The Chinese delegation led by State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi holds a meeting with a delegation led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, acting deputy Prime Minister of the Afghan Taliban's interim government in Doha, Qatar.

Chinese FM Wang Yi meets the Taliban's top leader Mullah Baradar in Doha

Two months since taking over Kabul, the Taliban is struggling for international recognition. In their latest effort, acting deputy Prime Minister of the Afghan Taliban's interim government Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar held a meeting with Chinese delegations in Doha, Qatar.

Taliban's Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Baradar meets Chinese FM Wang in Doha

The Indian external affairs minister S. Jaishankar held talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of the SCO meet.

MEA S Jaishankar, his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi hold key talks at SCO summit

Chinese foreign ministry said on Monday that China's foreign minister Wang Yi told US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on call on Sunday that international community should engage and "positively guide" the Taliban.

According to a statement, Wang Yi said that Washington should work with the international community to provide economic and humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, help the new regime run governmental functions normally, maintain social stability, and stop the currency from depreciating and the cost of living from rising,

"While respecting the sovereignty of Afghanistan, the US should take concrete action to help Afghanistan fight terrorism and stop violence, rather than playing double standards or fighting terrorism selectively," Wang said, warning that the "hasty withdrawal" could allow terrorist groups to "regroup and come back stronger."

China's state television said that the call was made at the invitation of Washington.

US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement that both Blinken and Wang spoke about "the importance of the international community holding the Taliban accountable for the public commitments they have made regarding the safe passage and freedom to travel for Afghans and foreign nationals."

US officials had argued before the chaos of past two weeks that troop withdrawal from Afghanistan would free up time of senior US political and military leaders and help them focus their attention on the Indo-Pacific and challenge posed by China.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/russia-appeals-usa-to-release-afghan-central-bank-reserves-409426">Russia appeals USA to release Afghan central bank reserves</a>

But China's state-controlled media have seized on the often chaotic pullout, portraying US support for allies as fickle.

China has not officially recognized the Taliban as Afghanistan's new rulers, but Wang Yi last month hosted Mullah Baradar, chief of the group's political office, and has said the world should guide and support the country as it transitions to a new government instead of putting more pressure on it.

Wang earlier told Blinken in a call on Aug. 16 that the hasty pullout of U.S. troops from Afghanistan had a "serious negative impact," but pledged to work with Washington to promote stability in the country.

But Wang said Washington could not expect China's cooperation if it was also trying to "contain and suppress China and harm China's legitimate rights and interests," Chinese state media reported at the time of the earlier call.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese foreign ministry said on Monday that China's foreign minister Wang Yi told US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on call on Sunday that international community should engage and "positively guide" the Taliban.

Chinese foreign ministry said on Monday that China's foreign minister Wang Yi told US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on call on Sunday that international community should engage and "positively guide" the Taliban. According to a statement, Wang Yi said that Washington should work with the international community to provide economic and humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, help the new regime run governmental functions normally, maintain social stability, and stop the currency from depreciating and the cost of living from rising, "While respecting the sovereignty of Afghanistan, the US should take concrete action to help Afghanistan fight terrorism and stop violence, rather than playing double standards or fighting terrorism selectively," Wang said, warning that the "hasty withdrawal" could allow terrorist groups to "regroup and come back stronger." China's state television said that the call was made at the invitation of Washington. US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement that both Blinken and Wang spoke about "the importance of the international community holding the Taliban accountable for the public commitments they have made regarding the safe passage and freedom to travel for Afghans and foreign nationals." US officials had argued before the chaos of past two weeks that troop withdrawal from Afghanistan would free up time of senior US political and military leaders and help them focus their attention on the Indo-Pacific and challenge posed by China. Also Read | Russia appeals USA to release Afghan central bank reserves But China's state-controlled media have seized on the often chaotic pullout, portraying US support for allies as fickle. China has not officially recognized the Taliban as Afghanistan's new rulers, but Wang Yi last month hosted Mullah Baradar, chief of the group's political office, and has said the world should guide and support the country as it transitions to a new government instead of putting more pressure on it. Wang earlier told Blinken in a call on Aug. 16 that the hasty pullout of U.S. troops from Afghanistan had a "serious negative impact," but pledged to work with Washington to promote stability in the country. But Wang said Washington could not expect China's cooperation if it was also trying to "contain and suppress China and harm China's legitimate rights and interests," Chinese state media reported at the time of the earlier call. (With inputs from agencies)

International community should 'guide' Taliban in Afghanistan, says China

US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman visited China and conducted talks on bilateral issues. The visit comes at a time when tensions grew between US and China.

US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman visits China, conducts talks on bilateral issues

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to discuss several bilateral issues, including progress of a joint probe and increasing security for thousands of Chinese workers after a blast in a bus in northwest Pakistan killed nine Chinese engineers and jolted the ties between the two all-weather allies.

Qureshi, who is due to arrive on Friday night for the two-day visit, will hold talks with Wang in western China’s Chengdu city, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said during a media briefing here.

China rushed a special team to Pakistan to probe the July 14 blast in a shuttle bus at Dasu area of Upper Kohistan district of the restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province where a Chinese company is building a 4320-MW dam on the Indus river. Thirteen people, including nine Chinese engineers, were killed in the incident.

Differing perceptions between the two close allies whether it was a terrorist attack or a gas explosion that hit the vehicle added to Beijing’s anxieties.

Initially, it was said that an explosion occurred before the bus fell into a ravine. Later, Pakistan announced that the bus fell first due to some technical issue and later on an explosion was caused due to gas leakage.

But the Chinese side kept on calling it an explosion and also sent a 15-member team of experts to probe the nature of the blast.

The blast and deaths of Chinese engineers caused a sense of unease and concern in Beijing as thousands of workers from China are employed in a host of projects of the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

For Islamabad, ties with China are crucial due to its increasing economic dependence on Beijing. The CPEC launched in 2015 is considered a game-changer by many in Pakistan.

The talks are also taking place amid Beijing’s concern over the offensive by the Taliban in Afghanistan which included capture of China-Afghanistan border point in Badakhshan province and the reports of large number of militants of separatist East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) consisting of Uyghur militants from China’s volatile Xinjiang province.

China, which wants the Taliban to sever links with terrorist groups in Afghanistan, has stepped up its diplomacy to reduce frictions between Pakistan and Afghanistan over Islamabad’s backing for Taliban and settle for a power-sharing settlement with the Afghan government.

“The two foreign ministers will also exchange views on deepening anti-terrorism and security cooperation and assuring the security of Chinese institutions and projects in Pakistan," Zhao said, elaborating on the issues to be discussed by Qureshi and Wang.

Asked about any updates about the joint probe into the bus blast, Zhao said, “China and Pakistan are still looking into the terrorist case” and he had no further information to offer.

Qureshi and Wang will hold the third strategic dialogue between the two countries, which are celebrating the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

They will exchange views on international and regional issues of common concern and bilateral cooperation, he said.

“The two sides are all-weather strategic cooperative partners. We support each other for mutually beneficial cooperation on bilateral terms and seek common development," he said.

“China is ready to take this opportunity of the foreign minister''s visit to China, enhance strategic cooperation, deepen practical cooperation and lift relations to a new height and make active contribution to the Belt and Road Initiative," he said.

Earlier, the Pakistan Foreign Office said the time-tested Pakistan-China relationship is based on unparalleled mutual trust, understanding and commonality of interests and both sides are fully committed to building a closer China-Pakistan community of shared future.

It said that during Qureshi''s visit, both sides will inter alia discuss further deepening of bilateral relations, focus on cooperation in the high-quality development under the CPEC, defence and security cooperation, COVID-19 vaccines, counter-terrorism and regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The visit will play an important role in further strengthening Pakistan-China “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” and will expand strategic communication and coordination with Beijing on a range of issues, it said.&nbsp;

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to discuss several bilateral issues, including progress of a joint probe and increasing security for thousands of Chinese workers after a blast in a bus in northwest Pakistan killed nine Chinese engineers and jolted the ties between the two all-weather allies.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to discuss several bilateral issues, including progress of a joint probe and increasing security for thousands of Chinese workers after a blast in a bus in northwest Pakistan killed nine Chinese engineers and jolted the ties between the two all-weather allies. Qureshi, who is due to arrive on Friday night for the two-day visit, will hold talks with Wang in western China’s Chengdu city, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said during a media briefing here. China rushed a special team to Pakistan to probe the July 14 blast in a shuttle bus at Dasu area of Upper Kohistan district of the restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province where a Chinese company is building a 4320-MW dam on the Indus river. Thirteen people, including nine Chinese engineers, were killed in the incident. Differing perceptions between the two close allies whether it was a terrorist attack or a gas explosion that hit the vehicle added to Beijing’s anxieties. Initially, it was said that an explosion occurred before the bus fell into a ravine. Later, Pakistan announced that the bus fell first due to some technical issue and later on an explosion was caused due to gas leakage. But the Chinese side kept on calling it an explosion and also sent a 15-member team of experts to probe the nature of the blast. The blast and deaths of Chinese engineers caused a sense of unease and concern in Beijing as thousands of workers from China are employed in a host of projects of the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). For Islamabad, ties with China are crucial due to its increasing economic dependence on Beijing. The CPEC launched in 2015 is considered a game-changer by many in Pakistan. The talks are also taking place amid Beijing’s concern over the offensive by the Taliban in Afghanistan which included capture of China-Afghanistan border point in Badakhshan province and the reports of large number of militants of separatist East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) consisting of Uyghur militants from China’s volatile Xinjiang province. China, which wants the Taliban to sever links with terrorist groups in Afghanistan, has stepped up its diplomacy to reduce frictions between Pakistan and Afghanistan over Islamabad’s backing for Taliban and settle for a power-sharing settlement with the Afghan government. “The two foreign ministers will also exchange views on deepening anti-terrorism and security cooperation and assuring the security of Chinese institutions and projects in Pakistan," Zhao said, elaborating on the issues to be discussed by Qureshi and Wang. Asked about any updates about the joint probe into the bus blast, Zhao said, “China and Pakistan are still looking into the terrorist case” and he had no further information to offer. Qureshi and Wang will hold the third strategic dialogue between the two countries, which are celebrating the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. They will exchange views on international and regional issues of common concern and bilateral cooperation, he said. “The two sides are all-weather strategic cooperative partners. We support each other for mutually beneficial cooperation on bilateral terms and seek common development," he said. “China is ready to take this opportunity of the foreign minister''s visit to China, enhance strategic cooperation, deepen practical cooperation and lift relations to a new height and make active contribution to the Belt and Road Initiative," he said. Earlier, the Pakistan Foreign Office said the time-tested Pakistan-China relationship is based on unparalleled mutual trust, understanding and commonality of interests and both sides are fully committed to building a closer China-Pakistan community of shared future. It said that during Qureshi''s visit, both sides will inter alia discuss further deepening of bilateral relations, focus on cooperation in the high-quality development under the CPEC, defence and security cooperation, COVID-19 vaccines, counter-terrorism and regional and international issues of mutual interest. The visit will play an important role in further strengthening Pakistan-China “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” and will expand strategic communication and coordination with Beijing on a range of issues, it said.

Post bus blast, China, Pakistan FMs to hold talks in Chengdu

US deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman will meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Tianjin. This will make her the first highest-ranking official under Biden administration to visit China.

Senior US official Sherman to meet China Foreign Minister Wang Yi next week

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on the sidelines of the SCO Foreign Ministers’ meeting. The two Ministers had a detailed exchange of views on the current situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh and also on other issues related to the overall India-China relations.

S Jaishankar meets Wang Yi, says change of LAC status quo 'not acceptable'

Indian EAM Jaishankar meets Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi in Dushanbe

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan from July 12 to 16 and will discuss Afghanistan's situation with Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) officials.

Chinese FM Wang Yi to visit three Central Asian countries, attend SCO summit

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

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday promised to do the utmost in supporting India's fight against the COVID-19 surge and said that anti-pandemic materials produced in China were entering India at a faster pace.

In a letter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Wang said that the Chinese side "shares empathy for the challenges facing India and expresses sincere sympathy".

"The coronavirus is the common enemy of mankind, and the international community needs solidarity and coordination for a concerted response.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="China: 10 sailors infected with 'imported' Covid variant">China: 10 sailors infected with 'imported' Covid variant</a>

The Chinese side firmly supports the Indian Government and people in fighting the pandemic," he wrote in the letter, a copy of which was tweeted by Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Weidong.

Wang said that anti pandemic materials produced in China are entering India at a faster pace to help India fight the epidemic.

"The Chinese side will continue to do its utmost to provide support and help according to the needs of India. We hope and believe that under the leadership of the Indian Government, the Indian people will surely prevail over the epidemic at an early date,&nbsp;he added.

Wang's letter came even as the militaries of the two countries are yet to resolve the disengagement from the remaining areas of eastern Ladakh after the withdrawal from Pangong lake area in February.

Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin on Thursday termed as "fake news" the reports of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum's (USISPF) allegations that Beijing has stopped shipments of oxygen concentrators being procured from China to be delivered to India to meet the oxygen shortages in view of the surge of COVID-19 cases.

Asked about the media reports quoting Mukesh Aghi, President and CEO of Washington based USISPF, stating China has stopped all-cargo flights delaying his organisation's efforts to source one lakh oxygen concentrators from China to India, Wang Wenbin said it is a "fake news".

Aghi was quoted as saying that in order to overcome logistics challenges, his organisation is sourcing the oxygen concentrators from China for easy transportation to India.

He alleged that in view of Chinese action to stop the logistics flights to India, the concentrators are to be routed through Tokyo and Dubai resulting in delay.

"This is fake news reports that China has stopped transport of oxygen generators procured by the USA to India is fake news," the spokesman said.

He, however, declined to respond to questions about when state-run Sichuan Airlines which had suspended all 11 of its cargo flights to India resulting in disruption of procurement of oxygen concentrators would resume its flights.

After the announcement to suspend the flights on April 26 in view of the COVID-19, the airline retracted its decision and said it is working out a new plan to resume the services. But so far it has not announced any new schedule.

Asked when the airline would resume its operations, Wang Wenbin said, "I would refer you to the relevant airline". 
"China shows deep sympathy to India as the country struggles with rampant COVID-19 and China expresses its sincere condolences to the Indian people. We reiterate China's willingness to help and support India as per its needs,&nbsp;he said.

"Chinese companies have been led by the government to take actions. The first batch of oxygen concentrators have arrived in India. We would like to cooperate with India in multiple ways to provide assistance. We believe India will defeat the virus," he said.

Asked how many oxygen concentrators have been sent to India, he said, ?for specific numbers you may refer to websites of Chinese embassy and Consulates in India.

China's Ambassador to India Sun Weidong in a tweet on Wednesday said Chinese medical suppliers are working overtime on orders from India, at least 25000 orders for oxygen concentrators in recent days. Cargo planes are under plan for medical supplies. Chinese customs will facilitate relevant process.

Wu Zunyou, a chief epidemiologist with the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention told the media here, the Indian strain' of the coronavirus has been detected in some Chinese cities.

The surge in COVID-19 cases in some Asian countries has again sounded the alarm that the prevention and control of COVID-19 is far from over, which, instead, is difficult, complex, recurrent and long-term, Wu said, the state-run CGTN-TV reported.

According to official media reports, about 11 Chinese crew members of a cargo ship tested positive for the coronavirus after returning from India.

Wu also pointed out that the mutation of the novel coronavirus has been occurring since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and will not stop as long as the pandemic continues. But the transmission of different virus variants can be stopped, Wu said.

"Implementing containment measures is crucial both to stop the spread of the mutant strains and to prevent the occurrence of new mutations," he said.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday promised to do the utmost in supporting India's fight against the COVID-19 surge and said that anti-pandemic materials produced in China were entering India at a faster pace.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday promised to do the utmost in supporting India's fight against the COVID-19 surge and said that anti-pandemic materials produced in China were entering India at a faster pace. In a letter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Wang said that the Chinese side "shares empathy for the challenges facing India and expresses sincere sympathy". "The coronavirus is the common enemy of mankind, and the international community needs solidarity and coordination for a concerted response. Also read: China: 10 sailors infected with 'imported' Covid variant The Chinese side firmly supports the Indian Government and people in fighting the pandemic," he wrote in the letter, a copy of which was tweeted by Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Weidong. Wang said that anti pandemic materials produced in China are entering India at a faster pace to help India fight the epidemic. "The Chinese side will continue to do its utmost to provide support and help according to the needs of India. We hope and believe that under the leadership of the Indian Government, the Indian people will surely prevail over the epidemic at an early date, he added. Wang's letter came even as the militaries of the two countries are yet to resolve the disengagement from the remaining areas of eastern Ladakh after the withdrawal from Pangong lake area in February. Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin on Thursday termed as "fake news" the reports of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum's (USISPF) allegations that Beijing has stopped shipments of oxygen concentrators being procured from China to be delivered to India to meet the oxygen shortages in view of the surge of COVID-19 cases. Asked about the media reports quoting Mukesh Aghi, President and CEO of Washington based USISPF, stating China has stopped all-cargo flights delaying his organisation's efforts to source one lakh oxygen concentrators from China to India, Wang Wenbin said it is a "fake news". Aghi was quoted as saying that in order to overcome logistics challenges, his organisation is sourcing the oxygen concentrators from China for easy transportation to India. He alleged that in view of Chinese action to stop the logistics flights to India, the concentrators are to be routed through Tokyo and Dubai resulting in delay. "This is fake news reports that China has stopped transport of oxygen generators procured by the USA to India is fake news," the spokesman said. He, however, declined to respond to questions about when state-run Sichuan Airlines which had suspended all 11 of its cargo flights to India resulting in disruption of procurement of oxygen concentrators would resume its flights. After the announcement to suspend the flights on April 26 in view of the COVID-19, the airline retracted its decision and said it is working out a new plan to resume the services. But so far it has not announced any new schedule. Asked when the airline would resume its operations, Wang Wenbin said, "I would refer you to the relevant airline". "China shows deep sympathy to India as the country struggles with rampant COVID-19 and China expresses its sincere condolences to the Indian people. We reiterate China's willingness to help and support India as per its needs, he said. "Chinese companies have been led by the government to take actions. The first batch of oxygen concentrators have arrived in India. We would like to cooperate with India in multiple ways to provide assistance. We believe India will defeat the virus," he said. Asked how many oxygen concentrators have been sent to India, he said, ?for specific numbers you may refer to websites of Chinese embassy and Consulates in India. China's Ambassador to India Sun Weidong in a tweet on Wednesday said Chinese medical suppliers are working overtime on orders from India, at least 25000 orders for oxygen concentrators in recent days. Cargo planes are under plan for medical supplies. Chinese customs will facilitate relevant process. Wu Zunyou, a chief epidemiologist with the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention told the media here, the Indian strain' of the coronavirus has been detected in some Chinese cities. The surge in COVID-19 cases in some Asian countries has again sounded the alarm that the prevention and control of COVID-19 is far from over, which, instead, is difficult, complex, recurrent and long-term, Wu said, the state-run CGTN-TV reported. According to official media reports, about 11 Chinese crew members of a cargo ship tested positive for the coronavirus after returning from India. Wu also pointed out that the mutation of the novel coronavirus has been occurring since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and will not stop as long as the pandemic continues. But the transmission of different virus variants can be stopped, Wu said. "Implementing containment measures is crucial both to stop the spread of the mutant strains and to prevent the occurrence of new mutations," he said.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi promises to do utmost in supporting India's fight against COVID-19 surge

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday hosted a virtual meeting of his counterparts from some South Asian countries to deal with the COVID-19 situation during which he proposed flexible methods for "diversified and stable" vaccine supplies.

Wang presided over the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh to discuss COVID-19 cooperation to firm up its influence in South Asia.

India, Maldives and Bhutan were conspicuously absent at the meeting.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinas-airline-suspends-cargo-flights-bringing-medical-supplies-to-india-380681">China's airline suspends cargo flights bringing medical supplies to India</a>

Wang said China also extended an invitation to India to attend the meeting, state-run Global Times reported.

He said that this meeting also extended an invitation to India. China expresses its deep sympathy over the raging epidemic in India and extends its sincere condolences to the Indian people, a press release issued by the Foreign Ministry here said.

State-run China Global Television Network quoted him as saying that the first batch of oxygen supplies have been sent to India.

Earlier, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a media briefing that the "door is wide open" for India and other South Asian countries to join the framework.

Foreign Minister Wang has proposed that under the six-nation framework mechanism, China is willing to promote vaccine cooperation with other countries through flexible methods such as free assistance, commercial procurement, and filling production to enable people in the region to obtain more “diversified and stable” vaccine supplies.

Currently&nbsp;except for Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan have received vaccine supplies from India.

He also noted that China is willing to set up warehouses for emergency supplies in those countries through friendly consultation and to explore various forms of cooperation tackling the spread of variants of COVID-19.

He said the meeting also agreed to strive for economic recovery and deepen cooperation on poverty alleviation.

According to Wang, a cooperation centre on poverty alleviation and national development will be established to facilitate exchanges of experience in relevant fields between China and South Asian countries.

Besides, all participant countries are ready to continue pushing forward cooperation under the framework of the "Belt and Road Initiative" to ensure the stability of the supply chain, CGTN quoted an official statement as saying.

Earlier, replying to questions about India's absence, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said "China keeps the door wide open for the participation of all South Asian countries, including India in the spirit of openness and inclusiveness”.

"All countries in the region including India are welcome to join,” he said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; This meeting is part of China's cooperation with South Asian countries and regional and international cooperation to fight the coronavirus pandemic, he said.

"We follow an open attitude and we are open for the participation of other South Asian countries,” the spokesman said.

About China's offer of extending support and assistance to India, which is currently experiencing a virulent second wave of coronavirus outbreak, he said, "China has expressed readiness early on to provide necessary support and assistance to India, and is coordinating Chinese enterprises to positively respond to India's demand for anti-epidemic supplies such as oxygen concentrators".

"We are willing to continue to carry out anti-epidemic cooperation with India in various ways in its fight against the epidemic. We are convinced that India will get through difficulties and come out the other side," he said.

"We are also willing to help India and other countries fight the epidemic through bilateral channels, so as to safeguard public health and safety in the region through the joint efforts of all countries," he said.

China reported the first COVID-19 case in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019 and since then the deadly disease has snowballed into a pandemic, affecting more than 147,925,000 people and over 3,122,300 deaths worldwide.

About Tuesday's meeting the spokesman said, "as we speak, the virus is still spreading across the world. Against such a backdrop, China proposed to hold a video conference to demonstrate regional resolution to fight against COVID-19, deepen practical cooperation, consolidate momentum for economic recovery and safeguard outcomes and livelihood improvements”.

"We hope that it will be a successful one and inject a new impetus to regional efforts to vanquish the virus and realise steady development," he said.

"This meeting extends existing efforts by China at relevant South Asian countries to jointly fight COVID-19 and jointly resume socio-economic development," he said, adding that it also stands as an integral part of international, regional anti-epidemic cooperation.

Since July 2020, China has hosted a series of meetings on combating COVID-19 including one meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Vice Foreign Ministers of China, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh and another fighting coronavirus and poverty alleviation at Director-General level of all the six countries, Wang said.

"The meetings effectively enhanced cooperation among countries to fight the virus and resume economic activities," he said.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday hosted a virtual meeting of his counterparts from some South Asian countries to deal with the COVID-19 situation during which he proposed flexible methods for "diversified and stable" vaccine supplies.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday hosted a virtual meeting of his counterparts from some South Asian countries to deal with the COVID-19 situation during which he proposed flexible methods for "diversified and stable" vaccine supplies. Wang presided over the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh to discuss COVID-19 cooperation to firm up its influence in South Asia. India, Maldives and Bhutan were conspicuously absent at the meeting. Also read| China's airline suspends cargo flights bringing medical supplies to India Wang said China also extended an invitation to India to attend the meeting, state-run Global Times reported. He said that this meeting also extended an invitation to India. China expresses its deep sympathy over the raging epidemic in India and extends its sincere condolences to the Indian people, a press release issued by the Foreign Ministry here said. State-run China Global Television Network quoted him as saying that the first batch of oxygen supplies have been sent to India. Earlier, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a media briefing that the "door is wide open" for India and other South Asian countries to join the framework. Foreign Minister Wang has proposed that under the six-nation framework mechanism, China is willing to promote vaccine cooperation with other countries through flexible methods such as free assistance, commercial procurement, and filling production to enable people in the region to obtain more “diversified and stable” vaccine supplies. Currently except for Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan have received vaccine supplies from India. He also noted that China is willing to set up warehouses for emergency supplies in those countries through friendly consultation and to explore various forms of cooperation tackling the spread of variants of COVID-19. He said the meeting also agreed to strive for economic recovery and deepen cooperation on poverty alleviation. According to Wang, a cooperation centre on poverty alleviation and national development will be established to facilitate exchanges of experience in relevant fields between China and South Asian countries. Besides, all participant countries are ready to continue pushing forward cooperation under the framework of the "Belt and Road Initiative" to ensure the stability of the supply chain, CGTN quoted an official statement as saying. Earlier, replying to questions about India's absence, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said "China keeps the door wide open for the participation of all South Asian countries, including India in the spirit of openness and inclusiveness”. "All countries in the region including India are welcome to join,” he said. This meeting is part of China's cooperation with South Asian countries and regional and international cooperation to fight the coronavirus pandemic, he said. "We follow an open attitude and we are open for the participation of other South Asian countries,” the spokesman said. About China's offer of extending support and assistance to India, which is currently experiencing a virulent second wave of coronavirus outbreak, he said, "China has expressed readiness early on to provide necessary support and assistance to India, and is coordinating Chinese enterprises to positively respond to India's demand for anti-epidemic supplies such as oxygen concentrators". "We are willing to continue to carry out anti-epidemic cooperation with India in various ways in its fight against the epidemic. We are convinced that India will get through difficulties and come out the other side," he said. "We are also willing to help India and other countries fight the epidemic through bilateral channels, so as to safeguard public health and safety in the region through the joint efforts of all countries," he said. China reported the first COVID-19 case in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019 and since then the deadly disease has snowballed into a pandemic, affecting more than 147,925,000 people and over 3,122,300 deaths worldwide. About Tuesday's meeting the spokesman said, "as we speak, the virus is still spreading across the world. Against such a backdrop, China proposed to hold a video conference to demonstrate regional resolution to fight against COVID-19, deepen practical cooperation, consolidate momentum for economic recovery and safeguard outcomes and livelihood improvements”. "We hope that it will be a successful one and inject a new impetus to regional efforts to vanquish the virus and realise steady development," he said. "This meeting extends existing efforts by China at relevant South Asian countries to jointly fight COVID-19 and jointly resume socio-economic development," he said, adding that it also stands as an integral part of international, regional anti-epidemic cooperation. Since July 2020, China has hosted a series of meetings on combating COVID-19 including one meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Vice Foreign Ministers of China, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh and another fighting coronavirus and poverty alleviation at Director-General level of all the six countries, Wang said. "The meetings effectively enhanced cooperation among countries to fight the virus and resume economic activities," he said.

China holds COVID-19 cooperation meet with five South Asian nations, offers vaccines

In a major&nbsp;development, Iran and China have signed '25-year strategic cooperation pact'. This has brought&nbsp;the two US rivals closer to each other. It will be interesting to observe the ramifications of this move on the future of US-Iran nuclear deal.

An AFP correspondent reported that the deal was signed by Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The pact was kept under wraps.

The pact, which was first proposed in January 2016, forms part of Beijing's trillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative, a plan to fund infrastructure projects and increase its sway overseas that has been a flagship project for Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The pact is expected to include Chinese investment in Iran's energy and infrastructure sectors. China is Iran's long time ally. In 2016, China agreed to boost bilateral trade by more than ten times to $600 billion in the next decade.

"We believe this document can be very effective in deepening" Iran-China relations, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said, recalling that the pact had first been proposed during a visit to Tehran by Chinese President Xi Jinping in January 2016.

Xi and his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani agreed then to establish a roadmap for "reciprocal investments in the fields of transport, ports, energy, industry and services."

"Iran's government and people are striving as they always have to broaden relations with trustworthy, independent countries like China," supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said at the time, describing the proposed cooperation agreement as "correct and reasonable".

Xi has championed the Belt and Road Initiative, a plan to fund infrastructure projects and increase China's sway overseas.

'Nothing secret'

In July last year, controversy erupted over the proposed deal after former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad charged that negotiations were being held for a "new, 25-year agreement with a foreign country" without the knowledge of the Iranian people.

The foreign minister was heckled in parliament when he assured lawmakers there was "nothing secret" in the proposed deal, which he promised would be publicly announced "once it has been finalised".

The government has yet to honour that promise and few details have been made public.

Wang's visit to Tehran comes just days after he hosted Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov for talks in the Chinese city of Guilin.

The three governments all face difficult relations with Washington after President Joe Biden's administration vowed to remain firm in its dealings with them, despite a renewed emphasis on diplomacy.

China and Russia are both parties to the troubled 2015 nuclear accord with Iran that Biden has said he hopes to revive.

They were both deeply critical of the unilateral sanctions on Iran reimposed by Trump and have backed efforts to revive the agreement.

Biden has said he is not seeking "confrontation" with China, but that there will be intense competition between the rival superpowers.

"I told him (Xi) in person on several occasions we're not looking for confrontation, though we know that there will be steep, steep competition," the US president said.

(With AFP inputs)

In a major development, Iran and China have signed '25-year strategic cooperation pact'. This has brought the two US rivals closer to each other. It will be interesting to observe the ramifications of this move on the future of US-Iran nuclear deal.

In a major development, Iran and China have signed '25-year strategic cooperation pact'. This has brought the two US rivals closer to each other. It will be interesting to observe the ramifications of this move on the future of US-Iran nuclear deal. An AFP correspondent reported that the deal was signed by Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The pact was kept under wraps. The pact, which was first proposed in January 2016, forms part of Beijing's trillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative, a plan to fund infrastructure projects and increase its sway overseas that has been a flagship project for Chinese President Xi Jinping. The pact is expected to include Chinese investment in Iran's energy and infrastructure sectors. China is Iran's long time ally. In 2016, China agreed to boost bilateral trade by more than ten times to $600 billion in the next decade. "We believe this document can be very effective in deepening" Iran-China relations, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said, recalling that the pact had first been proposed during a visit to Tehran by Chinese President Xi Jinping in January 2016. Xi and his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani agreed then to establish a roadmap for "reciprocal investments in the fields of transport, ports, energy, industry and services." "Iran's government and people are striving as they always have to broaden relations with trustworthy, independent countries like China," supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said at the time, describing the proposed cooperation agreement as "correct and reasonable". Xi has championed the Belt and Road Initiative, a plan to fund infrastructure projects and increase China's sway overseas. 'Nothing secret' In July last year, controversy erupted over the proposed deal after former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad charged that negotiations were being held for a "new, 25-year agreement with a foreign country" without the knowledge of the Iranian people. The foreign minister was heckled in parliament when he assured lawmakers there was "nothing secret" in the proposed deal, which he promised would be publicly announced "once it has been finalised". The government has yet to honour that promise and few details have been made public. Wang's visit to Tehran comes just days after he hosted Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov for talks in the Chinese city of Guilin. The three governments all face difficult relations with Washington after President Joe Biden's administration vowed to remain firm in its dealings with them, despite a renewed emphasis on diplomacy. China and Russia are both parties to the troubled 2015 nuclear accord with Iran that Biden has said he hopes to revive. They were both deeply critical of the unilateral sanctions on Iran reimposed by Trump and have backed efforts to revive the agreement. Biden has said he is not seeking "confrontation" with China, but that there will be intense competition between the rival superpowers. "I told him (Xi) in person on several occasions we're not looking for confrontation, though we know that there will be steep, steep competition," the US president said. (With AFP inputs)

Iran-China sign '25-year strategic cooperation pact'

The Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi has arrived in Ankara for an official visit with his Turkish counterpart. Wang Yi met Turkish FM for bilateral talks and is expected to meet the country's President later.

Chinese FM Wang Yi meets Turkish counterpart in Ankara

Uighur Muslims protested against the treatment of their ethnic kin in the farwestern Chinese region of Xinjiang as&nbsp;Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu in Ankara on Thursday.

Beijing approved an extradition treaty between the two nations in December and with the deal awaiting ratification by Ankara's parliament, activists among some 40,000 Uighurs living in Turkey have stepped up efforts to highlight their plight.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry said regional and international issues as well as bilateral relations will be discussed during Wang's visit. He is scheduled to meet Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan at 1100 GMT.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/shocking-video-shows-hundreds-of-blindfolded-and-bound-uighur-muslims-254903/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Uighurs' worries have been fuelled by Ankara's dependence on China for COVID-19 vaccines until now, having received 15 million doses from Sinovac Biotech and ordered tens of millions more. This week, Turkey received 1.4 million doses of the vaccine developed by Germany's BioNTech, the first significant batch of non-Chinese vaccines.

Around 300 demonstrators gathered in Istanbul, chanting "Dictator China" and "Stop Uighur Genocide, Close the Camps". Some waved the blue-and-white flags of the independence movement of East Turkestan, the name by which it refers to Xinjiang.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-video-of-uighur-muslims-in-xinjiang-exposes-chinas-rights-violations-269841/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Uighurs hold regular protests in the capital Ankara and the largest city Istanbul to protest against China's treatment of Uighurs.

UN&nbsp;experts estimate at least a million Uighurs and other Muslims are held in detention centres in northwest China's Xinjiang. The United States said in January China has committed "genocide and crimes against humanity" by repressing Uighurs.

China denies accusations of abuses in Xinjiang, and has said the complexes it set up in the region provided vocational training to help stamp out Islamist extremism and separatism.

Cavusoglu has denied that the extradition agreement between the two countries would lead to Uighurs being sent back to China, describing it as a routine accord similar to ones Turkey has with other countries.

A Chinese embassy spokesperson said last month that Uighurs who have been holding regular protests near China's diplomatic premises in Turkey in recent months were trying to deceive Turkish people and damage relations.

Uighur Muslims protested against the treatment of their ethnic kin in the farwestern Chinese region of Xinjiang as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu in Ankara on Thursday.

Uighur Muslims protested against the treatment of their ethnic kin in the farwestern Chinese region of Xinjiang as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu in Ankara on Thursday. Beijing approved an extradition treaty between the two nations in December and with the deal awaiting ratification by Ankara's parliament, activists among some 40,000 Uighurs living in Turkey have stepped up efforts to highlight their plight. The Turkish Foreign Ministry said regional and international issues as well as bilateral relations will be discussed during Wang's visit. He is scheduled to meet Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan at 1100 GMT. Uighurs' worries have been fuelled by Ankara's dependence on China for COVID-19 vaccines until now, having received 15 million doses from Sinovac Biotech and ordered tens of millions more. This week, Turkey received 1.4 million doses of the vaccine developed by Germany's BioNTech, the first significant batch of non-Chinese vaccines. Around 300 demonstrators gathered in Istanbul, chanting "Dictator China" and "Stop Uighur Genocide, Close the Camps". Some waved the blue-and-white flags of the independence movement of East Turkestan, the name by which it refers to Xinjiang. Uighurs hold regular protests in the capital Ankara and the largest city Istanbul to protest against China's treatment of Uighurs. UN experts estimate at least a million Uighurs and other Muslims are held in detention centres in northwest China's Xinjiang. The United States said in January China has committed "genocide and crimes against humanity" by repressing Uighurs. China denies accusations of abuses in Xinjiang, and has said the complexes it set up in the region provided vocational training to help stamp out Islamist extremism and separatism. Cavusoglu has denied that the extradition agreement between the two countries would lead to Uighurs being sent back to China, describing it as a routine accord similar to ones Turkey has with other countries. A Chinese embassy spokesperson said last month that Uighurs who have been holding regular protests near China's diplomatic premises in Turkey in recent months were trying to deceive Turkish people and damage relations.

Uighur Muslims protest against treatment amid Chinese foreign minister's visit

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has kick-started his two-day visit to Beijing at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. The visit has been aimed at discussing what both parties call the dominance of the western ideological agenda.

WION Dispatch: Russian, Chinese Foreign Ministers meet to deepen 'best in history' ties

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in China on Monday for talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi as the two countries stepped up efforts to cement their close ties to counter the Biden administration's plan to pursue a tough policy towards them on a host of issues including human rights violations.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#China</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russia</a> both agree that <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/US?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#US</a> should take a hard look at the damage it has done to world peace and development, stop its bullying practice of ganging up on others and meddling in other countries' internal affairs. <a href="https://t.co/Bcd6O8aVeE">pic.twitter.com/Bcd6O8aVeE</a>
— Spokesperson发言人办公室 (@MFA_China) <a href="https://twitter.com/MFA_China/status/1374014526979371013?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
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During the meeting, both&nbsp;China and Russia agreed that ''the US should take a hard look at the damage it has done to world peace and development, stop its bullying practice of ganging up on others and meddling in other countries' internal affairs.''

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-says-regrets-us-refusal-to-attend-putin-biden-live-debate-372284" hreflang="en">Russia says regrets US refusal to attend Putin-Biden live debate</a>

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The purposes and principles of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UN</a> Charter must be upheld. Real multilateralism &amp; greater democracy in international relations should be pursued. <a href="https://t.co/p1crjEQqeQ">pic.twitter.com/p1crjEQqeQ</a>
— Spokesperson发言人办公室 (@MFA_China) <a href="https://twitter.com/MFA_China/status/1374014549255356417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Lavrov, 71, the longstanding top Russian diplomat, arrived in the Chinese city of Guilin in Guangxi province where he held talks&nbsp;with Wang on Monday and Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-hits-2-chinese-officials-with-sanctions-over-uighur-abuses-372382">US hits 2 Chinese officials with sanctions over Uighur abuses</a>

While announcing Lavrov's visit, Hua had denied China and Russia are ganging-up against the US and its allies.

China has criticised the recent Quad summit hosted by US President Joe Biden and attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.

Ahead of his arrival, Lavrov in interviews to various outlets of the Chinese official media said that the US and its partners were trying to dictate their own will on other countries and obstruct the establishment of the multipolar democratic world.

"Unfortunately, some of the Western countries, led by the United States, are trying to obstruct the establishment of the true multipolar democratic world, attempting to maintain at any cost their dominance in the global economy and international politics, and to obtrude upon everyone their will and demands," Lavrov was quoted as saying by Russia's state-run TASS news agency.

Lavrov said that it is unwise to use sanctions in a bid to punish Russia and China, referring to US sanctions on Chinese entities in Hong Kong and Washington's plans to impose sanctions against Russia.

"It is wrong to punish anyone on the present-day international arena and it is simply unwise to try to use this logic in respect of Russia and China," Lavrov said.

"The model of interaction between Russia and China is absolutely free from any ideological constraints. It is of intrinsic nature, not subject to any opportunistic factors nor against any third country," he stressed, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Lavrov's visit comes in the immediate backdrop of the first high-level strategic dialogue between US-China at Anchorage, Alaska, which was marked by angry rhetoric by both sides.

The Biden administration signalled to follow the tough China policy pursued by his predecessor, Donald Trump, which marked a new low in Beijing-Washington ties.

The last week's dialogue, the first after Biden took over as US President, was held between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and senior Chinese diplomats Yang Jiechi and Wang.

Coinciding with the deterioration of China-US ties, Biden also signalled to pursue equally firm policy against Russia and its President Vladimir Putin by imposing sanctions over the poisoning of Russian Opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who is now in prison.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in China on Monday for talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi as the two countries stepped up efforts to cement their close ties to counter the Biden administration's plan to pursue a tough policy towards them on a host of issues including human rights violations.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in China on Monday for talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi as the two countries stepped up efforts to cement their close ties to counter the Biden administration's plan to pursue a tough policy towards them on a host of issues including human rights violations. #China and #Russia both agree that #US should take a hard look at the damage it has done to world peace and development, stop its bullying practice of ganging up on others and meddling in other countries' internal affairs. pic.twitter.com/Bcd6O8aVeE — Spokesperson发言人办公室 (@MFA_China) March 22, 2021 × During the meeting, both China and Russia agreed that ''the US should take a hard look at the damage it has done to world peace and development, stop its bullying practice of ganging up on others and meddling in other countries' internal affairs.'' Also read| Russia says regrets US refusal to attend Putin-Biden live debate The purposes and principles of the #UN Charter must be upheld. Real multilateralism & greater democracy in international relations should be pursued. pic.twitter.com/p1crjEQqeQ — Spokesperson发言人办公室 (@MFA_China) March 22, 2021 × Lavrov, 71, the longstanding top Russian diplomat, arrived in the Chinese city of Guilin in Guangxi province where he held talks with Wang on Monday and Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing. Also read: US hits 2 Chinese officials with sanctions over Uighur abuses While announcing Lavrov's visit, Hua had denied China and Russia are ganging-up against the US and its allies. China has criticised the recent Quad summit hosted by US President Joe Biden and attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga. Ahead of his arrival, Lavrov in interviews to various outlets of the Chinese official media said that the US and its partners were trying to dictate their own will on other countries and obstruct the establishment of the multipolar democratic world. "Unfortunately, some of the Western countries, led by the United States, are trying to obstruct the establishment of the true multipolar democratic world, attempting to maintain at any cost their dominance in the global economy and international politics, and to obtrude upon everyone their will and demands," Lavrov was quoted as saying by Russia's state-run TASS news agency. Lavrov said that it is unwise to use sanctions in a bid to punish Russia and China, referring to US sanctions on Chinese entities in Hong Kong and Washington's plans to impose sanctions against Russia. "It is wrong to punish anyone on the present-day international arena and it is simply unwise to try to use this logic in respect of Russia and China," Lavrov said. "The model of interaction between Russia and China is absolutely free from any ideological constraints. It is of intrinsic nature, not subject to any opportunistic factors nor against any third country," he stressed, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. Lavrov's visit comes in the immediate backdrop of the first high-level strategic dialogue between US-China at Anchorage, Alaska, which was marked by angry rhetoric by both sides. The Biden administration signalled to follow the tough China policy pursued by his predecessor, Donald Trump, which marked a new low in Beijing-Washington ties. The last week's dialogue, the first after Biden took over as US President, was held between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and senior Chinese diplomats Yang Jiechi and Wang. Coinciding with the deterioration of China-US ties, Biden also signalled to pursue equally firm policy against Russia and its President Vladimir Putin by imposing sanctions over the poisoning of Russian Opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who is now in prison.

Russia's foreign minister meets Chinese counterpart to cement ties against US firm policy push

As US and Chinese officials began talks in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-talks-in-alaska-us-sanctions-chinese-and-hong-kong-officials-371076">Alaska</a> for the first time under the Biden administration, China top diplomat Yang Jiechi threatened "firm actions" against "US interference".

Watch:

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"China is firmly opposed to US interference in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadians-to-stand-trial-in-china-for-spying-what-we-know-371488">China's</a> internal affairs, we have expressed our staunch opposition to such interference and we will take firm actions in response," Jiechi who is the director of the Chinese Communist Party's central foreign affairs commission official said.&nbsp;

"What we need to do is to abandon the Cold War mentality, and the zero sum game approach" Jiechi added.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken hit back saying China's actions "threaten the rules-based order that maintains global stability" during the meeting in Anchorage.

Blinken said the US will discuss "deep concerns with actions by China, including Xinjiang",&nbsp;"genocide" against Uyghur Muslims including dialogue on "Hong Kong, Taiwan, cyberattacks on the United States, economic coercion toward our allies."&nbsp;

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said, "This is not supposed to be the way one should welcome his guests" as the two sides clashed openly in face-to-face talks.

Yang lashed out at the US delegation, saying: "The United States uses its military force and financial hegemony to carry out long arm jurisdiction and suppress other countries, it abuses so-called notions of national security to obstruct normal trade exchanges, and incite some countries to attack China."

"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," Yang said, adding, "the US&nbsp;side was not even qualified to say such things, even 20 years or 30 years back, because this is not the way to deal with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/three-chinese-telecom-firms-face-threat-to-work-in-us-as-regulator-begins-probe-371444">Chinese</a> people."

The United States accused the Chinese diplomatic leaders of "grandstanding" while focussing on "public theatrics and dramatics over substance".

As US and Chinese officials began talks in Alaska for the first time under the Biden administration, China top diplomat Yang Jiechi threatened "firm actions" against "US interference".

As US and Chinese officials began talks in Alaska for the first time under the Biden administration, China top diplomat Yang Jiechi threatened "firm actions" against "US interference". Watch: "China is firmly opposed to US interference in China's internal affairs, we have expressed our staunch opposition to such interference and we will take firm actions in response," Jiechi who is the director of the Chinese Communist Party's central foreign affairs commission official said. "What we need to do is to abandon the Cold War mentality, and the zero sum game approach" Jiechi added. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken hit back saying China's actions "threaten the rules-based order that maintains global stability" during the meeting in Anchorage. Blinken said the US will discuss "deep concerns with actions by China, including Xinjiang", "genocide" against Uyghur Muslims including dialogue on "Hong Kong, Taiwan, cyberattacks on the United States, economic coercion toward our allies." Foreign Minister Wang Yi said, "This is not supposed to be the way one should welcome his guests" as the two sides clashed openly in face-to-face talks. Yang lashed out at the US delegation, saying: "The United States uses its military force and financial hegemony to carry out long arm jurisdiction and suppress other countries, it abuses so-called notions of national security to obstruct normal trade exchanges, and incite some countries to attack China." "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," Yang said, adding, "the US side was not even qualified to say such things, even 20 years or 30 years back, because this is not the way to deal with the Chinese people." The United States accused the Chinese diplomatic leaders of "grandstanding" while focussing on "public theatrics and dramatics over substance".

'Abandon Cold War mentality': US, Chinese officials clash during talks in Alaska

Amid de-escalation of tensions along the Line of Actual Control(LAC),&nbsp;Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said the boundary dispute between the two countries "is not the whole story of the China-India relationship".

Watch:

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"It is important that the two sides manage disputes properly and at the same time expand and enhance cooperation to create enabling conditions for the settlement of the issue," Wang said at an online press conference in Beijing.

Wang asserted that the boundary dispute is "an issue left from history", adding that,"it is important that the two sides manage disputes properly and at the same time expand and enhance cooperation to create enabling conditions for the settlement of the issue."

"The two sides need to help each other to succeed instead of undercutting each other. We should intensify cooperation instead of harbouring suspicion at each other," China's foreign minister said.

India and China were involved a standoff along the LAC in eastern Ladakh since June after troops from both sides clashed at Galwan Valley in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed in action, China later said four of its soldiers were also killed in the clash and one was injured.

"The right and wrongs at what happened at the border area last year are clear, so are the stakes involved. We are committed to settling the boundary dispute through dialogue and consultation. At the same time we are resolved to safeguard our sovereign rights," he said.

"In the year ahead we hope India will work with China to truly deliver on the important common understanding reached by our leaders that the two countries are not threats to each other but opportunities for each other's development," Wang said.

"Both sides should consolidate existing consensus, strengthen dialogue and communication, improve the control mechanism and jointly safeguard peace in the border areas," he said.

"Together we can bring greater benefits to the 2.7 billion people in China and India, make greater contributions to the advent of the Asian century," China's foreign minister said.

Amid de-escalation of tensions along the Line of Actual Control(LAC), Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said the boundary dispute between the two countries "is not the whole story of the China-India relationship".

Amid de-escalation of tensions along the Line of Actual Control(LAC), Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said the boundary dispute between the two countries "is not the whole story of the China-India relationship". Watch: "It is important that the two sides manage disputes properly and at the same time expand and enhance cooperation to create enabling conditions for the settlement of the issue," Wang said at an online press conference in Beijing. Wang asserted that the boundary dispute is "an issue left from history", adding that,"it is important that the two sides manage disputes properly and at the same time expand and enhance cooperation to create enabling conditions for the settlement of the issue." "The two sides need to help each other to succeed instead of undercutting each other. We should intensify cooperation instead of harbouring suspicion at each other," China's foreign minister said. India and China were involved a standoff along the LAC in eastern Ladakh since June after troops from both sides clashed at Galwan Valley in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed in action, China later said four of its soldiers were also killed in the clash and one was injured. "The right and wrongs at what happened at the border area last year are clear, so are the stakes involved. We are committed to settling the boundary dispute through dialogue and consultation. At the same time we are resolved to safeguard our sovereign rights," he said. "In the year ahead we hope India will work with China to truly deliver on the important common understanding reached by our leaders that the two countries are not threats to each other but opportunities for each other's development," Wang said. "Both sides should consolidate existing consensus, strengthen dialogue and communication, improve the control mechanism and jointly safeguard peace in the border areas," he said. "Together we can bring greater benefits to the 2.7 billion people in China and India, make greater contributions to the advent of the Asian century," China's foreign minister said.

We should intensify cooperation instead of harbouring suspicion, says China's foreign minister Wang Yi on India-China relations

China continues to clampdown on Hong Kong even after international pressure. Foreign Minister Wang Yi has asserted that the rioting which occurred in Hong Kong is proof that its electoral system needs to undergo reform.

Chinese Foreign Wang Yi Minister defends Hong Kong reform

India's External Affair Minister S Jaishanker speaks to Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to review disengagement on Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Indian EAM Jaishankar says may begin work towards restoration of peace

As the US tries to build an alliance to counter China, Beijing has dispatched its Foreign Minister on a tour of Southeast Asia. Palki Sharma Upadhyay how China is losing friends due to its aggressive moves in the South China Sea.

Gravitas: Why China's Foreign Minister is on a tour of Southeast Asia

China's wolf-warrior diplomats have dented the country's global imagewith their pungent tone.

Now, China's foreign minister Wang Yi is is doing damage control after the country lost its friends due to their aggressive strategy.

The Chinese government's top diplomat is on an official a five-nation tour in Southeast Asia. These include:&nbsp;Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Laos, and Thailand

This is a diplomatic mission as the United States has been trying to reach out to these countries.

Wang&nbsp;Yi urged Asian countries to remain "vigilant" over the risk of US&nbsp;strategy stoking geopolitical competition in the South China Sea and other parts of the region.

Beijing and members of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) should work together to remove "external disruption" in the South China Sea,&nbsp;Wang&nbsp;said during a joint news conference with Malaysia's foreign minister.

However, Wang&nbsp;Yi is facing a hostile crowd&nbsp;on his tour. Four out of five countries that he visited&nbsp;recently signed up to join a new 'Mekong' partnership led by the United States.

With his visit, Yi is trying to keep&nbsp;to keep some neighbours within China's fold. But it will not be easy as&nbsp;Southeast Asian countries haven't been fans of China. Especially those countries that stake a claim to the South China Sea, a region&nbsp;where the Chinese navy has stepped up its aggressive activities.

Wang Yi's first challenge,&nbsp;is to contain the fallout of China's military actions.&nbsp;So, the Chinese foreign minister is turning up the charm offensive.

He&nbsp;met Thai prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha on Thursday and removed his mask for a photo-op.

During his Cambodia visit, he signed a trade deal that will allow Cambodia to export 340 mostly agricultural products without tariffs.

Wang&nbsp;contrasted China's pledges to uphold multilateralism and contribution as a responsible global player with "some countries" which turned the UN General Assembly into a "theatre for self serving political shows and an arena to provoke conflict and confrontation and to divide the whole world."

In Malaysia, he targetted Quad, which is an alliance between India, Australia, Japan and the United States.

The Chinese foreign minister said America wants to maintain its hegemony through the Quad.&nbsp;

With his visit to southeast Asia,&nbsp;Wang Yi wants the world to forget about China's expansionist drive.&nbsp;But with each military drill, China finds its list of friends in southeast Asia shrinking fast.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday directed China’s armed forces to strengthen training of troops and to be ready for war.

China's wolf-warrior diplomats have dented the country's global imagewith their pungent tone. Now, China's foreign minister Wang Yi is is doing damage control after the country lost its friends due to their aggressive strategy.

China's wolf-warrior diplomats have dented the country's global imagewith their pungent tone. Now, China's foreign minister Wang Yi is is doing damage control after the country lost its friends due to their aggressive strategy. The Chinese government's top diplomat is on an official a five-nation tour in Southeast Asia. These include: Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Laos, and Thailand This is a diplomatic mission as the United States has been trying to reach out to these countries. Wang Yi urged Asian countries to remain "vigilant" over the risk of US strategy stoking geopolitical competition in the South China Sea and other parts of the region. Beijing and members of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) should work together to remove "external disruption" in the South China Sea, Wang said during a joint news conference with Malaysia's foreign minister. However, Wang Yi is facing a hostile crowd on his tour. Four out of five countries that he visited recently signed up to join a new 'Mekong' partnership led by the United States. With his visit, Yi is trying to keep to keep some neighbours within China's fold. But it will not be easy as Southeast Asian countries haven't been fans of China. Especially those countries that stake a claim to the South China Sea, a region where the Chinese navy has stepped up its aggressive activities. Wang Yi's first challenge, is to contain the fallout of China's military actions. So, the Chinese foreign minister is turning up the charm offensive. He met Thai prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha on Thursday and removed his mask for a photo-op. During his Cambodia visit, he signed a trade deal that will allow Cambodia to export 340 mostly agricultural products without tariffs. Wang contrasted China's pledges to uphold multilateralism and contribution as a responsible global player with "some countries" which turned the UN General Assembly into a "theatre for self serving political shows and an arena to provoke conflict and confrontation and to divide the whole world." In Malaysia, he targetted Quad, which is an alliance between India, Australia, Japan and the United States. The Chinese foreign minister said America wants to maintain its hegemony through the Quad. With his visit to southeast Asia, Wang Yi wants the world to forget about China's expansionist drive. But with each military drill, China finds its list of friends in southeast Asia shrinking fast. Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday directed China’s armed forces to strengthen training of troops and to be ready for war.

How China is trying repair the damage done by its wolf warriors

Protesters greeted Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi on a visit to Ulaanbaatar on Tuesday, as Mongolians gathered in the capital to speak out against Beijing's controversial language policy in its ethnic minority regions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-targets-indias-new-economy-snooping-on-online-ventures-and-tech-startups-327652">Also Read:&nbsp;China targets India's new economy: Snooping on online ventures and tech startups</a>

Mongolia neighbours China's province of Inner Mongolia, which has seen weeks of protests and education boycotts over a policy change requiring all core subjects at schools to be taught in Mandarin rather than the local language.

China's move follows similar action in Tibet and Xinjiang to assimilate local minorities into the dominant Han population.

As Wang arrived on a diplomatic visit Tuesday, more than a hundred protesters gathered in Ulaanbaatar's main square in traditional Mongolian tunics, shouting: "Let's protect the mother tongue, let's protect our blood brothers."

"I really want our parliament members and president to oppose China's new policy and demand China lets ethnic Mongolians continue learning their native language," Indra Batbileg, a 21-year-old student, told AFP.

Mongolia is strategically situated between Russia and China, but its economy is dependent on mineral exports to its giant southern neighbours.

Mongolian authorities have, however, sought to expand markets -- including strengthening ties with Russia.

On Tuesday China's ambassador in Ulaanator, Chai Wenrui, told a local news website that Wang Yi will sign a series of economic agreements with Mongolia that include donating millions in aid.

Protesters greeted Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi on a visit to Ulaanbaatar on Tuesday, as Mongolians gathered in the capital to speak out against Beijing's controversial language policy in its ethnic minority regions.

Protesters greeted Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi on a visit to Ulaanbaatar on Tuesday, as Mongolians gathered in the capital to speak out against Beijing's controversial language policy in its ethnic minority regions. Also Read: China targets India's new economy: Snooping on online ventures and tech startups Mongolia neighbours China's province of Inner Mongolia, which has seen weeks of protests and education boycotts over a policy change requiring all core subjects at schools to be taught in Mandarin rather than the local language. China's move follows similar action in Tibet and Xinjiang to assimilate local minorities into the dominant Han population. As Wang arrived on a diplomatic visit Tuesday, more than a hundred protesters gathered in Ulaanbaatar's main square in traditional Mongolian tunics, shouting: "Let's protect the mother tongue, let's protect our blood brothers." "I really want our parliament members and president to oppose China's new policy and demand China lets ethnic Mongolians continue learning their native language," Indra Batbileg, a 21-year-old student, told AFP. Mongolia is strategically situated between Russia and China, but its economy is dependent on mineral exports to its giant southern neighbours. Mongolian authorities have, however, sought to expand markets -- including strengthening ties with Russia. On Tuesday China's ambassador in Ulaanator, Chai Wenrui, told a local news website that Wang Yi will sign a series of economic agreements with Mongolia that include donating millions in aid.

'Let's protect the mother tongue': Protests erupt in Mongolia as Chinese foreign minister arrives

In a major positive development amidst growing India-China tension, both countries have come out with a joint statement calling for the easing of tensions.

The five-point statement issued after more than two hour long talks between India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi will "guide their approach to the current situation", top Indian government sources told WION.&nbsp;

In the joint statement, it has been agreed that "border troops of both sides should continue their dialogue, quickly disengage, maintain proper distance and ease tensions."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-indian-army-gains-upper-hand-and-control-of-commanding-heights-in-ladakh-326703">Also read| India-China standoff: Indian Army gains upper hand and control of commanding heights in Ladakh</a>

Recalling the "consensus of the leaders" agreed in the informal Wuhan summit and Chennai connect summits of 2018 and 2019, both will not allow "differences to become disputes" and "the current situation in the border areas is not in the interest of either side."

One of the key outcomes of the joint statement is that both sides, "shall abide by all the existing agreements and protocol on China-India boundary affairs" while maintaining "peace and tranquillity in the border areas" and "avoid any action that could escalate matters."

Both sides will "continue" to have dialogue and communication through the Special Representative mechanism (SR) on the India-China boundary question and Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China border affairs (WMCC). The SR Level mechanism led by India's National security advisory Ajit Doval and Chinese FM have met twice and WMCC multiple times in the four months-long standoff at the Line of actual control (LAC).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/big-stern-message-for-those-eyeing-our-sovereignty-rajnath-singh-hail-induction-of-rafale-jets-326501">Also read|&nbsp;Big, stern message for those eyeing our sovereignty: Rajnath Singh hail induction of Rafale jets</a>

It has also been agreed the two sides should expedite work to conclude new Confidence Building Measures for "peace and tranquillity in the border areas" once the current situation eases.

The talks which were the first in-person talks between the two Foreign Ministers saw amidst the standoff saw External affairs minister told the Chinese side that "while the Indian side recognized that a solution to the boundary question required time and effort" it was also clear that the "maintenance of peace and tranquillity on the border areas was essential to the forward development of ties,"&nbsp;top government sources told WION.

The sources elaborated, that EAM told Chinese FM recent incidents in eastern Ladakh has "inevitably impacted the development of the bilateral relationship" and called for "an urgent resolution of the current situation was in the interest of both nations."

During India-China FMs meet, India's envoy to China Vikram Misri and India's envoy to Russia Bala Venkatesh Varma were also present.

EAM also highlighted its strong concern at the "massing of Chinese troops with equipment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC)" which are violative of 1993 and 1996 India China Agreements and "created flashpoints along the LAC" and "provocative behaviour of Chinese frontline troops at numerous incidents of friction along the LAC also showed disregard for bilateral agreements and protocols". The Chinese side could not provide any credible explanation for the deployment.&nbsp;

The Indian side has conveyed to China that it expected full adherence to all agreements on the management of border areas and emphasized that the "Indian troops had scrupulously followed all agreements and protocols pertaining to the management of the border areas."

The final movement of the troop deployment to their permanent posts is expected to be worked out by the military commanders.&nbsp;

The ground commanders have agreed to hold 6th round of Corps commanders' levels talks soon, as reported by WION on Thursday.&nbsp;

In a major positive development amidst growing India-China tension, both countries have come out with a joint statement calling for the easing of tensions. The five-point statement issued after more than two hour long talks between India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi will "guide their approach to the current situation", top Indian government sources told WION.

In a major positive development amidst growing India-China tension, both countries have come out with a joint statement calling for the easing of tensions. The five-point statement issued after more than two hour long talks between India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi will "guide their approach to the current situation", top Indian government sources told WION. In the joint statement, it has been agreed that "border troops of both sides should continue their dialogue, quickly disengage, maintain proper distance and ease tensions." Also read| India-China standoff: Indian Army gains upper hand and control of commanding heights in Ladakh Recalling the "consensus of the leaders" agreed in the informal Wuhan summit and Chennai connect summits of 2018 and 2019, both will not allow "differences to become disputes" and "the current situation in the border areas is not in the interest of either side." One of the key outcomes of the joint statement is that both sides, "shall abide by all the existing agreements and protocol on China-India boundary affairs" while maintaining "peace and tranquillity in the border areas" and "avoid any action that could escalate matters." Both sides will "continue" to have dialogue and communication through the Special Representative mechanism (SR) on the India-China boundary question and Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China border affairs (WMCC). The SR Level mechanism led by India's National security advisory Ajit Doval and Chinese FM have met twice and WMCC multiple times in the four months-long standoff at the Line of actual control (LAC). Also read| Big, stern message for those eyeing our sovereignty: Rajnath Singh hail induction of Rafale jets It has also been agreed the two sides should expedite work to conclude new Confidence Building Measures for "peace and tranquillity in the border areas" once the current situation eases. The talks which were the first in-person talks between the two Foreign Ministers saw amidst the standoff saw External affairs minister told the Chinese side that "while the Indian side recognized that a solution to the boundary question required time and effort" it was also clear that the "maintenance of peace and tranquillity on the border areas was essential to the forward development of ties," top government sources told WION. The sources elaborated, that EAM told Chinese FM recent incidents in eastern Ladakh has "inevitably impacted the development of the bilateral relationship" and called for "an urgent resolution of the current situation was in the interest of both nations." During India-China FMs meet, India's envoy to China Vikram Misri and India's envoy to Russia Bala Venkatesh Varma were also present. EAM also highlighted its strong concern at the "massing of Chinese troops with equipment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC)" which are violative of 1993 and 1996 India China Agreements and "created flashpoints along the LAC" and "provocative behaviour of Chinese frontline troops at numerous incidents of friction along the LAC also showed disregard for bilateral agreements and protocols". The Chinese side could not provide any credible explanation for the deployment. The Indian side has conveyed to China that it expected full adherence to all agreements on the management of border areas and emphasized that the "Indian troops had scrupulously followed all agreements and protocols pertaining to the management of the border areas." The final movement of the troop deployment to their permanent posts is expected to be worked out by the military commanders. The ground commanders have agreed to hold 6th round of Corps commanders' levels talks soon, as reported by WION on Thursday.

India, China foreign ministers agree to ease tensions; issue joint statement

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar will take part in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) ministerial meeting on September 10. Jaishankar is likely to meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Moscow. Russia is going to play a major role in acting as a mediator between India and China.

SCO meet: India-China foreign ministers meeting on the sidelines

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is likely to meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Moscow, and the border situation between both the countries hasn’t improved.

Can India-China meet be a breakthrough? SCO meet in Moscow

Indian Foreign Ministry briefing ahead of Foreign Ministers' SCO meet

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is likely to meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Moscow, and the border situation between both countries hasn’t improved.

WION Dispatch: Moscow takes 'Non Interference' approach on India-China

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