The United States and&nbsp;China&nbsp;are discussing a possible meeting of US&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at a G20 meet in Italy next week, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday citing people briefed on the talks.

The administration of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">US&nbsp;President Joe Biden</a> has also informed counterparts in Beijing that it would like Wendy Sherman, deputy secretary of state, to visit&nbsp;China&nbsp;over the summer, the newspaper said.

According to the British newspaper's report, the White House has also held preliminary internal discussions about sending Blinken or Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser, to&nbsp;China&nbsp;later this year. A move that could set the stage for Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping to hold a bilateral summit on the margins of the G20 leaders meeting in Rome in October.

Relations between the two nations have recently been particularly turbulent with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">US President Joe Biden</a> ordering an enquiry into the Coronavirus origins.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-rally-around-the-need-to-counter-and-compete-with-china-white-house-391244">G7 rally around the need to 'counter and compete' with China: White House</a>

US's&nbsp;decision to significantly step up engagement with China comes after months of talks between the country and its allies on Beijing, and how to better address various concerns these nations share over China. Many of these&nbsp;talks produced some tough joint statements.&nbsp;

In the recently held G7 summit in the UK, The Group of Seven rich nations pledged to tackle China's growing influence, singling out China in their communique over human rights in Xinjiang and demanding freedoms and a high degree of autonomy for Hong Kong.

The nations also agreed to launch the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-adopts-global-infrastructure-plan-an-answer-to-chinas-belt-and-road-initiative-391026">Build Back Better World" (B3W) project</a>,&nbsp;a plan that counter’s Chinese Belt and Road initiative, and is an attempt to build infrastructure in poorer nations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-condemns-latest-us-warship-transit-of-taiwan-strait-393222">China condemns latest US warship transit of Taiwan Strait</a>

Recently, Beijing also accused the United States of threatening peace and stability, after a US&nbsp;warship again sailed through the sensitive waterway that separates Taiwan from China. This was the second such sailing, which according to the US was a "routine Taiwan Strait transit" done as per international law.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States and China are discussing a possible meeting of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at a G20 meet in Italy next week, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday citing people briefed on the talks.

The United States and China are discussing a possible meeting of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at a G20 meet in Italy next week, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday citing people briefed on the talks. The administration of US President Joe Biden has also informed counterparts in Beijing that it would like Wendy Sherman, deputy secretary of state, to visit China over the summer, the newspaper said. According to the British newspaper's report, the White House has also held preliminary internal discussions about sending Blinken or Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser, to China later this year. A move that could set the stage for Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping to hold a bilateral summit on the margins of the G20 leaders meeting in Rome in October. Relations between the two nations have recently been particularly turbulent with US President Joe Biden ordering an enquiry into the Coronavirus origins. Also read | G7 rally around the need to 'counter and compete' with China: White House US's decision to significantly step up engagement with China comes after months of talks between the country and its allies on Beijing, and how to better address various concerns these nations share over China. Many of these talks produced some tough joint statements. In the recently held G7 summit in the UK, The Group of Seven rich nations pledged to tackle China's growing influence, singling out China in their communique over human rights in Xinjiang and demanding freedoms and a high degree of autonomy for Hong Kong. The nations also agreed to launch the Build Back Better World" (B3W) project, a plan that counter’s Chinese Belt and Road initiative, and is an attempt to build infrastructure in poorer nations. Also read | China condemns latest US warship transit of Taiwan Strait Recently, Beijing also accused the United States of threatening peace and stability, after a US warship again sailed through the sensitive waterway that separates Taiwan from China. This was the second such sailing, which according to the US was a "routine Taiwan Strait transit" done as per international law. (With inputs from agencies)

US, China discuss possible meeting of secretary of state, Chinese foreign minister: Report

President Joe Biden's executive order aimed at safeguarding Americans' sensitive data would force some Chinese apps to take tougher measures to protect private information if they want to remain in the US market, according to people familiar with the matter.

The goal is to keep foreign adversaries like China and Russia from gaining access to large amounts of personal and proprietary business information. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/india-officially-bans-chinese-apps-including-tiktok-here-are-the-top-10-309486">Pictures | India officially bans Chinese apps including TikTok: Here are the top 10!</a> 
 
The US Department of Commerce may issue subpoenas to collect information about certain smartphone, tablet and desktop computer software applications. Then the agency may negotiate conditions for their use in the United States or ban the apps, according to people familiar with the matter.

Biden's June 9 order replaced former President Donald Trump's 2020 bans against the popular Chinese applications WeChat, owned by Tencent Holdings Co, and ByteDance Ltd's TikTok. US courts halted those bans.

US officials share many of the concerns Trump cited in his order banning TikTok, according to one person familiar with the matter. Notably, they fear that China could track the locations of US government employees, build dossiers of personal information for blackmail and conduct corporate espionage.

While the new order does not name companies, it could end up capturing more apps than the Trump bans and hold up better if challenged in court. Reuters is the first to report details on how the Biden administration plans to implement the order, including seeking support from other countries.

US officials have begun speaking with allies about adopting a similar approach, one source said. The hope is that partner countries will agree on apps that should be banned.

US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo will decide which apps to target for US action, but they must meet certain criteria. For instance, they must be owned, controlled or managed by a person or entity that supports the military or intelligence activities of a foreign adversary such as China or Russia.

WECHAT, TIKTOK MAY BE REVIEWED

If Raimondo decides an app poses an unacceptable risk, she "has the discretion to notify the parties" directly or publish the information in the government's official daily publication, the Federal Register, a Commerce Department spokesman said.

Companies will then have 30 days to object or propose measures to secure data better, the Commerce spokesman said.

The process stems from a May 2019 Trump executive order for reviewing information and communications technology from foreign adversaries.

Apps from China are most likely to find themselves in the Commerce Department's crosshairs given escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing, the Chinese government's ability to exert control over companies and the number of Chinese apps used by Americans.

WeChat, TikTok and eight other apps targeted by the Trump administration in its last months are eligible for review by Biden's team, one source said.

The Trump targets also included Ant Group's Alipay mobile payment app, WeChat Pay, Tencent Holdings Ltd's QQ Wallet, Tencent QQ, CamScanner, SHAREit, VMate published by Alibaba Group subsidiary UCWeb and Beijing Kingsoft Office Software's WPS Office.

Some of the apps named by Trump have serious data protection issues, while it's unclear why others pose a heightened risk to national security, according to another person familiar with the matter.

The order will apply to business apps, including those used in banking and telecommunications, as well as consumer apps, the first source said.

Apps linked to other adversaries such as Iran or Venezuela are already blocked under broader sanctions.

President Joe Biden's executive order aimed at safeguarding Americans' sensitive data would force some Chinese apps to take tougher measures to protect private information if they want to remain in the US market, according to people familiar with the matter.

President Joe Biden's executive order aimed at safeguarding Americans' sensitive data would force some Chinese apps to take tougher measures to protect private information if they want to remain in the US market, according to people familiar with the matter. The goal is to keep foreign adversaries like China and Russia from gaining access to large amounts of personal and proprietary business information. Pictures | India officially bans Chinese apps including TikTok: Here are the top 10! The US Department of Commerce may issue subpoenas to collect information about certain smartphone, tablet and desktop computer software applications. Then the agency may negotiate conditions for their use in the United States or ban the apps, according to people familiar with the matter. Biden's June 9 order replaced former President Donald Trump's 2020 bans against the popular Chinese applications WeChat, owned by Tencent Holdings Co, and ByteDance Ltd's TikTok. US courts halted those bans. US officials share many of the concerns Trump cited in his order banning TikTok, according to one person familiar with the matter. Notably, they fear that China could track the locations of US government employees, build dossiers of personal information for blackmail and conduct corporate espionage. While the new order does not name companies, it could end up capturing more apps than the Trump bans and hold up better if challenged in court. Reuters is the first to report details on how the Biden administration plans to implement the order, including seeking support from other countries. US officials have begun speaking with allies about adopting a similar approach, one source said. The hope is that partner countries will agree on apps that should be banned. US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo will decide which apps to target for US action, but they must meet certain criteria. For instance, they must be owned, controlled or managed by a person or entity that supports the military or intelligence activities of a foreign adversary such as China or Russia. WECHAT, TIKTOK MAY BE REVIEWED If Raimondo decides an app poses an unacceptable risk, she "has the discretion to notify the parties" directly or publish the information in the government's official daily publication, the Federal Register, a Commerce Department spokesman said. Companies will then have 30 days to object or propose measures to secure data better, the Commerce spokesman said. The process stems from a May 2019 Trump executive order for reviewing information and communications technology from foreign adversaries. Apps from China are most likely to find themselves in the Commerce Department's crosshairs given escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing, the Chinese government's ability to exert control over companies and the number of Chinese apps used by Americans. WeChat, TikTok and eight other apps targeted by the Trump administration in its last months are eligible for review by Biden's team, one source said. The Trump targets also included Ant Group's Alipay mobile payment app, WeChat Pay, Tencent Holdings Ltd's QQ Wallet, Tencent QQ, CamScanner, SHAREit, VMate published by Alibaba Group subsidiary UCWeb and Beijing Kingsoft Office Software's WPS Office. Some of the apps named by Trump have serious data protection issues, while it's unclear why others pose a heightened risk to national security, according to another person familiar with the matter. The order will apply to business apps, including those used in banking and telecommunications, as well as consumer apps, the first source said. Apps linked to other adversaries such as Iran or Venezuela are already blocked under broader sanctions.

Chinese apps like TikTok, WeChat could face subpoenas or bans under Biden order: Report 

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-looks-to-strengthen-relationships-tackle-adversaries-391599">Joe Biden</a> and the European Union(EU) officials on Tuesday came together to remove tariffs on $11.5 billion goods from EU wine to US tobacco and spirits for five years as both sides decided to call a truce over the 17-year-old Airbus-Boeing dispute.

President Biden and European Commission chief Von der Leyen had earlier suspended retaliatory tariffs in the dispute over subsidies for the rival plane makers.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-biden-meets-european-union-leaders-after-nato-summit-391676/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The truce is set to last for five years which both sides feel is enough to resolve the conflict as they fear China has been trying to develop a rival passenger aircraft although Airbus and Boeing have factories in China.

US and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-nato-biden-turns-to-eu-for-renewal-of-transatlantic-ties-391533">EU</a> had slapped $12 billion retaliatory tariffs on each other over American company Boeing and European aerospace company Airbus in a spat involving government subsidies even as reports said China was trying to push the “Made in China 2025” initiative with state-owned Comac aerospace set to develop a jet called C919 as a direct competition to Airbus and Boeing.

"We also agreed to work together to challenge and counter China's non-market practices in this sector that give China's companies an unfair advantage," Biden said.

The EU and US officials had earlier in March decided to suspend the tit-for-tat tariff war.

The American president quoting a poem from&nbsp;Easter 1916 by William Yeats said: "The world has changed, changed utterly" as Europe and the US sought to cement transatlantic ties.

"This really opens a new chapter in our relationship because we move from litigation to cooperation on aircraft," EU Commission president Von der Leyen said.

US Trade Representative Katherine Ta applauding the deal said: "This is a model that we will use to build on for other challenges posed by China and non-market economic competition."

US President Joe Biden and the European Union(EU) officials on Tuesday came together to remove tariffs on $11.5 billion goods from EU wine to US tobacco and spirits for five years as both sides decided to call a truce over the 17-year-old Airbus-Boeing dispute.

US President Joe Biden and the European Union(EU) officials on Tuesday came together to remove tariffs on $11.5 billion goods from EU wine to US tobacco and spirits for five years as both sides decided to call a truce over the 17-year-old Airbus-Boeing dispute. President Biden and European Commission chief Von der Leyen had earlier suspended retaliatory tariffs in the dispute over subsidies for the rival plane makers. Watch: The truce is set to last for five years which both sides feel is enough to resolve the conflict as they fear China has been trying to develop a rival passenger aircraft although Airbus and Boeing have factories in China. US and EU had slapped $12 billion retaliatory tariffs on each other over American company Boeing and European aerospace company Airbus in a spat involving government subsidies even as reports said China was trying to push the “Made in China 2025” initiative with state-owned Comac aerospace set to develop a jet called C919 as a direct competition to Airbus and Boeing. "We also agreed to work together to challenge and counter China's non-market practices in this sector that give China's companies an unfair advantage," Biden said. The EU and US officials had earlier in March decided to suspend the tit-for-tat tariff war. The American president quoting a poem from Easter 1916 by William Yeats said: "The world has changed, changed utterly" as Europe and the US sought to cement transatlantic ties. "This really opens a new chapter in our relationship because we move from litigation to cooperation on aircraft," EU Commission president Von der Leyen said. US Trade Representative Katherine Ta applauding the deal said: "This is a model that we will use to build on for other challenges posed by China and non-market economic competition."

'China's non-market practices': How US, EU settled Airbus-Boeing jet subsidy battle

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;

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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."

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"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.

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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

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