World Health Organization's emergency program executive director Michael Ryan said today that Wuhan's surveillance system was triggered by COVID-19 but it does not mean that is where the disease originated.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-will-get-the-covid-19-vaccine-first-race-for-a-wuhan-virus-vaccine-317658/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"One must remember that there was a specific surveillance system in place in Wuhan for picking up clusters of atypical pneumonia. It was there for a very specific purpose and the fact that that fire alarm was triggered doesn't necessarily mean that that is where the disease crossed from animals into humans," Michael Ryan said.

Ryan asserted that "more extensive, retrospective epidemiologic study" was required to look at the "first cases and clusters in Wuhan and to fully understand the links between those cases" to understand "at what point, in Wuhan or elsewhere, was the animal-human species barrier breached."

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had said on Monday that the team that had travelled to China had concluded its mission to lay the groundwork for further joint efforts to identify the virus origins.

Tedros had stated that epidemiological studies will begin in Wuhan to identify the "potential source of infection" from the early cases reported. The WHO team will coordinate with Chinese scientists to ascertain how the disease jumped from animals to humans. The extensive investigation will also be overseen by the Chinese government.

Tedros had warned on Monday that there may never be a "silver bullet" to fight the virus and there might never be as he and cautioned countries to enforce health measures like wearing masks, ensure social distancing, and to undertake virus testing and tracing on a large scale.

The message to people and governments is clear: "Do it all"," Tedros said. The WHO chief said that there are "concerns that we may not have a vaccine that may work, or its protection could be for just a few months," while adding"until we finish the clinical trials, we will not know." 
&nbsp;

World Health Organization's emergency program executive director Michael Ryan said today that Wuhan's surveillance system was triggered by COVID-19 but it does not mean that is where the disease originated.

World Health Organization's emergency program executive director Michael Ryan said today that Wuhan's surveillance system was triggered by COVID-19 but it does not mean that is where the disease originated. Watch: "One must remember that there was a specific surveillance system in place in Wuhan for picking up clusters of atypical pneumonia. It was there for a very specific purpose and the fact that that fire alarm was triggered doesn't necessarily mean that that is where the disease crossed from animals into humans," Michael Ryan said. Ryan asserted that "more extensive, retrospective epidemiologic study" was required to look at the "first cases and clusters in Wuhan and to fully understand the links between those cases" to understand "at what point, in Wuhan or elsewhere, was the animal-human species barrier breached." WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had said on Monday that the team that had travelled to China had concluded its mission to lay the groundwork for further joint efforts to identify the virus origins. Tedros had stated that epidemiological studies will begin in Wuhan to identify the "potential source of infection" from the early cases reported. The WHO team will coordinate with Chinese scientists to ascertain how the disease jumped from animals to humans. The extensive investigation will also be overseen by the Chinese government. Tedros had warned on Monday that there may never be a "silver bullet" to fight the virus and there might never be as he and cautioned countries to enforce health measures like wearing masks, ensure social distancing, and to undertake virus testing and tracing on a large scale. The message to people and governments is clear: "Do it all"," Tedros said. The WHO chief said that there are "concerns that we may not have a vaccine that may work, or its protection could be for just a few months," while adding"until we finish the clinical trials, we will not know."

Wuhan's virus fire alarm trigger does not necessarily point to coronavirus origin: WHO

WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said today that there is "no silver bullet at the moment to fight the virus and there might never be".

Watch:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/global-covid-19-cases-surpass-18-million-mark-pandemic-widespread-in-us-317808/embed" width="560"></iframe>

"A number of vaccines are now in phase three clinical trials and we all hope to have a number of effective vaccines that can help prevent people from infection. However, there’s no silver bullet at the moment - and there might never be," Tedros said.

The WHO chief informed that the emergency committee on COVID-19 had met and reviewed the current pandemic. Tedros said that the committee had noted the health impact of the virus had disrupted services on a range of other diseases including reduced immunisation coverage, cancer screening and mental health services.

"More than half of countries reported disruption in antenatal care services and more than a third of countries reported disruption in childbirth services," Tedros said.

Tedros noted that some countries which had experienced the worst of spikes and appeared to have recovered were now witnessing fresh spikes. Tedros informed that emergency committee acknowledged that member states have "tough choices" to make to turn the epidemic around.

The WHO chief also said that epidemiological studies will begin in Wuhan in China to identify the "potential source of infection" of early COVID-19 cases with evidence and hypotheses generated through the work which will lay the ground for further, longer-term studies.

WHO's advance team that travelled to China has now concluded their mission to lay the groundwork for further joint efforts to identify the virus origins.&nbsp;

Tedros said that WHO and&nbsp;Chinese experts have drafted the terms of reference for the studies and programme of work for an international team led by WHO. The international team will include leading scientists and researchers from China and around the world, he informed.

Meamwhile, WHO emergencies head Mike Ryan said that several countries including Brazil and India were braced for a long battle with "sustained commitment".

WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said today that there is "no silver bullet at the moment to fight the virus and there might never be". Watch: "A number of vaccines are now in phase three clinical trials and we all hope to have a number of effective vaccines that can help prevent people from infection.

WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said today that there is "no silver bullet at the moment to fight the virus and there might never be". Watch: "A number of vaccines are now in phase three clinical trials and we all hope to have a number of effective vaccines that can help prevent people from infection. However, there’s no silver bullet at the moment - and there might never be," Tedros said. The WHO chief informed that the emergency committee on COVID-19 had met and reviewed the current pandemic. Tedros said that the committee had noted the health impact of the virus had disrupted services on a range of other diseases including reduced immunisation coverage, cancer screening and mental health services. "More than half of countries reported disruption in antenatal care services and more than a third of countries reported disruption in childbirth services," Tedros said. Tedros noted that some countries which had experienced the worst of spikes and appeared to have recovered were now witnessing fresh spikes. Tedros informed that emergency committee acknowledged that member states have "tough choices" to make to turn the epidemic around. The WHO chief also said that epidemiological studies will begin in Wuhan in China to identify the "potential source of infection" of early COVID-19 cases with evidence and hypotheses generated through the work which will lay the ground for further, longer-term studies. WHO's advance team that travelled to China has now concluded their mission to lay the groundwork for further joint efforts to identify the virus origins. Tedros said that WHO and Chinese experts have drafted the terms of reference for the studies and programme of work for an international team led by WHO. The international team will include leading scientists and researchers from China and around the world, he informed. Meamwhile, WHO emergencies head Mike Ryan said that several countries including Brazil and India were braced for a long battle with "sustained commitment".

No silver bullet to fight the virus and there might never be: WHO chief Tedros

China knows how to control the narrative both at home and abroad. The Dragon has now attempted to control the minds of Indian newspaper readers.

The method Beijing uses is very simple - make one of its officials write an op-ed for a newspaper. An opinion piece in leading Indian dailies that carry them without understanding the hidden motives...

In February 2020, the coronavirus was slowly spreading and nobody knew about the danger it posed to global economies including India, however, China knew about it.&nbsp;

On February 29, the Chinese ambassador to India Sun Weidong published an opinion piece in one of India's leading newspaper - Economic Times. The title of the op-ed piece was "China's economy: the open road to development" - a one-sided narrative on how the world and especially India will need China's help for what was coming.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="http://w3.cdn.anvato.net/player/prod/v3/anvload.html?key=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%3D%3D" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The opinion piece said: "At present, the Chinese government and people are making all-out efforts to combat the novel coronavirus, China's efforts are not only protecting the health of its own people, but also that of the people of the world, including India."

The opinion piece was China's attempt at telling Indians how generous it is, but Indians know everything on how the Chinese military provoked India, grabbed Indian land and killed Indian soldiers.

Another on March 13 was penned by the Chinese ambassador to India. It was carried by The Hindu one of the oldest newspapers in India. It is published in 21 locations and 11 states and many Indians read it. The Hindu carried an op-ed titled: "Fighting COVID-19 together for a shared future". An exhaustive piece of Chinese propaganda. It talked about how the Chinese government had mobilised its efforts to contain the virus and how it was helping countries with medical equipment and research including how it had effectively maintained social stability.

Almost every leading Indian news daily is guilty of providing a platform to Chinese views and propaganda. &nbsp;On April 2, The Times of India carried this op-ed again by the Chinese ambassador titled: "A seven decades journey: Charting a new course for the Dragon-Elephant tango" with an attached photo of a dragon and elephant shaking hands.

On April 6, the Free Press Journal carried the op-ed: "India and China can show the way in fighting the virus" which was co-authored by China's consular general in Mumbai Mr Tang Guocai&nbsp;and Sudheendra Kulkarni - a member of the Bhartiya Janata Party.

On May 1, the Chinese ambassador wrote an opinion piece for the Hindustan Times titled: "Viruses don't respect border!&nbsp;

It&nbsp;triggered a wave of Indian media houses doing China's bidding.&nbsp;These are just some examples but all of us know how most Indian media groups work as both print and TV maintained absolute silence for months on China's culpability in spreading the Wuhan virus to the world. It took a border provocation by China to burst their bubble while WION reported each and every fact about China's growing aggression from the word go!

The opinion pieces with a pro-China spin to every event and crisis was&nbsp;designed to look like personal views but a look at the people behind these personal views shows that they are mostly Chinese officials posted in India.

China knows how to control the narrative both at home and abroad. The Dragon has now attempted to control the minds of Indian newspaper readers. The method Beijing uses is very simple - make one of its officials write an op-ed for a newspaper.

China knows how to control the narrative both at home and abroad. The Dragon has now attempted to control the minds of Indian newspaper readers. The method Beijing uses is very simple - make one of its officials write an op-ed for a newspaper. An opinion piece in leading Indian dailies that carry them without understanding the hidden motives... In February 2020, the coronavirus was slowly spreading and nobody knew about the danger it posed to global economies including India, however, China knew about it. On February 29, the Chinese ambassador to India Sun Weidong published an opinion piece in one of India's leading newspaper - Economic Times. The title of the op-ed piece was "China's economy: the open road to development" - a one-sided narrative on how the world and especially India will need China's help for what was coming. × The opinion piece said: "At present, the Chinese government and people are making all-out efforts to combat the novel coronavirus, China's efforts are not only protecting the health of its own people, but also that of the people of the world, including India." The opinion piece was China's attempt at telling Indians how generous it is, but Indians know everything on how the Chinese military provoked India, grabbed Indian land and killed Indian soldiers. Another on March 13 was penned by the Chinese ambassador to India. It was carried by The Hindu one of the oldest newspapers in India. It is published in 21 locations and 11 states and many Indians read it. The Hindu carried an op-ed titled: "Fighting COVID-19 together for a shared future". An exhaustive piece of Chinese propaganda. It talked about how the Chinese government had mobilised its efforts to contain the virus and how it was helping countries with medical equipment and research including how it had effectively maintained social stability. Almost every leading Indian news daily is guilty of providing a platform to Chinese views and propaganda. On April 2, The Times of India carried this op-ed again by the Chinese ambassador titled: "A seven decades journey: Charting a new course for the Dragon-Elephant tango" with an attached photo of a dragon and elephant shaking hands. On April 6, the Free Press Journal carried the op-ed: "India and China can show the way in fighting the virus" which was co-authored by China's consular general in Mumbai Mr Tang Guocai and Sudheendra Kulkarni - a member of the Bhartiya Janata Party. On May 1, the Chinese ambassador wrote an opinion piece for the Hindustan Times titled: "Viruses don't respect border! It triggered a wave of Indian media houses doing China's bidding. These are just some examples but all of us know how most Indian media groups work as both print and TV maintained absolute silence for months on China's culpability in spreading the Wuhan virus to the world. It took a border provocation by China to burst their bubble while WION reported each and every fact about China's growing aggression from the word go! The opinion pieces with a pro-China spin to every event and crisis was designed to look like personal views but a look at the people behind these personal views shows that they are mostly Chinese officials posted in India.

How China managed to manipulate opinion pieces in India on coronavirus

China calls it the largest virus bank in Asia, America calls it the birthplace of the Wuhan virus - the same lab is back in the headlines for a secret deal between China and Pakistan.

An agreement to build bio-warfare capabilities has reportedly been struck between China and Pakistan with the Wuhan Institute of Virology at the centre of these claims.

Australian journalist Anthony Klan, editor of a news website Klaxon reported the story. According to Klan, a three-year agreement has been signed between Pakistan’s defence, science and technology organisation and China's Wuhan Institute of Virology.

It is supposed to be just a research collaboration - an alliance to research “emerging infectious diseases”. However, Anthony Klan claims the alliance has a more sinister agenda.

The program is being entirely funded by China which is no surprise after all Pakistan is largely funded by China. The deal allows China to conduct tests on biological agents outside its borders - in Pakistan.

According to the report, it is a covert deal hidden from the world. There's a secret facility in Pakistan which runs several research projects related to deadly pathogens. Pathogens like anthrax which has been used as a bioweapon.

Earlier on Friday, WION spoke to Anthony Klan, he said that New Delhi must pay attention to the threat as it&nbsp;poses a direct security challenge to India. According to the report, Pakistan has kept civilians out of the project.

Klan said the intention of the project is "opposite of noble" as creating a covert research facility allows China to conduct dangerous experiments out of public view, so, when the facility is on foreign land that too in a Chinese colony like Pakistan, Beijing can evade responsibility when something goes wrong.

Klan said they have learned their lesson from the Wuhan virus.&nbsp;

The pathogens are being tested in labs that have a lower safety level. In science biosafety level four is considered as the highest level of biosafety precautions. Fatal diseases that can easily transmit should only be tested in biosafety four facilities.

The Wuhan Institute of Virology has biosafety level four and yet, there were questions about its safety and the standards it followed. Reports say Pakistan is carrying out the research in labs that are not equipped to handle dangerous viruses. China is building another virus bank in Pakistan but without the necessary precautions.

One way or the other, it's a disaster waiting to happen, if they make a bioweapon, it's a huge threat, if a safety breach takes place, it's a threat to the world.

China calls it the largest virus bank in Asia, America calls it the birthplace of the Wuhan virus - the same lab is back in the headlines for a secret deal between China and Pakistan.

China calls it the largest virus bank in Asia, America calls it the birthplace of the Wuhan virus - the same lab is back in the headlines for a secret deal between China and Pakistan. An agreement to build bio-warfare capabilities has reportedly been struck between China and Pakistan with the Wuhan Institute of Virology at the centre of these claims. Australian journalist Anthony Klan, editor of a news website Klaxon reported the story. According to Klan, a three-year agreement has been signed between Pakistan’s defence, science and technology organisation and China's Wuhan Institute of Virology. It is supposed to be just a research collaboration - an alliance to research “emerging infectious diseases”. However, Anthony Klan claims the alliance has a more sinister agenda. The program is being entirely funded by China which is no surprise after all Pakistan is largely funded by China. The deal allows China to conduct tests on biological agents outside its borders - in Pakistan. According to the report, it is a covert deal hidden from the world. There's a secret facility in Pakistan which runs several research projects related to deadly pathogens. Pathogens like anthrax which has been used as a bioweapon. Earlier on Friday, WION spoke to Anthony Klan, he said that New Delhi must pay attention to the threat as it poses a direct security challenge to India. According to the report, Pakistan has kept civilians out of the project. Klan said the intention of the project is "opposite of noble" as creating a covert research facility allows China to conduct dangerous experiments out of public view, so, when the facility is on foreign land that too in a Chinese colony like Pakistan, Beijing can evade responsibility when something goes wrong. Klan said they have learned their lesson from the Wuhan virus. The pathogens are being tested in labs that have a lower safety level. In science biosafety level four is considered as the highest level of biosafety precautions. Fatal diseases that can easily transmit should only be tested in biosafety four facilities. The Wuhan Institute of Virology has biosafety level four and yet, there were questions about its safety and the standards it followed. Reports say Pakistan is carrying out the research in labs that are not equipped to handle dangerous viruses. China is building another virus bank in Pakistan but without the necessary precautions. One way or the other, it's a disaster waiting to happen, if they make a bioweapon, it's a huge threat, if a safety breach takes place, it's a threat to the world.

After virus upheaval, China strikes deal with Pakistan to make bioweapons

President Trump attacked China once again over the coronavirus pandemic asserting that it's a “worldwide problem” caused by China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oxford-astrazeneca-coronavirus-vaccine-trial-safe-produced-immune-response-data-reveals-314716">Also Read:&nbsp;Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine trial: Safe &amp; produced immune response, data reveals</a>

"China didn't stop the virus - they could have stopped it but let it go to Europe and the US. It's a worldwide problem now caused by China."

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-fineprint-oxford-covid-19-vaccine-early-trail-shows-positive-results-314738/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The US president asserted that he had "very positive" development on vaccines and on the therapeutic front.

Trump said he will resume his televised coronavirus briefings, saying: "I think it's a great way to get information out to the public, we're doing very well in so many different ways." The US president&nbsp;is likely to start is press briefing from Tuesday.

On Sunday, the United States reported 63,872 new coronavirus cases in 24 hours, according to Johns Hopkins University live coronavirus tracker. The US also recorded 514 deaths taking the total death toll in the country to 140,474.

The United States has reported over 60,000 new cases every day for six days last week with the cases touching over 77,000 on Friday. &nbsp;Los Angeles and California reported 4,592 new cases of coronavirus in a single day as the US continued to battle the virus.

Amid the pandemic, David Yutaka Ige, governor of Hawaii had declared that visitors will also have to submit COVID-19 test within 72 hours of departing for the state and present proof of negative result upon arrival in Hawaii. New York has already extended list of 22 US states whose citizens will have self-quarantine themselves after arrival.

In a similar move, Chicago has added a list of visitors from 17 US states to self-isolate for two weeks.

President Trump attacked China once again over the coronavirus pandemic asserting that it's a “worldwide problem” caused by China. Also Read: Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine trial: Safe & produced immune response, data reveals "China didn't stop the virus - they could have stopped it but let it go to Europe and the US.

President Trump attacked China once again over the coronavirus pandemic asserting that it's a “worldwide problem” caused by China. Also Read: Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine trial: Safe & produced immune response, data reveals "China didn't stop the virus - they could have stopped it but let it go to Europe and the US. It's a worldwide problem now caused by China." Watch: The US president asserted that he had "very positive" development on vaccines and on the therapeutic front. Trump said he will resume his televised coronavirus briefings, saying: "I think it's a great way to get information out to the public, we're doing very well in so many different ways." The US president is likely to start is press briefing from Tuesday. On Sunday, the United States reported 63,872 new coronavirus cases in 24 hours, according to Johns Hopkins University live coronavirus tracker. The US also recorded 514 deaths taking the total death toll in the country to 140,474. The United States has reported over 60,000 new cases every day for six days last week with the cases touching over 77,000 on Friday. Los Angeles and California reported 4,592 new cases of coronavirus in a single day as the US continued to battle the virus. Amid the pandemic, David Yutaka Ige, governor of Hawaii had declared that visitors will also have to submit COVID-19 test within 72 hours of departing for the state and present proof of negative result upon arrival in Hawaii. New York has already extended list of 22 US states whose citizens will have self-quarantine themselves after arrival. In a similar move, Chicago has added a list of visitors from 17 US states to self-isolate for two weeks.

They could have stopped the virus but didn't: Trump lashes out at China again

First came the Wuhan virus, then the swine flu scare followed by the bubonic plague in inner Mongolia, China is deepening the global health crisis&nbsp;by failing to contain one outbreak after another.

Beijing has been busy profiteering from the pandemic - flexing muscles in Ladakh, nitpicking on other countries, the latest being Kazakhstan. China now claims Kazakhstan is experiencing an outbreak of what it calls an "unknown pneumonia".

China says that this "unknown pneumonia" is deadlier than the Wuhan virus. Earlier, the Chinese embassy in Kazakhstan had issued a warning on July 19 informing the Chinese citizens in Kazakhstan that an unknown pneumonia had killed over 1,700 people. The embassy said that the cases of unidentified pneumonia are on the rise. China surprisingly was also armed with data.

It said that the unknown pneumonia had killed nearly 1800 people this year with over 620 deaths taking place in June alone. The Chinese embassy said that the unknown pneumonia was spreading in the regions of Atyrau, Aktobe and Shymkent while maintaining that it was "much deadlier than COIVD-19".

China, however, has not yet released verified data on the Wuhan virus.

Kazakhstan claims that China's information "is not consistent with reality". Kazakhstan, however, has acknowledged the presence of "viral pneumonia of unspecified aetiology" but it says that the outbreak is neither new nor unknown adding that the WHO guidelines were followed.

Kazakhstan has not released any data but media reports claim that pneumonia cases in capital Nursultan, has more than doubled in June with more than 200 people being admitted to hospitals every day.

The question being asked is what are we to make of this? Is this a new virus? or is this virus related to COVID-19? and is China trying to wash its hands off another potential outbreak? one that Beijing itself claims "is deadlier than COVID-19".

It is something that the World Health Organisation will have to decide.

As far as China is concerned, it is better off concentrating on the numerous problems crying for attention back home maybe it can start by releasing data points on the origin of the Wuhan virus.

First came the Wuhan virus, then the swine flu scare followed by the bubonic plague in inner Mongolia, China is deepening the global health crisis by failing to contain one outbreak after another.

First came the Wuhan virus, then the swine flu scare followed by the bubonic plague in inner Mongolia, China is deepening the global health crisis by failing to contain one outbreak after another. Beijing has been busy profiteering from the pandemic - flexing muscles in Ladakh, nitpicking on other countries, the latest being Kazakhstan. China now claims Kazakhstan is experiencing an outbreak of what it calls an "unknown pneumonia". China says that this "unknown pneumonia" is deadlier than the Wuhan virus. Earlier, the Chinese embassy in Kazakhstan had issued a warning on July 19 informing the Chinese citizens in Kazakhstan that an unknown pneumonia had killed over 1,700 people. The embassy said that the cases of unidentified pneumonia are on the rise. China surprisingly was also armed with data. It said that the unknown pneumonia had killed nearly 1800 people this year with over 620 deaths taking place in June alone. The Chinese embassy said that the unknown pneumonia was spreading in the regions of Atyrau, Aktobe and Shymkent while maintaining that it was "much deadlier than COIVD-19". China, however, has not yet released verified data on the Wuhan virus. Kazakhstan claims that China's information "is not consistent with reality". Kazakhstan, however, has acknowledged the presence of "viral pneumonia of unspecified aetiology" but it says that the outbreak is neither new nor unknown adding that the WHO guidelines were followed. Kazakhstan has not released any data but media reports claim that pneumonia cases in capital Nursultan, has more than doubled in June with more than 200 people being admitted to hospitals every day. The question being asked is what are we to make of this? Is this a new virus? or is this virus related to COVID-19? and is China trying to wash its hands off another potential outbreak? one that Beijing itself claims "is deadlier than COVID-19". It is something that the World Health Organisation will have to decide. As far as China is concerned, it is better off concentrating on the numerous problems crying for attention back home maybe it can start by releasing data points on the origin of the Wuhan virus.

Now, China claims Kazakhstan's 'unknown pneumonia' deadlier than COVID-19

China’s boom has been powered by debt as the Communist Party began chasing superpower status with a credit card and the world knows when you buy something with a credit card, you are spending money that you don’t really have and one day you will have to return it.&nbsp;

The Communist Party has set ambitious targets for itself. It wants to dominate this century and wants to be the ultimate superpower by dethroning America. It's a mission requires cash and a lot of it.

There are three telltale signs that the Dragon is running out of cash. Firstly, China's tax revenue growth has dropped. In 2018, tax revenues grew by 6.2 per cent. In 2019 it was less than four per cent. Secondly, China's budget deficit is growing. It touched almost five per cent last year but the world knows these figures are fudged.

The International Monetary Fund(IMF) says the shortfall is not five per cent but more than 12 per cent and finally, the Belt and Road is full of roadblocks even before the pandemic, it was widely believed that it was an over-ambitious plan.&nbsp;

In 2016, China gave 46 loans worth well over $1 billion dollars all of it went for overseas investment projects. In 2018, China only funded 28 projects and now, due to the coronavirus projects have been delayed.&nbsp;

There are also demands for debt relief as some countries have even shelved projects. The BRI project is Xi Jinping’s dream but, it could now become the reason for his downfall. The reason is simple - it costs too much.&nbsp;

A report in 2017 estimated China needed $5 trillion dollars in the next five years to keep the BRI project going which basically means BRI’s five-year budget from 2017 to 2022 is $5 trillion. &nbsp;

The Chinese state and its subsidiaries have lent around $1.5 trillion to 150 countries in the form of direct loans making China the world’s biggest lender in the world- bigger than the World Bank or the IMF.&nbsp;

China-backed international institutions have also pitched in including China’s silk road infrastructure fund, the Asian infrastructure investment bank and the new development bank based in Shanghai.&nbsp;

According to numbers from 2017, their contribution is around 190 billion dollars.&nbsp;

However, there are no answers on how China is getting the rest of the money but Beijing has a bigger headache right now which is the demand for debt relief from countries which cannot afford to pay right now.&nbsp;

At home, China is struggling with banks in poor health and abroad Chinese cash has gone to high-risk countries. The organisation for economic co-operation and development(OECD) ranks countries based on their risk profile.

In the list of 20 names, 17 can be deemed as high-risk who have weak credit ratings. The risk of default is very high since the Belt and Road Initiative began China has lent up to $350 billion to member countries. about half of them are high-risk debtors.

Several of them have called for debt relief in the last two decades even as China has embarked on a lending spree. It became the largest banker for the developing world but now it faces potential collapse.

China’s boom has been powered by debt as the Communist Party began chasing superpower status with a credit card and the world knows when you buy something with a credit card, you are spending money that you don’t really have and one day you will have to return it.

China’s boom has been powered by debt as the Communist Party began chasing superpower status with a credit card and the world knows when you buy something with a credit card, you are spending money that you don’t really have and one day you will have to return it. The Communist Party has set ambitious targets for itself. It wants to dominate this century and wants to be the ultimate superpower by dethroning America. It's a mission requires cash and a lot of it. There are three telltale signs that the Dragon is running out of cash. Firstly, China's tax revenue growth has dropped. In 2018, tax revenues grew by 6.2 per cent. In 2019 it was less than four per cent. Secondly, China's budget deficit is growing. It touched almost five per cent last year but the world knows these figures are fudged. The International Monetary Fund(IMF) says the shortfall is not five per cent but more than 12 per cent and finally, the Belt and Road is full of roadblocks even before the pandemic, it was widely believed that it was an over-ambitious plan. In 2016, China gave 46 loans worth well over $1 billion dollars all of it went for overseas investment projects. In 2018, China only funded 28 projects and now, due to the coronavirus projects have been delayed. There are also demands for debt relief as some countries have even shelved projects. The BRI project is Xi Jinping’s dream but, it could now become the reason for his downfall. The reason is simple - it costs too much. A report in 2017 estimated China needed $5 trillion dollars in the next five years to keep the BRI project going which basically means BRI’s five-year budget from 2017 to 2022 is $5 trillion. The Chinese state and its subsidiaries have lent around $1.5 trillion to 150 countries in the form of direct loans making China the world’s biggest lender in the world- bigger than the World Bank or the IMF. China-backed international institutions have also pitched in including China’s silk road infrastructure fund, the Asian infrastructure investment bank and the new development bank based in Shanghai. According to numbers from 2017, their contribution is around 190 billion dollars. However, there are no answers on how China is getting the rest of the money but Beijing has a bigger headache right now which is the demand for debt relief from countries which cannot afford to pay right now. At home, China is struggling with banks in poor health and abroad Chinese cash has gone to high-risk countries. The organisation for economic co-operation and development(OECD) ranks countries based on their risk profile. In the list of 20 names, 17 can be deemed as high-risk who have weak credit ratings. The risk of default is very high since the Belt and Road Initiative began China has lent up to $350 billion to member countries. about half of them are high-risk debtors. Several of them have called for debt relief in the last two decades even as China has embarked on a lending spree. It became the largest banker for the developing world but now it faces potential collapse.

China's debt trap increases amid budget deficit, BRI roadblock

According to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), China has submitted the genome sequencing data from Beijing's Xinfadi market infection cluster to the World Health Organization(WHO).

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/inside-xinfadi-chinas-largest-market-market-at-centre-of-beijings-2nd-covid-19-wave-306460/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The latest outbreak in China's sprawling Xinfadi wholesale market was detected in the salmon chopping boards amid fears of a second wave of coronavirus cases in China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijings-second-coronavirus-wave-puts-wet-markets-back-in-focus-306902">Also Read:&nbsp;Beijing's second coronavirus wave puts wet markets back in focus</a>

The virus which is believed to have first emerged from a market in Wuhan last year has once again put the spotlight on Chinese markets. Beijing reported 21 new cases of the virus in the last 24 hours taking the total number of cases to 158 in the past week ever since the virus was first detected at the Xinfadi market.

There were also reports of virus cases in Tianjin and Hebei which surrounds Beijing as authorities moved quickly to order residents not to leave the city and closed schools and shut airways in order to contain the virus.

The Xinfadi market reportedly supplies over 70 per cent of the city's fresh produce and attracts several hundred people everyday.

Last week, Chinese authorities moved to quickly to close not just the Xinfadi meat market but also the Jingshen seafood market amid rising number of COVID-19 cases.

Several police officers were deployed even as people turned up in large numbers to get tested as authorities called for mass testing, similar to Wuhan where millions were tested after new cases were discovered.

Chinese authorities had also closed down indoor sports and entertainment venues in the capital city as the WHO raised concerns.

Authorities also locked down 21 housing estates near Xinfadi which were reportedly linked to the Xinfadi outbreak. 
&nbsp;

According to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), China has submitted the genome sequencing data from Beijing's Xinfadi market infection cluster to the World Health Organization(WHO).

According to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), China has submitted the genome sequencing data from Beijing's Xinfadi market infection cluster to the World Health Organization(WHO). Watch: The latest outbreak in China's sprawling Xinfadi wholesale market was detected in the salmon chopping boards amid fears of a second wave of coronavirus cases in China. Also Read: Beijing's second coronavirus wave puts wet markets back in focus The virus which is believed to have first emerged from a market in Wuhan last year has once again put the spotlight on Chinese markets. Beijing reported 21 new cases of the virus in the last 24 hours taking the total number of cases to 158 in the past week ever since the virus was first detected at the Xinfadi market. There were also reports of virus cases in Tianjin and Hebei which surrounds Beijing as authorities moved quickly to order residents not to leave the city and closed schools and shut airways in order to contain the virus. The Xinfadi market reportedly supplies over 70 per cent of the city's fresh produce and attracts several hundred people everyday. Last week, Chinese authorities moved to quickly to close not just the Xinfadi meat market but also the Jingshen seafood market amid rising number of COVID-19 cases. Several police officers were deployed even as people turned up in large numbers to get tested as authorities called for mass testing, similar to Wuhan where millions were tested after new cases were discovered. Chinese authorities had also closed down indoor sports and entertainment venues in the capital city as the WHO raised concerns. Authorities also locked down 21 housing estates near Xinfadi which were reportedly linked to the Xinfadi outbreak.

China submits COVID-19 genome sequencing data of Xinfadi market outbreak to WHO

Beijing reported 21 new cases of coronavirus in the last 24 hours taking the total number of COVID-19 cases in the last seven days to 158 as authorities grappled to contain the virus in the Chinese capital.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-russia-present-the-most-immediate-serious-threats-to-us-space-operations-pentagon-306809">Also Read:&nbsp;Beijing's second coronavirus wave puts wet markets back in focus</a>

Beijing's neigbouring city Tianjin reported one case with Hebei province near the capital also reported cases. The outbreak which began in China's Xinfadi wholesale market has put authorities on alert amid fears of a second wave hitting China.

Residents have been ordered not to leave the city and schools have been shut as city officials have undertaken major operations to clampdown and halt the spread of the virus with testing&nbsp;being ramped up. City officials said 400,000 samples a day were being tested.

Travel restrictions have been imposed on residents in&nbsp;the capital even as top epidemiologist Wu Zunyou asserted that the pandemic has been "brought under control", however, he cautioned that there still could still be people affected with the virus.

The virus cases were first detected on salmon chopping boards at Xinfadi market which was quickly closed by authorities. The discovery of the virus in the market raised health concerns in China's market after the virus was first believed to have spread from a market in Wuhan last year.

China had declared its first COVID-19 case on December 31, 2019.

Beijing authorities quickly cancelled flights as the cases spread. Residents have waited in long ques in order to get themselves tested with people needing a negative result on a nucleic acid test in order to travel.

Authorities have also made it mandatory tests&nbsp;to be carried out on those directly linked to the Xinfadi market. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Beijing reported 21 new cases of coronavirus in the last 24 hours taking the total number of COVID-19 cases in the last seven days to 158 as authorities grappled to contain the virus in the Chinese capital.

Beijing reported 21 new cases of coronavirus in the last 24 hours taking the total number of COVID-19 cases in the last seven days to 158 as authorities grappled to contain the virus in the Chinese capital. Also Read: Beijing's second coronavirus wave puts wet markets back in focus Beijing's neigbouring city Tianjin reported one case with Hebei province near the capital also reported cases. The outbreak which began in China's Xinfadi wholesale market has put authorities on alert amid fears of a second wave hitting China. Residents have been ordered not to leave the city and schools have been shut as city officials have undertaken major operations to clampdown and halt the spread of the virus with testing being ramped up. City officials said 400,000 samples a day were being tested. Travel restrictions have been imposed on residents in the capital even as top epidemiologist Wu Zunyou asserted that the pandemic has been "brought under control", however, he cautioned that there still could still be people affected with the virus. The virus cases were first detected on salmon chopping boards at Xinfadi market which was quickly closed by authorities. The discovery of the virus in the market raised health concerns in China's market after the virus was first believed to have spread from a market in Wuhan last year. China had declared its first COVID-19 case on December 31, 2019. Beijing authorities quickly cancelled flights as the cases spread. Residents have waited in long ques in order to get themselves tested with people needing a negative result on a nucleic acid test in order to travel. Authorities have also made it mandatory tests to be carried out on those directly linked to the Xinfadi market.

Authorities on alert as 21 new COVID-19 cases detected in Beijing

After Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called for a "fair, independent and comprehensive verification with the European Union" on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dutch-pm-mark-rutte-did-not-visit-dying-mother-due-to-covid-19-lockdown-301117">coronavirus</a>, China's foreign ministry said that it "firmly opposes the politicization and stigmatization of the origin of the virus".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-to-have-disastrous-impact-on-millions-of-children-report-301146">Also Read: COVID-19 to have 'disastrous' impact on millions of children</a>

"The origin of the new coronavirus is a serious scientific problem, which must be studied by scientists and medical experts on the basis of facts and science," China's foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said.

Several countries including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia have called for a probe into the origin of the virus. The World Health Organization(WHO) on its part had said it was ready to conduct a probe along with other member nations provided there was an invitation by China.

"It also goes against the efforts and expectations of the international community, including China and Japan, in the fight against the epidemic. I want to stress that political blindness should never override scientific judgment," China's foreign ministry spokesman stressed.

"Solidarity and cooperation are the most powerful weapons for humankind to overcome the epidemic," Zhao Lijian added.

China's foreign minister Wang Yi had earlier said his country was ready for "open" to international cooperation to identify the source of the virus, but added that it should be led by the WHO and should be "free of political interference".

"Fairness means the process be free of political interference, respect the sovereignty of all countries, and oppose any presumption of guilt," China's foreign minister asserted.

After Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called for a "fair, independent and comprehensive verification with the European Union" on coronavirus, China's foreign ministry said that it "firmly opposes the politicization and stigmatization of the origin of the virus".

After Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called for a "fair, independent and comprehensive verification with the European Union" on coronavirus, China's foreign ministry said that it "firmly opposes the politicization and stigmatization of the origin of the virus". Also Read: COVID-19 to have 'disastrous' impact on millions of children "The origin of the new coronavirus is a serious scientific problem, which must be studied by scientists and medical experts on the basis of facts and science," China's foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said. Several countries including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia have called for a probe into the origin of the virus. The World Health Organization(WHO) on its part had said it was ready to conduct a probe along with other member nations provided there was an invitation by China. "It also goes against the efforts and expectations of the international community, including China and Japan, in the fight against the epidemic. I want to stress that political blindness should never override scientific judgment," China's foreign ministry spokesman stressed. "Solidarity and cooperation are the most powerful weapons for humankind to overcome the epidemic," Zhao Lijian added. China's foreign minister Wang Yi had earlier said his country was ready for "open" to international cooperation to identify the source of the virus, but added that it should be led by the WHO and should be "free of political interference". "Fairness means the process be free of political interference, respect the sovereignty of all countries, and oppose any presumption of guilt," China's foreign minister asserted.

Firmly oppose politicisation of the origin of the virus: China

WION has always chosen to speak truth to power. We relentlessly exposed China's cover-up despite threats and were blocked by Chinese diplomats even targeted by Chinese embassy officials.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-trying-to-shirk-responsibility-smearing-our-anti-virus-effort-china-on-trumps-attack-on-who-299644">Also Read:&nbsp;US trying to shirk responsibility, smearing our anti-virus effort, says China on Trump</a>

But now an admission by the Chinese regime vindicates our reportage. Beijing has admitted to destroying early samples of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-threatens-to-permanently-pull-funding-from-who-299568"> coronavirus</a>. It's a rare acknowledgment by China's own national health commission.&nbsp;

Liu Dengfeng an official at the science and education department has confessed that Beijing ordered "unauthorized labs"&nbsp;to destroy samples of the coronavirus in the early stages of the outbreak.&nbsp;

Liu Dengfeng said that China not only imposed restrictions on sample experiments but it also prohibited labs from collecting or transporting coronavirus samples.

The health official, however, tried to defend his government's actions saying that the decision was in line with China's standard practice for handling highly pathogenic samples and that it was done for bio-safety reasons and to prevent secondary disasters which is a standard practice to prevent secondary disasters.

The World Health Organization too followed such standard practices, according to Li Mingzhu, an official at the international co-operation department of the&nbsp;health commission.

The World Health Organization did not make any request whatsoever to visit the Wuhan lab during their two trips to the virus epicenter. He says that WHO delegations visited Wuhan in January and February but did not even seek permission to visit the Wuhan institute of virology.

The timing of these revelations is significant. The world is getting closer to an independent probe into China's handling of the outbreak. Beijing is trying hard to twist every fact to hide its culpability and it won't hesitate in sacrificing its accomplices to save face. The World Health Organization must watch out and the world must keep up the pressure.

WION has always chosen to speak truth to power. We relentlessly exposed China's cover-up despite threats and were blocked by Chinese diplomats even targeted by Chinese embassy officials.

WION has always chosen to speak truth to power. We relentlessly exposed China's cover-up despite threats and were blocked by Chinese diplomats even targeted by Chinese embassy officials. Also Read: US trying to shirk responsibility, smearing our anti-virus effort, says China on Trump But now an admission by the Chinese regime vindicates our reportage. Beijing has admitted to destroying early samples of the coronavirus. It's a rare acknowledgment by China's own national health commission. Liu Dengfeng an official at the science and education department has confessed that Beijing ordered "unauthorized labs" to destroy samples of the coronavirus in the early stages of the outbreak. Liu Dengfeng said that China not only imposed restrictions on sample experiments but it also prohibited labs from collecting or transporting coronavirus samples. The health official, however, tried to defend his government's actions saying that the decision was in line with China's standard practice for handling highly pathogenic samples and that it was done for bio-safety reasons and to prevent secondary disasters which is a standard practice to prevent secondary disasters. The World Health Organization too followed such standard practices, according to Li Mingzhu, an official at the international co-operation department of the health commission. The World Health Organization did not make any request whatsoever to visit the Wuhan lab during their two trips to the virus epicenter. He says that WHO delegations visited Wuhan in January and February but did not even seek permission to visit the Wuhan institute of virology. The timing of these revelations is significant. The world is getting closer to an independent probe into China's handling of the outbreak. Beijing is trying hard to twist every fact to hide its culpability and it won't hesitate in sacrificing its accomplices to save face. The World Health Organization must watch out and the world must keep up the pressure.

Chinese official says early coronavirus samples destroyed in 'unauthorised labs'

Just hours after US President shot a letter to the World Health Organization accusing it of praising China's efforts to contain the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-worldwide-cases-near-49-million-death-toll-at-318465-299544">virus</a>, the Chinese foreign ministry said the "open letter is full of hints, 'perhaps', and 'maybes', and tries to use specious methods to mislead the public."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-threatens-to-permanently-pull-funding-from-who-299568">Also Read:&nbsp;Trump threatens to permanently pull funding from WHO</a>

"The US tries to use China as an issue to shirk responsibility and bargain over its international obligations to the WHO. This is a miscalculation and the US has picked the wrong target," China's foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said.

The United States has become the epicenter of the virus with over 90,000 deaths and over 1.4 million infections. US President had earlier accused the WHO of having a "China bias" even as he had stopped funding to the UN health body.

In the letter, Trump told the WHO that it was "curiously insistent" on praising China for its alleged "transparency" while adding that "notwithstanding that China has been anything but transparent".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
This is the letter sent to Dr. Tedros of the World Health Organization. It is self-explanatory! <a href="https://t.co/pF2kzPUpDv">pic.twitter.com/pF2kzPUpDv</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1262577580718395393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

China's foreign ministry said the Trump administration was trying to "achieve the goals of smearing China’s anti-virus efforts, and shirk responsibility for the United States' own insufficient response."

Trump called the WHO a &nbsp;"puppet of China" as he sent the letter to chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus threatening to permanently freeze funding to the WHO.

The US president in the letter said that WHO has "failed to publicly call on China to allow for an independent investigation into the origins of the virus, despite the recent endorsement for doing so by its own emergency committee."

"The only way forward for the WHO is if it can actually demonstrate independence from China," the US President said, while concluding that "my administration has already started discussions with you on how to reform the organization, but action is needed quickly, we do not have time to waste."

Just hours after US President shot a letter to the World Health Organization accusing it of praising China's efforts to contain the virus, the Chinese foreign ministry said the "open letter is full of hints, 'perhaps', and 'maybes', and tries to use specious methods to mislead the public.

Just hours after US President shot a letter to the World Health Organization accusing it of praising China's efforts to contain the virus, the Chinese foreign ministry said the "open letter is full of hints, 'perhaps', and 'maybes', and tries to use specious methods to mislead the public." Also Read: Trump threatens to permanently pull funding from WHO "The US tries to use China as an issue to shirk responsibility and bargain over its international obligations to the WHO. This is a miscalculation and the US has picked the wrong target," China's foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said. The United States has become the epicenter of the virus with over 90,000 deaths and over 1.4 million infections. US President had earlier accused the WHO of having a "China bias" even as he had stopped funding to the UN health body. In the letter, Trump told the WHO that it was "curiously insistent" on praising China for its alleged "transparency" while adding that "notwithstanding that China has been anything but transparent". This is the letter sent to Dr. Tedros of the World Health Organization. It is self-explanatory! pic.twitter.com/pF2kzPUpDv — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 19, 2020 × China's foreign ministry said the Trump administration was trying to "achieve the goals of smearing China’s anti-virus efforts, and shirk responsibility for the United States' own insufficient response." Trump called the WHO a "puppet of China" as he sent the letter to chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus threatening to permanently freeze funding to the WHO. The US president in the letter said that WHO has "failed to publicly call on China to allow for an independent investigation into the origins of the virus, despite the recent endorsement for doing so by its own emergency committee." "The only way forward for the WHO is if it can actually demonstrate independence from China," the US President said, while concluding that "my administration has already started discussions with you on how to reform the organization, but action is needed quickly, we do not have time to waste."

US trying to shirk responsibility, smearing our anti-virus effort: China on Trump's attack on WHO

When China went through the worst phase during the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-in-medical-arms-race-over-coronavirus-vaccine-299503">coronavirus</a> outbreak, President Xi Jinping had gone into hiding.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-always-transparent-about-coronavirus-says-president-xi-during-world-health-assembly-video-conference-299439">Also Read:&nbsp;China always transparent about coronavirus, says President Xi</a>

The Chinese president was silent for four months, now when the world is battling the coronavirus epidemic, Xi Jinping is being served as a "savior". China is now trying to spin a new narrative around its coronavirus response.

The decision making body of the WHO - the World Health Assembly kicked off a two-day event today, however, for the Chinese president, it was a three-part act designed to repair the damage to China's reputation.

President Xi was on a video conference during the World Health Assembly which is an annual affair with health ministers from member states attending&nbsp;the meeting. This time it is different since&nbsp;the coronavirus epidemic has become a global pandemic.&nbsp;

Usually, the 194 member states of the WHO gather in Geneva but for the first time&nbsp;the event is happening online and it is the most important assembly in the history of the WHO with the world fighting a pandemic with more than 47 lakh people being infected by the Wuhan virus.

The virus has killed over 3 lakh people globally. The world wants answers from China and the World Health Organisation(WHO) for its failures to protect the world from the pandemic. The&nbsp;resolution connected with it was the first thing to come out of the World Health Assembly.

The&nbsp;resolution demanded an investigation into the international response to the outbreak with 60 countries backing it initially including India.

Now more than hundred countries are behind it. The resolution does not name China but, it is bound to raise some serious questions about China's response.

When China went through the worst phase during the coronavirus outbreak, President Xi Jinping had gone into hiding. Also Read: China always transparent about coronavirus, says President Xi The Chinese president was silent for four months, now when the world is battling the coronavirus epidemic, Xi Jinping is being served as a "savior".

When China went through the worst phase during the coronavirus outbreak, President Xi Jinping had gone into hiding. Also Read: China always transparent about coronavirus, says President Xi The Chinese president was silent for four months, now when the world is battling the coronavirus epidemic, Xi Jinping is being served as a "savior". China is now trying to spin a new narrative around its coronavirus response. The decision making body of the WHO - the World Health Assembly kicked off a two-day event today, however, for the Chinese president, it was a three-part act designed to repair the damage to China's reputation. President Xi was on a video conference during the World Health Assembly which is an annual affair with health ministers from member states attending the meeting. This time it is different since the coronavirus epidemic has become a global pandemic. Usually, the 194 member states of the WHO gather in Geneva but for the first time the event is happening online and it is the most important assembly in the history of the WHO with the world fighting a pandemic with more than 47 lakh people being infected by the Wuhan virus. The virus has killed over 3 lakh people globally. The world wants answers from China and the World Health Organisation(WHO) for its failures to protect the world from the pandemic. The resolution connected with it was the first thing to come out of the World Health Assembly. The resolution demanded an investigation into the international response to the outbreak with 60 countries backing it initially including India. Now more than hundred countries are behind it. The resolution does not name China but, it is bound to raise some serious questions about China's response.

China's new spin: President Xi presents himself as 'savior' at World Health Assembly

A day after US President Trump threatened to "cut off" ties with China amid the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-blames-obama-for-conspiracy-on-twitter-calls-it-obamagate-298760">coronavirus</a> crisis, the foreign ministry said that "China and the US should continue to strengthen cooperation against the epidemic, defeat the epidemic as soon as possible, treat patients, and restore economy and production."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-a-part-of-18-point-plan-of-us-to-uncover-chinas-lies-298782">Also Read:&nbsp;India a part of 18-point plan of US to uncover China's lies</a>

"But it requires the US to meet halfway with China," China's foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said.

"To maintain the steady development of China-US relations is in the fundamental interests of the people in both countries, and is conducive to world peace and stability," the foreign ministry spokesman said.

President Trump on Thursday had said he "could cut off the whole relationship" with China. "You'd save $500 billion if you cut off the whole relationship," Trump told Fox Business news, a US-based television news channel while adding that "right now I just don't want to speak to him", referring to Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The Trump administration has repeatedly attacked China over the origin of the coronavirus which has claimed over 80,000 lives in the United States and infected over 1.3 million people.

The US president had said earlier that the virus was leaked from a Wuhan laboratory, an allegation dismissed by China. Trump has also attacked the WHO alleging it had a "China bias" while shutting off aid to the UN health body.

In a tweet earlier he described the virus as a "plague from China" while pressuring Chinese authorities to disclose the origin of the virus.

A day after US President Trump threatened to "cut off" ties with China amid the coronavirus crisis, the foreign ministry said that "China and the US should continue to strengthen cooperation against the epidemic, defeat the epidemic as soon as possible, treat patients, and restore economy and production.

A day after US President Trump threatened to "cut off" ties with China amid the coronavirus crisis, the foreign ministry said that "China and the US should continue to strengthen cooperation against the epidemic, defeat the epidemic as soon as possible, treat patients, and restore economy and production." Also Read: India a part of 18-point plan of US to uncover China's lies "But it requires the US to meet halfway with China," China's foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said. "To maintain the steady development of China-US relations is in the fundamental interests of the people in both countries, and is conducive to world peace and stability," the foreign ministry spokesman said. President Trump on Thursday had said he "could cut off the whole relationship" with China. "You'd save $500 billion if you cut off the whole relationship," Trump told Fox Business news, a US-based television news channel while adding that "right now I just don't want to speak to him", referring to Chinese President Xi Jinping. The Trump administration has repeatedly attacked China over the origin of the coronavirus which has claimed over 80,000 lives in the United States and infected over 1.3 million people. The US president had said earlier that the virus was leaked from a Wuhan laboratory, an allegation dismissed by China. Trump has also attacked the WHO alleging it had a "China bias" while shutting off aid to the UN health body. In a tweet earlier he described the virus as a "plague from China" while pressuring Chinese authorities to disclose the origin of the virus.

Require US to meet us halfway: China on Trump's threat to cut off ties

The world that was divided along the fault-lines of social, religious, economic, historical, geographical or ideological supremacy, is now speaking in one voice on the need to save humanity.

Around one-third of the world population is estimated to be under lockdown as humanity comes to terms with the pandemic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/refugees-could-become-the-worst-victims-of-coronavirus-pandemic-288393">Covid-19 </a>after initial denial.

With over seven&nbsp;lakh cases globally, people are restricted to their homes. The streets bear a deserted look, and the world has come to a standstill. Yet the world is in flux.

The crises of seclusion, isolation and social distancing is not only changing our perception for life, but has also forced us to ponder over the existing way of life itself.&nbsp;

Mystery Surrounding the Deadly Virus

Besides the worldwide criticism of WHO in the handling of the Covid-19 crises, the virus itself has been referred to as the ‘Chinese Virus’ and it is widely believed that this virus originated in Wuhan, China.&nbsp;

In addition to this, there are also inputs on how this virus was predicted by a writer in her book written in the early 1980s. Daily, we keep on hearing new theories and information rendering the situation ambiguous. 
&nbsp; 
Global Politics

With many world leaders and personalities testing positive, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/coronavirus-outbreak-lockdown-and-beyond-a-looming-crisis-288430">the Coronavirus</a>, being christened as the ‘Chinese virus’ by world leaders like Donald Trump, is shaking up the global politics. It is set to change and possibly weaken the role of China in the modern world. 
 
The US response has enraged many and China has gone on a propaganda offensive. One set of information says, in the year 2019, there were about 40 lakh Chinese tourists in Italy and these are said to have played a role in the propagation of the virus on such a large scale. There seems to have set in, a certain incredibility being attributed to China’s role in the genesis and spread of this virus, thus throwing up questions on China’s aspirations to be known as a world leader. Though we do not have much information on the source and genesis of this virus, what is very evident at this point of time, is that the whole world is in the grip of fear psychosis, and it is hell-bent on stopping this virus in its path of destruction and fury.&nbsp;

The Other Side

What is unique about this predicament, is that never before in modern history, have governmental and non-governmental organisations and individuals across the world, prioritised an issue and pledged their complete support to each other to see its resolution. The world before COVID-19 was immensely competitive, with countries competing with each other to establish their supremacy in world history and politics. From being the first to set up an asylum for humans on Mars, to spreading their ideology across the world, the priorities were always cantered on competition as opposed to the stress on cooperation in this post-COVID-19 world. The world that was divided along the fault-lines of social, religious, economic, historical, geographical or ideological supremacy, is now speaking in one voice on the need to save humanity.

Obsolete Vs Relevant 
 
Another post-COVID 19 scenario that we are witnessing, is the increasing obsolescence and growing irrelevance of global organisations like the UN, which was established solely to eradicate poverty and war from the world.&nbsp;

Other than giving out statements on the progress of the virus across the world and updating the casualties and results, not much has been under the control of the UN or the WHO, in terms of battling and mitigating this pandemic. It seems WHO took too long to act and gave China a long pass. Both organisations need recasting. In fact, much more has been done by individual governments and the civil society, notably by the Indian government which has been taking strong positive and assertive steps to contain the spread of the Coronavirus and keep it in check. In fact, the WHO, lauding India’s past missives against small-pox and polio, has stressed upon the country’s fight against the virus as the crucial part of the battle.

Can India Show the Way?

For ages together, India has been propagating the idea of 'One-world family' or 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', and which was not really comprehended in its truest sense, by the western world. This pandemic has not only taught the essence of 'one-world family' to the entire world but also demonstrated its practical implementation for all to appreciate. All man-made divisions have been thrown out of the window by an unseen and unknown virus, reasserting the superiority of Nature, and its ability to blow all our plans to smithereens.&nbsp;

Additionally, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the first leaders to establish a fund for the battle against the COVID-19, in coordination with its neighbouring countries. While other countries were busy battling the virus in their individual capacities, the head of the world’s largest democracy was reaching out to other nations to help them in this war against the pandemic. This has assertively pushed India into the league of a global leader, despite its conspicuous absence from the UN Security Council, not just politically but also culturally, as is evident from the endorsement of the Indian way of greeting, the Namaste, as being the safest way to greet in the present scenario.

The Indian Way of Life!

The way Italy’s health care system is groaning under Covid-19, it is a warning to the world. The west today values ancient Indian wisdom and its ayurvedic home remedies for an enhanced immune system,

Studies have shown that people with a stronger immune system have a higher chance of being cured of this virus. This explains the estimated whopping 300 per cent increase in the export of turmeric to Europeans who are looking for Indian spices to increase their immunity. Giloy, an ayurvedic herb, known to cure fever and flu in a matter of days, works wonders in the prevention of the Coronavirus. It is widely consumed in India for the treatment of viral cold and cough, and fever, and is known as the root of immortality, since it enhances the immune system like no other medication, in addition to its utility in the treatment of diabetes and gastrointestinal disorders.

Copper and Brass have been an inseparable part of the Indian civilisation, and were, perhaps, the only materials to be used as utensils in India. The practice of drinking water from brass is inherent to all Indians, that we have forgotten the same, is another matter.

Meanwhile, it is believed that virus strains degenerate when brought in contact with copper surfaces and cannot survive on it, unlike other surfaces where it can survive for days together. Bill Keevil, Professor of Environmental healthcare at the University of Southampton, says that viruses land on copper and it just degrades them.&nbsp;

And finally, the practice of Namaste, being incorporated as the norm in the Coronavirus –infested atmosphere, shows the relevance of the practice of avoiding physical contact, which, according to Indian tradition implies the accumulation of memories by physical contact, something which was to be avoided at all costs.&nbsp;

The Final War&nbsp;

This current pandemic should cause us to revisit our civilizational values and rethink our plan of development. Information technology and mass urbanisation must be guided by higher consciousness to nature and the earth, because, without the right foundation, no civilisation can endure.

Given its contribution to the war against the COVID-19, India is bound to be catapulted to the role of a global leader, also on account of its dauntless war against the pandemic, devoid of fear psychosis, and armed with fearless and practical solutions of lockdown and precautionary measures implemented by the government and executed to perfection by its dedicated medical, surveillance and security personnel, and the citizenry, as opposed to the ground realities in places like China or Italy or even the US, where the virus has wreaked havoc beyond one’s imagination.&nbsp;

The world, in the wake of this disease, is turning to spirituality, which by my definition, means questioning one’s origin, one’s relation with Nature and fellow human beings, one’s longevity and one’s legacy for the future generation. All of a sudden, we have been introspecting into the kind of world we are going to bequeath to our children, questioning the way of life we have been leading.

Another example of this is the inadvertent focus on family life and family bonding as advocated in the Indian culture, during the long durations of forced isolation during the lockdown. Though the Western world had,&nbsp; 
all along, smirked at the emotional family orientation of the Indians, and were proud of their capitalist culture of independence, this lockdown has unveiled to them the joy of family bonding and its importance in the larger scheme of things. They are realising that the frantic race for economic sustenance had never been capable of giving them the psychological security and reassurance that the family, in these difficult times, has brought to them.&nbsp;

This Pandemic has further highlighted the fact that the excessively exalted notion of independence of individuals has fallen apart in favour of stress on interdependence, without which people cannot survive in this Post- COVID 19 world. In countries with a high per capita income and independence also, people have realised that one’s survival is dependent on others. Money may not save your life but someone’s help may.&nbsp;

Also, even if one person chooses to throw caution to the wind, hundreds of others are affected. Hence, this virus has made us realise that no man is an island and that the world is an archipelago.&nbsp;

Crumbling Fault-lines

This brings me to the next observation that the faultlines of religion, region, language, race, nationality, ideology and culture, which had barricaded the world into small units, have finally begun to give away, with the greater identity of humanism overshadowing all other identities. This bringing together of the world on the basis of a common human identity and experience by this virus, in a way that even the UN was not able to do in all these years, augurs well for the coming future. This experience has fostered a culture of sharing and caring beyond an established identity, novel to the western world, enabling us to think uniformly of mitigating poverty, starvation, sickness and war.&nbsp;

The Last Lesson

Richard Louv, in his 1995 book, ‘The last child in the woods,’ strives to tell us how exposure to Nature is essential to childhood development, and the emotional and physical health of children and adults and how we have gone so far away from nature in our thought and habit, that we have started to consume anything and everything, disregarding the thought of when, and what to eat. He talks of Nature- deficit disorder which is the cause of this degradation in our culture and behaviour where we have not spared even a creature from our gluttony. This is where India has a role to play. Maria Wirth talks of how India may need to send a yogi like Bodhidharma to China and teach them what to eat and what not to eat. There have also been talks of how no deadly viruses have emanated from Indian vegetarian foods. &nbsp; 
 
While Indian civilisation has been mocked for the longest time, for the world to now acknowledge it as the most scientific, and beneficial one, is a validation of the age-old practices of this dharmic land. The Indian civilisation has been one, which has its fundamentals deeply rooted in science, medicine and something that modern civilisations lacked- common sense, all along misconstrued as superstition. The world&nbsp;is actively switching to a healthier, and the more sensitive, Indian way of life, absorbing everything from turmeric latte to Sanskrit to yoga. To summarise, India seems to be the last child in the woods, we need to protect and promote it. For a better world, for a better future. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

The world that was divided along the fault-lines of social, religious, economic, historical, geographical or ideological supremacy, is now speaking in one voice on the need to save humanity.

The world that was divided along the fault-lines of social, religious, economic, historical, geographical or ideological supremacy, is now speaking in one voice on the need to save humanity. Around one-third of the world population is estimated to be under lockdown as humanity comes to terms with the pandemic Covid-19 after initial denial. With over seven lakh cases globally, people are restricted to their homes. The streets bear a deserted look, and the world has come to a standstill. Yet the world is in flux. The crises of seclusion, isolation and social distancing is not only changing our perception for life, but has also forced us to ponder over the existing way of life itself. Mystery Surrounding the Deadly Virus Besides the worldwide criticism of WHO in the handling of the Covid-19 crises, the virus itself has been referred to as the ‘Chinese Virus’ and it is widely believed that this virus originated in Wuhan, China. In addition to this, there are also inputs on how this virus was predicted by a writer in her book written in the early 1980s. Daily, we keep on hearing new theories and information rendering the situation ambiguous. Global Politics With many world leaders and personalities testing positive, the Coronavirus, being christened as the ‘Chinese virus’ by world leaders like Donald Trump, is shaking up the global politics. It is set to change and possibly weaken the role of China in the modern world. The US response has enraged many and China has gone on a propaganda offensive. One set of information says, in the year 2019, there were about 40 lakh Chinese tourists in Italy and these are said to have played a role in the propagation of the virus on such a large scale. There seems to have set in, a certain incredibility being attributed to China’s role in the genesis and spread of this virus, thus throwing up questions on China’s aspirations to be known as a world leader. Though we do not have much information on the source and genesis of this virus, what is very evident at this point of time, is that the whole world is in the grip of fear psychosis, and it is hell-bent on stopping this virus in its path of destruction and fury. The Other Side What is unique about this predicament, is that never before in modern history, have governmental and non-governmental organisations and individuals across the world, prioritised an issue and pledged their complete support to each other to see its resolution. The world before COVID-19 was immensely competitive, with countries competing with each other to establish their supremacy in world history and politics. From being the first to set up an asylum for humans on Mars, to spreading their ideology across the world, the priorities were always cantered on competition as opposed to the stress on cooperation in this post-COVID-19 world. The world that was divided along the fault-lines of social, religious, economic, historical, geographical or ideological supremacy, is now speaking in one voice on the need to save humanity. Obsolete Vs Relevant Another post-COVID 19 scenario that we are witnessing, is the increasing obsolescence and growing irrelevance of global organisations like the UN, which was established solely to eradicate poverty and war from the world. Other than giving out statements on the progress of the virus across the world and updating the casualties and results, not much has been under the control of the UN or the WHO, in terms of battling and mitigating this pandemic. It seems WHO took too long to act and gave China a long pass. Both organisations need recasting. In fact, much more has been done by individual governments and the civil society, notably by the Indian government which has been taking strong positive and assertive steps to contain the spread of the Coronavirus and keep it in check. In fact, the WHO, lauding India’s past missives against small-pox and polio, has stressed upon the country’s fight against the virus as the crucial part of the battle. Can India Show the Way? For ages together, India has been propagating the idea of 'One-world family' or 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', and which was not really comprehended in its truest sense, by the western world. This pandemic has not only taught the essence of 'one-world family' to the entire world but also demonstrated its practical implementation for all to appreciate. All man-made divisions have been thrown out of the window by an unseen and unknown virus, reasserting the superiority of Nature, and its ability to blow all our plans to smithereens. Additionally, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the first leaders to establish a fund for the battle against the COVID-19, in coordination with its neighbouring countries. While other countries were busy battling the virus in their individual capacities, the head of the world’s largest democracy was reaching out to other nations to help them in this war against the pandemic. This has assertively pushed India into the league of a global leader, despite its conspicuous absence from the UN Security Council, not just politically but also culturally, as is evident from the endorsement of the Indian way of greeting, the Namaste, as being the safest way to greet in the present scenario. The Indian Way of Life! The way Italy’s health care system is groaning under Covid-19, it is a warning to the world. The west today values ancient Indian wisdom and its ayurvedic home remedies for an enhanced immune system, Studies have shown that people with a stronger immune system have a higher chance of being cured of this virus. This explains the estimated whopping 300 per cent increase in the export of turmeric to Europeans who are looking for Indian spices to increase their immunity. Giloy, an ayurvedic herb, known to cure fever and flu in a matter of days, works wonders in the prevention of the Coronavirus. It is widely consumed in India for the treatment of viral cold and cough, and fever, and is known as the root of immortality, since it enhances the immune system like no other medication, in addition to its utility in the treatment of diabetes and gastrointestinal disorders. Copper and Brass have been an inseparable part of the Indian civilisation, and were, perhaps, the only materials to be used as utensils in India. The practice of drinking water from brass is inherent to all Indians, that we have forgotten the same, is another matter. Meanwhile, it is believed that virus strains degenerate when brought in contact with copper surfaces and cannot survive on it, unlike other surfaces where it can survive for days together. Bill Keevil, Professor of Environmental healthcare at the University of Southampton, says that viruses land on copper and it just degrades them. And finally, the practice of Namaste, being incorporated as the norm in the Coronavirus –infested atmosphere, shows the relevance of the practice of avoiding physical contact, which, according to Indian tradition implies the accumulation of memories by physical contact, something which was to be avoided at all costs. The Final War This current pandemic should cause us to revisit our civilizational values and rethink our plan of development. Information technology and mass urbanisation must be guided by higher consciousness to nature and the earth, because, without the right foundation, no civilisation can endure. Given its contribution to the war against the COVID-19, India is bound to be catapulted to the role of a global leader, also on account of its dauntless war against the pandemic, devoid of fear psychosis, and armed with fearless and practical solutions of lockdown and precautionary measures implemented by the government and executed to perfection by its dedicated medical, surveillance and security personnel, and the citizenry, as opposed to the ground realities in places like China or Italy or even the US, where the virus has wreaked havoc beyond one’s imagination. The world, in the wake of this disease, is turning to spirituality, which by my definition, means questioning one’s origin, one’s relation with Nature and fellow human beings, one’s longevity and one’s legacy for the future generation. All of a sudden, we have been introspecting into the kind of world we are going to bequeath to our children, questioning the way of life we have been leading. Another example of this is the inadvertent focus on family life and family bonding as advocated in the Indian culture, during the long durations of forced isolation during the lockdown. Though the Western world had, all along, smirked at the emotional family orientation of the Indians, and were proud of their capitalist culture of independence, this lockdown has unveiled to them the joy of family bonding and its importance in the larger scheme of things. They are realising that the frantic race for economic sustenance had never been capable of giving them the psychological security and reassurance that the family, in these difficult times, has brought to them. This Pandemic has further highlighted the fact that the excessively exalted notion of independence of individuals has fallen apart in favour of stress on interdependence, without which people cannot survive in this Post- COVID 19 world. In countries with a high per capita income and independence also, people have realised that one’s survival is dependent on others. Money may not save your life but someone’s help may. Also, even if one person chooses to throw caution to the wind, hundreds of others are affected. Hence, this virus has made us realise that no man is an island and that the world is an archipelago. Crumbling Fault-lines This brings me to the next observation that the faultlines of religion, region, language, race, nationality, ideology and culture, which had barricaded the world into small units, have finally begun to give away, with the greater identity of humanism overshadowing all other identities. This bringing together of the world on the basis of a common human identity and experience by this virus, in a way that even the UN was not able to do in all these years, augurs well for the coming future. This experience has fostered a culture of sharing and caring beyond an established identity, novel to the western world, enabling us to think uniformly of mitigating poverty, starvation, sickness and war. The Last Lesson Richard Louv, in his 1995 book, ‘The last child in the woods,’ strives to tell us how exposure to Nature is essential to childhood development, and the emotional and physical health of children and adults and how we have gone so far away from nature in our thought and habit, that we have started to consume anything and everything, disregarding the thought of when, and what to eat. He talks of Nature- deficit disorder which is the cause of this degradation in our culture and behaviour where we have not spared even a creature from our gluttony. This is where India has a role to play. Maria Wirth talks of how India may need to send a yogi like Bodhidharma to China and teach them what to eat and what not to eat. There have also been talks of how no deadly viruses have emanated from Indian vegetarian foods. While Indian civilisation has been mocked for the longest time, for the world to now acknowledge it as the most scientific, and beneficial one, is a validation of the age-old practices of this dharmic land. The Indian civilisation has been one, which has its fundamentals deeply rooted in science, medicine and something that modern civilisations lacked- common sense, all along misconstrued as superstition. The world is actively switching to a healthier, and the more sensitive, Indian way of life, absorbing everything from turmeric latte to Sanskrit to yoga. To summarise, India seems to be the last child in the woods, we need to protect and promote it. For a better world, for a better future. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

India has played a vital role in the fight against coronavirus

The confirmed cases of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rapid-coronavirus-spread-pushes-cases-past-half-a-million-288986">coronavirus</a> have crossed five lakhs, the world's biggest cities are shut and stock markets are in free fall.

The Wuhan virus has triggered an unprecedented crisis in human history. One virus has disrupted the world and this leads us to a question: Is the Wuhan virus the world's biggest intelligence failure? Did no one see it coming?

By the time the world swung into action, the virus had already crossed most borders. There is one country that seems to have an edge right now, the home country of the coronavirus - China.

There is no doubt that China was hit for weeks, but now, Beijing says it has contained the threat. It is closing down borders and opening up businesses. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/clap-for-carers-after-india-britain-lauds-its-health-workers-battling-coronavirus-288932">Also read: 'Clap for carers': After India, Britain lauds its health workers battling coronavirus</a>

Fewer cases are being reported and factories are up and running again. Businesses will take time to revive, but they've made a start.

Companies are being encouraged to make coronavirus supplies. They are making equipment other countries might need to fight the outbreak. Big business and the government now stand to gain.

Interestingly, a book - 'Unrestricted Warfare: China's master plan to destroy America', written in 1999, says that China cannot defeat America in a direct military confrontation, but it can leverage its economic prowess to leave the Americans behind.&nbsp;The book offers clues into the Chinese mindset. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-health-secretary-also-infected-288947">Also read:&nbsp;UK PM Boris Johnson tests positive for coronavirus</a>

This book's assessment has some eerie similarities with the present situation which is being quoted by conspiracy theorists. They claim that amid this coronavirus crisis, Beijing is executing its world domination plan.

Major countries are still struggling, but China already has a headstart. The Chinese government is going the extra mile to make sure businesses resume operations.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
While the world tries to heal, China is already up and running.

The confirmed cases of coronavirus have crossed five lakhs, the world's biggest cities are shut and stock markets are in free fall. The Wuhan virus has triggered an unprecedented crisis in human history.

The confirmed cases of coronavirus have crossed five lakhs, the world's biggest cities are shut and stock markets are in free fall. The Wuhan virus has triggered an unprecedented crisis in human history. One virus has disrupted the world and this leads us to a question: Is the Wuhan virus the world's biggest intelligence failure? Did no one see it coming? By the time the world swung into action, the virus had already crossed most borders. There is one country that seems to have an edge right now, the home country of the coronavirus - China. There is no doubt that China was hit for weeks, but now, Beijing says it has contained the threat. It is closing down borders and opening up businesses. Also read: 'Clap for carers': After India, Britain lauds its health workers battling coronavirus Fewer cases are being reported and factories are up and running again. Businesses will take time to revive, but they've made a start. Companies are being encouraged to make coronavirus supplies. They are making equipment other countries might need to fight the outbreak. Big business and the government now stand to gain. Interestingly, a book - 'Unrestricted Warfare: China's master plan to destroy America', written in 1999, says that China cannot defeat America in a direct military confrontation, but it can leverage its economic prowess to leave the Americans behind. The book offers clues into the Chinese mindset. Also read: UK PM Boris Johnson tests positive for coronavirus This book's assessment has some eerie similarities with the present situation which is being quoted by conspiracy theorists. They claim that amid this coronavirus crisis, Beijing is executing its world domination plan. Major countries are still struggling, but China already has a headstart. The Chinese government is going the extra mile to make sure businesses resume operations. While the world tries to heal, China is already up and running.

Is coronavirus outbreak the world’s biggest intelligence failure?

The question is not if, but when the long-standing American defence umbrella in the Gulf, the world’s most militarised and volatile region, will be replaced by a multilateral security arrangement that would have to include China, as well as, Russia.

The United States’ perceived diminishing commitment to the Gulf and the broader Middle East and mounting doubts about the deterrence value of its defence umbrella leave the Gulf stuck between a rock and a hard place. The American umbrella is shrinking, but neither China nor Russia, despite their obvious interests, are capable or willing simply to shoulder the responsibility, political risk and cost of replacing it.

On balance, China’s interests seem self-evident. It needs to secure its mushrooming political and economic interests in the Gulf, which includes ensuring the flow of oil and gas and protecting its infrastructure investment and the expanding Chinese diaspora in the region. Nonetheless, China has, so far, refrained from putting its might where its money is, free-riding instead (in the words of US officials) on America’s regional military presence.

China’s approach is grounded in the belief that economics rather than geopolitics is the key to solving disputes

Indeed, for the longest time, China has been able to outsource the protection of its interests to the United States at virtually no cost. For the US, guaranteeing security in the Gulf has been anchored in an American policy which accepted that maintaining security far beyond the borders of the United States was in America’s national interest, including the protection of Chinese assets. All China needed to do, therefore, was to make minimal gestures such as contributing to the multi-national effort in the Gulf and adjacent waters to counter Somali pirates.

In the meantime, China could pursue a long-term strategy to bolster its capabilities. This included infrastructure projects related to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with dual-purpose potential (such as the strategic ports of Gwadar in Pakistan and Duqm in Oman as well as commercial investment in Dubai’s Jebel Ali), the creation of China’s first overseas military facility in Djibouti, and significant expenditure on upgrading the Chinese armed forces.

All that potentially changed with the rise of US President Donald J Trump, who advocated an America First policy that attributed little value to past US commitments or to maintaining existing alliances. Hence Trump embarked on a trade war with China – viewed as a strategic competitor – and appeared to fuel rather than resolve regional stability by uncritically aligning American policy with that of Saudi Arabia and Israel and targeted Iran as the source of all evil.

This change has yet to translate into specific Chinese policy statements or actions. Nonetheless, the anticipated shift from a unipolar to multilateral security architecture in the Gulf has cast a new light on the first-ever joint naval exercise involving Chinese, Russian and Iranian naval forces, as well as China’s seemingly lukewarm support for a Russian proposal for a multilateral security approach in the Gulf.

China was careful to signal that neither the joint exercise nor its closer military ties with a host of other Middle Eastern nations meant it was aspiring to a greater role in regional security any time soon. If anything, both the exercise and China’s notional support for Russia’s proposed restructuring of regional security suggest that China envisions a continued US lead in Gulf security, despite the mounting rivalry between the world’s two largest economies.

The Russian proposal in many ways fits China’s bill. Its calls for a multilateral structure involving Russia, China, the United States, Europe and India that would evolve out of a regional security conference along the lines of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). While backing Russia’s proposal in general terms, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang stopped short of specifically endorsing it. Geng welcomed ‘all proposals and diplomatic efforts conducive to de-escalating the situation in the Gulf region’.

China’s reluctance to endorse the Russian proposal more wholeheartedly is rooted in differing approaches towards multilateralism in general and alliances in particular. China shies away from alliances, with their emphasis on geo-economics rather than geopolitics, while Russia still operates in terms of alliances. Despite favouring a continued American lead, China sees a broadening of security arrangements that would embed rather than replace the US defence umbrella in the Gulf as a way to reduce regional tensions.

China also believes that a multilateral arrangement would allow it to continue to steer clear of being sucked into conflicts and disputes in the Middle East, particularly the Saudi-Iranian rivalry. A multilateral arrangement,&nbsp;in which the US remained the key military player, would further fit the pattern of China’s gradual projection of its growing military power beyond its borders.

With the exception of the facility in Djibouti, China’s projection becomes less hardcore the further one gets from the borders of the People’s Republic. More fundamentally, China’s approach is grounded in the belief that economics rather than geopolitics is the key to solving disputes, which so far has allowed it to remain detached from the Middle East’s multiple conflicts. It remains to be seen how sustainable this approach is in the long term.

Such an approach is unlikely to shield China forever from the Middle East’s penchant for ensuring it is at the heart of the major external parties’ concerns. And as Jiang Xudong, a Middle East scholar at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, puts it: ‘Economic investment will not solve all other problems when there are religious and ethnic conflicts at play’. 
 
&nbsp;(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The question is not if, but when the long-standing American defence umbrella in the Gulf, the world’s most militarised and volatile region, will be replaced by a multilateral security arrangement that would have to include China, as well as, Russia.

The question is not if, but when the long-standing American defence umbrella in the Gulf, the world’s most militarised and volatile region, will be replaced by a multilateral security arrangement that would have to include China, as well as, Russia. The United States’ perceived diminishing commitment to the Gulf and the broader Middle East and mounting doubts about the deterrence value of its defence umbrella leave the Gulf stuck between a rock and a hard place. The American umbrella is shrinking, but neither China nor Russia, despite their obvious interests, are capable or willing simply to shoulder the responsibility, political risk and cost of replacing it. On balance, China’s interests seem self-evident. It needs to secure its mushrooming political and economic interests in the Gulf, which includes ensuring the flow of oil and gas and protecting its infrastructure investment and the expanding Chinese diaspora in the region. Nonetheless, China has, so far, refrained from putting its might where its money is, free-riding instead (in the words of US officials) on America’s regional military presence. China’s approach is grounded in the belief that economics rather than geopolitics is the key to solving disputes Indeed, for the longest time, China has been able to outsource the protection of its interests to the United States at virtually no cost. For the US, guaranteeing security in the Gulf has been anchored in an American policy which accepted that maintaining security far beyond the borders of the United States was in America’s national interest, including the protection of Chinese assets. All China needed to do, therefore, was to make minimal gestures such as contributing to the multi-national effort in the Gulf and adjacent waters to counter Somali pirates. In the meantime, China could pursue a long-term strategy to bolster its capabilities. This included infrastructure projects related to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with dual-purpose potential (such as the strategic ports of Gwadar in Pakistan and Duqm in Oman as well as commercial investment in Dubai’s Jebel Ali), the creation of China’s first overseas military facility in Djibouti, and significant expenditure on upgrading the Chinese armed forces. All that potentially changed with the rise of US President Donald J Trump, who advocated an America First policy that attributed little value to past US commitments or to maintaining existing alliances. Hence Trump embarked on a trade war with China – viewed as a strategic competitor – and appeared to fuel rather than resolve regional stability by uncritically aligning American policy with that of Saudi Arabia and Israel and targeted Iran as the source of all evil. This change has yet to translate into specific Chinese policy statements or actions. Nonetheless, the anticipated shift from a unipolar to multilateral security architecture in the Gulf has cast a new light on the first-ever joint naval exercise involving Chinese, Russian and Iranian naval forces, as well as China’s seemingly lukewarm support for a Russian proposal for a multilateral security approach in the Gulf. China was careful to signal that neither the joint exercise nor its closer military ties with a host of other Middle Eastern nations meant it was aspiring to a greater role in regional security any time soon. If anything, both the exercise and China’s notional support for Russia’s proposed restructuring of regional security suggest that China envisions a continued US lead in Gulf security, despite the mounting rivalry between the world’s two largest economies. The Russian proposal in many ways fits China’s bill. Its calls for a multilateral structure involving Russia, China, the United States, Europe and India that would evolve out of a regional security conference along the lines of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). While backing Russia’s proposal in general terms, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang stopped short of specifically endorsing it. Geng welcomed ‘all proposals and diplomatic efforts conducive to de-escalating the situation in the Gulf region’. China’s reluctance to endorse the Russian proposal more wholeheartedly is rooted in differing approaches towards multilateralism in general and alliances in particular. China shies away from alliances, with their emphasis on geo-economics rather than geopolitics, while Russia still operates in terms of alliances. Despite favouring a continued American lead, China sees a broadening of security arrangements that would embed rather than replace the US defence umbrella in the Gulf as a way to reduce regional tensions. China also believes that a multilateral arrangement would allow it to continue to steer clear of being sucked into conflicts and disputes in the Middle East, particularly the Saudi-Iranian rivalry. A multilateral arrangement, in which the US remained the key military player, would further fit the pattern of China’s gradual projection of its growing military power beyond its borders. With the exception of the facility in Djibouti, China’s projection becomes less hardcore the further one gets from the borders of the People’s Republic. More fundamentally, China’s approach is grounded in the belief that economics rather than geopolitics is the key to solving disputes, which so far has allowed it to remain detached from the Middle East’s multiple conflicts. It remains to be seen how sustainable this approach is in the long term. Such an approach is unlikely to shield China forever from the Middle East’s penchant for ensuring it is at the heart of the major external parties’ concerns. And as Jiang Xudong, a Middle East scholar at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, puts it: ‘Economic investment will not solve all other problems when there are religious and ethnic conflicts at play’. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

China manoeuvres to protect its interests in Gulf while keeping its hands clean

WION has extensively reported about China's criminal negligence, how it unleashed a pandemic, by trying to hide<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-one-billion-people-self-isolating-globally-to-limit-the-spread-of-coronavirus-288061"> Coronavirus</a> outbreak.

The anger against the Communist Party is growing and the legal challenges for Beijing have begun, with a lawsuit being filed in Florida against China for 'covering up' the pandemic.

WION has accessed a copy of the lawsuit which blames China for failing to report the disease. It says that China acted slowly and 'put their head in the sand'. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-lockdown-here-are-some-dos-and-donts-288035">Also read: Coronavirus lockdown: Here are some dos and don'ts&nbsp;</a>

This lawsuit validates WION's reportage on the outbreak. Since we began covering the story, we have reported on every aspect - how the first cases emerged towards the end of 2019. China did not report<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-doctors-nurses-and-service-delivery-men-take-up-dancing-music-to-lift-their-spirits-up-at-work-288100"> the outbreak </a>until January. Test samples were destroyed, whistleblowers muzzled.

The lawsuit demands damages from Beijing.

Meanwhile, legal experts say China enjoys sovereign immunity. Sovereign immunity, or crown immunity, is a legal doctrine whereby a sovereign or state cannot commit a legal wrong and is immune from civil suit or criminal prosecution.

The lawsuit may or may not work, but, it does send a message. It highlights China's criminal negligence.

The total number of deaths due to coronavirus has climbed to over 15,000 globally, according to multiple reports. Over 341,300 declared cases have been registered in 174 countries and territories since the epidemic first emerged in China in December.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

WION has extensively reported about China's criminal negligence, how it unleashed a pandemic, by trying to hide Coronavirus outbreak. The anger against the Communist Party is growing and the legal challenges for Beijing have begun, with a lawsuit being filed in Florida against China for 'covering up' the pandemic.

WION has extensively reported about China's criminal negligence, how it unleashed a pandemic, by trying to hide Coronavirus outbreak. The anger against the Communist Party is growing and the legal challenges for Beijing have begun, with a lawsuit being filed in Florida against China for 'covering up' the pandemic. WION has accessed a copy of the lawsuit which blames China for failing to report the disease. It says that China acted slowly and 'put their head in the sand'. Also read: Coronavirus lockdown: Here are some dos and don'ts This lawsuit validates WION's reportage on the outbreak. Since we began covering the story, we have reported on every aspect - how the first cases emerged towards the end of 2019. China did not report the outbreak until January. Test samples were destroyed, whistleblowers muzzled. The lawsuit demands damages from Beijing. Meanwhile, legal experts say China enjoys sovereign immunity. Sovereign immunity, or crown immunity, is a legal doctrine whereby a sovereign or state cannot commit a legal wrong and is immune from civil suit or criminal prosecution. The lawsuit may or may not work, but, it does send a message. It highlights China's criminal negligence. The total number of deaths due to coronavirus has climbed to over 15,000 globally, according to multiple reports. Over 341,300 declared cases have been registered in 174 countries and territories since the epidemic first emerged in China in December. (With inputs from agencies)

China sued for 'covering up' coronavirus outbreak

India has come under a complete lockdown as shops remain closed and there is a crunch for essentials.&nbsp;

The elderly in society are the most vulnerable. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-third-of-humanity-under-coronavirus-lockdown-288458">Covid-19 </a>has been found to have been more fatal among elderly people. The government has failed to offer any solution yet and it is for the community to lend them a helping hand.

Across the world community efforts and governments are innovating ways to show their care for the elderly.

What happened in Italy following the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-overtakes-china-virus-toll-with-3434-deaths-government-288448">coronavirus outbreak </a>has a big lesson for India and other countries. After Japan, Italy has the biggest elderly population in the world. The high death toll in Italy explains how vulnerable is this section of the society in times of a pandemic.

More than 6000 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-state-accounts-for-over-5-of-global-coronavirus-cases-numbers-expected-to-increase-288271">persons have died</a> in Italy so far and 76 per cent of those deaths were aged 70 to 90. Of the 60 million population in Italy, the elderly account for nearly 23 per cent.

India too has a high number of senior citizens aged above 60 years. 2011 census pegs this number at 104 million. By 2021, this population is expected to grow to 140 million. Presently, the country is under lockdown and the elderly are at a loss with nobody around for help. They have been advised not to venture out. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-declares-coronavirus-fight-close-to-end-but-cases-rise-288386">Also Read:&nbsp;Trump declares coronavirus fight close to end, but cases rise</a>

As a community, we can provide them a helping hand. A Czech volunteer group called 'Help for Seniors'&nbsp;are the busiest these days. They help senior citizens with groceries, medical prescriptions, or pet walks. Similar groups are offering help to the elderly in Brazil.

Tottenham head coach Jose Mourinho was spotted contributing for a community project that helps the elderly with groceries. Similar community organisations are at work in Britain.

Serbia is opening its supermarkets early on Sunday exclusively for the elderly. Between 4 am and 7 am, those above 65 are allowed to shop for their essentials

This is a crucial time to save the elderly. Global communities have come forward to protect them, India too can take a lesson or two from this gesture. 
&nbsp;

India has come under a complete lockdown as shops remain closed and there is a crunch for essentials. The elderly in society are the most vulnerable. Covid-19 has been found to have been more fatal among elderly people.

India has come under a complete lockdown as shops remain closed and there is a crunch for essentials. The elderly in society are the most vulnerable. Covid-19 has been found to have been more fatal among elderly people. The government has failed to offer any solution yet and it is for the community to lend them a helping hand. Across the world community efforts and governments are innovating ways to show their care for the elderly. What happened in Italy following the coronavirus outbreak has a big lesson for India and other countries. After Japan, Italy has the biggest elderly population in the world. The high death toll in Italy explains how vulnerable is this section of the society in times of a pandemic. More than 6000 persons have died in Italy so far and 76 per cent of those deaths were aged 70 to 90. Of the 60 million population in Italy, the elderly account for nearly 23 per cent. India too has a high number of senior citizens aged above 60 years. 2011 census pegs this number at 104 million. By 2021, this population is expected to grow to 140 million. Presently, the country is under lockdown and the elderly are at a loss with nobody around for help. They have been advised not to venture out. Also Read: Trump declares coronavirus fight close to end, but cases rise As a community, we can provide them a helping hand. A Czech volunteer group called 'Help for Seniors' are the busiest these days. They help senior citizens with groceries, medical prescriptions, or pet walks. Similar groups are offering help to the elderly in Brazil. Tottenham head coach Jose Mourinho was spotted contributing for a community project that helps the elderly with groceries. Similar community organisations are at work in Britain. Serbia is opening its supermarkets early on Sunday exclusively for the elderly. Between 4 am and 7 am, those above 65 are allowed to shop for their essentials This is a crucial time to save the elderly. Global communities have come forward to protect them, India too can take a lesson or two from this gesture.

People come together to help elderly amid coronavirus mayhem: Report

By Nader Habibi

Policymakers in countries where there are severe outbreaks of COVID-19 are doing what they can to slow the spread and “flatten the curve.” But so far, there hasn’t been much global coordination, raising the risk of a second wave of contamination even after individual countries halt the virus’ advance.

That’s the dilemma facing China and South Korea right now. Both countries appear to have halted or slowed the internal spread of the new coronavirus and are beginning to worry about contaminated travelers from abroad setting off a new outbreak – including by their own citizens returning home.

In other words, as long as the virus is present in any country, it can reenter those that have managed to slow it down – or even ones that eventually eradicate it.

As an economist, I worry that efforts to prevent a second wave of contagion will prompt countries to put up more borders to international travel and trade. This would compound and prolong the adverse economic impact.

That’s why I believe the only effective long-term solution against the coronavirus is a global solution – which requires a coordinated response.

An uncoordinated mess 
 
Dozens of countries are taking a variety of strong measures to fight the spread of the new coronavirus, from social distancing and mass quarantines to severe restrictions on the movement of people and goods.

But there’s been little or no coordination, the timing has varied considerably and the piecemeal manner in which restrictions have been put in place demonstrates that lessons are not being shared, which has made it harder to defeat the virus. Moreover, the lack of coordination among countries when imposing travel bans has led to diplomatic tensions that will only make matters worse, such as when the Trump administration banned flights from Europe without consulting longstanding allies.

Even in the hunt for a vaccine there is a clear lack of international coordination, which can speed up the process. Furthermore, most countries seem to be adopting a nationalistic rather than a collaborative approach that could limit a potential vaccine’s effectiveness in ending the pandemic, with the possibility that each country will favor its own citizens over others.

While these efforts are slowing the spread of the coronavirus in some places, it continues to worsen in others such as the U.S., Europe and Iran, which demonstrate that they are not enough to eradicate the threat completely. And that means successful countries will have to impose or continue severe and costly constraints on international travel – and those that have managed to avoid an outbreak, such as Russia, must continue to keep their restrictions in place. In Russia’s case, closing border crossings to China has severely hurt trade as well.

If a large number of countries impose such restrictions simultaneously, everyone suffers, adding to the already high economic costs of the coronavirus with no end in sight.

Working together 
 
Right now, I believe the world needs to coordinate in three key ways:

Agree on a two-week global lockdown across all countries, even those not severely affected by COVID-19. Several countries are currently imposing such mass quarantines, with mixed success. A global, synchronized lockdown would be more effective.

The World Health Organization should lead global efforts to find an effective vaccine and treatments for COVID-19, ensuring they are widely available. The group could help disseminate research findings quickly and coordinate activities to avoid duplication. Consequently this would reduce the amount of time it takes to find a pharmaceutical solution.

Restrictions on international travel and trade should be implemented in cooperation with other countries. Rather than nationalistic restrictions that benefit one country at the expense of others, the cost of the needed restrictions could be distributed among all trade partners in a fair manner that motivates all governments to participate in these painful economic measures.

Global coordination has worked well in past crises like this one. For example, in 2014, President Barack Obama took the lead in the global fight against the Ebola virus, which affected several countries in Africa. American leadership played a crucial role in mobilizing and coordinating the global fight that ultimately contained the epidemic.

That’s the kind of leadership the world needs right now. Surprisingly, the strongest call for global coordination against COVID-19 has come from Saudi Arabia, which currently leads the Group of 20 largest economies, instead of the U.S., China or the European Union.

Although there’s been no commitment so far to attend this virtual meeting, I hope the political leaders of the world’s largest economies accept this invitation. A coordinated response to this pandemic cannot come too soon.

(Nader Habibi is Henry J. Leir Professor of Practice in Economics of the Middle East, Brandeis University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-defeating-coronavirus-in-one-country-isnt-enough-there-needs-to-be-a-coordinated-global-strategy-134474">original article</a>)

By Nader Habibi Policymakers in countries where there are severe outbreaks of COVID-19 are doing what they can to slow the spread and “flatten the curve.” But so far, there hasn’t been much global coordination, raising the risk of a second wave of contamination even after individual countries halt the virus’ advance.

By Nader Habibi Policymakers in countries where there are severe outbreaks of COVID-19 are doing what they can to slow the spread and “flatten the curve.” But so far, there hasn’t been much global coordination, raising the risk of a second wave of contamination even after individual countries halt the virus’ advance. That’s the dilemma facing China and South Korea right now. Both countries appear to have halted or slowed the internal spread of the new coronavirus and are beginning to worry about contaminated travelers from abroad setting off a new outbreak – including by their own citizens returning home. In other words, as long as the virus is present in any country, it can reenter those that have managed to slow it down – or even ones that eventually eradicate it. As an economist, I worry that efforts to prevent a second wave of contagion will prompt countries to put up more borders to international travel and trade. This would compound and prolong the adverse economic impact. That’s why I believe the only effective long-term solution against the coronavirus is a global solution – which requires a coordinated response. An uncoordinated mess Dozens of countries are taking a variety of strong measures to fight the spread of the new coronavirus, from social distancing and mass quarantines to severe restrictions on the movement of people and goods. But there’s been little or no coordination, the timing has varied considerably and the piecemeal manner in which restrictions have been put in place demonstrates that lessons are not being shared, which has made it harder to defeat the virus. Moreover, the lack of coordination among countries when imposing travel bans has led to diplomatic tensions that will only make matters worse, such as when the Trump administration banned flights from Europe without consulting longstanding allies. Even in the hunt for a vaccine there is a clear lack of international coordination, which can speed up the process. Furthermore, most countries seem to be adopting a nationalistic rather than a collaborative approach that could limit a potential vaccine’s effectiveness in ending the pandemic, with the possibility that each country will favor its own citizens over others. While these efforts are slowing the spread of the coronavirus in some places, it continues to worsen in others such as the U.S., Europe and Iran, which demonstrate that they are not enough to eradicate the threat completely. And that means successful countries will have to impose or continue severe and costly constraints on international travel – and those that have managed to avoid an outbreak, such as Russia, must continue to keep their restrictions in place. In Russia’s case, closing border crossings to China has severely hurt trade as well. If a large number of countries impose such restrictions simultaneously, everyone suffers, adding to the already high economic costs of the coronavirus with no end in sight. Working together Right now, I believe the world needs to coordinate in three key ways: Agree on a two-week global lockdown across all countries, even those not severely affected by COVID-19. Several countries are currently imposing such mass quarantines, with mixed success. A global, synchronized lockdown would be more effective. The World Health Organization should lead global efforts to find an effective vaccine and treatments for COVID-19, ensuring they are widely available. The group could help disseminate research findings quickly and coordinate activities to avoid duplication. Consequently this would reduce the amount of time it takes to find a pharmaceutical solution. Restrictions on international travel and trade should be implemented in cooperation with other countries. Rather than nationalistic restrictions that benefit one country at the expense of others, the cost of the needed restrictions could be distributed among all trade partners in a fair manner that motivates all governments to participate in these painful economic measures. Global coordination has worked well in past crises like this one. For example, in 2014, President Barack Obama took the lead in the global fight against the Ebola virus, which affected several countries in Africa. American leadership played a crucial role in mobilizing and coordinating the global fight that ultimately contained the epidemic. That’s the kind of leadership the world needs right now. Surprisingly, the strongest call for global coordination against COVID-19 has come from Saudi Arabia, which currently leads the Group of 20 largest economies, instead of the U.S., China or the European Union. Although there’s been no commitment so far to attend this virtual meeting, I hope the political leaders of the world’s largest economies accept this invitation. A coordinated response to this pandemic cannot come too soon. (Nader Habibi is Henry J. Leir Professor of Practice in Economics of the Middle East, Brandeis University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article)

There needs to be a coordinated global strategy to defeat coronavirus

The coronavirus has spread across 194 countries and territories around the world. The dangers, as well as precautions, have been covered adequately by all government communications/media/publications, as well as social media.

While there is adequate awareness, but there is also a varying degree of seriousness in dealing with the pandemic, as many segments of society chose to put individual preferences above potentially most devastating threat that looms the world.&nbsp;

The world meter indicates over 4,23,000 cases of coronavirus with 18296 deaths and 107,199 recoveries. The WHO puts the morbidity rate at 3.4 per cent, but the biggest danger being faced by mankind is the exponential rise in coronavirus cases due to community transfers.

It is necessary to understand the seriousness in adopting the safety measures being communicated by government agencies through various mediums. &nbsp;

The Epicenters&nbsp;

China is accused to have done global damage by hiding crucial timely information about the pandemic from the rest of the world. Wuhan, believed to be the origin and initial epicentre of the disease, was late in quarantining affected people and could not prevent community transfer.&nbsp;

China was quick to declare that it has conquered the disease with reporting 73,159 recovered cases, but 78 fresh cases, seven fresh deaths and 4735 active cases, mitigate the claim. The world will continue to accuse China for hiding the pandemic, with two legal notices already filed against it.&nbsp;

Italy (with 69176 cases and 6820 deaths) is another example of taking the disease lightly initially and trying to control it with all possible measures later. WHO warns USA to be next epicenter of COVID-19 having 54916 cases confirmed, out of which there are more than 25000 cases in New York. The US faces stalemate over $2 trillion allocations for combating the pandemic. The same is the case with South Korea and Japan.&nbsp;

The only advantage these countries enjoy is that they have much less population in comparison to countries like India and relatively better medical capacities per capita population to control. Iran continues to struggle with an initial spurt of carelessness and later with inadequate capacity. It needs to be noted that in most western countries the testing in terms of the percentage of the population has been fairly high; hence, the magnitude of the problem is better identified. &nbsp;

Taiwan's Success in Combatting Covid-19

Taiwan, with 23 million people, just off the coast of China, was predicted to have the second-highest 'importation risk' by any country with over 850,000 of its citizens residing and working in mainland China and heavy rush of travellers to and from China. Considering the risk, having only 199 cases with two deaths and no new cases so far is creditable. Its success is attributed to early action by National Health Command Center (NHCC) with a branch focusing on large outbreak responses and acting as a central command post for direct, transparent communications, which was established after the SARS outbreak. Their actions included border control from the air and sea, identifying cases, quarantine of suspicious cases, managing resource allocation, daily press briefings, identifying false information and formulating economic policies to relieve families and businesses. Maximum use of ‘Big Data’ and technology was done to identify travellers, patients and suspects, and quarantining them. The support of the population was another major factor.&nbsp;

What Should be India's Next Response?

India has the second-largest population in the world with over 130 billion people. While there is no need to panic with 536 cases identified and 10 deaths so far, but as a developing country, its capacity to isolate communities is the biggest challenge in the world, which cannot be combatted without public participation.&nbsp;

The numbers identified so far are limited, due to limited testing facilities available in the country, which are being increased gradually. India needs to ensure not to enter into community spread (next stage) of COVID19 outbreak, otherwise, speed of infection will overtake the speed of capacity building of the country to handle it.&nbsp;

Although a lot is being done by the central and state governments, the biggest challenge is to convince the segments of the society, who chose to take it lightly, by superimposing personal priorities over public health. The 21-day lockdown of the complete country announced by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24, 2020, is the right step to break the chain of infection and flatten the upward curve of growing cases in India.&nbsp;

India does not have the luxury of a manageable population, and is yet to have the full capacity to deal with the third stage of the pandemic; hence the best option available is to quarantine and social distancing.

The partnership of people and the private sector for capacity building is required. Going by the example of Taiwan, the data of every citizen with the government is necessary to counter such emergencies better. India needs to take&nbsp;the spirit of ‘Janata Curfew’ forward with much more vigour, enthusiasm and discipline.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

The coronavirus has spread across 194 countries and territories around the world. The dangers, as well as precautions, have been covered adequately by all government communications/media/publications, as well as social media.

The coronavirus has spread across 194 countries and territories around the world. The dangers, as well as precautions, have been covered adequately by all government communications/media/publications, as well as social media. While there is adequate awareness, but there is also a varying degree of seriousness in dealing with the pandemic, as many segments of society chose to put individual preferences above potentially most devastating threat that looms the world. The world meter indicates over 4,23,000 cases of coronavirus with 18296 deaths and 107,199 recoveries. The WHO puts the morbidity rate at 3.4 per cent, but the biggest danger being faced by mankind is the exponential rise in coronavirus cases due to community transfers. It is necessary to understand the seriousness in adopting the safety measures being communicated by government agencies through various mediums. The Epicenters China is accused to have done global damage by hiding crucial timely information about the pandemic from the rest of the world. Wuhan, believed to be the origin and initial epicentre of the disease, was late in quarantining affected people and could not prevent community transfer. China was quick to declare that it has conquered the disease with reporting 73,159 recovered cases, but 78 fresh cases, seven fresh deaths and 4735 active cases, mitigate the claim. The world will continue to accuse China for hiding the pandemic, with two legal notices already filed against it. Italy (with 69176 cases and 6820 deaths) is another example of taking the disease lightly initially and trying to control it with all possible measures later. WHO warns USA to be next epicenter of COVID-19 having 54916 cases confirmed, out of which there are more than 25000 cases in New York. The US faces stalemate over $2 trillion allocations for combating the pandemic. The same is the case with South Korea and Japan. The only advantage these countries enjoy is that they have much less population in comparison to countries like India and relatively better medical capacities per capita population to control. Iran continues to struggle with an initial spurt of carelessness and later with inadequate capacity. It needs to be noted that in most western countries the testing in terms of the percentage of the population has been fairly high; hence, the magnitude of the problem is better identified. Taiwan's Success in Combatting Covid-19 Taiwan, with 23 million people, just off the coast of China, was predicted to have the second-highest 'importation risk' by any country with over 850,000 of its citizens residing and working in mainland China and heavy rush of travellers to and from China. Considering the risk, having only 199 cases with two deaths and no new cases so far is creditable. Its success is attributed to early action by National Health Command Center (NHCC) with a branch focusing on large outbreak responses and acting as a central command post for direct, transparent communications, which was established after the SARS outbreak. Their actions included border control from the air and sea, identifying cases, quarantine of suspicious cases, managing resource allocation, daily press briefings, identifying false information and formulating economic policies to relieve families and businesses. Maximum use of ‘Big Data’ and technology was done to identify travellers, patients and suspects, and quarantining them. The support of the population was another major factor. What Should be India's Next Response? India has the second-largest population in the world with over 130 billion people. While there is no need to panic with 536 cases identified and 10 deaths so far, but as a developing country, its capacity to isolate communities is the biggest challenge in the world, which cannot be combatted without public participation. The numbers identified so far are limited, due to limited testing facilities available in the country, which are being increased gradually. India needs to ensure not to enter into community spread (next stage) of COVID19 outbreak, otherwise, speed of infection will overtake the speed of capacity building of the country to handle it. Although a lot is being done by the central and state governments, the biggest challenge is to convince the segments of the society, who chose to take it lightly, by superimposing personal priorities over public health. The 21-day lockdown of the complete country announced by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24, 2020, is the right step to break the chain of infection and flatten the upward curve of growing cases in India. India does not have the luxury of a manageable population, and is yet to have the full capacity to deal with the third stage of the pandemic; hence the best option available is to quarantine and social distancing. The partnership of people and the private sector for capacity building is required. Going by the example of Taiwan, the data of every citizen with the government is necessary to counter such emergencies better. India needs to take the spirit of ‘Janata Curfew’ forward with much more vigour, enthusiasm and discipline. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Coronavirus outbreak: Lockdown and beyond - a looming crisis

The coronavirus has been relentless. Its a jolt to one of the &nbsp;world's most cherished ideas - globalisation.

The world is in a crisis mode, travel remains halted across the globe. Borders are shut, supply chains are disrupted, billions of people are confined to their homes.

Free movement of capital, goods, services and labour is the foundation of globalisation, but the coronavirus has killed the free movement.

So, is this the end? Will globalisation die?

According to a 2017 report, poor nations are yet to benefit from the globalisation wave. Between 1990 and 2016, the share of sub-Saharan Africa in the world GDP grew by just 0.2 per cent - from 2.8 to 3 per cent.

Share of Latin America and the Caribbean dropped from 10 per cent to less than 8. West Asia and North Africa contributed marginal increases.

However, China benefitted the most from it. China's share in the world GDP went up from a little more than 4 per cent in 1990, to almost 18 per cent in 2016.

The middle kingdom gained the most, China became the world's workshop.

Now, the coronavirus outbreak has exposed just how fragile this lopsided system is. &nbsp;

The irony is - the byproduct of globalisation, free movement of people, has spread the Wuhan virus around the world, and now, the outbreak is fueling a backlash against globalisation.

The global supply chain is in a state of chaos. Many companies are struggling to find alternatives to Chinese factories - countries that are less affected by the disruption.

The outbreak is testing Europe's open borders policy. Hard restrictions are in place.

To be fair, the campaign against globalisation had begun way before the coronavirus outbreak. The United States under President Donald Trump, is ordering American companies to make their products at home.

Britain has left the European Union. The Wuhan coronavirus will test the relevance of globalisation further.

But, globalisation will not die. The modern-day goods and services live on the internet. Whether it is in the field of computers, electronics to even automobiles - we live in an interconnected world.

Mass production seems unimaginable without global collaboration. So globalisation may not die, but it has certainly started to wane. 
 
(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

The coronavirus has been relentless. Its a jolt to one of the world's most cherished ideas - globalisation. The world is in a crisis mode, travel remains halted across the globe.

The coronavirus has been relentless. Its a jolt to one of the world's most cherished ideas - globalisation. The world is in a crisis mode, travel remains halted across the globe. Borders are shut, supply chains are disrupted, billions of people are confined to their homes. Free movement of capital, goods, services and labour is the foundation of globalisation, but the coronavirus has killed the free movement. So, is this the end? Will globalisation die? According to a 2017 report, poor nations are yet to benefit from the globalisation wave. Between 1990 and 2016, the share of sub-Saharan Africa in the world GDP grew by just 0.2 per cent - from 2.8 to 3 per cent. Share of Latin America and the Caribbean dropped from 10 per cent to less than 8. West Asia and North Africa contributed marginal increases. However, China benefitted the most from it. China's share in the world GDP went up from a little more than 4 per cent in 1990, to almost 18 per cent in 2016. The middle kingdom gained the most, China became the world's workshop. Now, the coronavirus outbreak has exposed just how fragile this lopsided system is. The irony is - the byproduct of globalisation, free movement of people, has spread the Wuhan virus around the world, and now, the outbreak is fueling a backlash against globalisation. The global supply chain is in a state of chaos. Many companies are struggling to find alternatives to Chinese factories - countries that are less affected by the disruption. The outbreak is testing Europe's open borders policy. Hard restrictions are in place. To be fair, the campaign against globalisation had begun way before the coronavirus outbreak. The United States under President Donald Trump, is ordering American companies to make their products at home. Britain has left the European Union. The Wuhan coronavirus will test the relevance of globalisation further. But, globalisation will not die. The modern-day goods and services live on the internet. Whether it is in the field of computers, electronics to even automobiles - we live in an interconnected world. Mass production seems unimaginable without global collaboration. So globalisation may not die, but it has certainly started to wane. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: Is this the end of globalisation?

As talk of ‘mellow-globalisation’ and ‘slowbalisation’ gained traction and currency in academic and policy circles, and it was increasingly held that the 3rd wave of globalisation that began in the 1970s as coming to an end, it might be ultimately the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/explained-countries-that-are-setting-example-for-world-in-fight-against-coronavirus-288195">coronavirus pandemic</a> that kills globalisation. While globalisation has been an age-old phenomenon corresponding to historical progression albeit, in a un-linear fashion, its modern-day avatar was given impetus by the Information and Communication Technologies(ICT’s) revolution and the primacy of neoclassical economics that privileged market economies over state-based mercantilist ones.&nbsp;

The result was a tremendous explosion of economic growth across many parts of the world and a veritable formation of a global economy.

It was held that the sole path to modernisation lay through and in the principles of an open political economy and free-market economics. China and its post-1978 economic modernisation was deemed to be the poster child of economic openness and its concomitant, economic growth. The country grew stupendously, millions were raised out of poverty and progress was writ large over it. But the flip side of free market-inspired globalisation was inequality, especially within nations. Crisscrossing supply chains straddling the globe, capitals’ quest for the rate of return, efficiency and effectiveness meant those whole industries died in the developed world and migrated to locales like China arbitraging both labour and capital in the process. The effect was drastic: entire swathes of blue-collar jobs were wiped out in the developed world.

Those countries with weak social safety nets like the United States, were hit the most; in the process, a new political constituency grew that clamoured for the return or revival of industry and structures thereof. &nbsp;While the conundrum ran deep because of the sheer logic of economics, the answer – a political one- was given by Donald Trump in the United States in the form of populism. The grist and mill of this populism was returned to nationalism, national economic policymaking, mercantilism and populism. Whether or not these would deliver remained and remains moot, but policymaking in the United States sought precisely to choke globalisation.

As the tensions over globalisation and new old policy-making paradigms began to take shape, the world is being swept over by the deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/coronavirus-outbreak-how-to-keep-children-safe-expert-answers-all-your-questions-287557">coronavirus epidemic</a>. Countries across the world are scrambling for a response; the default reflex has been to close off borders, choking trade and investment in the process.&nbsp;

Central banks have responded by lowering interest rates and many countries have injected a fiscal stimulus into their economies to deal with the emerging and evolving crisis. On the face of it, there have been clarion calls for multilateralism and a collective response to the pandemic given that it respects no boundaries and borders, but these calls, even though noble-minded, will increasingly be ignored.

In all likelihood, the world will revert to either more or less statist economic policy paradigms with a concomitant slide into nationalism. The free movement of peoples that had been slowed down by immigration controls in the United States ad calls for the same in Europe, might be dealt a body blow. Capital might also become more parochial and hibernate in places deemed safer, so to speak. Given the correlation between investment and trade flows, both will be impeded and either trade blocs will stage a revival or be more national. Firms will retrench and narrow their focus to both defray their risks and protect profits plus realign themselves with new economic policies. The result will be a world that will retreat into itself and the nation-state will be back with a vengeance.

The irony of it all will be that a virus that is not even a living organism and is invisible will succeed in doing what wars and other catastrophes could not: bring a halt to globalisation.&nbsp;

But, yet again, from a long duree perspective of history, globalisation, will after a hiatus will not be terminally and fatally ill. It will, at some point in time, stage a comeback. &nbsp;However, its comeback will be more technologically determined and flavoured: artificial intelligence(AI), robotics and other technological developments will have become more sophisticated and potent potentially relegating humans to the periphery.&nbsp;

This presents a real and present danger, not in a Luddite sense or perspective but that technology as important as it is having being one of the engines of historical progress should not and must not become an end in itself. It should serve mankind and be an instrument of progress and development, broadly defined.

It is here that the challenge of the next wave of globalisation lies. The hope is unlike the coronavirus pandemic, the world and its people will be better prepared then! 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

As talk of ‘mellow-globalisation’ and ‘slowbalisation’ gained traction and currency in academic and policy circles, and it was increasingly held that the 3rd wave of globalisation that began in the 1970s as coming to an end, it might be ultimately the coronavirus pandemic that kills globalisation.

As talk of ‘mellow-globalisation’ and ‘slowbalisation’ gained traction and currency in academic and policy circles, and it was increasingly held that the 3rd wave of globalisation that began in the 1970s as coming to an end, it might be ultimately the coronavirus pandemic that kills globalisation. While globalisation has been an age-old phenomenon corresponding to historical progression albeit, in a un-linear fashion, its modern-day avatar was given impetus by the Information and Communication Technologies(ICT’s) revolution and the primacy of neoclassical economics that privileged market economies over state-based mercantilist ones. The result was a tremendous explosion of economic growth across many parts of the world and a veritable formation of a global economy. It was held that the sole path to modernisation lay through and in the principles of an open political economy and free-market economics. China and its post-1978 economic modernisation was deemed to be the poster child of economic openness and its concomitant, economic growth. The country grew stupendously, millions were raised out of poverty and progress was writ large over it. But the flip side of free market-inspired globalisation was inequality, especially within nations. Crisscrossing supply chains straddling the globe, capitals’ quest for the rate of return, efficiency and effectiveness meant those whole industries died in the developed world and migrated to locales like China arbitraging both labour and capital in the process. The effect was drastic: entire swathes of blue-collar jobs were wiped out in the developed world. Those countries with weak social safety nets like the United States, were hit the most; in the process, a new political constituency grew that clamoured for the return or revival of industry and structures thereof. While the conundrum ran deep because of the sheer logic of economics, the answer – a political one- was given by Donald Trump in the United States in the form of populism. The grist and mill of this populism was returned to nationalism, national economic policymaking, mercantilism and populism. Whether or not these would deliver remained and remains moot, but policymaking in the United States sought precisely to choke globalisation. As the tensions over globalisation and new old policy-making paradigms began to take shape, the world is being swept over by the deadly coronavirus epidemic. Countries across the world are scrambling for a response; the default reflex has been to close off borders, choking trade and investment in the process. Central banks have responded by lowering interest rates and many countries have injected a fiscal stimulus into their economies to deal with the emerging and evolving crisis. On the face of it, there have been clarion calls for multilateralism and a collective response to the pandemic given that it respects no boundaries and borders, but these calls, even though noble-minded, will increasingly be ignored. In all likelihood, the world will revert to either more or less statist economic policy paradigms with a concomitant slide into nationalism. The free movement of peoples that had been slowed down by immigration controls in the United States ad calls for the same in Europe, might be dealt a body blow. Capital might also become more parochial and hibernate in places deemed safer, so to speak. Given the correlation between investment and trade flows, both will be impeded and either trade blocs will stage a revival or be more national. Firms will retrench and narrow their focus to both defray their risks and protect profits plus realign themselves with new economic policies. The result will be a world that will retreat into itself and the nation-state will be back with a vengeance. The irony of it all will be that a virus that is not even a living organism and is invisible will succeed in doing what wars and other catastrophes could not: bring a halt to globalisation. But, yet again, from a long duree perspective of history, globalisation, will after a hiatus will not be terminally and fatally ill. It will, at some point in time, stage a comeback. However, its comeback will be more technologically determined and flavoured: artificial intelligence(AI), robotics and other technological developments will have become more sophisticated and potent potentially relegating humans to the periphery. This presents a real and present danger, not in a Luddite sense or perspective but that technology as important as it is having being one of the engines of historical progress should not and must not become an end in itself. It should serve mankind and be an instrument of progress and development, broadly defined. It is here that the challenge of the next wave of globalisation lies. The hope is unlike the coronavirus pandemic, the world and its people will be better prepared then! (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Coronavirus pandemic will bring a halt to globalisation

It seems like, this new virus has taken over everything almost everywhere on the surface of the earth. Amidst the wake for Coronavirus and as a preventative measure, the Ministry of Human Resource Development decided to shut down educational institutions and postpone all examinations including ongoing boards like the CBSE and the ICSE.&nbsp;

I’m a student and this particular year, I was having my boards. The postponement was surely a bit shocking to all of the candidates appearing for the boards this year, including me.

Schools have been called off. Colleges and Universities have been shut. Councils have issued notices that the boards would be conducted after March 31.&nbsp;

I really don’t get it how the health authorities think of tackling a pandemic in a week or two. To me, the whole thing is messed up. With Italy reporting the largest number of deaths, reports say India could be the next hotspot. India has till now tackled the situation well and we really hope that things get better.

For the boards, most of the students feel distressed. They feel like all the smoothness is gone. Is it something serious and mandatory to postpone exams?

I really don’t know what others would say but yes, I’m completely in support of the decision. As per the Health Expenditure per Capitalist issued by WHO, India is at the 141st position. If a country like Italy, (ranking second in Healthcare after France), could be devastated by the epidemic, what would happen to India?

Indian Prime Minister and authorities have thus deemed it necessary to prevent the spread at this stage.&nbsp; 
When a person is infected with COVID-19, symptoms appear in two weeks. If you catch it today, you would be unaware of it for two weeks. And that’s where the danger lies. Once you’re affected you go to your educational institution transmit the virus to classmates. Then, they go home and transmit it to their parents and so on. This would cause a chain reaction, rather, ‘Community Transmission’ which would result in condition going out of Indian hands. Thus, to prevent gatherings at assemblies, lectures and others, this step by the government is widely appreciable.&nbsp;

India relies a lot on technology. At this point of time, to prevent the pandemic rise as well as to continue the educational process, it is necessary that every college, university and if possible, even schools, video stream online classes.&nbsp;

For what is to be done by us now, is another question in itself. Students can paint, write, sing and dance and do whatever they find amusing and like! Stay indoors! Stay safe! The most important of all is to follow government advice at all costs. Utilise this so-called ‘holiday’ to get ahead of your peers with the certificate courses being given by various online academies.&nbsp;

What I would prefer for myself, is taking up my hobbies, continuing that in full fledge, and stargazing. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

It seems like, this new virus has taken over everything almost everywhere on the surface of the earth. Amidst the wake for Coronavirus and as a preventative measure, the Ministry of Human Resource Development decided to shut down educational institutions and postpone all examinations including ongoing boards like the CBSE and the ICSE.

It seems like, this new virus has taken over everything almost everywhere on the surface of the earth. Amidst the wake for Coronavirus and as a preventative measure, the Ministry of Human Resource Development decided to shut down educational institutions and postpone all examinations including ongoing boards like the CBSE and the ICSE. I’m a student and this particular year, I was having my boards. The postponement was surely a bit shocking to all of the candidates appearing for the boards this year, including me. Schools have been called off. Colleges and Universities have been shut. Councils have issued notices that the boards would be conducted after March 31. I really don’t get it how the health authorities think of tackling a pandemic in a week or two. To me, the whole thing is messed up. With Italy reporting the largest number of deaths, reports say India could be the next hotspot. India has till now tackled the situation well and we really hope that things get better. For the boards, most of the students feel distressed. They feel like all the smoothness is gone. Is it something serious and mandatory to postpone exams? I really don’t know what others would say but yes, I’m completely in support of the decision. As per the Health Expenditure per Capitalist issued by WHO, India is at the 141st position. If a country like Italy, (ranking second in Healthcare after France), could be devastated by the epidemic, what would happen to India? Indian Prime Minister and authorities have thus deemed it necessary to prevent the spread at this stage. When a person is infected with COVID-19, symptoms appear in two weeks. If you catch it today, you would be unaware of it for two weeks. And that’s where the danger lies. Once you’re affected you go to your educational institution transmit the virus to classmates. Then, they go home and transmit it to their parents and so on. This would cause a chain reaction, rather, ‘Community Transmission’ which would result in condition going out of Indian hands. Thus, to prevent gatherings at assemblies, lectures and others, this step by the government is widely appreciable. India relies a lot on technology. At this point of time, to prevent the pandemic rise as well as to continue the educational process, it is necessary that every college, university and if possible, even schools, video stream online classes. For what is to be done by us now, is another question in itself. Students can paint, write, sing and dance and do whatever they find amusing and like! Stay indoors! Stay safe! The most important of all is to follow government advice at all costs. Utilise this so-called ‘holiday’ to get ahead of your peers with the certificate courses being given by various online academies. What I would prefer for myself, is taking up my hobbies, continuing that in full fledge, and stargazing. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Coronavirus outbreak: Did the Indian education system really need a shutdown?