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The victory of Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr in the May 2022 Philippine presidential elections came as a rude shock for the West and a bonanza for China.

The son and namesake of the late Philippine dictator had long been projected as pro-China and anti-US by the Western media.

“Why the Philippines election could be a win for China,” opined CNN in a lengthy editorial.

But the year 2023 turned the tables upside down.

Marcos turned out to be Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s biggest and boldest nemesis, especially about his nation’s righteous claim over parts of the South China Sea that China has increasingly and aggressively disputed over the past 10 months.

Let’s have a look at key events of 2023 that largely shaped the ties between China and the Philippines.

<h2>January 2023: Marcos visits Beijing</h2>

The year started on a positive note for the bilateral ties.&nbsp;

In his first foreign visit outside Southeast Asia, Macros arrived in Beijing in January to reaffirm Manila’s commitment towards continuing his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte’s pro-China policy.

The visit was hailed as successful by the Bongbong administration, with Manila having struck three major following deals with Beijing:

1) Investment pledges worth $22 billion&nbsp;

2) Compromise over “South China Sea disputes”

3) A new emergency hotline between maritime officers of the two countries

<h2>February 2023: Xi’s stab in the back</h2>

In an awful surprise within weeks of his trip to Beijing, Marcos on February 6 received the news of China shining a “military grade” laser at a Filipino coast guard boat.

The vessel was on a resupply mission to a marooned navy vessel that Manila has used for years to claim the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.

The laser was so powerful that not only it temporarily blinded the crew of the boat but it also led Marcos to open his eyes to China’s dangerous designs in the Philippines waters.

The incident infuriated the Philippine president like never before.&nbsp;

For the first time in over a decade, a Chinese ambassador was summoned by Manila and given a strongly worded public complaint.

“I thought … the Philippines was the friend of China,” was all Chinese envoy Huang Xilian could say to the Philippine president.

<h2>August 2023: When China ‘snapped’ the hotline</h2>

After months of tense encounters, a major Chinese incursion took place in one morning of August. A Chinese coast guard ship bore down on a Philippine coast guard vessel and fired at it with water cannons.

When the Philippine officials tried to contact their Chinese counterparts through the newly established emergency hotline, they found themselves completely ghosted.&nbsp;

Their calls were answered only after a long wait of six hours.

<h2>September 2023: Manila fires back</h2>

After months of Chinese harassment, Manila chose to return the favour in September.&nbsp;

China had installed a floating, 300-metre-long barrier in the West Philippine Sea, much to Marcos’s chagrin.

He ordered the coast guard to cut the barrier, bring its anchor back to Manila and then went on to publicly humiliate China by displaying it at a news conference, calling it a “souvenir”.

The move left Beijing red-faced and observers stunned.

<h2>November 2022: BRI bulldozed</h2>

In November, the Philippines became the latest country to bid adieu to China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative.

And Marcos’s move couldn’t be more well-timed.

It came just days after Xi Jinping hosted leaders of 23 countries for the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing to breathe fresh life into the ambitious infrastructure plan, which has begun to fall apart already.

<h2>December 2022: When China crossed the red line</h2>

Marcos declared in December that the ties with China were heading in a ‘poor direction’ after its coast guard blasted a boat carrying the Philippine military chief with a water cannon.

The standoff continued for two consecutive days.

Watch:&nbsp;Philippines installs Japan-made air radars amid tensions with China

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Manila even considered expelling the Chinese ambassador after the military chief was harassed.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Teresita Daza said in a press conference on Dec 11 that declaring China’s ambassador Huang Xilian as “persona non grata” in the Philippines was also “something that has to be seriously considered.” &nbsp;

<h2>The Philippines turns to democratic allies</h2>

The country is now stepping up efforts to bolster its ties with democratic partners like the US, the EU, Japan, India and South Korea.&nbsp; 
 
“We have to come up with a paradigm shift,” Marcos declared in Tokyo during a Japan-ASEAN summit earlier this month.

There is also an indication that the Marcos Jr. administration might look to sign the reciprocal access agreement (RAA) with Japan as soon as next year.

Filipino National Security Council (NSC) Director General Jonathan Malaya said both Manila and Tokyo wish to sign the agreement as soon as possible since it will significantly increase their marine cooperation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-slams-china-over-incidents-in-south-china-sea-against-philippines-668718">Also read:&nbsp;UK slams China over incidents in South China Sea against Philippines</a>

The US and UK have also condemned recent Chinese aggression, with Washington DC categorically asserting its ironclad commitment to the Southeast Asian country and pledging to defend it against potential Chinese invasion.

The year 2023 will go down in history as a major turning point for the China-Philippines ties.&nbsp;

Xi’s handling of China’s ties with its neighbours is increasingly laying bare the desperation of his regime to score geopolitical points overseas, amidst a gloomy outlook at home.

(With inputs from agencies)

The victory of Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr in the May 2022 Philippine presidential elections came as a rude shock for the West and a bonanza for China. The son and namesake of the late Philippine dictator had long been projected as pro-China and anti-US by the Western media.

The victory of Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr in the May 2022 Philippine presidential elections came as a rude shock for the West and a bonanza for China. The son and namesake of the late Philippine dictator had long been projected as pro-China and anti-US by the Western media. “Why the Philippines election could be a win for China,” opined CNN in a lengthy editorial. But the year 2023 turned the tables upside down. Marcos turned out to be Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s biggest and boldest nemesis, especially about his nation’s righteous claim over parts of the South China Sea that China has increasingly and aggressively disputed over the past 10 months. Let’s have a look at key events of 2023 that largely shaped the ties between China and the Philippines. January 2023: Marcos visits Beijing The year started on a positive note for the bilateral ties. In his first foreign visit outside Southeast Asia, Macros arrived in Beijing in January to reaffirm Manila’s commitment towards continuing his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte’s pro-China policy. The visit was hailed as successful by the Bongbong administration, with Manila having struck three major following deals with Beijing: 1) Investment pledges worth $22 billion 2) Compromise over “South China Sea disputes” 3) A new emergency hotline between maritime officers of the two countries February 2023: Xi’s stab in the back In an awful surprise within weeks of his trip to Beijing, Marcos on February 6 received the news of China shining a “military grade” laser at a Filipino coast guard boat. The vessel was on a resupply mission to a marooned navy vessel that Manila has used for years to claim the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. The laser was so powerful that not only it temporarily blinded the crew of the boat but it also led Marcos to open his eyes to China’s dangerous designs in the Philippines waters. The incident infuriated the Philippine president like never before. For the first time in over a decade, a Chinese ambassador was summoned by Manila and given a strongly worded public complaint. “I thought … the Philippines was the friend of China,” was all Chinese envoy Huang Xilian could say to the Philippine president. August 2023: When China ‘snapped’ the hotline After months of tense encounters, a major Chinese incursion took place in one morning of August. A Chinese coast guard ship bore down on a Philippine coast guard vessel and fired at it with water cannons. When the Philippine officials tried to contact their Chinese counterparts through the newly established emergency hotline, they found themselves completely ghosted. Their calls were answered only after a long wait of six hours. September 2023: Manila fires back After months of Chinese harassment, Manila chose to return the favour in September. China had installed a floating, 300-metre-long barrier in the West Philippine Sea, much to Marcos’s chagrin. He ordered the coast guard to cut the barrier, bring its anchor back to Manila and then went on to publicly humiliate China by displaying it at a news conference, calling it a “souvenir”. The move left Beijing red-faced and observers stunned. November 2022: BRI bulldozed In November, the Philippines became the latest country to bid adieu to China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative. And Marcos’s move couldn’t be more well-timed. It came just days after Xi Jinping hosted leaders of 23 countries for the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing to breathe fresh life into the ambitious infrastructure plan, which has begun to fall apart already. December 2022: When China crossed the red line Marcos declared in December that the ties with China were heading in a ‘poor direction’ after its coast guard blasted a boat carrying the Philippine military chief with a water cannon. The standoff continued for two consecutive days. Watch: Philippines installs Japan-made air radars amid tensions with China × Manila even considered expelling the Chinese ambassador after the military chief was harassed. Foreign ministry spokesperson Teresita Daza said in a press conference on Dec 11 that declaring China’s ambassador Huang Xilian as “persona non grata” in the Philippines was also “something that has to be seriously considered.” The Philippines turns to democratic allies The country is now stepping up efforts to bolster its ties with democratic partners like the US, the EU, Japan, India and South Korea. “We have to come up with a paradigm shift,” Marcos declared in Tokyo during a Japan-ASEAN summit earlier this month. There is also an indication that the Marcos Jr. administration might look to sign the reciprocal access agreement (RAA) with Japan as soon as next year. Filipino National Security Council (NSC) Director General Jonathan Malaya said both Manila and Tokyo wish to sign the agreement as soon as possible since it will significantly increase their marine cooperation. Also read: UK slams China over incidents in South China Sea against Philippines The US and UK have also condemned recent Chinese aggression, with Washington DC categorically asserting its ironclad commitment to the Southeast Asian country and pledging to defend it against potential Chinese invasion. The year 2023 will go down in history as a major turning point for the China-Philippines ties. Xi’s handling of China’s ties with its neighbours is increasingly laying bare the desperation of his regime to score geopolitical points overseas, amidst a gloomy outlook at home. (With inputs from agencies)

Friend-turned-foe: How 2023 saw the emergence of Xi’s biggest nemesis - Bongbong Marcos

The strong relationship between the two nations, which has endured despite Russia's military invasion of its neighbour Ukraine in early 2022, has faced pointed criticism from Western leaders in recent years.

Russia & China hit trade target ahead of schedule; Russian PM praises Beijing-Moscow relationship

Russia PM Mishustin praises China-Russia relationship | Xi calls for deeper bilateral cooperation

It looks like NATO is very interested in extending its strategic influence, all the way to Asia. The major player in this Asian NATO, if you will, is Japan. Over the weekend, North Korea conducted back-to-back missile tests, capable of hitting the United States of America. Amid threats from China, North Korea and Russia, NATO members have sought to forge closer ties with its Asian allies.

Gravitas: China, N. Korea bonhomie worries NATO | North Atlantic-Pacific Treaty Organisation soon?

President Xi Jinping and other senior chinese officials pledged to prioritise industrial strategy above stimulus spending in the next year, that is sure to disappoint investors.

China's economic focus shifts to AI amid US Tensions | World Business Watch

Chinese President Xi Jinping is in Vietnam for a two-day official visit. The two countries have signed at least 37 agreements. The meeting between the delegates of the two sides also called for 'mutual' solutions over the South China Sea. China is also expected to lay down funding for rail link developments to help Vietnamese exports. The visit coincides with China's escalating tensions with the Philippines in the South China Sea - the new theatre of confrontations.

China-Vietnam to arrive on mutually acceptable solutions on south china sea disputes

China's President Xi Jinping starts a two-day visit to Vietnam on Tuesday, three months after U.S. President Joe Biden travelled to Hanoi as the two great powers vie for influence in the Southeast Asian nation.

The trip, Xi's first in six years, has been months in planning and was even briefly considered to take place days before Biden's visit, according to officials.

It is aimed at boosting relations between the two Communist-ruled countries which have very close economic ties but are at odds over boundaries in the South China Sea and have a millennia-long history of frequent conflict.

The visit has been delayed also because of prolonged discussions over how to phrase the countries' enhanced bilateral relations, which Beijing wants to be framed as "common destiny," a reference that Hanoi has resisted but is expected to have eventually accepted, according to officials and diplomats.

Beyond the symbolism of elevating ties to a notch that Beijing may see as being above the U.S.-Vietnam relationship, the upgraded status comes with the signature of "dozens of cooperation documents," according to China's ambassador to Vietnam Xiong Bo, as reported by Vietnamese state newspaper Tuoi Tre before the visit.

Among the expected deals are Chinese investments to upgrade rail links between the two neighbours, which would include grants, although the volume of aid is not clear and neither is the amount and terms of possible loans.

Both countries have expressed interest in boosting transport connections. Vietnam is willing to export more to China, especially farm products, and Beijing wants to integrate northern Vietnam further into its southern supply chain networks.

Many Chinese companies have moved part of their operations to Vietnam at a faster pace this year than before the pandemic to be closer to Western clients in Vietnam, lower risks from U.S.-China trade tensions and reduce exposure to China's weakened economy.

Strengthened rail connections would facilitate import of components from China for assembling in Vietnam, effectively expanding China's new silk road, which Beijing calls the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

China has also pushed to include Vietnam in its Digital Silk Road, which may entail investments for new undersea optical fibre cables, the 5G network and other telecoms infrastructure.

The only project so far that has received BRI loans in Vietnam is the Hanoi metro, although Vietnam prefers not to openly label it as a BRI project, in a sign of how sensitive it is to show too close ties with Beijing.

Easier trade and stronger cooperation in several sectors including renewable energy, rare earths and tourism are also among the possible agreements.

China's President Xi Jinping starts a two-day visit to Vietnam on Tuesday, three months after U.S. President Joe Biden travelled to Hanoi as the two great powers vie for influence in the Southeast Asian nation.

China's President Xi Jinping starts a two-day visit to Vietnam on Tuesday, three months after U.S. President Joe Biden travelled to Hanoi as the two great powers vie for influence in the Southeast Asian nation. The trip, Xi's first in six years, has been months in planning and was even briefly considered to take place days before Biden's visit, according to officials. It is aimed at boosting relations between the two Communist-ruled countries which have very close economic ties but are at odds over boundaries in the South China Sea and have a millennia-long history of frequent conflict. The visit has been delayed also because of prolonged discussions over how to phrase the countries' enhanced bilateral relations, which Beijing wants to be framed as "common destiny," a reference that Hanoi has resisted but is expected to have eventually accepted, according to officials and diplomats. Beyond the symbolism of elevating ties to a notch that Beijing may see as being above the U.S.-Vietnam relationship, the upgraded status comes with the signature of "dozens of cooperation documents," according to China's ambassador to Vietnam Xiong Bo, as reported by Vietnamese state newspaper Tuoi Tre before the visit. Among the expected deals are Chinese investments to upgrade rail links between the two neighbours, which would include grants, although the volume of aid is not clear and neither is the amount and terms of possible loans. Both countries have expressed interest in boosting transport connections. Vietnam is willing to export more to China, especially farm products, and Beijing wants to integrate northern Vietnam further into its southern supply chain networks. Many Chinese companies have moved part of their operations to Vietnam at a faster pace this year than before the pandemic to be closer to Western clients in Vietnam, lower risks from U.S.-China trade tensions and reduce exposure to China's weakened economy. Strengthened rail connections would facilitate import of components from China for assembling in Vietnam, effectively expanding China's new silk road, which Beijing calls the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). China has also pushed to include Vietnam in its Digital Silk Road, which may entail investments for new undersea optical fibre cables, the 5G network and other telecoms infrastructure. The only project so far that has received BRI loans in Vietnam is the Hanoi metro, although Vietnam prefers not to openly label it as a BRI project, in a sign of how sensitive it is to show too close ties with Beijing. Easier trade and stronger cooperation in several sectors including renewable energy, rare earths and tourism are also among the possible agreements.

China's Xi Jinping visits Vietnam after Biden, seeks to boost ties

President Xi Jinping will visit neighbouring Vietnam next week to push for deeper ties between the socialist neighbours. According to officials, the visit is from December 12 to 13. Xi's state visit is expected to promote partnership between China and Vietnam.

China President Xi Jinping to visit Vietnam from Dec 12 to 13, is invited by top leaders | WION

Former Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang, who was ousted from the position in July, reportedly died later that month either from suicide or torture. This shocking claim was made in a report by Politico on Wednesday (Dec 6).

Former Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang, who was ousted from the position in July, reportedly died later that month either from suicide or torture. This shocking claim was made in a report by Politico on Wednesday (Dec 6). Two people with access to top Chinese officials told Politico that Qin died in late July in a military hospital in Beijing that treats top Chinese leaders. Qin was replaced by veteran diplomat Wang Yi as the foreign minister. Before this, Qin served as the Chinese ambassador to the United States and was also the country's vice minister. In 2014-2018, he became China's chief protocol officer, overseeing most of President Xi Jinping's interactions with foreign dignitaries between 2014 and 2018. Barely six months after becoming the foreign minister, Qin held meetings in Beijing on June 25 with the foreign ministers of Sri Lanka and Vietnam, as well as Deputy Russian Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko, the report said. Then he disappeared. A Stalin-like purge in China? The report of Qin's alleged death comes amid murmurs that President Xi has been going all out with a Stalin-like purge in China that started in 2012, removing millions of officials. The unexplained disappearance and removal of Qin Gang and Defence Minister Li Shangfu are some of the biggest examples of this purge. The Politico report said that other high-profile victims include the generals in charge of China’s nuclear weapons programme and some of the most senior officials overseeing the country's financial sector. Several of these officials apparently died in custody, the report added. Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Rudenko, who met Qin in June in Beijing, reportedly told Xi that his foreign ministers and several top officers in the People's Liberation Army (PLA) had been compromised by Western intelligence. An extra-marital affair After Qin disappeared, news started emerging of his alleged affair with a journalist with whom he reportedly fathered a son, who is a US citizen by default. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported in September that Qin had this extramarital affair when he was the ambassador to the US. According to Politico, the woman was Fu Xiaotian- who worked for Chinese broadcaster Phoenix TV. The report said that Fu attended Cambridge University - a traditional recruiting ground for British intelligence agencies. Fu was a student of Churchill College at the university. She first met Qin more than 10 years ago when he was posted to the Chinese embassy in London. In 2016, Churchill College named a garden after Fu in gratitude for her very rare series of generous gifts which reportedly added up to $314,671. Before Qin disappeared, Fu reportedly named him as the father of her child. In April, she flew back to Beijing and has not been heard from since, Politico further reported. The extra-marital affair and the illegitimate child born in the US might have been the main reasons for Qin's purge, the report said. However, the sources cited by Politico said that the real reason for Qin's abrupt disappearance was involvement in a scandal which involved the defence minister and generals who commanded China's rocket force. Rudenko had reportedly told Xi that Qin and relatives of top rocket force officers helped pass China's nuclear secrets to intelligence agencies in the West. (With inputs from agencies)

Is China's ousted ex-foreign minister Qin Gang dead? Here's what some reports suggest

Barely two months after United States President Joe Biden made his trip to Vietnam President Xi Jinping of China is set to visit neighbouring Hanoi next week to push for deeper ties between the Socialist neighbours. According to officials, the visit is from December 12th to the 13th.

Xi Jinping has been invited by Vietnam's top leaders for a state visit

Chinese leader Xi Jinping held discussions with European Union leaders Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen in Beijing on Thursday.&nbsp;

"Chinese President Xi Jinping met with President of the European Council Charles Michel and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in Beijing on Thursday," reported state news agency Xinhua. The talks were held regarding the divisions between the bloc and its largest economic partner, which ranged from trade to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.&nbsp;

This year, the diplomatic engagement was ramped up by China and the EU so as to steer post-pandemic recovery and repair damaged relations, as a number of its commissioners visited Beijing to restart high-level dialogue.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-withdraws-from-chinas-belt-and-road-project-667010">&nbsp;Italy withdraws from China's Belt and Road project</a>

The bloc said that it hopes the meetings being held between China's top brass and the EU leaders on Thursday will give them a chance to discuss areas of common interest, like health and climate change.

The leaders will also speak about more touchy topics, ranging from human rights and continued ties between China and Russia despite its war in Ukraine as well as the increasing trade gap between the two nations.

<h2>Beijing seeks to reassure Europe</h2>

This week, von der Leyen had warned that the bloc will "not tolerate" that imbalance indefinitely. "We have tools to protect our market," she said while speaking to AFP.

Hitting back, Beijing on Wednesday said that the efforts of the bloc to curb exports of China's sensitive tech while balancing trade did not "make sense".

Throughout the year, European officials have repeatedly said that they aim to "derisk" their economic ties with China after the Ukraine war exposed the energy dependence of the continent on Russia.

Watch:&nbsp;Georgia Meloni's government exits Belt and Road Initiative by China, BRI criticised&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/italy-georgia-melonis-government-exits-belt-and-road-initiative-by-china-bri-criticised-wion-667013/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The goal of Beijing this week will be to "hinder or delay derisking at a minimum cost", said Grzegorz Stec, an analyst working at China-focused think tank MERICS, while speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday.

Beijing will make efforts to "project the image of a responsible global actor and to reassure European actors about the direction of the Chinese economy", said Stec.&nbsp;

However, on the eve of the summit, Italy withdrew from China's vast Belt and Road infrastructure initiative. For long, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has opposed the participation of the country, which has been viewed by many as an attempt by Beijing to get political influence and whose economic benefits were very limited for Rome.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese leader Xi Jinping held discussions with European Union leaders Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen in Beijing on Thursday. "Chinese President Xi Jinping met with President of the European Council Charles Michel and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in Beijing on Thursday," reported state news agency Xinhua.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping held discussions with European Union leaders Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen in Beijing on Thursday. "Chinese President Xi Jinping met with President of the European Council Charles Michel and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in Beijing on Thursday," reported state news agency Xinhua. The talks were held regarding the divisions between the bloc and its largest economic partner, which ranged from trade to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. This year, the diplomatic engagement was ramped up by China and the EU so as to steer post-pandemic recovery and repair damaged relations, as a number of its commissioners visited Beijing to restart high-level dialogue. Also read: Italy withdraws from China's Belt and Road project The bloc said that it hopes the meetings being held between China's top brass and the EU leaders on Thursday will give them a chance to discuss areas of common interest, like health and climate change. The leaders will also speak about more touchy topics, ranging from human rights and continued ties between China and Russia despite its war in Ukraine as well as the increasing trade gap between the two nations. Beijing seeks to reassure Europe This week, von der Leyen had warned that the bloc will "not tolerate" that imbalance indefinitely. "We have tools to protect our market," she said while speaking to AFP. Hitting back, Beijing on Wednesday said that the efforts of the bloc to curb exports of China's sensitive tech while balancing trade did not "make sense". Throughout the year, European officials have repeatedly said that they aim to "derisk" their economic ties with China after the Ukraine war exposed the energy dependence of the continent on Russia. Watch: Georgia Meloni's government exits Belt and Road Initiative by China, BRI criticised The goal of Beijing this week will be to "hinder or delay derisking at a minimum cost", said Grzegorz Stec, an analyst working at China-focused think tank MERICS, while speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday. Beijing will make efforts to "project the image of a responsible global actor and to reassure European actors about the direction of the Chinese economy", said Stec. However, on the eve of the summit, Italy withdrew from China's vast Belt and Road infrastructure initiative. For long, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has opposed the participation of the country, which has been viewed by many as an attempt by Beijing to get political influence and whose economic benefits were very limited for Rome. (With inputs from agencies)

China's Xi Jinping holds talks with EU's von der Leyen and Charles Michel in Beijing

Belarusian President Lukashenko has made his way to China, the second time this year, he is said to meet the Chinese President Xi Jinping to further the negotiations on various aspects.

Belarusian President Lukashenko on China visit, to meet China President Xi in Beijing | WION

China's pneumonia surge is spreading beyond borders. Thsi brings back the memories of dreaded COVID-19. Asian countries are also putting themselves on guard.

China's pneumonia outbreak: Children around the world falling sick, cases rise globally

China's President Xi Jinping is falling from his pedestal. Xi failed to deliver on the principal doctrine of communism- economic welfare, and now, it appears that there is putsch against Xi in the CCP. Xi is losing control. Here are the details.

Gravitas: China's Xi Jinping is falling from his pedestal, here are the details

The Chinese government under President Xi Jinping is demolishing, closing and altering hundreds of mosques in the northern regions of Ningxia and Gansu, a new Human Rights Watch (HRW) report has claimed.&nbsp;

After Xinjiang where the Uyghur Muslims are being persecuted, the north-central regions have the highest Muslim population&nbsp;in China. The government is cracking down on religious institutions to keep the minorities in check.

The report states that if the mosques are not destroyed, they are converted for secular use as part of the&nbsp;“government’s efforts to restrict the practice of Islam”.

Researchers at HRW used satellite imagery to analyse the fate of the mosques in two villages in Ningxia. Between 2019 and 2021, the&nbsp;domes and minarets were removed from all seven of the mosques. While three were razed to the ground, four were altered and the ablution hall of one was damaged.

Overall, 1,300 mosques, a third of the total have been closed since 2020 in the region. The number could be bigger as the HRW data does not include mosques&nbsp;closed or demolished because of their unofficial status, most of which happened before 2020.

“The Chinese government is not ‘consolidating’ mosques as it claims, but closing many down in violation of religious freedom,"&nbsp;said Maya Wang, acting China director at Human Rights Watch.

“The Chinese government’s closure, destruction, and repurposing of mosques is part of a systematic effort to curb the practice of Islam in China," she added.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-faces-heat-at-unga-over-the-xinjiang-report-518292">Also read |&nbsp;China faces heat at UNGA over report of atrocities on Uyghurs in Xinjiang</a>

Since 2016 when Xi first called for the 'sinicisation' of religions, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has become the sole arbiter of&nbsp;people’s spiritual life.&nbsp;

Quizzed about the findings of the report, a Chinese government spokesperson said the state was fighting religious extremism.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“People of all ethnic groups in China are fully entitled to the freedom of religious belief as prescribed by law. Following policies that protect freedom of religious belief, China, like other countries, administers religious affairs in accordance with law," the spokesperson was quoted as saying by The Guardian.&nbsp;

"We are resolute in rejecting and fighting religious extremism. Believers’ normal religious activities are guaranteed in accordance with law and their customs respected,” the spokesperson added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-bars-uyghur-muslims-from-praying-in-mosques-trending-on-wion-587586">Watch |&nbsp;China bars Uyghur Muslims from praying in mosques | Trending on WION</a>

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&nbsp;

<h2>China's treatment of Uyghurs</h2>

For a long time, China has been accused by the Western world, especially the US, of undertaking a genocide of the Uyghur Muslim populace in the Xinjiang province. In a report released by the UN last year, China's actions in Xinjiang were dubbed as 'crimes against humanity'.&nbsp;

The report had been in the works for years and was released despite Chinese efforts to delay or block it.&nbsp;

Xi Jinping on multiple occasions has made it clear that Islam can only exist in China if it is reformed according to Chinese orientation. The country has admitted that it runs concentration camps, which it dubs 'vocational training camps'.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Chinese government under President Xi Jinping is demolishing, closing and altering hundreds of mosques in the northern regions of Ningxia and Gansu, a new Human Rights Watch (HRW) report has claimed.

The Chinese government under President Xi Jinping is demolishing, closing and altering hundreds of mosques in the northern regions of Ningxia and Gansu, a new Human Rights Watch (HRW) report has claimed. After Xinjiang where the Uyghur Muslims are being persecuted, the north-central regions have the highest Muslim population in China. The government is cracking down on religious institutions to keep the minorities in check. The report states that if the mosques are not destroyed, they are converted for secular use as part of the “government’s efforts to restrict the practice of Islam”. Researchers at HRW used satellite imagery to analyse the fate of the mosques in two villages in Ningxia. Between 2019 and 2021, the domes and minarets were removed from all seven of the mosques. While three were razed to the ground, four were altered and the ablution hall of one was damaged. Overall, 1,300 mosques, a third of the total have been closed since 2020 in the region. The number could be bigger as the HRW data does not include mosques closed or demolished because of their unofficial status, most of which happened before 2020. “The Chinese government is not ‘consolidating’ mosques as it claims, but closing many down in violation of religious freedom," said Maya Wang, acting China director at Human Rights Watch. “The Chinese government’s closure, destruction, and repurposing of mosques is part of a systematic effort to curb the practice of Islam in China," she added. Also read | China faces heat at UNGA over report of atrocities on Uyghurs in Xinjiang Since 2016 when Xi first called for the 'sinicisation' of religions, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has become the sole arbiter of people’s spiritual life. Quizzed about the findings of the report, a Chinese government spokesperson said the state was fighting religious extremism. “People of all ethnic groups in China are fully entitled to the freedom of religious belief as prescribed by law. Following policies that protect freedom of religious belief, China, like other countries, administers religious affairs in accordance with law," the spokesperson was quoted as saying by The Guardian. "We are resolute in rejecting and fighting religious extremism. Believers’ normal religious activities are guaranteed in accordance with law and their customs respected,” the spokesperson added. Watch | China bars Uyghur Muslims from praying in mosques | Trending on WION × China's treatment of Uyghurs For a long time, China has been accused by the Western world, especially the US, of undertaking a genocide of the Uyghur Muslim populace in the Xinjiang province. In a report released by the UN last year, China's actions in Xinjiang were dubbed as 'crimes against humanity'. The report had been in the works for years and was released despite Chinese efforts to delay or block it. Xi Jinping on multiple occasions has made it clear that Islam can only exist in China if it is reformed according to Chinese orientation. The country has admitted that it runs concentration camps, which it dubs 'vocational training camps'. (With inputs from agencies)

China: Xi Jinping's regime destroying, altering hundreds of mosques in northern region

The APEC Summit 2023 is a significant event where world leaders, including President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, aim to fortify ties with Asian nations and address global challenges.

APEC Summit 2023: US eyes building ties with Asia Pacific

As two ageing and aged leaders of two most powerful countries – China and the United States - met on the sidelines of the APEC meeting, the war in Palestine between Israel and Palestinians raged on. Both are revelatory: they point out, one, an ineffable law of politics and two, that interdependence (thin or thick) cannot be entirely wished away.&nbsp;

Consider the law of politics first: Post the Treaty of Westphalia where the state form of political organization became ‘secular religion’ and the cardinally ‘theological premise of political theory,' it is power and power politics thereof that determines political life among states. The rest, hogwash, is amply demonstrated in the war between Israel and Palestinians.&nbsp;

Watch | US' Biden and China's Xi agree to resume military communication

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Supported by the United States and broadly the West, Israel, contra international law, has gone on a rampage in Palestine. This is a critical point. The institutional ingress that forms the rubric of international relations, say, the United Nations, is helpless against this. The best that ‘The Parliament of Man’ can do is to issue declamatory statements from the office of the UN secretary-general. The inference that can be drawn from Israel’s no-holds-barred war and the fact that there is no real check on it is that ‘power is the ultima ratio of political life between and among states’. &nbsp;And to partly paraphrase one neo-conservative American scholar, Robert Kagan, ‘international law is for the weak’. (In a loose way the United Nations embodies the reification of international law).&nbsp;&nbsp;

The question here is: what explains the impotence of international organizations like the United Nations?&nbsp;

I would argue that it is because international bodies besides the oft-repeated and known lacunae- structural and normative- are conceived as ‘The Parliament of Man’. That is, these are deliberative bodies that require consensus and deliberation to forcefully translate their writ into action. In other words, unlike states, bodies like the UN cannot impose what the controversial but brilliant political philosopher called 'the state of exception’.&nbsp;

In Schmidt’s schema, ‘the state of exception'&nbsp;is the state’s ability to transcend the rule of law for the sake of public good. The ultimate test of a state’s sovereignty is to institute a ‘state of exception’. Because, again in a loose sense, international organisations like the UN are arenas where states ‘pool their sovereignty'. This body cannot institute a ‘state of exception’. In international political life, it is ultimately the hegemon of the day that either by securitisation or by its writ can and does impose a ‘state of exception’. &nbsp;(The second Gulf War and the misnomer, the so-called ‘Global War on Terror’ was an example of the same).&nbsp;

And now the war in Palestine bears a faint echo of that. Important here is how 'public good' is defined. In both cases referred to here, it is the hegemon and its allies that define(s) in consonance with their interests.

Is this significant? If so, how?

Here some context is warranted: the onset of the Cold War 2.0 between China and the United States has generated a flood of debate on ‘norms and ‘values’ in international political life. One pedestrian and cliched ‘fact’ doing the rounds is that China is trying to upend the norms of international relations and forge a new world order based on its norms and values. (What these are left undefined or generally go under the broad and vague rubric a synthesis between Marxism with Chinese characteristics and Confucianism). But what norms and values? If it is human rights then surely there is deep violation of these going on in Palestine. If it is democracy, then what explains the ‘democratic recession’ in the world? And above all, if democracy means the rule of law, where in the world is it reified in a way that approximates the ‘good society’? Obiter Dictum, if America is held to be the ultimate paragon of democracy, its current paroxysms are nothing but a joke.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-calls-xi-dictator-after-us-china-strategic-meet-before-on-the-sidelines-of-apec-summit-659161">Biden calls Xi 'dictator' right after 'constructive' US-China strategic meet on the sidelines of APEC summit</a>

Culled from this discussion what can be safely gleaned is that power is indeed the ultima ratio of politics and power politics is the sine qua non of international relations. This holds lessons for the rest of the world suspended between China and the United States. Both, in the final analysis, are power-seeking and power-maximizing entities overlaid by exceptionalism where each preens on the world stage with rhetorical flourishes aimed to seduce. Under these conditions what is the ‘rest’ to do?

Look after itself in the idiom and structure of ‘self-help’ is the answer. Or, in other words, be power-seeking and power-maximizing entities where more power leads to security but the ‘security dilemma' too. The latter is good and the former can be obviated through arms racing which need not always be ‘bad’. &nbsp;But there is a flip side to this.&nbsp;

To put this into relief, the Xi and Biden meeting and its real thrust and nature need to be visited. Both China and the United States are finding ‘decoupling’ difficult- especially in the terrains of economics and even political economy. Hence the meeting on APEC sidelines. The implication is that the world since the past few decades is too interconnected for a comprehensive divorce between the US and China. Both leaders I would assume would be aiming to revive a mechanism that establishes, in the least, a modus vivendi for some kind of interdependent trade relationship. Here again, there is a lesson for the rest. The constituent states of the rest cannot exist as mere autarkic, isolated islands. They have to partake and be part of complex trading networks too, if only for the survival and prosperity of their peoples. What is the larger lesson for the rest then? It is ‘self-help’ in the broadest terms possible and divided neatly into two axioms: one is the pursuit of power and power maximization and the second more in a semantic sense of self-help enmesh themselves in trade networks that are not zero-sum but neither mercantilist either but either or and all depending on context, circumstance and their own interest and their people’s welfare. The post-APEC meeting for the rest is a time for review. Let it begin sooner than later!

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

As two ageing and aged leaders of two most powerful countries – China and the United States - met on the sidelines of the APEC meeting, the war in Palestine between Israel and Palestinians raged on.

As two ageing and aged leaders of two most powerful countries – China and the United States - met on the sidelines of the APEC meeting, the war in Palestine between Israel and Palestinians raged on. Both are revelatory: they point out, one, an ineffable law of politics and two, that interdependence (thin or thick) cannot be entirely wished away. Consider the law of politics first: Post the Treaty of Westphalia where the state form of political organization became ‘secular religion’ and the cardinally ‘theological premise of political theory,' it is power and power politics thereof that determines political life among states. The rest, hogwash, is amply demonstrated in the war between Israel and Palestinians. Watch | US' Biden and China's Xi agree to resume military communication × Supported by the United States and broadly the West, Israel, contra international law, has gone on a rampage in Palestine. This is a critical point. The institutional ingress that forms the rubric of international relations, say, the United Nations, is helpless against this. The best that ‘The Parliament of Man’ can do is to issue declamatory statements from the office of the UN secretary-general. The inference that can be drawn from Israel’s no-holds-barred war and the fact that there is no real check on it is that ‘power is the ultima ratio of political life between and among states’. And to partly paraphrase one neo-conservative American scholar, Robert Kagan, ‘international law is for the weak’. (In a loose way the United Nations embodies the reification of international law). The question here is: what explains the impotence of international organizations like the United Nations? I would argue that it is because international bodies besides the oft-repeated and known lacunae- structural and normative- are conceived as ‘The Parliament of Man’. That is, these are deliberative bodies that require consensus and deliberation to forcefully translate their writ into action. In other words, unlike states, bodies like the UN cannot impose what the controversial but brilliant political philosopher called 'the state of exception’. In Schmidt’s schema, ‘the state of exception' is the state’s ability to transcend the rule of law for the sake of public good. The ultimate test of a state’s sovereignty is to institute a ‘state of exception’. Because, again in a loose sense, international organisations like the UN are arenas where states ‘pool their sovereignty'. This body cannot institute a ‘state of exception’. In international political life, it is ultimately the hegemon of the day that either by securitisation or by its writ can and does impose a ‘state of exception’. (The second Gulf War and the misnomer, the so-called ‘Global War on Terror’ was an example of the same). And now the war in Palestine bears a faint echo of that. Important here is how 'public good' is defined. In both cases referred to here, it is the hegemon and its allies that define(s) in consonance with their interests. Is this significant? If so, how? Here some context is warranted: the onset of the Cold War 2.0 between China and the United States has generated a flood of debate on ‘norms and ‘values’ in international political life. One pedestrian and cliched ‘fact’ doing the rounds is that China is trying to upend the norms of international relations and forge a new world order based on its norms and values. (What these are left undefined or generally go under the broad and vague rubric a synthesis between Marxism with Chinese characteristics and Confucianism). But what norms and values? If it is human rights then surely there is deep violation of these going on in Palestine. If it is democracy, then what explains the ‘democratic recession’ in the world? And above all, if democracy means the rule of law, where in the world is it reified in a way that approximates the ‘good society’? Obiter Dictum, if America is held to be the ultimate paragon of democracy, its current paroxysms are nothing but a joke. Also Read | Biden calls Xi 'dictator' right after 'constructive' US-China strategic meet on the sidelines of APEC summit Culled from this discussion what can be safely gleaned is that power is indeed the ultima ratio of politics and power politics is the sine qua non of international relations. This holds lessons for the rest of the world suspended between China and the United States. Both, in the final analysis, are power-seeking and power-maximizing entities overlaid by exceptionalism where each preens on the world stage with rhetorical flourishes aimed to seduce. Under these conditions what is the ‘rest’ to do? Look after itself in the idiom and structure of ‘self-help’ is the answer. Or, in other words, be power-seeking and power-maximizing entities where more power leads to security but the ‘security dilemma' too. The latter is good and the former can be obviated through arms racing which need not always be ‘bad’. But there is a flip side to this. To put this into relief, the Xi and Biden meeting and its real thrust and nature need to be visited. Both China and the United States are finding ‘decoupling’ difficult- especially in the terrains of economics and even political economy. Hence the meeting on APEC sidelines. The implication is that the world since the past few decades is too interconnected for a comprehensive divorce between the US and China. Both leaders I would assume would be aiming to revive a mechanism that establishes, in the least, a modus vivendi for some kind of interdependent trade relationship. Here again, there is a lesson for the rest. The constituent states of the rest cannot exist as mere autarkic, isolated islands. They have to partake and be part of complex trading networks too, if only for the survival and prosperity of their peoples. What is the larger lesson for the rest then? It is ‘self-help’ in the broadest terms possible and divided neatly into two axioms: one is the pursuit of power and power maximization and the second more in a semantic sense of self-help enmesh themselves in trade networks that are not zero-sum but neither mercantilist either but either or and all depending on context, circumstance and their own interest and their people’s welfare. The post-APEC meeting for the rest is a time for review. Let it begin sooner than later! (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Xi and Biden's pre-APEC meet is all about power politics

After 33 years with Ernst & Young, Janet Truncale is set to make history as the first woman to lead one of the big four firms. From intern to CEO, her journey is not just about breaking barriers but reshaping corporate culture and inspiring change globally.

US business leaders meet Chinese President | A sit next to Xi costs $40,000 for US CEOs

On Thursday, Chinese President Xi Jinping claimed that his country has not provoked a conflict or war or even occupied a single inch of any foreign land - these remarks came at a dinner on the sidelines of the APEC summit.

China: Xi Jinping claims Beijing hasn't provoked any war or occupied single inch of any foreign land

The much-anticipated meet between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping has concluded. Detailing the progress, the two leaders had made, President Joe Biden addressed the media, saying both nations have agreed to resume military-to-military communication and cooperate on anti-drug policies.

US President Joe Biden says, 'stable China ties would benefit the world'

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