffs" on Chinese products and to "remove unilateral sanctions on Chinese companies, research and scientific institutions."

'Remove sanctions': We have no intention to challenge or replace the US, says China

Ever since Joe Biden came to power, it has become fashionable for some to claim that the Indian government will face some pushback on its internal affairs. However, America is not in a position to do any such thing.

Being a seasoned politician, Joe Biden knows better than offending India. The Indian diaspora in the US has become quite affluent and influential. Indian-Americans funded Biden's campaign and now at least 20 Indian-Americans are part of the White House team.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-bidens-america-is-back-falls-short-of-real-action-362271" hreflang="en">Joe Biden's 'America is back' falls short of real action</a>

Also, the geopolitical realities have changed since the Obama era. Today, India is a leading global force and enjoys strong bipartisan support across the world. India sits at the high table of the United Nations Security Council. In fact, just three days back, India played a key role in shaping the UNSC statement on Myanmar.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-can-america-dictate-terms-to-india-362286/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In addition to this, India's vaccine diplomacy spreads as far as Latin America as New Delhi is supplying vaccines to countries such as Brazil and Mexico.&nbsp;

There's a congruence of interests on the diplomatic front as India and America are on the same page when it comes to Taiwan and China. India is America's strategic counter to Chinese aggression. The quad countries are already arranging a meeting of their leaders with an eye on China. India is the only quad member that shares a land border with China and operates outside of the US Security-led alliances.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-joe-biden-takes-over-the-us-does-the-world-trust-him-362269">As Joe Biden takes over the US, does the world trust him?</a>

America would think twice before interfering in India's internal affairs just as India has steered clear of interfering in America's. However, there's no guarantee that Joe Biden will be as tough on China as Donald Trump. It could be mere political compulsion, given the kind of narrative Trump had built in the last four years.

Considering, Biden is a seasoned politician, he is likely to seek more avenues of cooperation than actively stoke more conflicts with China — something Biden suggested in his first diplomatic address.

"We'll confront China's economic abuses, counter its aggressive course of action to push back on China's attack on human rights, intellectual property and global governance. But we are ready to work with Beijing when it's in America's interest to do so," Biden said. "We are ready to work with Beijing when it's in America's interest to do so."

this shows that Biden won't deal with China as Trump did. In his back pocket, he has a longstanding relationship with Xi Jinping. In a recent interview, he noted that he had spent more time with Xi than most world leaders. He said, "I had 24 to 25 hours of private meetings with him when I was Vice President. Traveled 17,000 miles with him. I know him pretty well".

India's relationship with America hinges strongly on how Joe Biden deals with China.&nbsp;

Russia

Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) is a law aimed at pushing back Russian influence. Under this act, the US has sanctioned Turkey for buying the S-400 missile defence system from Russia. Remember, India too has ordered the S-400 systems from Russia. In fact, India is Russia's largest defence customer.

The Trump administration limited itself to 'expressing displeasure', but the question is whether Joe Biden will do the same or will he use CAATSA against India — a major potential defence buyer and a clear strategic partner. There's no guarantee, although he cannot really afford to irk India with sanctions.

So the bottom line is that the current geopolitical chessboard is complex and India has strategically positioned itself in this game. The Biden administration will have to find a way to work with India, the odd statements to appease Biden's domestic vote bank, notwithstanding.

Ever since Joe Biden came to power, it has become fashionable for some to claim that the Indian government will face some pushback on its internal affairs. However, America is not in a position to do any such thing.

Ever since Joe Biden came to power, it has become fashionable for some to claim that the Indian government will face some pushback on its internal affairs. However, America is not in a position to do any such thing. Being a seasoned politician, Joe Biden knows better than offending India. The Indian diaspora in the US has become quite affluent and influential. Indian-Americans funded Biden's campaign and now at least 20 Indian-Americans are part of the White House team. Also read| Joe Biden's 'America is back' falls short of real action Also, the geopolitical realities have changed since the Obama era. Today, India is a leading global force and enjoys strong bipartisan support across the world. India sits at the high table of the United Nations Security Council. In fact, just three days back, India played a key role in shaping the UNSC statement on Myanmar. In addition to this, India's vaccine diplomacy spreads as far as Latin America as New Delhi is supplying vaccines to countries such as Brazil and Mexico. There's a congruence of interests on the diplomatic front as India and America are on the same page when it comes to Taiwan and China. India is America's strategic counter to Chinese aggression. The quad countries are already arranging a meeting of their leaders with an eye on China. India is the only quad member that shares a land border with China and operates outside of the US Security-led alliances. Also read| As Joe Biden takes over the US, does the world trust him? America would think twice before interfering in India's internal affairs just as India has steered clear of interfering in America's. However, there's no guarantee that Joe Biden will be as tough on China as Donald Trump. It could be mere political compulsion, given the kind of narrative Trump had built in the last four years. Considering, Biden is a seasoned politician, he is likely to seek more avenues of cooperation than actively stoke more conflicts with China — something Biden suggested in his first diplomatic address. "We'll confront China's economic abuses, counter its aggressive course of action to push back on China's attack on human rights, intellectual property and global governance. But we are ready to work with Beijing when it's in America's interest to do so," Biden said. "We are ready to work with Beijing when it's in America's interest to do so." this shows that Biden won't deal with China as Trump did. In his back pocket, he has a longstanding relationship with Xi Jinping. In a recent interview, he noted that he had spent more time with Xi than most world leaders. He said, "I had 24 to 25 hours of private meetings with him when I was Vice President. Traveled 17,000 miles with him. I know him pretty well". India's relationship with America hinges strongly on how Joe Biden deals with China. Russia Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) is a law aimed at pushing back Russian influence. Under this act, the US has sanctioned Turkey for buying the S-400 missile defence system from Russia. Remember, India too has ordered the S-400 systems from Russia. In fact, India is Russia's largest defence customer. The Trump administration limited itself to 'expressing displeasure', but the question is whether Joe Biden will do the same or will he use CAATSA against India — a major potential defence buyer and a clear strategic partner. There's no guarantee, although he cannot really afford to irk India with sanctions. So the bottom line is that the current geopolitical chessboard is complex and India has strategically positioned itself in this game. The Biden administration will have to find a way to work with India, the odd statements to appease Biden's domestic vote bank, notwithstanding.

With Biden's dreams for America, will the US-India ties change?

US Congress on Tuesday passed new legislation&nbsp;that reaffirms the rights of Tibetans to choose a successor to their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, a move that infuriated China.

Lobsang Sangay, Prime Minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile,&nbsp;welcomed the Tibetan Policy and Support Act passed by the US Congress, calling it a historic move and a clear message to China.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-appoints-tibet-coordinator-to-send-a-message-to-china-335576">US appoints Tibet coordinator to send a message to China</a>

China regards the exiled Dalai Lama as a dangerous "splittist", or separatist, and the latest show of support from the US&nbsp;Congress could increase already tense ties between the two countries.

The Chinese foreign ministry accused the US&nbsp;of meddling in its internal affairs and warned the U.S. against signing the legislation into law, foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a regular briefing on Tuesday.

"We urge the US&nbsp;side to stop meddling in China's internal affairs and refrain from signing into law these negative clauses and acts, lest it further harms our further cooperation and bilateral relations," Wang said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-impose-visa-restrictions-on-us-citizens-over-tibet-311589">China to impose visa restrictions on US citizens over Tibet</a>

China seized control of Tibet after its troops entered the region in 1950 in what it calls a "peaceful liberation". Tibet has since become one of the most restricted and sensitive areas in the country.

The Dalai Lama fled into exile in India in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule.

The legislation calls for the establishment of a US&nbsp;consulate in Tibet's main city of Lhasa, the absolute right of Tibetans to choose a successor to the Dalai Lama, and the preservation of Tibet's environment.

The legislation also proposes a "regional framework on water security" and greater participation from the community in dialogue with China on monitoring the region's environment.

"The People's Republic of China has already completed water transfer programmes diverting billions of cubic metres of water yearly and has plans to divert more waters from the Tibetan plateau in China," the bill said.

Environmental groups and Tibetan rights activists have expressed concern about China's hydropower ambitions in the region, saying they could affect downstream water supplies.

China has said its leaders have the right to approve the Dalai Lama's successor, which many see as a coercive attempt to control Tibet, where ethnic Tibetans make up about 90% of the population.

"By passing the TPSA, Congress has sent its message loud and clear that Tibet remains a priority for the United States and that it will continue its steadfast support for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the CTA," Sangay said.

"This is a victory for the Tibetan freedom struggle."

China accuses the US&nbsp;of destabilising the region by interfering in its internal affairs.

Relations between China and the United States have deteriorated to their worst in decades over a range of issues, including trade, Taiwan, human rights, Hong Kong, the South China Sea and the coronavirus.

The US&nbsp;bill also proposes dialogue between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama.

US Congress on Tuesday passed new legislation that reaffirms the rights of Tibetans to choose a successor to their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, a move that infuriated China.

US Congress on Tuesday passed new legislation that reaffirms the rights of Tibetans to choose a successor to their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, a move that infuriated China. Lobsang Sangay, Prime Minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile, welcomed the Tibetan Policy and Support Act passed by the US Congress, calling it a historic move and a clear message to China. Also read: US appoints Tibet coordinator to send a message to China China regards the exiled Dalai Lama as a dangerous "splittist", or separatist, and the latest show of support from the US Congress could increase already tense ties between the two countries. The Chinese foreign ministry accused the US of meddling in its internal affairs and warned the U.S. against signing the legislation into law, foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a regular briefing on Tuesday. "We urge the US side to stop meddling in China's internal affairs and refrain from signing into law these negative clauses and acts, lest it further harms our further cooperation and bilateral relations," Wang said. Also read: China to impose visa restrictions on US citizens over Tibet China seized control of Tibet after its troops entered the region in 1950 in what it calls a "peaceful liberation". Tibet has since become one of the most restricted and sensitive areas in the country. The Dalai Lama fled into exile in India in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule. The legislation calls for the establishment of a US consulate in Tibet's main city of Lhasa, the absolute right of Tibetans to choose a successor to the Dalai Lama, and the preservation of Tibet's environment. The legislation also proposes a "regional framework on water security" and greater participation from the community in dialogue with China on monitoring the region's environment. "The People's Republic of China has already completed water transfer programmes diverting billions of cubic metres of water yearly and has plans to divert more waters from the Tibetan plateau in China," the bill said. Environmental groups and Tibetan rights activists have expressed concern about China's hydropower ambitions in the region, saying they could affect downstream water supplies. China has said its leaders have the right to approve the Dalai Lama's successor, which many see as a coercive attempt to control Tibet, where ethnic Tibetans make up about 90% of the population. "By passing the TPSA, Congress has sent its message loud and clear that Tibet remains a priority for the United States and that it will continue its steadfast support for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the CTA," Sangay said. "This is a victory for the Tibetan freedom struggle." China accuses the US of destabilising the region by interfering in its internal affairs. Relations between China and the United States have deteriorated to their worst in decades over a range of issues, including trade, Taiwan, human rights, Hong Kong, the South China Sea and the coronavirus. The US bill also proposes dialogue between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama.

US Congress passes new Tibet law on the next Dalai Lama; infuriates China

A&nbsp;US-funded project using satellites to track and publish water levels at&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;dams&nbsp;on the&nbsp;Mekong&nbsp;river was announced on Monday, adding to the superpowers'&nbsp;rivalry&nbsp;in Southeast Asia.

The 4,350-km (2,700-mile) waterway - known as the Lancang in China and flowing south through Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam - has become a focus of competition.

Beijing has dismissed&nbsp;US&nbsp;research saying&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;dams&nbsp;have retained water to the detriment of downstream nations, where 60 million people depend on the river for fishing and farming.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/chinas-combative-nationalists-see-a-world-turning-their-way-349658" hreflang="en">China’s combative nationalists see a world turning their way</a>

The&nbsp;Mekong&nbsp;Dam Monitor, part-funded by the State Department, uses data from cloud-piercing satellites to track levels of&nbsp;dams&nbsp;in China and other countries.

The information will be open for everyone in near real-time from Tuesday.

A separate indicator of "surface wetness" is to show which parts of the region are wetter or drier than usual: a guide to how much natural flows are being affected by the&nbsp;dams.

"The monitor provides evidence that China's 11 mainstream&nbsp;dams&nbsp;are sophisticatedly orchestrated and operated in a way to maximize the production of hydropower for sale to China’s eastern provinces with zero consideration given to downstream impacts," said Brian Eyler of the Washington-based Stimson Center, a global think tank which operates the virtual water gauges.

'POSITIVE BENEFITS'

China has been critical of past research, including a study by Eyes on Earth - part of the&nbsp;Mekong&nbsp;Dam Monitor project - which said water had been held back in 2019 as other countries suffered severe drought.

"The United States has been unable to provide good evidence throughout," the state-backed China Renewable Energy Engineering Institute said in a Dec. 4 report.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/china-in-nudge-to-us-makes-a-new-promise-to-tackle-global-warming-349485" hreflang="en">China, in nudge to US, makes a new promise to tackle global warming</a>

"The positive benefits of&nbsp;upstream Lancang river hydropower on downstream&nbsp;Mekong&nbsp;neighbours&nbsp;are clear and obvious," it said, adding that water stored in reservoirs during the flood season helped prevent both downstream floods and droughts.

China agreed earlier this year to share water data with the&nbsp;Mekong&nbsp;River Commission (MRC) - an advisory body to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam that had long sought the information for better planning.

China and the United States have rival bodies working with&nbsp;Mekong&nbsp;countries: the Beijing-based Lancang-Mekong&nbsp;Cooperation and the&nbsp;Mekong-US&nbsp;Partnership.

The two nations are also at odds in the South China Sea, where Washington challenges Beijing's claim to most of the waterway, a major conduit for trade that is also rich in energy resources.

A US-funded project using satellites to track and publish water levels at Chinese dams on the Mekong river was announced on Monday, adding to the superpowers' rivalry in Southeast Asia.

A US-funded project using satellites to track and publish water levels at Chinese dams on the Mekong river was announced on Monday, adding to the superpowers' rivalry in Southeast Asia. The 4,350-km (2,700-mile) waterway - known as the Lancang in China and flowing south through Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam - has become a focus of competition. Beijing has dismissed US research saying Chinese dams have retained water to the detriment of downstream nations, where 60 million people depend on the river for fishing and farming. Also read: China’s combative nationalists see a world turning their way The Mekong Dam Monitor, part-funded by the State Department, uses data from cloud-piercing satellites to track levels of dams in China and other countries. The information will be open for everyone in near real-time from Tuesday. A separate indicator of "surface wetness" is to show which parts of the region are wetter or drier than usual: a guide to how much natural flows are being affected by the dams. "The monitor provides evidence that China's 11 mainstream dams are sophisticatedly orchestrated and operated in a way to maximize the production of hydropower for sale to China’s eastern provinces with zero consideration given to downstream impacts," said Brian Eyler of the Washington-based Stimson Center, a global think tank which operates the virtual water gauges. 'POSITIVE BENEFITS' China has been critical of past research, including a study by Eyes on Earth - part of the Mekong Dam Monitor project - which said water had been held back in 2019 as other countries suffered severe drought. "The United States has been unable to provide good evidence throughout," the state-backed China Renewable Energy Engineering Institute said in a Dec. 4 report. Also read: China, in nudge to US, makes a new promise to tackle global warming "The positive benefits of upstream Lancang river hydropower on downstream Mekong neighbours are clear and obvious," it said, adding that water stored in reservoirs during the flood season helped prevent both downstream floods and droughts. China agreed earlier this year to share water data with the Mekong River Commission (MRC) - an advisory body to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam that had long sought the information for better planning. China and the United States have rival bodies working with Mekong countries: the Beijing-based Lancang-Mekong Cooperation and the Mekong-US Partnership. The two nations are also at odds in the South China Sea, where Washington challenges Beijing's claim to most of the waterway, a major conduit for trade that is also rich in energy resources.

US announces project to track water levels of Chinese dams situated along Mekong river

After provoking India militarily, China recently claimed that COVID-19 originated in India.&nbsp;Now, it is trying to build dams to control water supply.

What is driving China's behaviour? Has the incoming Biden administration and its promise to work with India against China rattled Beijing?

In the United States, Democrats and Republicans don’t agree on much these days. But they agree on one thing. They believe that China under Xi Jinping presents a threat to global security. Beijing, well aware of this has been cautious about dealing with US President-elect Joe Biden.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/china-prepares-to-build-dam-on-brahmaputra-river-in-tibet-india-raises-concern-346417" hreflang="en">China prepares to build dam on Brahmaputra river in Tibet; India raises concern</a>

Xi Jinping waited for weeks before sending his congratulations. The Biden administration is making plans to contain China, and it wants India's help.

Joe Biden's candidate to replace Mike Pompeo is Antony Blinken, who wants India to be a key American partner in dealing with China from a position of strength.

While speaking to Indian Americans earlier this year, Blinken said that India and the US "have a common challenge which is to deal with an increasingly assertive china across the board, including its aggression toward India at the line of actual control, but also using its economic might to coerce others”.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-can-china-afford-to-be-so-aggressive-346554/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

That statement is a reflection of the hard line that Biden has taken against the dragon. The president-elect, during his campaign called Xi Jinping a thug, and backed India over China in the ongoing border standoff.

Considering this, Chinese state media is warning that relations may not improve under Joe Biden. Last week, Chinese ministry of foreign affairs adopted a cautious tone, calling for "no conflict" or "confrontation" with US.

The tensions at the border haven't simmered, with Beijing doubling down on its aggression. India and the United States are expected to mount a strong anti-China front and take the dragon head on.

After provoking India militarily, China recently claimed that COVID-19 originated in India. Now, it is trying to build dams to control water supply. What is driving China's behaviour?

After provoking India militarily, China recently claimed that COVID-19 originated in India. Now, it is trying to build dams to control water supply. What is driving China's behaviour? Has the incoming Biden administration and its promise to work with India against China rattled Beijing? In the United States, Democrats and Republicans don’t agree on much these days. But they agree on one thing. They believe that China under Xi Jinping presents a threat to global security. Beijing, well aware of this has been cautious about dealing with US President-elect Joe Biden. Also read: China prepares to build dam on Brahmaputra river in Tibet; India raises concern Xi Jinping waited for weeks before sending his congratulations. The Biden administration is making plans to contain China, and it wants India's help. Joe Biden's candidate to replace Mike Pompeo is Antony Blinken, who wants India to be a key American partner in dealing with China from a position of strength. While speaking to Indian Americans earlier this year, Blinken said that India and the US "have a common challenge which is to deal with an increasingly assertive china across the board, including its aggression toward India at the line of actual control, but also using its economic might to coerce others”. × That statement is a reflection of the hard line that Biden has taken against the dragon. The president-elect, during his campaign called Xi Jinping a thug, and backed India over China in the ongoing border standoff. Considering this, Chinese state media is warning that relations may not improve under Joe Biden. Last week, Chinese ministry of foreign affairs adopted a cautious tone, calling for "no conflict" or "confrontation" with US. The tensions at the border haven't simmered, with Beijing doubling down on its aggression. India and the United States are expected to mount a strong anti-China front and take the dragon head on.

Has US President-elect Biden's promise to work with India rattled China?

The United States&nbsp;on Tuesday accused&nbsp;China&nbsp;of "flagrant violation" of its obligation to enforce international sanctions on North Korea and said Washington would offer rewards of up to $5 million for information about sanctions evasions.

Speaking to Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank, Deputy Assistant Secretary for North Korea State Alex Wong accused&nbsp;China&nbsp;of "seeking to undo" the U.N. sanctions regime aimed at persuading North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-can-china-afford-to-be-so-aggressive-346554/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The State Department launched a new website, DPRKrewards.com, that will offer payouts of up to $5 million for tips to boost sanctions on North Korea, including on businesses in China.

"I want to tell you more are forthcoming," Alex Wong, the US deputy special representative on North Korea, said of sanctions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-gave-covid-19-vaccine-candidate-to-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-us-analyst-346652" hreflang="en">China gave Covid-19 vaccine candidate to North Korea's Kim Jong Un: US analyst</a>

In a speech at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Wong acknowledged that Pyongyang has not yet taken "any concrete steps toward denuclearization" and voiced alarm over its unveiling of a massive long-range missile at a parade in October.

His hard-nosed assessment stands in contrast to the rosy statements over the past four years by Trump, who has boasted that he prevented a catastrophic war and said he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize.

But Wong mostly took aim at China, a frequent target of the Trump administration, as he accused Beijing of ignoring UN sanctions that it itself voted for over its ally's missile and nuclear programs.

"The premature sanctions relief that Beijing can't achieve through the diplomatic front door, it is instead trying to achieve through the backdoor -- by choosing not to rigorously implement its UN Security Council resolution obligations," Wong said.

"The examples of this chronic failure are numerous, growing, and worrying."

He said that US vessels provided information to Beijing 46 times since 2019 about North Korean fuel-smuggling in Chinese waters, and in the past year observed 555 cases of North Korean shipments of coal of other sanctioned exports to China.

"On none of these occasions did the Chinese authorities act to stop these illicit imports. Not once," Wong said.

Wong said that 20,000 North Korean workers still worked in China, going against UN-backed efforts to stop what is widely seen as slave labor that the regime exports for revenue.

China has been pushing to ease sanctions on North Korea, believing the regime should see incentives for denuclearisation, and is widely seen as fearing an economic implosion of its impoverished neighbour.

Trump resisted calls for sanctions relief in his February 2019 meeting with Kim in Hanoi, and Wong insisted Tuesday that such pressure provided "key impetus" for North Korea to take "serious denuclearization steps."

The United States on Tuesday accused China of "flagrant violation" of its obligation to enforce international sanctions on North Korea and said Washington would offer rewards of up to $5 million for information about sanctions evasions.

The United States on Tuesday accused China of "flagrant violation" of its obligation to enforce international sanctions on North Korea and said Washington would offer rewards of up to $5 million for information about sanctions evasions. Speaking to Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank, Deputy Assistant Secretary for North Korea State Alex Wong accused China of "seeking to undo" the U.N. sanctions regime aimed at persuading North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons. The State Department launched a new website, DPRKrewards.com, that will offer payouts of up to $5 million for tips to boost sanctions on North Korea, including on businesses in China. "I want to tell you more are forthcoming," Alex Wong, the US deputy special representative on North Korea, said of sanctions. Also read: China gave Covid-19 vaccine candidate to North Korea's Kim Jong Un: US analyst In a speech at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Wong acknowledged that Pyongyang has not yet taken "any concrete steps toward denuclearization" and voiced alarm over its unveiling of a massive long-range missile at a parade in October. His hard-nosed assessment stands in contrast to the rosy statements over the past four years by Trump, who has boasted that he prevented a catastrophic war and said he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. But Wong mostly took aim at China, a frequent target of the Trump administration, as he accused Beijing of ignoring UN sanctions that it itself voted for over its ally's missile and nuclear programs. "The premature sanctions relief that Beijing can't achieve through the diplomatic front door, it is instead trying to achieve through the backdoor -- by choosing not to rigorously implement its UN Security Council resolution obligations," Wong said. "The examples of this chronic failure are numerous, growing, and worrying." He said that US vessels provided information to Beijing 46 times since 2019 about North Korean fuel-smuggling in Chinese waters, and in the past year observed 555 cases of North Korean shipments of coal of other sanctioned exports to China. "On none of these occasions did the Chinese authorities act to stop these illicit imports. Not once," Wong said. Wong said that 20,000 North Korean workers still worked in China, going against UN-backed efforts to stop what is widely seen as slave labor that the regime exports for revenue. China has been pushing to ease sanctions on North Korea, believing the regime should see incentives for denuclearisation, and is widely seen as fearing an economic implosion of its impoverished neighbour. Trump resisted calls for sanctions relief in his February 2019 meeting with Kim in Hanoi, and Wong insisted Tuesday that such pressure provided "key impetus" for North Korea to take "serious denuclearization steps."

US accuses China of 'flagrant violation' of North Korea sanctions

The United States National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien recently assured Vietnam and the Philippines of support against China’s “aggressive” actions in the South China Sea.

Hitting out at this, the Chinese embassy in Manila accused O’Brien of “stirring up trouble in the South China Sea”, as reported by the South China Morning Post. The embassy reportedly also accused US NSA of "provoking a rift between China and the Philippines".

In another statement from the Chinese Embassy in Hanoi, Chinese officials called on the US to end its campaign against China especially in terms of the South China Sea and the Mekong River.

Also read: S<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/south-china-sea-us-vows-support-to-philippines-and-vietnam-over-row-with-china-344931" hreflang="en">outh China Sea: US vows support to Philippines and Vietnam over row with China</a>

"The US is not a party to the South China Sea dispute... but has been openly interfering in the issues under the name of safeguarding stability... and freedom of navigation," The South China Morning Post quoted Chinese embassy in Hanoi embassy as saying in a statement.

"Its purpose is never to help regional countries to resolve the dispute but to maintain its hegemony in the region," the statement claimed.

O’Brien met the Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Foreign Affairs Minister Pham Binh Minh, urging them to end end “illegal re-routing of Chinese exports.

He further told them that the US would help wither in purchasing American helicopters. Additionally, O’Brien confirmed the delivery of missiles worth $18 million, as pledged by Donald Trump in April.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/philippines-china-seek-to-jointly-develop-energy-projects-in-south-china-sea-335695" hreflang="en">Philippines, China seek to jointly develop energy projects in South China Sea</a>

During the ASEAN Summit, O`Brien claimed that China`s actions in the Mekong river basin and the South China Sea were a threat to peace, stability, and sovereignty.

In response, Chinese embassies hit out at O’Brien claiming his remarks represented “Cold War mentality”, while adding that the goal of his visit was “not to promote regional peace and stability but to create chaos in the region”.

”In recent years, to safeguard its regional and global hegemony, the US has regarded itself as patron and judge of regional countries and directly intervened in the South China Sea and other issues," a statement read.

The United States National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien recently assured Vietnam and the Philippines of support against China’s “aggressive” actions in the South China Sea.

The United States National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien recently assured Vietnam and the Philippines of support against China’s “aggressive” actions in the South China Sea. Hitting out at this, the Chinese embassy in Manila accused O’Brien of “stirring up trouble in the South China Sea”, as reported by the South China Morning Post. The embassy reportedly also accused US NSA of "provoking a rift between China and the Philippines". In another statement from the Chinese Embassy in Hanoi, Chinese officials called on the US to end its campaign against China especially in terms of the South China Sea and the Mekong River. Also read: South China Sea: US vows support to Philippines and Vietnam over row with China "The US is not a party to the South China Sea dispute... but has been openly interfering in the issues under the name of safeguarding stability... and freedom of navigation," The South China Morning Post quoted Chinese embassy in Hanoi embassy as saying in a statement. "Its purpose is never to help regional countries to resolve the dispute but to maintain its hegemony in the region," the statement claimed. O’Brien met the Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Foreign Affairs Minister Pham Binh Minh, urging them to end end “illegal re-routing of Chinese exports. He further told them that the US would help wither in purchasing American helicopters. Additionally, O’Brien confirmed the delivery of missiles worth $18 million, as pledged by Donald Trump in April. Also read: Philippines, China seek to jointly develop energy projects in South China Sea During the ASEAN Summit, O`Brien claimed that China`s actions in the Mekong river basin and the South China Sea were a threat to peace, stability, and sovereignty. In response, Chinese embassies hit out at O’Brien claiming his remarks represented “Cold War mentality”, while adding that the goal of his visit was “not to promote regional peace and stability but to create chaos in the region”. ”In recent years, to safeguard its regional and global hegemony, the US has regarded itself as patron and judge of regional countries and directly intervened in the South China Sea and other issues," a statement read.

American NSA's visit to Vietnam, Philippines represents 'Cold War mentality': Chinese embassies

In addition to a deadly pandemic and a weakened economy, President-elect Joe Biden will inherit one more challenge when he takes office in January: a toxic relationship with the world’s second-largest economy.

President Donald Trump has placed tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of products from China, imposed sanctions on Chinese companies and restricted Chinese businesses from buying U.S. technology — a multiyear onslaught aimed at forcing Beijing to change its trade practices and as punishment for its authoritarian ways. He shows no sign of letting up in his final days in office: On Thursday, Trump issued an executive order barring investments in Chinese firms with military ties.

The hard choices for Biden will include deciding whether to maintain about $360 billion worth of tariffs on Chinese imports that have raised costs for U.S. businesses and consumers, or whether to relax those levies in exchange for concessions on economic issues, or other fronts, like climate change.

Biden will need to walk a careful line. He and his advisers view many of Trump’s measures, which were aimed at severing ties between the Chinese and U.S. economies, as clumsy, costly and unstrategic. They say they want to take a smarter approach that combines working with the Chinese on some issues like global warming and the pandemic, while competing with them on technological leadership and confronting them on other issues like military expansionism, human rights violations or unfair trade.

But even if it departs from Trump’s punishing approach, the Biden administration will be eager to maintain leverage over China to accomplish its own policy goals. And the new administration will face pressure from lawmakers in both parties who view China as a national security threat and have introduced legislation aimed at penalizing Beijing for its human rights abuses, global influence operations and economic practices.

“This is likely going to be a period of continuing uncertainty on the U.S.-China front,” said Myron Brilliant, the executive vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “There is no question that President Trump has adopted a tough stance on China, and this probably doesn’t give President-elect Biden a lot of political flexibility early on, but we expect a significant departure in tone, style and process.”

Biden has given few details about his plans for U.S.-China relations, other than saying he wants to recruit U.S. allies such as Europe and Japan to pressure China to make economic reforms, like protecting intellectual property. He has pledged to devote more resources to enhancing American manufacturing capacity, infrastructure and technological development, to ensure the United States retains an edge over China even as it invests huge sums in fields like telecommunications, artificial intelligence and semiconductors.

But Biden will face pressure from both parties not to revert to the approach that he and many of his predecessors had earlier embraced in trying to transform China’s economic practices by bringing it into the global economy.

Like many Democrats and Republicans in the 1990s and early 2000s, Biden argued that integrating China into the global trading system would force Beijing to play by international rules, to the benefit of U.S. workers. In 2000, he voted to grant China permanent normal trading relations, which paved the way for China’s entry into the World Trade Organization and deeper global economic ties.

In 2016, Trump won the presidency in part by loudly rejecting that approach, arguing that the United States needed to isolate, not integrate, Beijing.

Biden acknowledges that China exploited the international system, and he has called for a more aggressive approach. Biden has said the United States must get “tough with China,” and referred to Xi Jinping, the Chinese leader, as a “thug.”

Congress is also relatively unified on taking a tough stance on China. Hundreds of China-related bills are circulating, including several bipartisan efforts that echo Biden’s emphasis on competing with China by investing in U.S. industries like quantum computing and artificial intelligence.

Biden’s first moves on China could also be dictated by Trump’s last months. Many trade experts say they are concerned Trump, who has promised to make China “pay” for not doing enough to contain the coronavirus, could amp up his economic fight. Several of Trump’s aides are bitter at China for its role as the source of the coronavirus, which they see as a major contributor to Trump’s loss, people familiar with their thinking say.

One area of focus is the trade deal that Trump signed with Chinese officials in January. While China has largely kept commitments to open up its markets to U.S. companies and Trump’s advisers have continued to defend the pact, Beijing has fallen far behind schedule in its promise to buy an additional $200 billion of goods and services by the end of next year.

Trump’s most likely path will be to leave the deal intact, said Chris Rogers, a global trade and logistics analyst at Panjiva. But he wouldn’t rule out “a scorched-earth policy where China is declared to be in violation of its Phase 1 trade deal commitments and there’s a return to tariff escalation. President-elect Biden will be left holding the pieces if the deal is broken,” Rogers said.

And the president shows no signs of backing off a confrontational approach in other areas. On Friday, his administration is expected to begin economic talks with Taiwan that are likely to rankle Beijing. His advisers are considering other measures to punish China in the coming weeks, including sanctions related to China’s security crackdowns in Hong Kong and Xinjiang, where the Chinese government has carried out mass detentions and harsh policing of ethnic minorities.

“We are worried that he’s going to do some rash things that aren’t going to make sense for the future of the country or global stability,” said Rufus Yerxa, the president of the National Foreign Trade Council, which represents major multinational companies. “Given the history of President Trump’s use of executive authority, we’re taking nothing for granted in these next few months.”

Still, “most of what he could do is through executive orders and executive actions, which can be reversed by a Biden administration,” Yerxa added.

Whether Biden opts to roll back Trump’s more punitive measures will depend, at least in part, on China’s future behavior, including whether it pursues more aggressive incursions into the South China Sea, Taiwan and Hong Kong, people close to his campaign say.

Beijing has recently endorsed a policy of greater technological self-reliance and a stronger military to protect itself from a more antagonistic United States, and moved ahead with cementing other economic partnerships. On Sunday, China signed the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, a pan-Asian trade pact that includes Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Vietnam and other countries, and will help cement China’s image as the dominant economic power in the region.

Biden’s appointments for trade and foreign policy posts could help determine his approach toward China, though it remains unclear whom he might nominate for such critical jobs as secretaries of state and commerce and the United States trade representative.

Similar to Biden himself, many of Biden’s closest advisers have a moderate track record on trade and China, believing they can work with Chinese leaders on some issues even as they challenge them on others. But several of his national security advisers are more skeptical of China.

No matter the path, business groups, economists and others are hoping for a coherent strategy that does not result in the type of economic brinkmanship Trump appeared to thrive on.

While Democrats and Republicans have credited Trump with drawing attention to China’s security threats, and its unfair economic practices like intellectual property theft, his dealings with China have also been transactional and inconsistent. In an attempt to secure a trade deal, Trump lavished praise on Xi, delayed sanctions against China’s human rights violations for months, and pardoned Chinese company ZTE for running afoul of U.S. law. And he has employed racist and xenophobic rhetoric, like calling the coronavirus the “kung flu,” that has fueled attacks on people of Asian descent around the country.

“The Trump administration never did lay out a coherent, comprehensive, engaged trade strategy,” said Thea M. Lee, an economist and the president of the Economic Policy Institute. “It was much more scattershot: Throw up a tariff here, do a deal with China, disparate elements that didn’t seem to talk to each other.”

“But there are a lot of tools in that toolbox, and I would like to see the Biden administration be thoughtful and strategic about how to use them,” Lee said.

Some experts are urging Biden to take a more nuanced approach. In a report to be published Monday, 29 China specialists and other experts, some with close ties to Biden’s advisers, urge U.S. policymakers to better compete with China by strengthening U.S. research and innovation, preserving the openness of American universities and the economy, and taking a more targeted approach to Chinese security threats.

The working group, organized by the 21st Century China Center at the University of California, San Diego, argues that the United States has allowed its technological leadership over China to erode through a lack of funding in research and development, and overreacted to threats from China in a way that has damaged America’s own economic prospects, including severing economic ties with China, and turning away Chinese students and researchers.

Peter Cowhey, the dean of the School of Global Policy &amp;amp; Strategy at the University of California, San Diego, and chairman of the working group, said its primary takeaway was that the United States “must invest and reorganize the U.S. innovation system across the board, including basic research and development and specialized manufacturing capabilities.”

“It’s a lot easier to manage risks with China if we are in an overall robust period of leadership,” he added.

In addition to a deadly pandemic and a weakened economy, President-elect Joe Biden will inherit one more challenge when he takes office in January: a toxic relationship with the world’s second-largest economy.

In addition to a deadly pandemic and a weakened economy, President-elect Joe Biden will inherit one more challenge when he takes office in January: a toxic relationship with the world’s second-largest economy. President Donald Trump has placed tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of products from China, imposed sanctions on Chinese companies and restricted Chinese businesses from buying U.S. technology — a multiyear onslaught aimed at forcing Beijing to change its trade practices and as punishment for its authoritarian ways. He shows no sign of letting up in his final days in office: On Thursday, Trump issued an executive order barring investments in Chinese firms with military ties. The hard choices for Biden will include deciding whether to maintain about $360 billion worth of tariffs on Chinese imports that have raised costs for U.S. businesses and consumers, or whether to relax those levies in exchange for concessions on economic issues, or other fronts, like climate change. Biden will need to walk a careful line. He and his advisers view many of Trump’s measures, which were aimed at severing ties between the Chinese and U.S. economies, as clumsy, costly and unstrategic. They say they want to take a smarter approach that combines working with the Chinese on some issues like global warming and the pandemic, while competing with them on technological leadership and confronting them on other issues like military expansionism, human rights violations or unfair trade. But even if it departs from Trump’s punishing approach, the Biden administration will be eager to maintain leverage over China to accomplish its own policy goals. And the new administration will face pressure from lawmakers in both parties who view China as a national security threat and have introduced legislation aimed at penalizing Beijing for its human rights abuses, global influence operations and economic practices. “This is likely going to be a period of continuing uncertainty on the U.S.-China front,” said Myron Brilliant, the executive vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “There is no question that President Trump has adopted a tough stance on China, and this probably doesn’t give President-elect Biden a lot of political flexibility early on, but we expect a significant departure in tone, style and process.” Biden has given few details about his plans for U.S.-China relations, other than saying he wants to recruit U.S. allies such as Europe and Japan to pressure China to make economic reforms, like protecting intellectual property. He has pledged to devote more resources to enhancing American manufacturing capacity, infrastructure and technological development, to ensure the United States retains an edge over China even as it invests huge sums in fields like telecommunications, artificial intelligence and semiconductors. But Biden will face pressure from both parties not to revert to the approach that he and many of his predecessors had earlier embraced in trying to transform China’s economic practices by bringing it into the global economy. Like many Democrats and Republicans in the 1990s and early 2000s, Biden argued that integrating China into the global trading system would force Beijing to play by international rules, to the benefit of U.S. workers. In 2000, he voted to grant China permanent normal trading relations, which paved the way for China’s entry into the World Trade Organization and deeper global economic ties. In 2016, Trump won the presidency in part by loudly rejecting that approach, arguing that the United States needed to isolate, not integrate, Beijing. Biden acknowledges that China exploited the international system, and he has called for a more aggressive approach. Biden has said the United States must get “tough with China,” and referred to Xi Jinping, the Chinese leader, as a “thug.” Congress is also relatively unified on taking a tough stance on China. Hundreds of China-related bills are circulating, including several bipartisan efforts that echo Biden’s emphasis on competing with China by investing in U.S. industries like quantum computing and artificial intelligence. Biden’s first moves on China could also be dictated by Trump’s last months. Many trade experts say they are concerned Trump, who has promised to make China “pay” for not doing enough to contain the coronavirus, could amp up his economic fight. Several of Trump’s aides are bitter at China for its role as the source of the coronavirus, which they see as a major contributor to Trump’s loss, people familiar with their thinking say. One area of focus is the trade deal that Trump signed with Chinese officials in January. While China has largely kept commitments to open up its markets to U.S. companies and Trump’s advisers have continued to defend the pact, Beijing has fallen far behind schedule in its promise to buy an additional $200 billion of goods and services by the end of next year. Trump’s most likely path will be to leave the deal intact, said Chris Rogers, a global trade and logistics analyst at Panjiva. But he wouldn’t rule out “a scorched-earth policy where China is declared to be in violation of its Phase 1 trade deal commitments and there’s a return to tariff escalation. President-elect Biden will be left holding the pieces if the deal is broken,” Rogers said. And the president shows no signs of backing off a confrontational approach in other areas. On Friday, his administration is expected to begin economic talks with Taiwan that are likely to rankle Beijing. His advisers are considering other measures to punish China in the coming weeks, including sanctions related to China’s security crackdowns in Hong Kong and Xinjiang, where the Chinese government has carried out mass detentions and harsh policing of ethnic minorities. “We are worried that he’s going to do some rash things that aren’t going to make sense for the future of the country or global stability,” said Rufus Yerxa, the president of the National Foreign Trade Council, which represents major multinational companies. “Given the history of President Trump’s use of executive authority, we’re taking nothing for granted in these next few months.” Still, “most of what he could do is through executive orders and executive actions, which can be reversed by a Biden administration,” Yerxa added. Whether Biden opts to roll back Trump’s more punitive measures will depend, at least in part, on China’s future behavior, including whether it pursues more aggressive incursions into the South China Sea, Taiwan and Hong Kong, people close to his campaign say. Beijing has recently endorsed a policy of greater technological self-reliance and a stronger military to protect itself from a more antagonistic United States, and moved ahead with cementing other economic partnerships. On Sunday, China signed the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, a pan-Asian trade pact that includes Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Vietnam and other countries, and will help cement China’s image as the dominant economic power in the region. Biden’s appointments for trade and foreign policy posts could help determine his approach toward China, though it remains unclear whom he might nominate for such critical jobs as secretaries of state and commerce and the United States trade representative. Similar to Biden himself, many of Biden’s closest advisers have a moderate track record on trade and China, believing they can work with Chinese leaders on some issues even as they challenge them on others. But several of his national security advisers are more skeptical of China. No matter the path, business groups, economists and others are hoping for a coherent strategy that does not result in the type of economic brinkmanship Trump appeared to thrive on. While Democrats and Republicans have credited Trump with drawing attention to China’s security threats, and its unfair economic practices like intellectual property theft, his dealings with China have also been transactional and inconsistent. In an attempt to secure a trade deal, Trump lavished praise on Xi, delayed sanctions against China’s human rights violations for months, and pardoned Chinese company ZTE for running afoul of U.S. law. And he has employed racist and xenophobic rhetoric, like calling the coronavirus the “kung flu,” that has fueled attacks on people of Asian descent around the country. “The Trump administration never did lay out a coherent, comprehensive, engaged trade strategy,” said Thea M. Lee, an economist and the president of the Economic Policy Institute. “It was much more scattershot: Throw up a tariff here, do a deal with China, disparate elements that didn’t seem to talk to each other.” “But there are a lot of tools in that toolbox, and I would like to see the Biden administration be thoughtful and strategic about how to use them,” Lee said. Some experts are urging Biden to take a more nuanced approach. In a report to be published Monday, 29 China specialists and other experts, some with close ties to Biden’s advisers, urge U.S. policymakers to better compete with China by strengthening U.S. research and innovation, preserving the openness of American universities and the economy, and taking a more targeted approach to Chinese security threats. The working group, organized by the 21st Century China Center at the University of California, San Diego, argues that the United States has allowed its technological leadership over China to erode through a lack of funding in research and development, and overreacted to threats from China in a way that has damaged America’s own economic prospects, including severing economic ties with China, and turning away Chinese students and researchers. Peter Cowhey, the dean of the School of Global Policy &amp; Strategy at the University of California, San Diego, and chairman of the working group, said its primary takeaway was that the United States “must invest and reorganize the U.S. innovation system across the board, including basic research and development and specialized manufacturing capabilities.” “It’s a lot easier to manage risks with China if we are in an overall robust period of leadership,” he added.

Biden’s China policy? A balancing act for a toxic relationship

The&nbsp;United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday said that&nbsp;Taiwan not part of China.

Speaking in a US&nbsp;radio interview on Thursday, Pompeo said, ''Taiwan has not been a part of China. That was recognised with the work that the Reagan administration did to lay out the policies that the United States has adhered to now for three-and-a-half decades."&nbsp;

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-puts-pressure-on-nations-to-not-recognise-taiwan-as-a-country-foreign-minister-joseph-wu-tells-wion-336966">China puts pressure on nations to not recognise Taiwan as a country: Foreign Minister Joseph Wu tells WION</a>

Pompeo's bold statement,&nbsp;which drew China's ire, goes hand-in-hand with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen, who views&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;as a sovereign nation, not part of "one China" policy.&nbsp;Her stance infuriates Beijing, which is now buzzing the island with an unprecedented number of fighter jets and surveillance aircraft.

Thanking&nbsp;Pompeo for his support,&nbsp;Taiwan's foreign ministry spokeswoman, Joanne Ou said&nbsp;"The Republic of China on Taiwan is a sovereign, independent country, and not part of the People's Republic of China. This is a fact and the current situation."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-moves-forward-on-three-arms-sales-to-taiwan-china-says-will-make-necessary-response-334859">White House moves forward on three arms sales to Taiwan; China says will make necessary response</a>

Chinese&nbsp;foreign ministry responded to&nbsp;Pompeo's statement&nbsp;saying it will strike back against any moves that undermine its core interests.

Speaking in Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said Taiwan was an inalienable part of China and that Pompeo was further damaging Sino-US&nbsp;ties.

"We solemnly tell Pompeo and his ilk, that any behaviour that undermines China's core interests and interferes with China's domestic affairs will be met with a resolute counterattack by China," he said, without elaborating.

China has put sanctions on US&nbsp;companies selling weapons to Taiwan and flew fighter jets near the island when senior U.S. officials visited Taipei this year.

The defeated Republic of China government fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war to the communists, who founded the People's Republic of China.

The United States is bound by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, and officially only acknowledges the Chinese position that Taiwan is part of it, rather than explicitly recognising China's claims.

Relations between Washington and Taipei warmed dramatically under Donald Trump's administration, beginning soon after the votes were counted.

Taiwan officials will travel to Washington next week for economic talks, which have also annoyed Beijing

The United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday said that Taiwan not part of China. Speaking in a US radio interview on Thursday, Pompeo said, ''Taiwan has not been a part of China.

The United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday said that Taiwan not part of China. Speaking in a US radio interview on Thursday, Pompeo said, ''Taiwan has not been a part of China. That was recognised with the work that the Reagan administration did to lay out the policies that the United States has adhered to now for three-and-a-half decades." Also read| China puts pressure on nations to not recognise Taiwan as a country: Foreign Minister Joseph Wu tells WION Pompeo's bold statement, which drew China's ire, goes hand-in-hand with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen, who views Taiwan as a sovereign nation, not part of "one China" policy. Her stance infuriates Beijing, which is now buzzing the island with an unprecedented number of fighter jets and surveillance aircraft. Thanking Pompeo for his support, Taiwan's foreign ministry spokeswoman, Joanne Ou said "The Republic of China on Taiwan is a sovereign, independent country, and not part of the People's Republic of China. This is a fact and the current situation." Also read: White House moves forward on three arms sales to Taiwan; China says will make necessary response Chinese foreign ministry responded to Pompeo's statement saying it will strike back against any moves that undermine its core interests. Speaking in Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said Taiwan was an inalienable part of China and that Pompeo was further damaging Sino-US ties. "We solemnly tell Pompeo and his ilk, that any behaviour that undermines China's core interests and interferes with China's domestic affairs will be met with a resolute counterattack by China," he said, without elaborating. China has put sanctions on US companies selling weapons to Taiwan and flew fighter jets near the island when senior U.S. officials visited Taipei this year. The defeated Republic of China government fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war to the communists, who founded the People's Republic of China. The United States is bound by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, and officially only acknowledges the Chinese position that Taiwan is part of it, rather than explicitly recognising China's claims. Relations between Washington and Taipei warmed dramatically under Donald Trump's administration, beginning soon after the votes were counted. Taiwan officials will travel to Washington next week for economic talks, which have also annoyed Beijing

Taiwan not part of China, says Mike Pompeo; Beijing fumes

President Donald Trump and his allies have tried to paint the Democratic nominee, Joe Biden, as soft on China, in part by pointing to his son’s business dealings there.

Senate Republicans produced a report asserting, among other things, that Biden’s son Hunter “opened a bank account” with a Chinese businessman, part of what it said were his numerous connections to “foreign nationals and foreign governments across the globe.”

But Trump’s own business history is filled with overseas financial deals, and some have involved the Chinese state. He spent a decade unsuccessfully pursuing projects in China, operating an office there during his first run for president and forging a partnership with a major government-controlled company.

And it turns out that China is one of only three foreign nations — the others are Britain and Ireland — where Trump maintains a bank account, according to an analysis of the president’s tax records, which were obtained by The New York Times. The foreign accounts do not show up on Trump’s public financial disclosures, where he must list personal assets, because they are held under corporate names. The identities of the financial institutions are not clear.

The Chinese account is controlled by Trump International Hotels Management LLC, which the tax records show paid $188,561 in taxes in China while pursuing licensing deals there from 2013 to 2015.

The tax records do not include details on how much money may have passed through the overseas accounts, though the Internal Revenue Service does require filers to report the portion of their income derived from other countries. The British and Irish accounts are held by companies that operate Trump’s golf courses in Scotland and Ireland, which regularly report millions of dollars in revenue from those countries. Trump International Hotels Management reported just a few thousand dollars from China.

In response to questions from The Times, Alan Garten, a lawyer for the Trump Organization, said the company had “opened an account with a Chinese bank having offices in the United States in order to pay the local taxes” associated with efforts to do business there. He said the company had opened the account after establishing an office in China “to explore the potential for hotel deals in Asia.”

“No deals, transactions or other business activities ever materialized and, since 2015, the office has remained inactive,” Garten said. “Though the bank account remains open, it has never been used for any other purpose.”

Garten would not identify the bank in China where the account is held. Until last year, China’s biggest state-controlled bank rented three floors in Trump Tower, a lucrative lease that drew accusations of a conflict of interest for the president.

China continues to be an issue in the 2020 presidential campaign, from the president’s trade war to his barbs over the origin of the coronavirus pandemic. His campaign has tried to portray Biden as a “puppet” of China who, as vice president, misread the dangers posed by its growing power. Trump has also sought to tar his opponent with overblown or unsubstantiated assertions about Hunter Biden’s business dealings there while his father was in office.

“He’s like a vacuum cleaner — he follows his father around collecting,” Trump said recently, referring to Biden’s son. “What a disgrace. It’s a crime family.”

In a misleading claim amplified by surrogates like his son Donald Trump Jr. and his lawyer Rudy Giuliani, the president has said the younger Biden “walked out of China” with $1.5 billion after accompanying his father on an official trip in 2013. Numerous news articles and fact-checking sites have explained that the huge figure was actually a fundraising goal set by an investment firm in which Hunter Biden obtained a 10% stake after his father left office. The firm did receive financial backing from a large state-controlled bank, but it is not clear the fundraising target was ever met, and there is no evidence Hunter Biden received a large personal payout.

As for the former vice president, his public financial disclosures, along with the income tax returns he voluntarily released, show no income or business dealings of his own in China. However, there is ample evidence of Trump’s efforts to join the myriad American firms that have long done business there — and the tax records for him and his companies that were obtained by The Times offer new details about them.

As with Russia, where he explored hotel and tower projects in Moscow without success, Trump has long sought a licensing deal in China. His efforts go at least as far back as 2006, when he filed trademark applications in Hong Kong and the mainland. Many Chinese government approvals came after he became president. (The president’s daughter Ivanka Trump also won Chinese trademark approvals for her personal business after she joined the White House staff.)

In 2008, Trump pursued an office tower project in Guangzhou that never got off the ground. But his efforts accelerated in 2012 with the opening of a Shanghai office, and tax records show that one of Trump’s China-related companies, THC China Development LLC, claimed $84,000 in deductions that year for travel costs, legal fees and office expenses.

After effectively planting his flag there, Trump found a partner in the State Grid Corp., one of the nation’s largest government-controlled enterprises. Agence France-Presse reported in 2016 that the partnership would have involved licensing and managing a development in Beijing. Trump was reportedly still pursuing the deal months into his first presidential campaign, but it was abandoned after State Grid became ensnared in a corruption investigation by Chinese authorities.

It is difficult to determine from the tax records precisely how much money Trump has spent trying to land business in China. The records show that he has invested at least $192,000 in five small companies created specifically to pursue projects there over the years. Those companies claimed at least $97,400 in business expenses since 2010, including some minor payments for taxes and accounting fees as recently as 2018.

But Trump’s plans in China have been largely driven by a different company, Trump International Hotels Management — the one with a Chinese bank account.

The company has direct ownership of THC China Development, but is also involved in management of other Trump-branded properties around the world, and it is not possible to discern from its tax records how much of its financial activity is China-related. It normally reports a few million dollars in annual income and deductible expenses.

In 2017, the company reported an unusually large spike in revenue — some $17.5 million, more than the previous five years’ combined. It was accompanied by a $15.1 million withdrawal by Trump from the company’s capital account.

On the president’s public financial disclosures for that year, he reported the large revenue figure, and described it only as “management fees and other contract payments.” One significant event for the company that is known to have occurred in 2017 was the buyout of its management contract for the Soho Hotel in New York, which Bloomberg reported to have cost around $6 million.

Garten would not comment on the specific amount cited by Bloomberg, but said that the contract buyout represented a “significant portion” of the company’s revenue and that the remaining money was not related to China.

Outside of China, Trump has had more success attracting wealthy Chinese buyers for his properties in other countries. His hotels and towers in Las Vegas and Vancouver, British Columbia — locales known for drawing Chinese real estate investors — have found numerous Chinese purchasers, and in at least one instance drew the attention of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

During the 2016 campaign, a shell company controlled by a Chinese couple from Vancouver bought 11 units, for $3.1 million, in the Las Vegas tower Trump co-owns with the casino magnate Phil Ruffin. The owner of a Las Vegas-based financial services firm told The Times he was later visited by two FBI agents asking about the company behind the purchases, which he said had used his office address in incorporation papers without his knowledge. It is not known what became of the inquiry.

Garten said the Trump Organization had “never been contacted by the FBI and has no knowledge of any investigation.”

In Vancouver, numerous Chinese buyers of units in Trump’s hotel and tower helped increase licensing fees from that project to $5.8 million in 2016, the year it was completed, according to tax records. The project was built by a Canadian-based firm controlled by the family of Malaysia’s richest man, Tony Tiah Thee Kian, who operates hotels in China and elsewhere. CNN reported in 2018 that the Vancouver operation was the subject of a counterintelligence review related to Ivanka Trump’s need for a security clearance.

And not long after winning the 2016 election, Trump reported selling a penthouse in one of his Manhattan buildings for $15.8 million to a Chinese-American businesswoman named Xiao Yan Chen, who bought the unit, previously occupied by Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, in an off-market transaction. Chen runs an international consulting firm and reportedly has high-level connections to government and political elites in China.

Trump’s tax records show that he reported a capital gain of at least $5.6 million from the penthouse sale in 2017, his first year as president.

President Donald Trump and his allies have tried to paint the Democratic nominee, Joe Biden, as soft on China, in part by pointing to his son’s business dealings there.

President Donald Trump and his allies have tried to paint the Democratic nominee, Joe Biden, as soft on China, in part by pointing to his son’s business dealings there. Senate Republicans produced a report asserting, among other things, that Biden’s son Hunter “opened a bank account” with a Chinese businessman, part of what it said were his numerous connections to “foreign nationals and foreign governments across the globe.” But Trump’s own business history is filled with overseas financial deals, and some have involved the Chinese state. He spent a decade unsuccessfully pursuing projects in China, operating an office there during his first run for president and forging a partnership with a major government-controlled company. And it turns out that China is one of only three foreign nations — the others are Britain and Ireland — where Trump maintains a bank account, according to an analysis of the president’s tax records, which were obtained by The New York Times. The foreign accounts do not show up on Trump’s public financial disclosures, where he must list personal assets, because they are held under corporate names. The identities of the financial institutions are not clear. The Chinese account is controlled by Trump International Hotels Management LLC, which the tax records show paid $188,561 in taxes in China while pursuing licensing deals there from 2013 to 2015. The tax records do not include details on how much money may have passed through the overseas accounts, though the Internal Revenue Service does require filers to report the portion of their income derived from other countries. The British and Irish accounts are held by companies that operate Trump’s golf courses in Scotland and Ireland, which regularly report millions of dollars in revenue from those countries. Trump International Hotels Management reported just a few thousand dollars from China. In response to questions from The Times, Alan Garten, a lawyer for the Trump Organization, said the company had “opened an account with a Chinese bank having offices in the United States in order to pay the local taxes” associated with efforts to do business there. He said the company had opened the account after establishing an office in China “to explore the potential for hotel deals in Asia.” “No deals, transactions or other business activities ever materialized and, since 2015, the office has remained inactive,” Garten said. “Though the bank account remains open, it has never been used for any other purpose.” Garten would not identify the bank in China where the account is held. Until last year, China’s biggest state-controlled bank rented three floors in Trump Tower, a lucrative lease that drew accusations of a conflict of interest for the president. China continues to be an issue in the 2020 presidential campaign, from the president’s trade war to his barbs over the origin of the coronavirus pandemic. His campaign has tried to portray Biden as a “puppet” of China who, as vice president, misread the dangers posed by its growing power. Trump has also sought to tar his opponent with overblown or unsubstantiated assertions about Hunter Biden’s business dealings there while his father was in office. “He’s like a vacuum cleaner — he follows his father around collecting,” Trump said recently, referring to Biden’s son. “What a disgrace. It’s a crime family.” In a misleading claim amplified by surrogates like his son Donald Trump Jr. and his lawyer Rudy Giuliani, the president has said the younger Biden “walked out of China” with $1.5 billion after accompanying his father on an official trip in 2013. Numerous news articles and fact-checking sites have explained that the huge figure was actually a fundraising goal set by an investment firm in which Hunter Biden obtained a 10% stake after his father left office. The firm did receive financial backing from a large state-controlled bank, but it is not clear the fundraising target was ever met, and there is no evidence Hunter Biden received a large personal payout. As for the former vice president, his public financial disclosures, along with the income tax returns he voluntarily released, show no income or business dealings of his own in China. However, there is ample evidence of Trump’s efforts to join the myriad American firms that have long done business there — and the tax records for him and his companies that were obtained by The Times offer new details about them. As with Russia, where he explored hotel and tower projects in Moscow without success, Trump has long sought a licensing deal in China. His efforts go at least as far back as 2006, when he filed trademark applications in Hong Kong and the mainland. Many Chinese government approvals came after he became president. (The president’s daughter Ivanka Trump also won Chinese trademark approvals for her personal business after she joined the White House staff.) In 2008, Trump pursued an office tower project in Guangzhou that never got off the ground. But his efforts accelerated in 2012 with the opening of a Shanghai office, and tax records show that one of Trump’s China-related companies, THC China Development LLC, claimed $84,000 in deductions that year for travel costs, legal fees and office expenses. After effectively planting his flag there, Trump found a partner in the State Grid Corp., one of the nation’s largest government-controlled enterprises. Agence France-Presse reported in 2016 that the partnership would have involved licensing and managing a development in Beijing. Trump was reportedly still pursuing the deal months into his first presidential campaign, but it was abandoned after State Grid became ensnared in a corruption investigation by Chinese authorities. It is difficult to determine from the tax records precisely how much money Trump has spent trying to land business in China. The records show that he has invested at least $192,000 in five small companies created specifically to pursue projects there over the years. Those companies claimed at least $97,400 in business expenses since 2010, including some minor payments for taxes and accounting fees as recently as 2018. But Trump’s plans in China have been largely driven by a different company, Trump International Hotels Management — the one with a Chinese bank account. The company has direct ownership of THC China Development, but is also involved in management of other Trump-branded properties around the world, and it is not possible to discern from its tax records how much of its financial activity is China-related. It normally reports a few million dollars in annual income and deductible expenses. In 2017, the company reported an unusually large spike in revenue — some $17.5 million, more than the previous five years’ combined. It was accompanied by a $15.1 million withdrawal by Trump from the company’s capital account. On the president’s public financial disclosures for that year, he reported the large revenue figure, and described it only as “management fees and other contract payments.” One significant event for the company that is known to have occurred in 2017 was the buyout of its management contract for the Soho Hotel in New York, which Bloomberg reported to have cost around $6 million. Garten would not comment on the specific amount cited by Bloomberg, but said that the contract buyout represented a “significant portion” of the company’s revenue and that the remaining money was not related to China. Outside of China, Trump has had more success attracting wealthy Chinese buyers for his properties in other countries. His hotels and towers in Las Vegas and Vancouver, British Columbia — locales known for drawing Chinese real estate investors — have found numerous Chinese purchasers, and in at least one instance drew the attention of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. During the 2016 campaign, a shell company controlled by a Chinese couple from Vancouver bought 11 units, for $3.1 million, in the Las Vegas tower Trump co-owns with the casino magnate Phil Ruffin. The owner of a Las Vegas-based financial services firm told The Times he was later visited by two FBI agents asking about the company behind the purchases, which he said had used his office address in incorporation papers without his knowledge. It is not known what became of the inquiry. Garten said the Trump Organization had “never been contacted by the FBI and has no knowledge of any investigation.” In Vancouver, numerous Chinese buyers of units in Trump’s hotel and tower helped increase licensing fees from that project to $5.8 million in 2016, the year it was completed, according to tax records. The project was built by a Canadian-based firm controlled by the family of Malaysia’s richest man, Tony Tiah Thee Kian, who operates hotels in China and elsewhere. CNN reported in 2018 that the Vancouver operation was the subject of a counterintelligence review related to Ivanka Trump’s need for a security clearance. And not long after winning the 2016 election, Trump reported selling a penthouse in one of his Manhattan buildings for $15.8 million to a Chinese-American businesswoman named Xiao Yan Chen, who bought the unit, previously occupied by Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, in an off-market transaction. Chen runs an international consulting firm and reportedly has high-level connections to government and political elites in China. Trump’s tax records show that he reported a capital gain of at least $5.6 million from the penthouse sale in 2017, his first year as president.

Trump records shed new light on Chinese business pursuits

US Defense Secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-relationship-with-india-important-monitoring-lac-very-closely-us-defense-secretary-mark-esper-314931">Mark Esper</a> on Tuesday called for strengthing relations with "like-minded democracies" to counter Russia and China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-uae-eye-december-goal-to-agree-on-f-35-deal-sources-329434">Also Read:&nbsp;&nbsp;US and UAE eye December goal to agree on F-35 deal</a>

"America's network of allies and partners provides us an asymmetric advantage our adversaries cannot match," Esper said.

The initiative named the Guidance for Development for Alliances and Partnerships(GDAP) aims to foster relations with partner countries in order to facilitate militaries cooperation and US arms sales. 
&nbsp; 
"China and Russia probably have fewer than 10 allies combined," the defence secretary said, adding,"the smaller the nation and the greater its needs, the heavier the pressure from Beijing."

Esper citing NATO and Malt's example said: "Examples like these illustrate the importance of aligning with like-minded nations, large and small, to maintain the free and open order that has served us all so very well for decades."

The defence secretary also highlighted the need to build closer ties with "like-minded democracies such as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajanth-singh-us-defence-secretary-mark-esper-discuss-china-build-up-301895">India</a> and Indonesia". Esper is due to visit India next week.

"They all recognize what China is doing," he added.

"We must compete with China and Russia whose state-owned industries can fast-track military exports in ways that we cannot, and would never want to, in many cases," the defence secretary added.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Tuesday called for strengthing relations with "like-minded democracies" to counter Russia and China. Also Read: US and UAE eye December goal to agree on F-35 deal "America's network of allies and partners provides us an asymmetric advantage our adversaries cannot match," Esper said.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Tuesday called for strengthing relations with "like-minded democracies" to counter Russia and China. Also Read: US and UAE eye December goal to agree on F-35 deal "America's network of allies and partners provides us an asymmetric advantage our adversaries cannot match," Esper said. The initiative named the Guidance for Development for Alliances and Partnerships(GDAP) aims to foster relations with partner countries in order to facilitate militaries cooperation and US arms sales. "China and Russia probably have fewer than 10 allies combined," the defence secretary said, adding,"the smaller the nation and the greater its needs, the heavier the pressure from Beijing." Esper citing NATO and Malt's example said: "Examples like these illustrate the importance of aligning with like-minded nations, large and small, to maintain the free and open order that has served us all so very well for decades." The defence secretary also highlighted the need to build closer ties with "like-minded democracies such as India and Indonesia". Esper is due to visit India next week. "They all recognize what China is doing," he added. "We must compete with China and Russia whose state-owned industries can fast-track military exports in ways that we cannot, and would never want to, in many cases," the defence secretary added.

US defence secretary Mark Esper stresses on closer ties with 'like-minded democracies such as India' amid China tensions

us-china

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

us china