Chinese President is obsessed with security. This obsession is turning the Chinese civilians into spy hunters. The latest addition to the students' syllabus in China is raising concerns - 'A crash course on how to catch spies'.

Why is China's Xi Jinping obsessed with turning civilians into spy hunters?

<p>Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed his desire to lower the enduring tensions between his nation and the United States and has called for peaceful coexistence between the two world powers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Responding to a letter from two&nbsp;US Flying Tigers veterans, Harry Moyer and Mel McMullen, who fought for China during World War II, Xi said the two nations "should and must" achieve peaceful co-existence.</p>

<h2><strong>A shared history&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Emphasising the shared history shared by the US and China, Xi, as per Chinese media reports, made references to the two countries and how they fought a common enemy — Japan, during the World War II and said that this common enemy helped form a "profound" friendship during that time.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-summons-german-ambassador-over-berlins-remarks-on-xi-637412">China summons German ambassador over foreign minister's 'dictator' remarks on Xi</a></strong></p>

<p>"Looking to the future, China and the United States, as two major countries, bear more important responsibilities for world peace, stability and development," said the Chinese president.</p>

<p>"They should and must achieve mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Attempts at peace</strong></h2>

<p>Xi's statement comes at a time when both countries have been engaged in ongoing efforts to reduce tensions and re-establish communication channels.</p>

<p>Recent months have witnessed a series of meetings and talks between US and Chinese officials, where the two nations have aimed at reducing tensions and addressing various challenges in the bilateral relationship. This includes contact between the two military and the restoration of communication channels.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blinken-meets-chinas-vp-han-to-set-stage-for-future-xi-biden-meeting-637323">Blinken meets China's VP Han to set stage for future Xi-Biden meeting</a></strong></p>

<p>On Monday, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, while talking to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, said: "Currently, China-US relations face many difficulties and challenges."</p>

<p>"The world needs stable and healthy China-US relations," said the Chinese vice president, as reported by Reuters.</p>

<p>The Flying Tigers were an American Volunteer Group hired by the Republic of China to assist the nation in its fight against Japanese forces during World War II. The fighter group, known for their distinctive shark-faced planes, played a vital role in the war and are remembered in China for their bravery in defending against the Japanese.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed his desire to lower the enduring tensions between his nation and the United States and has called for peaceful coexistence between the two world powers.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed his desire to lower the enduring tensions between his nation and the United States and has called for peaceful coexistence between the two world powers. Responding to a letter from two US Flying Tigers veterans, Harry Moyer and Mel McMullen, who fought for China during World War II, Xi said the two nations "should and must" achieve peaceful co-existence. A shared history Emphasising the shared history shared by the US and China, Xi, as per Chinese media reports, made references to the two countries and how they fought a common enemy — Japan, during the World War II and said that this common enemy helped form a "profound" friendship during that time. Also read | China summons German ambassador over foreign minister's 'dictator' remarks on Xi "Looking to the future, China and the United States, as two major countries, bear more important responsibilities for world peace, stability and development," said the Chinese president. "They should and must achieve mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation," he added. Attempts at peace Xi's statement comes at a time when both countries have been engaged in ongoing efforts to reduce tensions and re-establish communication channels. Recent months have witnessed a series of meetings and talks between US and Chinese officials, where the two nations have aimed at reducing tensions and addressing various challenges in the bilateral relationship. This includes contact between the two military and the restoration of communication channels. Also read | Blinken meets China's VP Han to set stage for future Xi-Biden meeting On Monday, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, while talking to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, said: "Currently, China-US relations face many difficulties and challenges." "The world needs stable and healthy China-US relations," said the Chinese vice president, as reported by Reuters. The Flying Tigers were an American Volunteer Group hired by the Republic of China to assist the nation in its fight against Japanese forces during World War II. The fighter group, known for their distinctive shark-faced planes, played a vital role in the war and are remembered in China for their bravery in defending against the Japanese. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Chinese President Xi says US and China 'should and must' achieve peaceful co-existence

China is offering crash courses on how to catch spies to its students. Is this vigilance or paranoia? What is Xi Jinping afraid of? Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Xi's China obsessed with spies: Why is Beijing turning students into spy hunters?

<p>US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on Monday (September 18) on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, the latest in a series of meetings aimed at reducing tensions between the world's two largest economies.</p>

<p>In a statement after the meeting, the US State Department said the talks involved "a candid and constructive discussion".&nbsp;The two agreed to maintain open lines of communication and discussed Russia's invasion of Ukraine, North Korea and the Taiwan Strait, the department added.</p>

<p>The talks between Blinken and Han could help set the stage for a meeting between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping later this year.</p>

<p>They followed 12 hours of meetings last weekend between White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Malta.</p>

<p>"The world expects us to responsibly manage our relationship," Blinken said in brief remarks at the beginning of his meeting with Han. "The United States is committed to doing just that," he added.<br />
"</p>

<p>From the perspective of the United States, face-to-face diplomacy is the best way to deal with areas where we disagree, and also the best way to explore areas of cooperation between us," Blinken said.</p>

<p>Blinken, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Biden climate envoy John Kerry have travelled to China this year to thaw relations and ensure continued communication between the two countries amid tensions that flared after the US military shot down a Chinese surveillance balloon that travelled over the United States.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yellen-stresses-importance-of-us-china-ties-says-decoupling-economies-impossible-612979"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Yellen criticises China's 'punitive' measures against US companies, but says decoupling 'impossible'</strong></a></p>

<p>Biden this month expressed disappointment that Xi had skipped a summit of Group of 20 leaders in India, but said he would "get to see him."</p>

<p>The next likely opportunity for Biden to hold talks with Xi is an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco in November, where US aides for months have hoped to stage such a meeting.</p>

<p>Neither Blinken nor Han in their remarks explicitly mentioned whether such a meeting would materialise.</p>

<p>"Currently, China-US relations face many difficulties and challenges," Han told Blinken, noting that China hoped the US would make efforts to implement the consensus reached by the two countries' leaders and promote the stable development of relations.</p>

<p>"The world needs stable and healthy China-US relations," Han said.</p>

<p>The US and China are at odds over issues ranging from Taiwan to trade, fentanyl and human rights. Critics of the Biden administration have questioned its strategy of engaging China, warning that a failure to push back on provocations, including the recent China-linked hacking of senior US officials' email, could embolden Beijing.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-joe-biden-sees-shift-in-us-china-relationship-594858"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US President Joe Biden sees shift in US-China relationship</strong></a></p>

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<p>Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Chris Wray told a conference on Monday that China has a cyberespionage program so vast that it is bigger than all of its major competitors combined.</p>

<p>Ryan Hass, a China expert at the Brookings Institution, said the pace of high-level exchanges between Washington and Beijing suggested that efforts were "purposeful" and not just part of relationship management.</p>

<p>"I expect both sides are working to set the stage for a productive meeting between both leaders in November," Hass said.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on Monday (September 18) on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, the latest in a series of meetings aimed at reducing tensions between the world's two largest economies.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on Monday (September 18) on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, the latest in a series of meetings aimed at reducing tensions between the world's two largest economies. In a statement after the meeting, the US State Department said the talks involved "a candid and constructive discussion". The two agreed to maintain open lines of communication and discussed Russia's invasion of Ukraine, North Korea and the Taiwan Strait, the department added. The talks between Blinken and Han could help set the stage for a meeting between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping later this year. They followed 12 hours of meetings last weekend between White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Malta. "The world expects us to responsibly manage our relationship," Blinken said in brief remarks at the beginning of his meeting with Han. "The United States is committed to doing just that," he added. " From the perspective of the United States, face-to-face diplomacy is the best way to deal with areas where we disagree, and also the best way to explore areas of cooperation between us," Blinken said. Blinken, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Biden climate envoy John Kerry have travelled to China this year to thaw relations and ensure continued communication between the two countries amid tensions that flared after the US military shot down a Chinese surveillance balloon that travelled over the United States. Also read | Yellen criticises China's 'punitive' measures against US companies, but says decoupling 'impossible' Biden this month expressed disappointment that Xi had skipped a summit of Group of 20 leaders in India, but said he would "get to see him." The next likely opportunity for Biden to hold talks with Xi is an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco in November, where US aides for months have hoped to stage such a meeting. Neither Blinken nor Han in their remarks explicitly mentioned whether such a meeting would materialise. "Currently, China-US relations face many difficulties and challenges," Han told Blinken, noting that China hoped the US would make efforts to implement the consensus reached by the two countries' leaders and promote the stable development of relations. "The world needs stable and healthy China-US relations," Han said. The US and China are at odds over issues ranging from Taiwan to trade, fentanyl and human rights. Critics of the Biden administration have questioned its strategy of engaging China, warning that a failure to push back on provocations, including the recent China-linked hacking of senior US officials' email, could embolden Beijing. Watch | US President Joe Biden sees shift in US-China relationship × Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Chris Wray told a conference on Monday that China has a cyberespionage program so vast that it is bigger than all of its major competitors combined. Ryan Hass, a China expert at the Brookings Institution, said the pace of high-level exchanges between Washington and Beijing suggested that efforts were "purposeful" and not just part of relationship management. "I expect both sides are working to set the stage for a productive meeting between both leaders in November," Hass said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Blinken meets China's VP Han to set stage for future Xi-Biden meeting

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<p>China has summoned its&nbsp;German ambassador after the country's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called Chinese President Xi Jinping a dictator, Berlin has confirmed.</p>

<p>On September 14, Foreign Minister Baerbock spoke to Fox News where she talked about the ongoing war in Ukraine. "If Putin were to win this war, what sign would that be for other dictators in the world, like Xi, like the Chinese president? So therefore Ukraine has to win this war," Baerbock told the network.</p>

<p>Speaking to the news agency AFP, a foreign ministry spokesman in Berlin confirmed that the envoy was summoned to the Chinese foreign ministry last Sunday over Baerbock's remarks. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's view on the remarks is not yet known.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Strongly dissatisfied': China on Baerbock's remarks</strong></h2>

<p>On Monday, the Chinese foreign minister said that it was "strongly dissatisfied" with Baerbock's remarks. "(The comments) are extremely absurd and are a serious infringement of China's political dignity and an open political provocation," foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a daily news conference.</p>

<p>Even though Germany and China are major trade partners, their ties have been affected as some officials in the German government have taken a harder line over issues ranging from human rights to Taiwan.</p>

<p>Foreign Minister Baerbock has pushed for a more hawkish line and&nbsp;has called for a tougher stance and greater emphasis on human rights. On being asked about China's protests over her remarks during a visit to New York, Baerbock replied that she had "taken note" of them.</p>

<h2><strong>Third time China summoned German envoy</strong></h2>

<p>This was the third time that China summoned Germany's ambassador, AFP reported. In March this year, Beijing summoned the ambassador over German Education Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger's visit to Taiwan, the first cabinet-level German visit to the island in 26 years.</p>

<p>In addition to this, Beijing summoned the German envoy following a G7 foreign ministers' statement about Taiwan in August last year, when Germany was holding the presidency of the group.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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China has summoned its German ambassador after the country's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called Chinese President Xi Jinping a dictator, Berlin has confirmed.

China has summoned its German ambassador after the country's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called Chinese President Xi Jinping a dictator, Berlin has confirmed. On September 14, Foreign Minister Baerbock spoke to Fox News where she talked about the ongoing war in Ukraine. "If Putin were to win this war, what sign would that be for other dictators in the world, like Xi, like the Chinese president? So therefore Ukraine has to win this war," Baerbock told the network. Speaking to the news agency AFP, a foreign ministry spokesman in Berlin confirmed that the envoy was summoned to the Chinese foreign ministry last Sunday over Baerbock's remarks. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's view on the remarks is not yet known. 'Strongly dissatisfied': China on Baerbock's remarks On Monday, the Chinese foreign minister said that it was "strongly dissatisfied" with Baerbock's remarks. "(The comments) are extremely absurd and are a serious infringement of China's political dignity and an open political provocation," foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a daily news conference. Even though Germany and China are major trade partners, their ties have been affected as some officials in the German government have taken a harder line over issues ranging from human rights to Taiwan. Foreign Minister Baerbock has pushed for a more hawkish line and has called for a tougher stance and greater emphasis on human rights. On being asked about China's protests over her remarks during a visit to New York, Baerbock replied that she had "taken note" of them. Third time China summoned German envoy This was the third time that China summoned Germany's ambassador, AFP reported. In March this year, Beijing summoned the ambassador over German Education Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger's visit to Taiwan, the first cabinet-level German visit to the island in 26 years. In addition to this, Beijing summoned the German envoy following a G7 foreign ministers' statement about Taiwan in August last year, when Germany was holding the presidency of the group. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China summons German ambassador over foreign minister's 'dictator' remarks on Xi

<p>President Vladimir Putin will meet China's Xi Jinping for talks in Beijing in October, Russia said on Tuesday, Putin's first known trip abroad since an arrest warrant was issued against him over the deportation of children from Ukraine.</p>

<p>Nikolai Patrushev, a close Putin ally and the secretary of Russia's Security Council, said Russia and China should deepen cooperation in the face of the West's attempt to contain them both.</p>

<p>He was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying that the talks in Beijing would be "thorough", at a meeting in Moscow with China's top diplomat, Wang Yi.</p>

<p>Putin will attend the third Belt and Road Forum after an invitation by Xi during a high-profile visit to Moscow in March.</p>

<p>Days before that visit, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant for Putin's arrest on suspicion of illegally deporting hundreds of children or more from Ukraine.</p>

<p>Moscow denies the allegations, and the Kremlin said the warrant was evidence of the West's hostility to Russia, which opened a criminal case against the ICC prosecutor and the judges who issued the warrant.</p>

<p>Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine early last year has triggered one of the deadliest European conflicts since World War Two and the biggest confrontation between Moscow and the West since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.</p>

<p>Putin has pivoted towards China, and Xi has stood by him.</p>

<p>Chinese-Russian trade has soared since the invasion, and Russia has sold Asian powers, including China's greater volumes of the oil it can no longer sell to the West because of sanctions.</p>

<p>Putin last visited Beijing in February 2022, days before the invasion, where he and Xi announced a 'no limits' partnership. Moscow says this does not mean a military alliance, however.</p>

<h2><strong>China and Russia share outlook, boost trade</strong></h2>

<p>Putin and Xi share a broad world view, which sees the West as decadent and in decline, just as China challenges US&nbsp;supremacy in everything from technology to espionage and military power.</p>

<p>Trade between Russia and China soared 30 per cent&nbsp;in the first half of this year and will rise to more than $200 billion in 2023, Russian Economy Minister Maxim Reshetnikov said on a visit to China.</p>

<p>"We are actively developing investments, including in our large gas and petrochemical projects, where we actively use Chinese technologies," Reshetnikov said.</p>

<p>"We are strongly interested in transforming technological cooperation into investment cooperation, so that Chinese companies actively enter into these projects, invest in capital, and lend money, because the projects are capital-intensive and not all of them can be fully provided for by the Russian financial system."</p>

<p>The United States sees China as its gravest long-term "strategic competitor" and Russia as an "acute threat".</p>

<p>China has refrained from condemning Russia's operation against Ukraine or calling it an invasion, in line with the Kremlin, which casts the war as a "special military operation".</p>

<p>Earlier this year, CIA Director William Burns said Russia was becoming more and more dependent on China and was even at risk of becoming its "economic colony" in time.</p>

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President Vladimir Putin will meet China's Xi Jinping for talks in Beijing in October, Russia said on Tuesday, Putin's first known trip abroad since an arrest warrant was issued against him over the deportation of children from Ukraine.

President Vladimir Putin will meet China's Xi Jinping for talks in Beijing in October, Russia said on Tuesday, Putin's first known trip abroad since an arrest warrant was issued against him over the deportation of children from Ukraine. Nikolai Patrushev, a close Putin ally and the secretary of Russia's Security Council, said Russia and China should deepen cooperation in the face of the West's attempt to contain them both. He was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying that the talks in Beijing would be "thorough", at a meeting in Moscow with China's top diplomat, Wang Yi. Putin will attend the third Belt and Road Forum after an invitation by Xi during a high-profile visit to Moscow in March. Days before that visit, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant for Putin's arrest on suspicion of illegally deporting hundreds of children or more from Ukraine. Moscow denies the allegations, and the Kremlin said the warrant was evidence of the West's hostility to Russia, which opened a criminal case against the ICC prosecutor and the judges who issued the warrant. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine early last year has triggered one of the deadliest European conflicts since World War Two and the biggest confrontation between Moscow and the West since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. Putin has pivoted towards China, and Xi has stood by him. Chinese-Russian trade has soared since the invasion, and Russia has sold Asian powers, including China's greater volumes of the oil it can no longer sell to the West because of sanctions. Putin last visited Beijing in February 2022, days before the invasion, where he and Xi announced a 'no limits' partnership. Moscow says this does not mean a military alliance, however. China and Russia share outlook, boost trade Putin and Xi share a broad world view, which sees the West as decadent and in decline, just as China challenges US supremacy in everything from technology to espionage and military power. Trade between Russia and China soared 30 per cent in the first half of this year and will rise to more than $200 billion in 2023, Russian Economy Minister Maxim Reshetnikov said on a visit to China. "We are actively developing investments, including in our large gas and petrochemical projects, where we actively use Chinese technologies," Reshetnikov said. "We are strongly interested in transforming technological cooperation into investment cooperation, so that Chinese companies actively enter into these projects, invest in capital, and lend money, because the projects are capital-intensive and not all of them can be fully provided for by the Russian financial system." The United States sees China as its gravest long-term "strategic competitor" and Russia as an "acute threat". China has refrained from condemning Russia's operation against Ukraine or calling it an invasion, in line with the Kremlin, which casts the war as a "special military operation". Earlier this year, CIA Director William Burns said Russia was becoming more and more dependent on China and was even at risk of becoming its "economic colony" in time. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Putin and Xi to meet in Beijing in October, Russia says

China reacted angrily to the German foreign minister's Monday characterization of President Xi Jinping as a "dictator," calling the remark "an open political provocation" and "extremely absurd." Beijing is Berlin's main trading partner, but after months of internal debate about its policy, Germany released a new document in July to counter a more "assertive" China.

China lodges complaint over German FM's remarks on President Xi Jinping

China's top diplomat Wang Yi is in Russia for security talks. His visit comes after Vladimir Putin's meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un. Earlier this month, President Putin also said that he is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Russia Ukraine War: China sends Wang Yi on 4-day Russia visit for security talks

Russia Ukraine War: Xi pursuing settlement to Ukraine crisis with renewed vigour?

China's Defence Minister Li Shangfu is missing. He has not been seen in public since August 29. What explains his continued absence from the public? Watch the video to know more.

China | Li Shangfu, China's Defence Minister, facing investigation: Reports

<p>The disappearance of China's defence minister, the latest in a string of&nbsp;upheavals in the country's top ranks, is stoking uncertainty about President Xi Jinping's rule as an internal security clampdown trumps international engagement.</p>

<p>The growing unpredictability could affect the confidence other countries place in the leadership of the world's second-biggest economy, diplomats and analysts say.</p>

<p>Defence Minister Li Shangfu, who has missed meetings including with at least one foreign counterpart since he was last seen in late August, is under investigation in a corruption probe into military procurement, Reuters reported on Friday.</p>

<p>Newly installed Foreign Minister Qin Gang vanished with scant explanation in July, the same month as an abrupt shake-up of the military's elite Rocket Force, which oversees China's nuclear arsenal.</p>

<p>As Xi, China's commander-in-chief has focussed inward, he caused concern among foreign diplomats this month by missing a Group of 20 summit in India, the first time he has skipped the global leaders' gathering in his decade in power.</p>

<p>Faced with the growing uncertainties, some diplomats and analysts are calling for a hard look at the true nature of Xi's regime.</p>

<p>"Clear-eyed assessments are needed - this isn't just a question of whether China is a partner or a competitor, it is a source of economic, political and military risk," said Drew Thompson, a former Pentagon official who is now a scholar at the National University of Singapore.</p>

<p>Due to a lack of transparency surrounding the changes, various explanations were plausible "and this feeds the crisis of confidence that is brewing around China," Thompson said.</p>

<p>China's Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Saturday.</p>

<h2><strong>Proximity isn't patronage</strong></h2>

<p>Regarding Defence Minister Li's disappearance and investigation, a ministry spokeswoman told reporters on Friday she was not aware of the situation. The State Council and Defence Ministry did not respond to requests for comment.</p>

<p>Since his appointment in March, Li has been the public face of China’s expanding military diplomacy, expressing concern over US&nbsp;military operations during a high-profile security conference in June and visiting Russia and Belarus in August.</p>

<p>He had been expected to host an international security meeting in Beijing in October and represent the People's Liberation Army (PLA) at a meeting in November of regional defence chiefs in Jakarta.</p>

<p>With corruption long permeating China's military and state institutions, some analysts and diplomats believe Xi's anti-graft crackdowns mark political purges across the Communist Party.</p>

<p>"Regardless of the reason... the sense that this could keep happening could have an impact on foreign actors' confidence in engaging with their Chinese counterparts," said Helena Legarda, lead analyst with the Mercator Institute for China Studies in Berlin.</p>

<p>The Li&nbsp;upheaval&nbsp;is unusual for its speed and its reach into Xi's hand-picked elites.</p>

<p>"This is all so sudden and opaque. One thing we can now see is that proximity does not equate to patronage in Xi's world," said Singapore-based security analyst Alexander Neill, an adjunct fellow with Hawaii's Pacific Forum think-tank.</p>

<h2><strong>Continuity risk</strong></h2>

<p>Although not in a direct command position, Li serves on Xi's seven-person Central Military Commission and is one of China's five state councillors, a cabinet position that outranks regular ministers. Some scholars believe he is close to General Zhang Youxia, who sits above him on the commission and is Xi's closest ally in the PLA.</p>

<p>Li, sanctioned by Washington in 2018 for an arms deal with Russia, shunned a meeting with US&nbsp;Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin at Singapore's Shangri-la Dialogue security conference in June, where a handshake marked their closest interaction.</p>

<p>Austin and other US&nbsp;officials are keen to resume high-level talks between the two militaries regional tensions roil. But Beijing counters that it wants Washington to be less assertive in the Asia-Pacific.</p>

<p>Regional envoys say deeper Chinese military diplomacy is vital, particularly with the US&nbsp;but also with other powers, as China increasingly deploys forces around Taiwan - the democratically governed island it claims - and across disputed parts of the East and South China Seas.</p>

<p>If Li's fate "reflects Xi's increasingly inward focus, it is not good for those of us who want greater openness and lines of communications with China's military," said one Asian diplomat.</p>

<p>As the PLA has an unprecedented level of military engagements with Southeast Asian forces this year, the recent swift changes back in Beijing "spur speculation and some concern about the continuity of policy", said political scientist Ja Ian Chong at the National University of Singapore.</p>

<p>"A shake-up of the military at this time is likely to draw attention, given the heightened activity of the PLA near Taiwan and the East China Sea, as well as stepped-up paramilitary activity in the South China Sea, since such actions create a potential risk of accidents, escalation and crises," Chong said.<br />
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The disappearance of China's defence minister, the latest in a string of upheavals in the country's top ranks, is stoking uncertainty about President Xi Jinping's rule as an internal security clampdown trumps international engagement.

The disappearance of China's defence minister, the latest in a string of upheavals in the country's top ranks, is stoking uncertainty about President Xi Jinping's rule as an internal security clampdown trumps international engagement. The growing unpredictability could affect the confidence other countries place in the leadership of the world's second-biggest economy, diplomats and analysts say. Defence Minister Li Shangfu, who has missed meetings including with at least one foreign counterpart since he was last seen in late August, is under investigation in a corruption probe into military procurement, Reuters reported on Friday. Newly installed Foreign Minister Qin Gang vanished with scant explanation in July, the same month as an abrupt shake-up of the military's elite Rocket Force, which oversees China's nuclear arsenal. As Xi, China's commander-in-chief has focussed inward, he caused concern among foreign diplomats this month by missing a Group of 20 summit in India, the first time he has skipped the global leaders' gathering in his decade in power. Faced with the growing uncertainties, some diplomats and analysts are calling for a hard look at the true nature of Xi's regime. "Clear-eyed assessments are needed - this isn't just a question of whether China is a partner or a competitor, it is a source of economic, political and military risk," said Drew Thompson, a former Pentagon official who is now a scholar at the National University of Singapore. Due to a lack of transparency surrounding the changes, various explanations were plausible "and this feeds the crisis of confidence that is brewing around China," Thompson said. China's Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Saturday. Proximity isn't patronage Regarding Defence Minister Li's disappearance and investigation, a ministry spokeswoman told reporters on Friday she was not aware of the situation. The State Council and Defence Ministry did not respond to requests for comment. Since his appointment in March, Li has been the public face of China’s expanding military diplomacy, expressing concern over US military operations during a high-profile security conference in June and visiting Russia and Belarus in August. He had been expected to host an international security meeting in Beijing in October and represent the People's Liberation Army (PLA) at a meeting in November of regional defence chiefs in Jakarta. With corruption long permeating China's military and state institutions, some analysts and diplomats believe Xi's anti-graft crackdowns mark political purges across the Communist Party. "Regardless of the reason... the sense that this could keep happening could have an impact on foreign actors' confidence in engaging with their Chinese counterparts," said Helena Legarda, lead analyst with the Mercator Institute for China Studies in Berlin. The Li upheaval is unusual for its speed and its reach into Xi's hand-picked elites. "This is all so sudden and opaque. One thing we can now see is that proximity does not equate to patronage in Xi's world," said Singapore-based security analyst Alexander Neill, an adjunct fellow with Hawaii's Pacific Forum think-tank. Continuity risk Although not in a direct command position, Li serves on Xi's seven-person Central Military Commission and is one of China's five state councillors, a cabinet position that outranks regular ministers. Some scholars believe he is close to General Zhang Youxia, who sits above him on the commission and is Xi's closest ally in the PLA. Li, sanctioned by Washington in 2018 for an arms deal with Russia, shunned a meeting with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin at Singapore's Shangri-la Dialogue security conference in June, where a handshake marked their closest interaction. Austin and other US officials are keen to resume high-level talks between the two militaries regional tensions roil. But Beijing counters that it wants Washington to be less assertive in the Asia-Pacific. Regional envoys say deeper Chinese military diplomacy is vital, particularly with the US but also with other powers, as China increasingly deploys forces around Taiwan - the democratically governed island it claims - and across disputed parts of the East and South China Seas. If Li's fate "reflects Xi's increasingly inward focus, it is not good for those of us who want greater openness and lines of communications with China's military," said one Asian diplomat. As the PLA has an unprecedented level of military engagements with Southeast Asian forces this year, the recent swift changes back in Beijing "spur speculation and some concern about the continuity of policy", said political scientist Ja Ian Chong at the National University of Singapore. "A shake-up of the military at this time is likely to draw attention, given the heightened activity of the PLA near Taiwan and the East China Sea, as well as stepped-up paramilitary activity in the South China Sea, since such actions create a potential risk of accidents, escalation and crises," Chong said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Upheavals in Xi Jinping's world spread concern about China's diplomacy, erode confidence

China's Defence Minister Li Shangfu is missing. He has not been seen in public since August 29. China says it is not aware of the situation. Vikram Chandra tells you what could possibly have happened to Li in Xi Jinping's China.

China: Defence Minsiter Li Shangfu missing, country says 'not aware of the situation'

China's Defence Minister Li Shangfu is missing; Here's what could have happened to Li | This World

The Chinese Foreign Minister then it was the PLA commanders and now it is China's Defence Minister. People in China commanding top posts can disappear anytime at the whims and fancies.

The tale of Xi Jinping's disappearing cabinet, Li Shangfu absent from military meeting

Has Xi Jinping fallen out favour within the CCP? The mysterious disappearances of his loyalists has led to speculation whether the CCP elite is trying to weaken the Chinese President. Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Xi Jinping in trouble? Has CCP's top leadership turned against Xi?

<p>Xi Jinping’s decision to skip the G20 Summit in India has sort of created a negative perception of the Chinese leader and the success of the meet has made Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi the clear winner, British economist Jim O'Neill, who coined the acronym BRIC (now BRICS), said.</p>

<p>He said that the successful completion of the summit, which culminated in the joint New Delhi declaration, has overshadowed G7 and the BRICS.</p>

<p>The economist further said that G20 declaration could be the first step in a stronger concerted effort to address global issues, asserting that Modi now looks more like a ''visionary statesman'' than Xi.</p>

<p>“The New Delhi Leaders' Declaration has offered further confirmation that the G20 is the only body with the scope and legitimacy to offer truly global solutions to global problems, and neither the BRICS nor the G7 has the credibility or the capacity to tackle these challenges ranging from climate change to the war in Ukraine and economic stability among other matters,” he said in a write-up on the 'Project Syndicate'.</p>

<h2><strong>China-India rift further deepened&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Jim O'Neill noted that Xi’s absence at the New Delhi summit has further deepened the rift between China and India, and could possibly undermine the BRICS, which recently admitted new members.</p>

<p>“Many speculate that Xi skipped the summit in order to snub India – one of China’s longstanding rivals – and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Whatever the motive, his decision had the effect of undermining the significance of the recent BRICS meeting, which many saw as a victory for China,” he said.</p>

<p>He also noted that the lack of Indo-Chinese solidarity will be a major stumbling block for the new BRICS.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/the-geopolitics-of-g20-summit-635708">The Geopolitics of G20 Summit</a></p>

<h2><strong>Xi has to reach out to Modi</strong></h2>

<p>“Now, Xi’s absence from the G20 summit has deepened the divide between the two countries. If Xi wants to convince us otherwise, he will need to reach out to Modi. As matters stand, the success of the G20 meeting makes Modi the clear winner in this season of summitry. Perceptions matter, and right now he looks more like a visionary statesman than Xi does,” he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-france-and-uk-refuse-to-lift-sanctions-on-iran-under-jcpoa-636069">Germany, France and UK refuse to lift sanctions on Iran under JCPOA</a></p>

<p>The G20 Summit under India’s presidency was historic considering the fact that the African Union was included in the G20 fold, a move initiated by India, and the declaration of the ambitious India-Middle East-EU trade corridor which is being pegged as a countermeasure to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Xi Jinping’s decision to skip the G20 Summit in India has sort of created a negative perception of the Chinese leader and the success of the meet has made Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi the clear winner, British economist Jim O'Neill, who coined the acronym BRIC (now BRICS), said.

Xi Jinping’s decision to skip the G20 Summit in India has sort of created a negative perception of the Chinese leader and the success of the meet has made Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi the clear winner, British economist Jim O'Neill, who coined the acronym BRIC (now BRICS), said. He said that the successful completion of the summit, which culminated in the joint New Delhi declaration, has overshadowed G7 and the BRICS. The economist further said that G20 declaration could be the first step in a stronger concerted effort to address global issues, asserting that Modi now looks more like a ''visionary statesman'' than Xi. “The New Delhi Leaders' Declaration has offered further confirmation that the G20 is the only body with the scope and legitimacy to offer truly global solutions to global problems, and neither the BRICS nor the G7 has the credibility or the capacity to tackle these challenges ranging from climate change to the war in Ukraine and economic stability among other matters,” he said in a write-up on the 'Project Syndicate'. China-India rift further deepened Jim O'Neill noted that Xi’s absence at the New Delhi summit has further deepened the rift between China and India, and could possibly undermine the BRICS, which recently admitted new members. “Many speculate that Xi skipped the summit in order to snub India – one of China’s longstanding rivals – and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Whatever the motive, his decision had the effect of undermining the significance of the recent BRICS meeting, which many saw as a victory for China,” he said. He also noted that the lack of Indo-Chinese solidarity will be a major stumbling block for the new BRICS. Also read | The Geopolitics of G20 Summit Xi has to reach out to Modi “Now, Xi’s absence from the G20 summit has deepened the divide between the two countries. If Xi wants to convince us otherwise, he will need to reach out to Modi. As matters stand, the success of the G20 meeting makes Modi the clear winner in this season of summitry. Perceptions matter, and right now he looks more like a visionary statesman than Xi does,” he added. Also read | Germany, France and UK refuse to lift sanctions on Iran under JCPOA The G20 Summit under India’s presidency was historic considering the fact that the African Union was included in the G20 fold, a move initiated by India, and the declaration of the ambitious India-Middle East-EU trade corridor which is being pegged as a countermeasure to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

China’s Xi snubbing G20 Summit a costly mistake, makes India the clear winner: Economist who coined BRIC

Where is China's Defence Minister? Reports say Li Shangfu was last seen in public on August 29. This comes after PLA launched an inquiry into hardware procurement. Li was reportedly the head of equipment department from 2017 to 2022.

Gravitas: Is Xi Jinping eliminating his rivals? Where is China's Defence Minister Li Shangfu?

After the case of China's missing foreign minister, now reports of Chinese Defence minister missing are surfacing. The United States ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel raised concerns about how Li Shangfu has not been seen in public for the last two weeks.

First Foreign Minister, now Chinese Defence Minister goes missing

<p>Chinese President Xi Jinping conducted an inspection of the 78th Group Army in the country's northeastern region, stressing the need to comprehensively enhance the combat readiness of China's armed forces. This inspection&nbsp;by Xi, who serves as the general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, points out several crucial aspects of China's military strategy and preparedness.</p>

<p>China has recently engaged in renewed military manoeuvres and demonstrations of strength in response to what it perceives are external threats, particularly from the United States and its allies.</p>

<p>As tensions rise, Beijing appears to be flexing its military muscle to convey political messages and assert its presence on the global stage.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-summit-how-diplomacy-of-modis-bharat-pulled-off-african-unions-inclusion-634443">G20 Summit: How diplomacy of Modi's 'Bharat' pulled off African Union's inclusion</a></p>

<p>During his visit to the 78th Group Army, President Xi took the opportunity to meet with representatives of the group army and commend the military and armed police forces for their swift and courageous involvement in disaster relief operations when floods struck the northern and northeastern regions of China.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20-sherpas-herculean-effort-200-hours-300-meetings-culminate-in-delhi-consensus-634428">G20 sherpa's herculean effort: 200 hours, 300 meetings culminate in Delhi consensus</a></p>

<h2><strong>Enhancing combat preparedness</strong></h2>

<p>President Xi also stressed on the necessity of improving the level of combat preparedness within the military. To achieve this goal, he called for intensified training in key and challenging subjects and the development of new combat capabilities.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | G20 Summit 2023: How India forged consensus on declaration</strong></p>

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<p>In addition to combat readiness, President Xi spoke of the significance of strengthening the Party building. He also laid emphasis on maintaining a high level of integrity and unity among military personnel for ensuring stability and security.</p>

<p>It is worth noting that these actions align with China's broader efforts to consolidate its military strength and cohesion.</p>

<h2><strong>China's pursuit of military modernisation</strong></h2>

<p>China has also been pushing for military modernisation. The country has been intensifying its military exercises and drills, showcasing its growing military capabilities.</p>

<p>"We need to push for new equipment and new forces to accelerate forming combat capabilities and integrate into the combat system," Xi told the Peoples Liberation Army Air Force's western theatre command earlier.</p>

<h2><strong>US-China rivalry&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The United States has also been expanding its regional deployments and strengthening ties with allies. This has prompted calls from Chinese officials for caution near China's coasts. The new directives by Xi speak of China's commitment to enhancing its military preparedness and modernisation efforts, underscoring the evolving dynamics in the region.</p>

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Chinese President Xi Jinping conducted an inspection of the 78th Group Army in the country's northeastern region, stressing the need to comprehensively enhance the combat readiness of China's armed forces.

Chinese President Xi Jinping conducted an inspection of the 78th Group Army in the country's northeastern region, stressing the need to comprehensively enhance the combat readiness of China's armed forces. This inspection by Xi, who serves as the general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, points out several crucial aspects of China's military strategy and preparedness. China has recently engaged in renewed military manoeuvres and demonstrations of strength in response to what it perceives are external threats, particularly from the United States and its allies. As tensions rise, Beijing appears to be flexing its military muscle to convey political messages and assert its presence on the global stage. Also Read | G20 Summit: How diplomacy of Modi's 'Bharat' pulled off African Union's inclusion During his visit to the 78th Group Army, President Xi took the opportunity to meet with representatives of the group army and commend the military and armed police forces for their swift and courageous involvement in disaster relief operations when floods struck the northern and northeastern regions of China. Also Read | G20 sherpa's herculean effort: 200 hours, 300 meetings culminate in Delhi consensus Enhancing combat preparedness President Xi also stressed on the necessity of improving the level of combat preparedness within the military. To achieve this goal, he called for intensified training in key and challenging subjects and the development of new combat capabilities. Watch | G20 Summit 2023: How India forged consensus on declaration × In addition to combat readiness, President Xi spoke of the significance of strengthening the Party building. He also laid emphasis on maintaining a high level of integrity and unity among military personnel for ensuring stability and security. It is worth noting that these actions align with China's broader efforts to consolidate its military strength and cohesion. China's pursuit of military modernisation China has also been pushing for military modernisation. The country has been intensifying its military exercises and drills, showcasing its growing military capabilities. "We need to push for new equipment and new forces to accelerate forming combat capabilities and integrate into the combat system," Xi told the Peoples Liberation Army Air Force's western theatre command earlier. US-China rivalry The United States has also been expanding its regional deployments and strengthening ties with allies. This has prompted calls from Chinese officials for caution near China's coasts. The new directives by Xi speak of China's commitment to enhancing its military preparedness and modernisation efforts, underscoring the evolving dynamics in the region. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Xi Jinping elevates military preparedness amid growing geopolitical tensions

Italy, the G7 member to join China's Belt and Road Initiative, is dumping Xi Jinping's dream project. It is the ultimate humiliation for Xi, also, what appears to be the start of the end of China's road to nowhere and its dream of global dominance. Priyanka Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: China's Xi Jinping snubbed as Italy dumps BRI

<p>Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Thursday (September 7) visited the flood-stricken regions in a rural part of the northeastern part of the nation, state-run CGTN reported, by sharing a video in which he can be seen speaking to the locals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Xi met with the villagers in the city of Shangzhi, which is in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. The state media reported that he visited the village of Longwangmiao and walked into the fields to check the impact of the floods on the rice crops. Longwangmiao was battered by remnants of the super typhoon Doksuri.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Chinese leader also inspected the work on the restoration of damaged houses and infrastructure while walking along the streets. He pushed the villagers to bolster their confidence to overcome difficulties as he visited their homes to learn about their losses and the supply of daily necessities.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/southern-china-drenched-many-flights-cancelled-as-rain-storms-pound-region-633371">Southern China drenched, many flights cancelled as rain storms pound region</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>In the last few weeks, record rainfall battered vast swathes of northern China, flooding cities and farmlands unused to powerful storms more common in the south. Xi expressed the hope that they will soon be able to resume normal work and life.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Xi's visit attracted eyeballs as he has snubbed global summits this week. He skipped an Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Indonesia this week and also missed the G20 Summit in New Delhi, a chance to meet with US President Joe Biden.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He, however, did attend a meeting in late August with leaders of the BRICS group of major emerging economies - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - in South Africa.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also&nbsp;read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-delegation-led-by-vice-premier-to-visit-north-korea-state-media-says-633338">Chinese delegation led by vice premier to visit North Korea, state media says</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Can India amplify the voice of the global south?&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>As quoted by the news agency Reuters, Alfred Wu, who is an associate professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore, said that Xi's speed in visiting disaster-stricken areas in China has usually been much slower than his immediate predecessors Hu Jintao and Jiang Zemin, a possible consequence of Xi's centralisation of power.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"These delays are common in Xi's regime, it is not a good look for him. We know that the floods started in July, but he probably got the information late, and then in August he was busy with BRICS, so only now has his agenda cleared," Wu said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Thursday (September 7) visited the flood-stricken regions in a rural part of the northeastern part of the nation, state-run CGTN reported, by sharing a video in which he can be seen speaking to the locals.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Thursday (September 7) visited the flood-stricken regions in a rural part of the northeastern part of the nation, state-run CGTN reported, by sharing a video in which he can be seen speaking to the locals. Xi met with the villagers in the city of Shangzhi, which is in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. The state media reported that he visited the village of Longwangmiao and walked into the fields to check the impact of the floods on the rice crops. Longwangmiao was battered by remnants of the super typhoon Doksuri. The Chinese leader also inspected the work on the restoration of damaged houses and infrastructure while walking along the streets. He pushed the villagers to bolster their confidence to overcome difficulties as he visited their homes to learn about their losses and the supply of daily necessities. Also read: Southern China drenched, many flights cancelled as rain storms pound region In the last few weeks, record rainfall battered vast swathes of northern China, flooding cities and farmlands unused to powerful storms more common in the south. Xi expressed the hope that they will soon be able to resume normal work and life. Xi's visit attracted eyeballs as he has snubbed global summits this week. He skipped an Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Indonesia this week and also missed the G20 Summit in New Delhi, a chance to meet with US President Joe Biden. He, however, did attend a meeting in late August with leaders of the BRICS group of major emerging economies - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - in South Africa. Also read: Chinese delegation led by vice premier to visit North Korea, state media says Watch: Can India amplify the voice of the global south? × As quoted by the news agency Reuters, Alfred Wu, who is an associate professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore, said that Xi's speed in visiting disaster-stricken areas in China has usually been much slower than his immediate predecessors Hu Jintao and Jiang Zemin, a possible consequence of Xi's centralisation of power. "These delays are common in Xi's regime, it is not a good look for him. We know that the floods started in July, but he probably got the information late, and then in August he was busy with BRICS, so only now has his agenda cleared," Wu said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Snubbing global summits, Xi Jinping visits flood-stricken area in northeast China

WION’s principal diplomatic correspondent Siddhant Sibbal sat with German Ambassador to India Philipp Ackermann to discuss India’s G20 presidency. The discussion revolved around India’s role in building consensus on the G20 forum, which has remained heavily divided, especially in the wake of the Ukraine crisis.

G20: German Ambassador says Xi Jinping's absence at Summit is not big deal

<p>Only two days are left for the high-stakes G20 Summit to commence in India’s national capital New Delhi.</p>

<p>Even as India works to raise its global profile with its presidency of the G20, there has been some geo-political friction&nbsp;that is likely to have an impact on the marquee event.</p>

<p>What would be the outcome of this year’s G20 event could be anybody’s guess, but Indian officials have confirmed that climate change shall remain the hot topic of the conclave, despite friction&nbsp;caused by the Russia-Ukraine war and Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping’s absence.</p>

<p>The G20 climate talks would carry forward the discussions that took place in the July meeting by the energy and climate ministers during which negotiators failed to reach a consensus on key parameters.</p>

<h2><strong>Climate change&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Despite difficult conversations and lack of any clarity on key issues, like phasing down of fossil fuels, climate finance, means of implementing energy transition and reforms of multilateral banks (MDBs), there is some hope that the G20 heads of state and government will be able to gather minimum consensus needed to project unity among the group.</p>

<p>"India has already demonstrated leadership with bold and ambitious climate actions and will achieve two out of three quantifiable targets set forth in the NDC by 2030 – reducing the emissions intensity of GDP by 33-35 per cent from 2005 levels and 40 per cent non-fossil fuel installed electricity capacity in 2030,” Sanjay Vashist, Director, Climate Action Network South Asia (CANSA) said.</p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi's G20 pitch for human-centric approach</strong></h2>

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<p>“India now has a unique opportunity to influence other G20 nations to advance a sustainable, just, affordable, inclusive and clean energy transition. The Indian presidency must aim to get the world back on track to limit global warming below 1.5 C as promised by countries under the Paris Agreement,” he added.</p>

<p>Linda Kalcher, Executive Director, Strategic Perspectives, noted that India can leverage its position and use the G20 forum to achieve key climate targets and simultaneously achieve consensus on climate aid from the developed countries.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/upi-wallets-for-g20-delegates-as-india-showcases-its-digital-infra-prowess-633223">UPI wallets for G20 delegates as India showcases its digital infra prowess</a></p>

<p>“The G20 is a key moment for the EU to rally countries behind the target to triple renewable energy by 2030. The renewables goal can only become a success at COP28 if it comes with a financial package to ensure it can be achievable for developing countries. The EU and other rich countries can raise the stakes on climate ambition. They can lower the cost of capital and forge new economic partnerships on renewable manufacturing and deployment,” Kalcher said.</p>

<p>“Host-country India wants to become a champion on solar energy - it needs more public and private finance to make this a reality though.”</p>

<h2><strong>Can consensus be achieved without Xi and Putin's presence?</strong></h2>

<p>However, Li Shuo, Senior Global Policy Advisor of Greenpeace East Asia, has said that it will be challenging to achieve any climate action goals as the current geo-politics is fraught with US-China competition and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-g20-president-india-will-strive-to-bridge-divides-and-sow-seeds-of-collaboration-pm-modi-633153">India's G20 presidency strives to bridge divides and sow seeds of collaboration: PM Modi</a></p>

<p>“The G20 has been hamstrung by US-China competition and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This makes moving the global agenda forward extremely challenging on this platform,” Li Shuo said.</p>

<p>“Climate change risks becoming collateral damage at this year’s summit in India. Preparatory talks have exposed deep divisions. This does not bode well for the year-end UN climate conference in the UAE. Yet it reflects the zeitgeist of global climate politics. Bad geopolitical blood is paralysing the G20 just as severe climate impacts across the world call for more unity and ambition,” he added.</p>

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Only two days are left for the high-stakes G20 Summit to commence in India’s national capital New Delhi. Even as India works to raise its global profile with its presidency of the G20, there has been some geo-political friction that is likely to have an impact on the marquee event.

Only two days are left for the high-stakes G20 Summit to commence in India’s national capital New Delhi. Even as India works to raise its global profile with its presidency of the G20, there has been some geo-political friction that is likely to have an impact on the marquee event. What would be the outcome of this year’s G20 event could be anybody’s guess, but Indian officials have confirmed that climate change shall remain the hot topic of the conclave, despite friction caused by the Russia-Ukraine war and Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping’s absence. The G20 climate talks would carry forward the discussions that took place in the July meeting by the energy and climate ministers during which negotiators failed to reach a consensus on key parameters. Climate change Despite difficult conversations and lack of any clarity on key issues, like phasing down of fossil fuels, climate finance, means of implementing energy transition and reforms of multilateral banks (MDBs), there is some hope that the G20 heads of state and government will be able to gather minimum consensus needed to project unity among the group. "India has already demonstrated leadership with bold and ambitious climate actions and will achieve two out of three quantifiable targets set forth in the NDC by 2030 – reducing the emissions intensity of GDP by 33-35 per cent from 2005 levels and 40 per cent non-fossil fuel installed electricity capacity in 2030,” Sanjay Vashist, Director, Climate Action Network South Asia (CANSA) said. PM Modi's G20 pitch for human-centric approach “India now has a unique opportunity to influence other G20 nations to advance a sustainable, just, affordable, inclusive and clean energy transition. The Indian presidency must aim to get the world back on track to limit global warming below 1.5 C as promised by countries under the Paris Agreement,” he added. Linda Kalcher, Executive Director, Strategic Perspectives, noted that India can leverage its position and use the G20 forum to achieve key climate targets and simultaneously achieve consensus on climate aid from the developed countries. Also read | UPI wallets for G20 delegates as India showcases its digital infra prowess “The G20 is a key moment for the EU to rally countries behind the target to triple renewable energy by 2030. The renewables goal can only become a success at COP28 if it comes with a financial package to ensure it can be achievable for developing countries. The EU and other rich countries can raise the stakes on climate ambition. They can lower the cost of capital and forge new economic partnerships on renewable manufacturing and deployment,” Kalcher said. “Host-country India wants to become a champion on solar energy - it needs more public and private finance to make this a reality though.” Can consensus be achieved without Xi and Putin's presence? However, Li Shuo, Senior Global Policy Advisor of Greenpeace East Asia, has said that it will be challenging to achieve any climate action goals as the current geo-politics is fraught with US-China competition and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Also read | India's G20 presidency strives to bridge divides and sow seeds of collaboration: PM Modi “The G20 has been hamstrung by US-China competition and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This makes moving the global agenda forward extremely challenging on this platform,” Li Shuo said. “Climate change risks becoming collateral damage at this year’s summit in India. Preparatory talks have exposed deep divisions. This does not bode well for the year-end UN climate conference in the UAE. Yet it reflects the zeitgeist of global climate politics. Bad geopolitical blood is paralysing the G20 just as severe climate impacts across the world call for more unity and ambition,” he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India will hope to keep climate change the prime agenda of G20 Summit: Experts  

<p>China ordered government officials to not use Apple iPhones and other foreign-brand devices for work or bring them to the office, the Wall Street Journal reported while citing people familiar with the matter.<br />
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The step is the latest under the authoritarian rule of the Chinese Communist Party led by Xi Jinping&nbsp;to purportedly limit flows of sensitive information outside of China’s boundaries.</p>

<p>The extent of distribution for these orders remains unclear, but similar messages were conveyed to employees within certain central government regulatory bodies, the report added.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
China is one of Apple's biggest markets and it accounts for 19 per cent of the company's overall revenue.</p>

<h2><strong>China iPhone ban: Limited ban was already in place</strong></h2>

<p>It must be noted that for years, Beijing had restricted government officials in specific agencies from using iPhones for work. But the Wall Street Journal reported that now&nbsp;these restrictions have expanded, reflecting Beijing and Washington's tit-for-tat&nbsp;actions over technology products and development.</p>

<p>China's restrictions align with similar bans in the US such as those against Huawei and Chinese-owned TikTok, as both Beijing and Washington&nbsp;grapple with concerns over data security amid a thaw in bilateral ties.</p>

<p>Amidst escalating rivalry with the US, Chinese leader Xi Jinping has cited national security as the&nbsp;reason to expand&nbsp;state oversight of data and digital activities.</p>

<p>In July, China initiated an extensive update to its anti-espionage legislation.</p>

<p>Beijing has been encouraging its agencies and state-owned enterprises to replace foreign technology, including computers, operating systems, and software, with domestically produced alternatives deemed secure and controllable.</p>

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China ordered government officials to not use Apple iPhones and other foreign-brand devices for work or bring them to the office, the Wall Street Journal reported while citing people familiar with the matter.

China ordered government officials to not use Apple iPhones and other foreign-brand devices for work or bring them to the office, the Wall Street Journal reported while citing people familiar with the matter. The step is the latest under the authoritarian rule of the Chinese Communist Party led by Xi Jinping to purportedly limit flows of sensitive information outside of China’s boundaries. The extent of distribution for these orders remains unclear, but similar messages were conveyed to employees within certain central government regulatory bodies, the report added. China is one of Apple's biggest markets and it accounts for 19 per cent of the company's overall revenue. China iPhone ban: Limited ban was already in place It must be noted that for years, Beijing had restricted government officials in specific agencies from using iPhones for work. But the Wall Street Journal reported that now these restrictions have expanded, reflecting Beijing and Washington's tit-for-tat actions over technology products and development. China's restrictions align with similar bans in the US such as those against Huawei and Chinese-owned TikTok, as both Beijing and Washington grapple with concerns over data security amid a thaw in bilateral ties. Amidst escalating rivalry with the US, Chinese leader Xi Jinping has cited national security as the reason to expand state oversight of data and digital activities. In July, China initiated an extensive update to its anti-espionage legislation. Beijing has been encouraging its agencies and state-owned enterprises to replace foreign technology, including computers, operating systems, and software, with domestically produced alternatives deemed secure and controllable. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China bans Apple iPhone, foreign-brand smartphones for government officials at work: Report

China ordered government officials to not use Apple iPhones and other foreign-brand devices for work or bring them into the office, reported a daily news. While citing people familiar with the matter. The step is the latest under authoritarian rule of Chinese Communist Party led by Xi Jinping to purportedly limit flows of sensitive information outside of China’s boundaries.

China bans Apple iPhone, foreign-brand smartphones for government officials at work

<p>A bombshell report by Nikkei Asia has attempted to shed light on possible reasons that might have caused Chinese President Xi Jinping to skip this year’s G20 summit slated to be held in New Delhi.</p>

<p>According to the report, Xi has been facing a slew of domestic issues, the biggest being his tussle with veteran leaders of the Communist Party of China (CCP).</p>

<h2><strong>Xi’s tussle with CCP&nbsp;veterans</strong></h2>

<p>It has been reported that Xi was severely chided by senior party leaders at this summer’s Beidaihe meeting. This is the annual summit of veteran CCP leaders, which is held at the seaside resort of Beidaihe, Hebei Province.</p>

<p>This was the 11th Beidaihe summit to have taken place under Xi Jinping’s presidency, and it had a starkly different feel from the previous ten.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Xi was given this straight message at the summit that if the persistent political, economic and social problems are not taken care of, the current turmoil may snowball into an existential crisis for the ruling party.</p>

<p>‘We cannot have more turmoil,’ the seniors reportedly pointed out.</p>

<p>Xi was reportedly so frustrated after the summit that he later vented his anger before his loyalists.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Xi blames his predecessors for the current problems</strong></h2>

<p>China’s economy is in a&nbsp;really bad shape. Its relations with the majority of the outside world have deteriorated. The foreign investment in the country is sharply declining.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;China’s economic recovery faces fresh risks from property crisis</strong></p>

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<p>But, as per the reports, Xi is believed to have blamed his three predecessors—Deng Xiaoping, Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao—for the current economic and social problems.</p>

<p>"All the issues that were left by the previous three leaders are on my shoulders" he is believed to have said, adding, "I've spent the last decade tackling them but they remain unresolved. Am I to blame?"</p>

<h2><strong>Absence at G20 and ASEAN</strong></h2>

<p>Now, it is being speculated that these domestic issues explain Xi’s absence at the upcoming G20 summit in India and the ASEAN summit in Indonesia.</p>

<p>He might be trying desperately to avoid losing face before the world leaders and the press.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/forecast-chinas-slowdown-means-it-may-not-surpass-us-economy-632540"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Forecast: China’s slowdown means it may not surpass US economy</strong></a></p>

<p>Another reason for his absence could be the ongoing map controversy with host India and the lack of hope that relations with the US might be improved.</p>

<p>Amid this political turmoil at home, Xi’s presence at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in San Francisco, scheduled for November, has also come under doubt.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But it is a foregone conclusion that his absence at the international forums will only raise red flags and further ostracise China on the world stage.</p>

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A bombshell report by Nikkei Asia has attempted to shed light on possible reasons that might have caused Chinese President Xi Jinping to skip this year’s G20 summit slated to be held in New Delhi.

A bombshell report by Nikkei Asia has attempted to shed light on possible reasons that might have caused Chinese President Xi Jinping to skip this year’s G20 summit slated to be held in New Delhi. According to the report, Xi has been facing a slew of domestic issues, the biggest being his tussle with veteran leaders of the Communist Party of China (CCP). Xi’s tussle with CCP veterans It has been reported that Xi was severely chided by senior party leaders at this summer’s Beidaihe meeting. This is the annual summit of veteran CCP leaders, which is held at the seaside resort of Beidaihe, Hebei Province. This was the 11th Beidaihe summit to have taken place under Xi Jinping’s presidency, and it had a starkly different feel from the previous ten. Xi was given this straight message at the summit that if the persistent political, economic and social problems are not taken care of, the current turmoil may snowball into an existential crisis for the ruling party. ‘We cannot have more turmoil,’ the seniors reportedly pointed out. Xi was reportedly so frustrated after the summit that he later vented his anger before his loyalists. Xi blames his predecessors for the current problems China’s economy is in a really bad shape. Its relations with the majority of the outside world have deteriorated. The foreign investment in the country is sharply declining. Watch: China’s economic recovery faces fresh risks from property crisis × But, as per the reports, Xi is believed to have blamed his three predecessors—Deng Xiaoping, Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao—for the current economic and social problems. "All the issues that were left by the previous three leaders are on my shoulders" he is believed to have said, adding, "I've spent the last decade tackling them but they remain unresolved. Am I to blame?" Absence at G20 and ASEAN Now, it is being speculated that these domestic issues explain Xi’s absence at the upcoming G20 summit in India and the ASEAN summit in Indonesia. He might be trying desperately to avoid losing face before the world leaders and the press. Also read: Forecast: China’s slowdown means it may not surpass US economy Another reason for his absence could be the ongoing map controversy with host India and the lack of hope that relations with the US might be improved. Amid this political turmoil at home, Xi’s presence at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in San Francisco, scheduled for November, has also come under doubt. But it is a foregone conclusion that his absence at the international forums will only raise red flags and further ostracise China on the world stage. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

‘Am I to blame?’ Xi loses calm after being chided by CCP veterans: Report

China has confirmed that president Xi Jinping will not be attending the G20 summit in New Delhi. Chinese Premier Li Qiang will head the Chinese delegation at the summit. What does it say about Xi's profile as a global statesman? Molly Gambhir decodes.

Gravitas: Xi to Skip G20 Summit in India | What It Signals About Chinese President's Leadership

Chinese President Xi Jinping will not be attending the G20 Summit in New Delhi next week and Premier Li Qiang is set to represent China at the mega event on September 9th and 10th, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson.

G20 India: US President Joe Biden expresses disappointment at Xi Jinping's absence | WION

<p>Chinese Premier Li Qiang will attend the G-20 summit in New Delhi instead of Xi Jinping. This is the first time since 2013 that Xi is not attending the leaders' summit for G-20 nations.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>Li Qiang's arrival in New Delhi G-20 is significant since he has been described as one of the "<a href="https://www.prcleader.org/post/li-qiang-versus-cai-qi-in-the-xi-jinping-leadership-checks-and-balances-with-ccp-characteristics?cid=052df198-0260-4432-8caf-fd015ba1ce3e">weakest premiers</a>" in the history of the Chinese Communist Party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is because somebody else is more powerful in Xi Jinping's scheme of things in China.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-new-delhis-test-to-ace-the-g-20-exam-632028">The Capitals: New Delhi's test to ace the G-20 exam</a>p</strong></p>

<p>Xi Jinping's chief of staff Cai Qi is deemed his closest aide and the second most powerful man in Beijing. Notably, the Chinese Communist Party's ruling hierarchy lacks female representation.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-premier-li-qiang-to-attend-g20-summit-in-india-in-place-of-xi-jinping-foreign-ministry-632154">Chinese Premier Li Qiang to attend G20 Summit in India in place of Xi Jinping: Foreign ministry</a></strong></p>

<p>Cai is also a member of the seven-member CCP Politburo Standing Committee, in charge of CCP’s Central Secretariat and Xi’s chief of staff. Thus, he serves a dual role as Politburo Standing Committee member and Xi’s chief of staff.</p>

<p>As director of the General Office of the CCP Central Committee, Cai is now responsible for managing the daily operations of the CCP central machine and for taking care of Xi’s everyday activities as well as his physical security, Chinese affairs expert Guoguang Wu wrote in a research paper.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Li Qiang to attend G-20 summit in Delhi: The bottom-line</strong></h2>

<p>Li Qiang's attendance at the G-20 summit instead of Xi Jinping is expected to aid New Delhi in keeping the summit's focus on larger geo-economic issues instead of bilateral Delhi-Beijing or Beijing-Washington ties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Xi's absence from the G20 meeting follows the incident where he did not make a speech during the BRICS business forum. He was represented by Chinese commerce minister Wang Wentao.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the impasse in China-US ties showed signs of improvement with top American officials, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, climate envoy John Kerry, and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, visiting China one after another over the past few months.</p>

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Chinese Premier Li Qiang will attend the G-20 summit in New Delhi instead of Xi Jinping. This is the first time since 2013 that Xi is not attending the leaders' summit for G-20 nations.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang will attend the G-20 summit in New Delhi instead of Xi Jinping. This is the first time since 2013 that Xi is not attending the leaders' summit for G-20 nations. What does it mean? Li Qiang's arrival in New Delhi G-20 is significant since he has been described as one of the "weakest premiers" in the history of the Chinese Communist Party. This is because somebody else is more powerful in Xi Jinping's scheme of things in China. Also read | The Capitals: New Delhi's test to ace the G-20 examp Xi Jinping's chief of staff Cai Qi is deemed his closest aide and the second most powerful man in Beijing. Notably, the Chinese Communist Party's ruling hierarchy lacks female representation. Also read | Chinese Premier Li Qiang to attend G20 Summit in India in place of Xi Jinping: Foreign ministry Cai is also a member of the seven-member CCP Politburo Standing Committee, in charge of CCP’s Central Secretariat and Xi’s chief of staff. Thus, he serves a dual role as Politburo Standing Committee member and Xi’s chief of staff. As director of the General Office of the CCP Central Committee, Cai is now responsible for managing the daily operations of the CCP central machine and for taking care of Xi’s everyday activities as well as his physical security, Chinese affairs expert Guoguang Wu wrote in a research paper. Li Qiang to attend G-20 summit in Delhi: The bottom-line Li Qiang's attendance at the G-20 summit instead of Xi Jinping is expected to aid New Delhi in keeping the summit's focus on larger geo-economic issues instead of bilateral Delhi-Beijing or Beijing-Washington ties. Xi's absence from the G20 meeting follows the incident where he did not make a speech during the BRICS business forum. He was represented by Chinese commerce minister Wang Wentao. Meanwhile, the impasse in China-US ties showed signs of improvement with top American officials, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, climate envoy John Kerry, and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, visiting China one after another over the past few months. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Xi Jinping to send one of China's 'weakest premiers' to attend Delhi G20 summit

<p>US President Joe Biden has expressed his disappointment over the Chinese leader skipping the upcoming G20 summit in New Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports about Xi missing the meet had been doing the rounds for a few days. On Monday, China's Foreign Ministry confirmed that&nbsp;the Chinese delegation will visit India this week under the leadership of Chinese Premier Li Qiang.</p>

<p>"I am disappointed... but I am going to get to see him," Biden told reporters on Sunday (September 3). However, he didn’t say when the next meeting between him and President Xi Jinping will take place.</p>

<p>Biden and Xi last met in Indonesia at last year’s G20 summit.</p>

<h2><strong>Worsening relations between India and China</strong></h2>

<p>Even as the border dispute between the two Asian giants drags on, Beijing has further angered its neighbours, including India, by releasing a new map that claims some parts of India to be Chinese.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Just days after promising cooperation at the BRICS summit held in South Africa’s Johannesburg, China released a new map showing the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh and the Aksai Chin plateau of Ladakh within Chinese boundaries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India called the new map ‘absurd, adding that such actions only complicate border disputes'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Xi had earlier confirmed that he would travel to Delhi to attend the summit.&nbsp;However, reports suggest that he might be skipping the meet&nbsp;due to the map controversy as he didn’t want to embarrass himself.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India hosts G20 Summit: Africa at top priority</strong></p>

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<p>It must be noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin is also not attending the New Delhi summit due to the Russia-Ukraine crisis.</p>

<h2><strong>When could Biden-Xi meet next?</strong></h2>

<p>Xi and Biden may get a chance to sit together in November during a meeting of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders in San Francisco.</p>

<p>Xi’s decision to withdraw from the G20 summit comes as the relationship between the United States and China has continued to deteriorate over the past year.</p>

<p>Approximately three months after their last meeting in the Indonesian island of Bali last November, hopes for a reset in bilateral relations were dashed when an alleged Chinese spy balloon appeared in the skies over the United States.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-new-delhis-test-to-ace-the-g-20-exam-632028"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;The Capitals: New Delhi`s test to ace the G-20 exam</strong></a></p>

<p>The two nations are at odds over various issues, including human rights concerns in Xinjiang and Hong Kong, territorial disputes involving Taiwan and the South China Sea, as well as Beijing's increasing influence across various industries.</p>

<p>To mend relations, a number of prominent US officials have travelled to China in recent months. These officials include Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, and US Special Envoy for Climate John Kerry.</p>

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US President Joe Biden has expressed his disappointment over the Chinese leader skipping the upcoming G20 summit in New Delhi. Reports about Xi missing the meet had been doing the rounds for a few days.

US President Joe Biden has expressed his disappointment over the Chinese leader skipping the upcoming G20 summit in New Delhi. Reports about Xi missing the meet had been doing the rounds for a few days. On Monday, China's Foreign Ministry confirmed that the Chinese delegation will visit India this week under the leadership of Chinese Premier Li Qiang. "I am disappointed... but I am going to get to see him," Biden told reporters on Sunday (September 3). However, he didn’t say when the next meeting between him and President Xi Jinping will take place. Biden and Xi last met in Indonesia at last year’s G20 summit. Worsening relations between India and China Even as the border dispute between the two Asian giants drags on, Beijing has further angered its neighbours, including India, by releasing a new map that claims some parts of India to be Chinese. Just days after promising cooperation at the BRICS summit held in South Africa’s Johannesburg, China released a new map showing the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh and the Aksai Chin plateau of Ladakh within Chinese boundaries. India called the new map ‘absurd, adding that such actions only complicate border disputes'. Xi had earlier confirmed that he would travel to Delhi to attend the summit. However, reports suggest that he might be skipping the meet due to the map controversy as he didn’t want to embarrass himself. Watch: India hosts G20 Summit: Africa at top priority × It must be noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin is also not attending the New Delhi summit due to the Russia-Ukraine crisis. When could Biden-Xi meet next? Xi and Biden may get a chance to sit together in November during a meeting of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders in San Francisco. Xi’s decision to withdraw from the G20 summit comes as the relationship between the United States and China has continued to deteriorate over the past year. Approximately three months after their last meeting in the Indonesian island of Bali last November, hopes for a reset in bilateral relations were dashed when an alleged Chinese spy balloon appeared in the skies over the United States. Also read: The Capitals: New Delhi`s test to ace the G-20 exam The two nations are at odds over various issues, including human rights concerns in Xinjiang and Hong Kong, territorial disputes involving Taiwan and the South China Sea, as well as Beijing's increasing influence across various industries. To mend relations, a number of prominent US officials have travelled to China in recent months. These officials include Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, and US Special Envoy for Climate John Kerry. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Joe Biden ‘disappointed’ as China’s Xi skips G20 summit. Here’s when they could meet next

<p>At a time when Russian and Chinese presidents have decided to skip the G20 summit in New Delhi, US President Joe Biden will arrive in the Indian capital city, two days in advance to hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The White House on Friday (September 1) informed Biden will travel to India on September 7 to attend the summit, scheduled to take place on September 9 and 10.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On September 8, Biden is expected to participate in a bilateral meeting with PM Modi to further strengthen the growing ties between the two countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"On Thursday (September 7), the President will travel to New Delhi, India to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit. On Friday, the President will participate in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi," the statement by the White House read.</p>

<p>Among other topics of discussion, the economic and social impacts of Russian President Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine may also feature heavily in the talks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"While in New Delhi, the President will also commend Prime Minister Modi's leadership of the G20 and reaffirm the US commitment to the G20 as the premier forum of economic cooperation, including by hosting it in 2026," it said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch&nbsp;|&nbsp;Russia's President to not attend September G20 Summit in India</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Putin to visit China</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, the White House statement came hours after Putin in a televised address, called his Chinese counterpart a 'friend', adding that he was planning to visit Beijing soon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Quite soon we will have events, and there will be a meeting with the president of the People’s Republic of China," said Putin, according to Russian news agency Interfax.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He (Xi) calls me his friend, and I am happy to call him my friend, because he is a person who does a lot for the development of Russian-Chinese relations."</p>

<p>Earlier this week, Putin announced that he was not travelling to India to attend the G20 summit in person. The Russian leader held a telephonic conversation with PM&nbsp;Modi and cited his 'busy schedule' for giving the all-important summit a miss.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-will-not-attend-g20-in-india-but-set-to-visit-china-for-belt-and-road-forum-630307"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Putin will not attend G20 in India but set to visit China for Belt and Road forum</strong></a></p>

<p>Similarly, a day after releasing a&nbsp;controversial map that antagonised the entire neighbourhood, reports claimed that Xi was giving the G20 summit a miss in New Delhi.&nbsp;Premier Li Qiang is expected to represent Beijing at the September 9-10 meeting.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ever since the Russia-Ukraine war broke out, China has emerged as one of the most powerful allies of Moscow. The Xi Jinping regime has refused to blame Moscow for the war and instead, attacked the Western nations for imposing sanctions on Russia and profiting from the war</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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At a time when Russian and Chinese presidents have decided to skip the G20 summit in New Delhi, US President Joe Biden will arrive in the Indian capital city, two days in advance to hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

At a time when Russian and Chinese presidents have decided to skip the G20 summit in New Delhi, US President Joe Biden will arrive in the Indian capital city, two days in advance to hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The White House on Friday (September 1) informed Biden will travel to India on September 7 to attend the summit, scheduled to take place on September 9 and 10. On September 8, Biden is expected to participate in a bilateral meeting with PM Modi to further strengthen the growing ties between the two countries. "On Thursday (September 7), the President will travel to New Delhi, India to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit. On Friday, the President will participate in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi," the statement by the White House read. Among other topics of discussion, the economic and social impacts of Russian President Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine may also feature heavily in the talks. "While in New Delhi, the President will also commend Prime Minister Modi's leadership of the G20 and reaffirm the US commitment to the G20 as the premier forum of economic cooperation, including by hosting it in 2026," it said. Watch | Russia's President to not attend September G20 Summit in India Putin to visit China Notably, the White House statement came hours after Putin in a televised address, called his Chinese counterpart a 'friend', adding that he was planning to visit Beijing soon. "Quite soon we will have events, and there will be a meeting with the president of the People’s Republic of China," said Putin, according to Russian news agency Interfax. "He (Xi) calls me his friend, and I am happy to call him my friend, because he is a person who does a lot for the development of Russian-Chinese relations." Earlier this week, Putin announced that he was not travelling to India to attend the G20 summit in person. The Russian leader held a telephonic conversation with PM Modi and cited his 'busy schedule' for giving the all-important summit a miss. Also read | Putin will not attend G20 in India but set to visit China for Belt and Road forum Similarly, a day after releasing a controversial map that antagonised the entire neighbourhood, reports claimed that Xi was giving the G20 summit a miss in New Delhi. Premier Li Qiang is expected to represent Beijing at the September 9-10 meeting. Ever since the Russia-Ukraine war broke out, China has emerged as one of the most powerful allies of Moscow. The Xi Jinping regime has refused to blame Moscow for the war and instead, attacked the Western nations for imposing sanctions on Russia and profiting from the war (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

While Xi, Putin skip G20, Biden to reach India two days before summit to meet PM Modi

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