Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday said that Iran nuclear issue needs to be resolved early and applauded the “solidarity” shared between the two countries as he met Islamic republic's President Ebrahim Raisi as the latter began his three-day visit.

In the first state visit of an Iranian president to China in the last 20 years, Raisi was accompanied by a large trade and finance delegation. On the red carpet, Raisi was greeted by Xi.

"In the face of the current complex changes in the world, times, and history, China and Iran have supported each other (and) worked together in solidarity and co-operation," said Xi said, as per the state broadcaster CCTV.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-death-to-the-islamic-republic-hackers-take-over-raisis-revolution-anniversary-speech-561139">WATCH | 'Death to the Islamic Republic': Hackers take over Raisi's revolution anniversary speech</a>

Xi also said that his government will continue to "participate constructively" in talks for resuming negotiations on the Iran nuclear agreement's implementation.

Iran's uranium enrichment programme was limited by a 2015 nuclear agreement which made it difficult for the country to develop nuclear arms. Iran had claimed that it was developing nuclear arms for peaceful reasons.

Both nations have been facing pressure from Western nations over their stand on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as strict sanctions have already been issued by the United States against Iran because of its nuclear programme.

China "supports Iran in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national dignity... and in resisting unilateralism and hegemonism", Xi was quoted as saying by CCTV.

WATCH | Iran-China Ties: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi begins three day visit to China

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Beijing also "opposes external forces interfering in Iran's internal affairs and undermining Iran's security and stability", and will continue to "promote the early and proper resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue", stated the Chinese leader.

"No matter how the international and regional situation changes, China will unswervingly develop friendly cooperation with Iran", President Xi said.

As per CCTV, both nations signed various documents of bilateral co-operation in the fields of environmental protection, disaster relief, agriculture, trade, tourism, health, culture and sport.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday said that Iran nuclear issue needs to be resolved early and applauded the “solidarity” shared between the two countries as he met Islamic republic's President Ebrahim Raisi as the latter began his three-day visit.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday said that Iran nuclear issue needs to be resolved early and applauded the “solidarity” shared between the two countries as he met Islamic republic's President Ebrahim Raisi as the latter began his three-day visit. In the first state visit of an Iranian president to China in the last 20 years, Raisi was accompanied by a large trade and finance delegation. On the red carpet, Raisi was greeted by Xi. "In the face of the current complex changes in the world, times, and history, China and Iran have supported each other (and) worked together in solidarity and co-operation," said Xi said, as per the state broadcaster CCTV. ALSO READ | WATCH | 'Death to the Islamic Republic': Hackers take over Raisi's revolution anniversary speech Xi also said that his government will continue to "participate constructively" in talks for resuming negotiations on the Iran nuclear agreement's implementation. Iran's uranium enrichment programme was limited by a 2015 nuclear agreement which made it difficult for the country to develop nuclear arms. Iran had claimed that it was developing nuclear arms for peaceful reasons. Both nations have been facing pressure from Western nations over their stand on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as strict sanctions have already been issued by the United States against Iran because of its nuclear programme. China "supports Iran in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national dignity... and in resisting unilateralism and hegemonism", Xi was quoted as saying by CCTV. WATCH | Iran-China Ties: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi begins three day visit to China Beijing also "opposes external forces interfering in Iran's internal affairs and undermining Iran's security and stability", and will continue to "promote the early and proper resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue", stated the Chinese leader. "No matter how the international and regional situation changes, China will unswervingly develop friendly cooperation with Iran", President Xi said. As per CCTV, both nations signed various documents of bilateral co-operation in the fields of environmental protection, disaster relief, agriculture, trade, tourism, health, culture and sport. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

China's Xi meets Raisi, calls for Iran nuclear issue's early resolution

After dystopic scenes were reported in the last two months of 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic in China, the situation has considerably improved. Despite a busy festival season that included the Chinese New Year travel rush, cases in the country have not witnessed a major uptick.&nbsp;

China's Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggested&nbsp;the number of infections peaked in mid-December last year and since have plateaued.&nbsp;

"There has not been an obvious rebound in Covid cases during the Lunar New Year holidays," said CDC.&nbsp;

The data showed that 6.94 million daily cases were reported on December 22 which had plunged to 30,000 on January 30.&nbsp;

The number of people hospitalised also reached a peak of 1.6 million in January, which has now trickled down to 144,000 as of January 30 figures.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/about-900-million-in-china-infected-with-covid-chinese-university-study-552374">Read more:&nbsp;About 900 million in China infected with Covid: Chinese university study</a>

Xi Jinping and his government&nbsp;was long advised by countries across to give up on the draconian 'zero-Covid' policy. However, an adamant Jinping stuck to the policy which backfired promptly.&nbsp;

An unprecedented number of cases were reported across the country as overflowing hospitals could not contain the spread. Ordinary people were forced to live in attritional conditions as the situation turned pear-shaped.&nbsp;

After much criticism, Jinping finally caved in and on December 7, the zero-Covid policy was abruptly abandoned.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-chinas-bogus-vaccines-how-china-fooled-the-world-543838">Gravitas: China's bogus vaccines: How China fooled the world</a>

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Since then,&nbsp;no new variant of Covid has emerged - suggesting that herd immunity had&nbsp;been achieved to some extent.&nbsp;

A new study conducted by Chinese researchers analysing 413 samples showed that there is no evidence that 'novel variants' have emerged.&nbsp;

BF.7 and BA5.2, Omicron subvariants remain the dominant variants, accounting for more than 90 per cent of the cases.&nbsp;

"Our analysis suggests two known Omicron sub-variants,&nbsp;rather than any new variants have chiefly been responsible for the current surge in Beijing, and likely China as a whole," said one of the lead authors of the study.&nbsp;

After the cases started to grow in China, fears were cast that another bout of the pandemic was around the corner. Several countries imposed fresh travel restrictions citing a lack of transparency from the Chinese authorities.&nbsp;

However, the dip in numbers and absence of any notable variant is expected to simmer down the apprehensions.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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After dystopic scenes were reported in the last two months of 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic in China, the situation has considerably improved. Despite a busy festival season that included the Chinese New Year travel rush, cases in the country have not witnessed a major uptick.

After dystopic scenes were reported in the last two months of 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic in China, the situation has considerably improved. Despite a busy festival season that included the Chinese New Year travel rush, cases in the country have not witnessed a major uptick. China's Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggested the number of infections peaked in mid-December last year and since have plateaued. "There has not been an obvious rebound in Covid cases during the Lunar New Year holidays," said CDC. The data showed that 6.94 million daily cases were reported on December 22 which had plunged to 30,000 on January 30. The number of people hospitalised also reached a peak of 1.6 million in January, which has now trickled down to 144,000 as of January 30 figures. Read more: About 900 million in China infected with Covid: Chinese university study Xi Jinping and his government was long advised by countries across to give up on the draconian 'zero-Covid' policy. However, an adamant Jinping stuck to the policy which backfired promptly. An unprecedented number of cases were reported across the country as overflowing hospitals could not contain the spread. Ordinary people were forced to live in attritional conditions as the situation turned pear-shaped. After much criticism, Jinping finally caved in and on December 7, the zero-Covid policy was abruptly abandoned. Gravitas: China's bogus vaccines: How China fooled the world Since then, no new variant of Covid has emerged - suggesting that herd immunity had been achieved to some extent. A new study conducted by Chinese researchers analysing 413 samples showed that there is no evidence that 'novel variants' have emerged. BF.7 and BA5.2, Omicron subvariants remain the dominant variants, accounting for more than 90 per cent of the cases. "Our analysis suggests two known Omicron sub-variants, rather than any new variants have chiefly been responsible for the current surge in Beijing, and likely China as a whole," said one of the lead authors of the study. After the cases started to grow in China, fears were cast that another bout of the pandemic was around the corner. Several countries imposed fresh travel restrictions citing a lack of transparency from the Chinese authorities. However, the dip in numbers and absence of any notable variant is expected to simmer down the apprehensions. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

After China abandons 'zero-Covid' policy, cases drop, new variants stop emerging

Provincial governments in China are at risk of default and might struggle to provide even basic services in the months to come as authorities struggle to pay off the interest on 123 trillion yuan ($18 trillion) loan, reports CNN.&nbsp;Strict pandemic controls and real estate crash have drained the coffers of local governments, who have spent their budgets on enforcing frequent Covid lockdowns, mass testing, and setting up quarantine centres before&nbsp;the abrupt end of Xi Jinping’s zero-Covid policy in December.&nbsp;

According to analysts, of the $18 trillion debt, nearly $10 trillion is so-called “hidden debt” owed by local government financing platforms that are backed by cities or provinces.&nbsp;

Amidst the mounting financial pressure, local governments have reportedly been cutting wages and transpiration services, and slashing fuel subsidies in the middle of a harsh winter.&nbsp;

<h1>China: Beijing says city has achieved 'temporary herd immunity'</h1>

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According to Chinese media reports, thousands of people in northern Hebei province struggled to get natural gas to heat up their homes in November and December.&nbsp;

State newspaper Jiemian reported that government subsidy cuts were partly responsible for the shortage.&nbsp;

In January, households in Hegang city in northernmost Heilongjiang province were also&nbsp;left without heat&nbsp;after local firms cut supply. The companies blamed lack of government subsidies for their move.&nbsp;

Apart from that, the provincial governments have been struggling to rake up revenue as staggered lockdowns put a dent on household incomes, leading many to reduce spending, which in turn resulted in less tax revenue.&nbsp;

Huge tax reliefs to support businesses through the pandemic also reduced government income.&nbsp;

Adding fuel to the fire is the real estate market contraction as prices of homes have been falling for 16 consecutive months.&nbsp;

According to reports, land sales, which contribute around 40 per cent of revenue for local governments, have collapsed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

China’s economy is facing massive headwinds, and as a result, its GDP grew only 3 per cent last, the second worst in 46 years.&nbsp;

In a bid to shore revenues for the local governments, Beijing had encouraged&nbsp;them to borrow more money to fund infrastructure projects to boost growth. &nbsp;

In December, an infrastructure push&nbsp;helped boost economic activity, leading to signs of growth stabilisation.&nbsp;

In January,&nbsp;Bloomberg&nbsp;reported that Chinese authorities were considering a record quota for special local government bonds this year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Provincial governments in China are at risk of default and might struggle to provide even basic services in the months to come as authorities struggle to pay off the interest on 123 trillion yuan ($18 trillion) loan, reports CNN.

Provincial governments in China are at risk of default and might struggle to provide even basic services in the months to come as authorities struggle to pay off the interest on 123 trillion yuan ($18 trillion) loan, reports CNN. Strict pandemic controls and real estate crash have drained the coffers of local governments, who have spent their budgets on enforcing frequent Covid lockdowns, mass testing, and setting up quarantine centres before the abrupt end of Xi Jinping’s zero-Covid policy in December. According to analysts, of the $18 trillion debt, nearly $10 trillion is so-called “hidden debt” owed by local government financing platforms that are backed by cities or provinces. Amidst the mounting financial pressure, local governments have reportedly been cutting wages and transpiration services, and slashing fuel subsidies in the middle of a harsh winter. China: Beijing says city has achieved 'temporary herd immunity' According to Chinese media reports, thousands of people in northern Hebei province struggled to get natural gas to heat up their homes in November and December. State newspaper Jiemian reported that government subsidy cuts were partly responsible for the shortage. In January, households in Hegang city in northernmost Heilongjiang province were also left without heat after local firms cut supply. The companies blamed lack of government subsidies for their move. Apart from that, the provincial governments have been struggling to rake up revenue as staggered lockdowns put a dent on household incomes, leading many to reduce spending, which in turn resulted in less tax revenue. Huge tax reliefs to support businesses through the pandemic also reduced government income. Adding fuel to the fire is the real estate market contraction as prices of homes have been falling for 16 consecutive months. According to reports, land sales, which contribute around 40 per cent of revenue for local governments, have collapsed. China’s economy is facing massive headwinds, and as a result, its GDP grew only 3 per cent last, the second worst in 46 years. In a bid to shore revenues for the local governments, Beijing had encouraged them to borrow more money to fund infrastructure projects to boost growth. In December, an infrastructure push helped boost economic activity, leading to signs of growth stabilisation. In January, Bloomberg reported that Chinese authorities were considering a record quota for special local government bonds this year. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

China’s local governments struggle to pay interest on mounting loan  

Former US secretary of state Mike Pompeo has described Chinese President Xi Jinping as the “most unpleasant” among the dozens of world leaders he met during his tenure.

In his book titled 'Never Give an Inch: Fighting for the America I Love, Pompeo found the Chinese leader to be "dour" and a "quintessential Communist apparatchik" after he claimed that Xi threatened to stop sending PPF kits to America if it kept asking for accountability from Beijing on COVID-19.

"Personally, I thought Xi was dour. While Putin can be funny and mirthful, even while being evil, Xi was not so serious as dead-eyed. I never once saw an unforced smile,” Pompeo wrote in the book.

“I also found Xi a quintessential Communist apparatchik: heavy in the abstract, light on the issues under discussion, and always eager to impose his views, even while he pretends to be listening to you. He fit the psychological profile of an East German or Soviet Communist I came to study during my Army days,” he notes.

Pompeo claimed that Xi spoke in "hollow tones" and was always searching for words, phrases, and archaic Chinese proverbs of “questionable clarity”.

"My China policy advisor at the State Department, Miles Yu, later told me that CCP leaders in general, and General Secretary Xi in particular, deploy overwrought erudition to play gullible American leaders,” he said.

“Of the dozens of world leaders I met, he was among the most unpleasant. How's that for telling the hard truth? Having now seen the regime personified at the highest level, I was gripped by just how different its leaders were from the Chinese people,” Pompeo said.

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Former US secretary of state Mike Pompeo has described Chinese President Xi Jinping as the “most unpleasant” among the dozens of world leaders he met during his tenure.

Former US secretary of state Mike Pompeo has described Chinese President Xi Jinping as the “most unpleasant” among the dozens of world leaders he met during his tenure. In his book titled 'Never Give an Inch: Fighting for the America I Love, Pompeo found the Chinese leader to be "dour" and a "quintessential Communist apparatchik" after he claimed that Xi threatened to stop sending PPF kits to America if it kept asking for accountability from Beijing on COVID-19. "Personally, I thought Xi was dour. While Putin can be funny and mirthful, even while being evil, Xi was not so serious as dead-eyed. I never once saw an unforced smile,” Pompeo wrote in the book. “I also found Xi a quintessential Communist apparatchik: heavy in the abstract, light on the issues under discussion, and always eager to impose his views, even while he pretends to be listening to you. He fit the psychological profile of an East German or Soviet Communist I came to study during my Army days,” he notes. Pompeo claimed that Xi spoke in "hollow tones" and was always searching for words, phrases, and archaic Chinese proverbs of “questionable clarity”. "My China policy advisor at the State Department, Miles Yu, later told me that CCP leaders in general, and General Secretary Xi in particular, deploy overwrought erudition to play gullible American leaders,” he said. “Of the dozens of world leaders I met, he was among the most unpleasant. How's that for telling the hard truth? Having now seen the regime personified at the highest level, I was gripped by just how different its leaders were from the Chinese people,” Pompeo said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Chinese President Xi Jinping ‘most unpleasant’ I have ever met: Pompeo

Chinese President Xi Jinping recently held a rare video conversation with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) troops stationed on the Indian border near Eastern Ladakh and inspected their combat readiness.&nbsp;According to local state media, the event took place on January 18. The Chinese leader was at the PLA headquarters when he addressed the troops on the border defence situation in Khunjerab under the Xinjiang Military Command.

The Xinjiang military command troops are involved in managing border areas along Eastern Ladakh, which has seen tensions since April 2020 after the PLA carried out multiple transgressions.

In his address, Xi, who is also general secretary of the ruling Communist Party of China and the commander-in-chief of the PLA, spoke about how “in recent years, the area has been constantly changing” and how it had impacted the Chinese army, according to the video shown in the official media.

One of the soldiers replied that they were now carrying out “dynamic” and “24-hour” monitoring of the border. Xi then asked about their conditions and whether they were able to “receive fresh vegetables” in the inhospitable terrain.

According to the state media, Xi asked the border troops “about their border patrol and management work” and “hailed the soldiers as models of border defence and encouraged them to persist in their efforts and make new contributions.”

Eastern Ladakh has been one of the flashpoints of recent India-China tensions that erupted following the violent clash in the Pangong lake area.

So far, 17 rounds of high-level military talks have been held between the two countries and yet no significant breakthrough has been achieved in resolving the border issue.

India has repeatedly taken a tough stand, asserting that border instability and trade can’t go hand-in-hand, and has taken various measures to limit India’s reliability on Chinese goods.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Chinese President Xi Jinping recently held a rare video conversation with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) troops stationed on the Indian border near Eastern Ladakh and inspected their combat readiness.

Chinese President Xi Jinping recently held a rare video conversation with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) troops stationed on the Indian border near Eastern Ladakh and inspected their combat readiness. According to local state media, the event took place on January 18. The Chinese leader was at the PLA headquarters when he addressed the troops on the border defence situation in Khunjerab under the Xinjiang Military Command. The Xinjiang military command troops are involved in managing border areas along Eastern Ladakh, which has seen tensions since April 2020 after the PLA carried out multiple transgressions. In his address, Xi, who is also general secretary of the ruling Communist Party of China and the commander-in-chief of the PLA, spoke about how “in recent years, the area has been constantly changing” and how it had impacted the Chinese army, according to the video shown in the official media. One of the soldiers replied that they were now carrying out “dynamic” and “24-hour” monitoring of the border. Xi then asked about their conditions and whether they were able to “receive fresh vegetables” in the inhospitable terrain. According to the state media, Xi asked the border troops “about their border patrol and management work” and “hailed the soldiers as models of border defence and encouraged them to persist in their efforts and make new contributions.” Eastern Ladakh has been one of the flashpoints of recent India-China tensions that erupted following the violent clash in the Pangong lake area. So far, 17 rounds of high-level military talks have been held between the two countries and yet no significant breakthrough has been achieved in resolving the border issue. India has repeatedly taken a tough stand, asserting that border instability and trade can’t go hand-in-hand, and has taken various measures to limit India’s reliability on Chinese goods. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Xi Jinping addresses PLA troops stationed along India-China border

China's Xi Jinping went to the India-China border, where he interacted with the Chinese soldiers who are posted in the Eastern Ladakh via video conferencing. He inspected their combat readiness and also inquired about their living condition in the inhospitable terrain.

China: President Xi inspects troops' combat readiness, encourages them to make new contributions

China: Xi Jinping speaks to troops along India-China border, asks them about living conditions

Xi Jinping has made a rare admission that the outbreak of Wuhan Virus in China is 'violent & quick'. He has also admitted that e's worried about the situation in rural China. Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: 'The outbreak is violent' says Xi Jinping

Chinese billionaire Hui Ka Yan's wealth has diminished to $3 billion from $42 billion in 2017-2018, Bloomberg Billionaire Index showed. The chairman of the China Evergrande Group, once the second richest person in Asia, was known to be the bridge between the Chinese elite's world of business and the country’s political power centres.

The Bloomberg Billionaire Index further showed that China’s five richest property tycoons lost about $65 billion combined in the past two years.&nbsp;

Hui Ka Yan’s lost fortune has been attributed to China’s credit crunch that made the country's real estate business the biggest casualty amid the crisis stoked by COVID-19 pandemic and Beijing’s authoritarian restrictions that choked growth of businesses in the country.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-evergrande-chairman-yans-hong-kong-mansion-seized-by-ccb-over-dues-530971">China: Evergrande chairman Hui Ka Yan's Hong Kong mansion seized by CCB over dues</a>

In Evergrande group, Hui Ka Yan currently helms over one of China’s biggest and most indebted real estate developers. The company has over 800 projects in more than 280 cities in China and beyond but is struggling to repay $300 billion in liabilities.

Hui Ka Yan’s lost fortune: Ditched by the Communist Party elite?

Since 2008, Hui had been part of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) – the upper house of Chinese Communist Party’s Politburo – consisting of a 300-member elite group with government officials and business tycoons as its members.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-business-news-chinas-evergrande-loses-770-million-in-hong-kong-deal-531789">WION Business News | China's Evergrande loses $770 million in Hong Kong deal</a>

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CPPCC acts as an advisory body to the National People’s Congress (the legislature) in Beijing. But unlike the upper houses of traditional democracies (such as India's Rajya Sabha) they are known to function as nominal bodies, rarely turning down government bills. CPPCC’s annual convention, however, provides a small but confined space for debate within Beijing’s power centres. The group dwells upon everything from political and social issues to new laws and the nation’s growth.

Hui Ka Yan excluded from CPPCC&nbsp;

Hui was told to not attend CPPCC annual convention in March 2022.&nbsp;He has now been excluded from the latest list of the individuals who will form the CPPCC for the next five years. At least five other prominent real estate industrialists were excluded from the CPPCC listing, Bloomberg reported.&nbsp;

The new CPPCC members will meet in Beijing in March for the group’s 14th National Committee.&nbsp;

President Xi Jinping’s “common prosperity” drive to redistribute wealth has led to cracks in several industries. For the real estate sector, the imposition of a strict “three red lines” policy to reduce debt has furthered a crisis that’s affecting banks, trust firms and millions of homeowners.

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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Chinese billionaire Hui Ka Yan's wealth has diminished to $3 billion from $42 billion in 2017-2018, Bloomberg Billionaire Index showed. The chairman of the China Evergrande Group, once the second richest person in Asia, was known to be the bridge between the Chinese elite's world of business and the country’s political power centres.

Chinese billionaire Hui Ka Yan's wealth has diminished to $3 billion from $42 billion in 2017-2018, Bloomberg Billionaire Index showed. The chairman of the China Evergrande Group, once the second richest person in Asia, was known to be the bridge between the Chinese elite's world of business and the country’s political power centres. The Bloomberg Billionaire Index further showed that China’s five richest property tycoons lost about $65 billion combined in the past two years. Hui Ka Yan’s lost fortune has been attributed to China’s credit crunch that made the country's real estate business the biggest casualty amid the crisis stoked by COVID-19 pandemic and Beijing’s authoritarian restrictions that choked growth of businesses in the country. ALSO READ | China: Evergrande chairman Hui Ka Yan's Hong Kong mansion seized by CCB over dues In Evergrande group, Hui Ka Yan currently helms over one of China’s biggest and most indebted real estate developers. The company has over 800 projects in more than 280 cities in China and beyond but is struggling to repay $300 billion in liabilities. Hui Ka Yan’s lost fortune: Ditched by the Communist Party elite? Since 2008, Hui had been part of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) – the upper house of Chinese Communist Party’s Politburo – consisting of a 300-member elite group with government officials and business tycoons as its members. ALSO WATCH | WION Business News | China's Evergrande loses $770 million in Hong Kong deal × CPPCC acts as an advisory body to the National People’s Congress (the legislature) in Beijing. But unlike the upper houses of traditional democracies (such as India's Rajya Sabha) they are known to function as nominal bodies, rarely turning down government bills. CPPCC’s annual convention, however, provides a small but confined space for debate within Beijing’s power centres. The group dwells upon everything from political and social issues to new laws and the nation’s growth. Hui Ka Yan excluded from CPPCC Hui was told to not attend CPPCC annual convention in March 2022. He has now been excluded from the latest list of the individuals who will form the CPPCC for the next five years. At least five other prominent real estate industrialists were excluded from the CPPCC listing, Bloomberg reported. The new CPPCC members will meet in Beijing in March for the group’s 14th National Committee. President Xi Jinping’s “common prosperity” drive to redistribute wealth has led to cracks in several industries. For the real estate sector, the imposition of a strict “three red lines” policy to reduce debt has furthered a crisis that’s affecting banks, trust firms and millions of homeowners. 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.

Ditched by Communist Party, Chinese billionaire loses 93 per cent of his fortune

In recent days, it's been widely reported that China is struggling to contain its latest Covid-19 outbreak. In the latest, Chinese President Xi Jinping has also considered the same, as per state media reports, Xi said China's Covid-19 announcement control is still going through a time of stress. Nonetheless, he added that there is light ahead.

China: Covid containment still under stress but there is light ahead, says Xi Jinping

China's elderly are paying the price of Xi Jinping's disastrous Wuhan virus policies. As China runs out of medicines, oxygen, China's helpless senior citizens are committing suicide to escape the Wuhan Virus crisis. Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: Why are China's elderly committing suicide?

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday (December 31) addressed the nation and talked about the current coronavirus (COVID-19) situation in the country. In his New Year's eve address, Xi said that the "light of hope is right in front of us".&nbsp;China, where the first Covid case was reported in December 2019, is facing a tough situation with an explosion of positive cases after an abrupt lifting of long protracted restrictions.

In a televised address,&nbsp;Xi said, "Epidemic prevention and control is entering a new phase... Everyone is working resolutely, and the light of hope is right in front of us."&nbsp;

"At present, epidemic prevention and control is entering a new phase, it is still a time of struggle, everyone is persevering and working hard, and the dawn is ahead. Let's work harder, persistence means victory, and unity means victory," Xi added.&nbsp;

The Chinese president also called for more effort and unity among people as the country has changed its approach to tackling the Covid pandemic. Xi has also commented a couple of times since his government relaxed its strict zero-Covid policy regarding lockdowns and mass testing three weeks ago, but this is his first comment addressed to the public. On Monday, Xi called for measures to "effectively protect people's lives".&nbsp;

Meanwhile, World Health Organisation chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that the precautionary measures taken by several countries are "understandable".&nbsp;

He said, "In the absence of comprehensive information from China, it is understandable that countries around the world are acting in ways that they believe may protect their populations."&nbsp;

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Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday (December 31) addressed the nation and talked about the current coronavirus (COVID-19) situation in the country. In his New Year's eve address, Xi said that the "light of hope is right in front of us".

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday (December 31) addressed the nation and talked about the current coronavirus (COVID-19) situation in the country. In his New Year's eve address, Xi said that the "light of hope is right in front of us". China, where the first Covid case was reported in December 2019, is facing a tough situation with an explosion of positive cases after an abrupt lifting of long protracted restrictions. In a televised address, Xi said, "Epidemic prevention and control is entering a new phase... Everyone is working resolutely, and the light of hope is right in front of us." "At present, epidemic prevention and control is entering a new phase, it is still a time of struggle, everyone is persevering and working hard, and the dawn is ahead. Let's work harder, persistence means victory, and unity means victory," Xi added. The Chinese president also called for more effort and unity among people as the country has changed its approach to tackling the Covid pandemic. Xi has also commented a couple of times since his government relaxed its strict zero-Covid policy regarding lockdowns and mass testing three weeks ago, but this is his first comment addressed to the public. On Monday, Xi called for measures to "effectively protect people's lives". Meanwhile, World Health Organisation chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that the precautionary measures taken by several countries are "understandable". He said, "In the absence of comprehensive information from China, it is understandable that countries around the world are acting in ways that they believe may protect their populations." 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.

'Light of hope in front of us': Xi Jinping calls for more efforts, unity to tackle Covid in 2023

Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Friday (December 30) that the coronavirus strategy in the nation was "optimised" to protect the lives of citizens and minimise economic costs of the pandemic. China is currently reeling amid a sudden surge in positive Covid cases, with reports of multiple outbreaks across the country.&nbsp;

Xi's recent remarks are an extension of what he said earlier this week regarding the current Covid situation in China. While speaking for the first time on the recent rise in cases, the Chinese president had urged the authorities to take steps to "protect" lives.&nbsp;

Xinhua News Agency reported on Friday (December 30) that while listing his achievements of 2022, Xi said at an event, "We have optimised Covid control strategy based on time and situation in order to best protect people's lives and health, and minimise the impact on economic and social development."&nbsp;

In the report, Xi used terms like "Covid control strategy," instead of Covid zero policy. Earlier this month, China eased some of the hardline measures which led to a fresh wave of Covid cases.&nbsp;

To curb the spread of Covid virus, China had adopted a strict zero-Covid policy, and to some extent, the authorities were successful too. But the repercussions of lockdowns and restricted trade were massive on the nation's economy.&nbsp;

After a visible impact on the economy and public outrage after the deadly apartment fire in the country's far west, the authorities started relaxing some of the measures following protests.&nbsp;

But the Covid situation in China is continuing to worsen. Also, it is slightly difficult to get updates as the Chinese authorities informed that they have stopped publishing daily Covid figures.&nbsp;

As per the National Health Commission, the decision came into effect on December 25. The drastic step has baffled the experts as the NHC released Covid data for the last three years. But as per studies, around one million people could die over the next few months in China.&nbsp;

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Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Friday (December 30) that the coronavirus strategy in the nation was "optimised" to protect the lives of citizens and minimise economic costs of the pandemic.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Friday (December 30) that the coronavirus strategy in the nation was "optimised" to protect the lives of citizens and minimise economic costs of the pandemic. China is currently reeling amid a sudden surge in positive Covid cases, with reports of multiple outbreaks across the country. Xi's recent remarks are an extension of what he said earlier this week regarding the current Covid situation in China. While speaking for the first time on the recent rise in cases, the Chinese president had urged the authorities to take steps to "protect" lives. Xinhua News Agency reported on Friday (December 30) that while listing his achievements of 2022, Xi said at an event, "We have optimised Covid control strategy based on time and situation in order to best protect people's lives and health, and minimise the impact on economic and social development." In the report, Xi used terms like "Covid control strategy," instead of Covid zero policy. Earlier this month, China eased some of the hardline measures which led to a fresh wave of Covid cases. To curb the spread of Covid virus, China had adopted a strict zero-Covid policy, and to some extent, the authorities were successful too. But the repercussions of lockdowns and restricted trade were massive on the nation's economy. After a visible impact on the economy and public outrage after the deadly apartment fire in the country's far west, the authorities started relaxing some of the measures following protests. But the Covid situation in China is continuing to worsen. Also, it is slightly difficult to get updates as the Chinese authorities informed that they have stopped publishing daily Covid figures. As per the National Health Commission, the decision came into effect on December 25. The drastic step has baffled the experts as the NHC released Covid data for the last three years. But as per studies, around one million people could die over the next few months in China. 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 optimised ‘Covid control strategy’ to protect lives, minimise economic costs, says Xi Jinping

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday he was expecting Chinese President Xi Jinping to make a state visit to Russia in spring 2023 during video call meet.

Russian President Putin holds talks with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping via video call

2022: The Great Fall of China Covid-19 makes a comeback Failed Zero-COVID policy Unprecedented 'white paper' protests China-Taiwan tensions Massive economic slump How did it all go so wrong for Xi Jinping? Watch WION Wideangle at 8:30 PM IST

WION Wideangle | 2022: The great fall of China

Chinese President Xi Jinping's trusted aide Qin Gang has been appointed as the new foreign minister, reported state radio on Friday.&nbsp;56-year-old Qin, who is currently China's ambassador to the United States, will take the place of Wang Yi, who has been the country's foreign minister in the past decade.

Wang Yi, aged 69, got promoted in the Chinese Communist Party's politburo in October and will be playing a bigger role in the country's foreign policy.

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-slams-covid-curbs-on-chinese-travellers-as-discriminatory-547901">Beijing slams Covid curbs on Chinese travellers as 'discriminatory'</a>

Qin, who has been a rising star in China's foreign ministry, has held various positions in the past which include the position of the spokesperson of the ministry and positions in the Chinese embassy in Britain.

He served as chief protocol officer Xi between 2014 and 2018.

After his appointment as the foreign minister, Qin will come back to Beijing from Washington after serving as China's 11th ambassador to the United States for 17 months.

This week, an essay was published in the National Interest, an American bi-monthly magazine, in which Qin talked about the position of China on foreign policy and said that the relations between the US and China were not a zero-sum game.

WATCH| Gravitas: China sends infected flights to Milan, half of the passengers test positive

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Qin's appointment comes in the wake of countries imposing mandatory testing for people coming from China. Reacting to the imposition of test requirements in various countries, Chinese state media had earlier said that such steps were "discriminatory".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Chinese President Xi Jinping's trusted aide Qin Gang has been appointed as the new foreign minister, reported state radio on Friday. 56-year-old Qin, who is currently China's ambassador to the United States, will take the place of Wang Yi, who has been the country's foreign minister in the past decade.

Chinese President Xi Jinping's trusted aide Qin Gang has been appointed as the new foreign minister, reported state radio on Friday. 56-year-old Qin, who is currently China's ambassador to the United States, will take the place of Wang Yi, who has been the country's foreign minister in the past decade. Wang Yi, aged 69, got promoted in the Chinese Communist Party's politburo in October and will be playing a bigger role in the country's foreign policy. ALSO READ| Beijing slams Covid curbs on Chinese travellers as 'discriminatory' Qin, who has been a rising star in China's foreign ministry, has held various positions in the past which include the position of the spokesperson of the ministry and positions in the Chinese embassy in Britain. He served as chief protocol officer Xi between 2014 and 2018. After his appointment as the foreign minister, Qin will come back to Beijing from Washington after serving as China's 11th ambassador to the United States for 17 months. This week, an essay was published in the National Interest, an American bi-monthly magazine, in which Qin talked about the position of China on foreign policy and said that the relations between the US and China were not a zero-sum game. WATCH| Gravitas: China sends infected flights to Milan, half of the passengers test positive Qin's appointment comes in the wake of countries imposing mandatory testing for people coming from China. Reacting to the imposition of test requirements in various countries, Chinese state media had earlier said that such steps were "discriminatory". (With inputs from agencies)

Xi Jinping appoints his trusted aide Qin Gang as China's new foreign minister

'Crusade against corruption' tops the agenda of Chinese President Xi Jinping. The anti-corruption campaign has already caught 4.7 million officials in the country. The Communist party says that it will continue.

China's crackdown on corruption,10 Chinese counties under lens

Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping by video link on Friday, the Kremlin announced. Putin has been looking to strengthen his partnership with Xi over multiple issues like the war in Ukraine as well as trade relations between the two countries.

"It will be very important to exchange views on the most acute regional problems, which are both those that are closer to us, to Russia, and those that are closer to China," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday when asked about the upcoming talk between the two leaders.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/around-40-per-cent-of-kyiv-population-left-without-power-after-russian-strikes-547670">Around 40 per cent of Kyiv population left without power after Russian strikes</a>

"In the spirit of a real strategic partnership, our leaders will discuss these problems," Peskov added.

Since the beginning of the crisis in Ukraine, the United States and the European Union has imposed tough sanctions on Russia. While the Kremlin decided to stop oil and gas supply to Europe, China has emerged as a major importer of Russian oil. The trade between the two countries has gone up quite a bit in the recent times and China has even decided to not criticise Russia on the global stage.

WATCH |&nbsp;Rescuers clear up debris after Russian missiles target Kyiv

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Earlier this month, Russia and China conducted joint naval drill in response to the "aggressive posturing in the Asia-Pacific region” by the United States military. Both countries have routinely criticised the US for “interfering” in the politics of the region –when it comes to Ukraine and Taiwan.

In a bid to increase the oil exports to China, Putin inaugurated a gas field in eastern Siberia last week which will be able to meet the demands efficiently. On the other hand, the Kremlin has also decided that total oil production will go down by seven per cent following the oil price cap imposed by the EU.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping by video link on Friday, the Kremlin announced. Putin has been looking to strengthen his partnership with Xi over multiple issues like the war in Ukraine as well as trade relations between the two countries.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping by video link on Friday, the Kremlin announced. Putin has been looking to strengthen his partnership with Xi over multiple issues like the war in Ukraine as well as trade relations between the two countries. "It will be very important to exchange views on the most acute regional problems, which are both those that are closer to us, to Russia, and those that are closer to China," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday when asked about the upcoming talk between the two leaders. Also read | Around 40 per cent of Kyiv population left without power after Russian strikes "In the spirit of a real strategic partnership, our leaders will discuss these problems," Peskov added. Since the beginning of the crisis in Ukraine, the United States and the European Union has imposed tough sanctions on Russia. While the Kremlin decided to stop oil and gas supply to Europe, China has emerged as a major importer of Russian oil. The trade between the two countries has gone up quite a bit in the recent times and China has even decided to not criticise Russia on the global stage. WATCH | Rescuers clear up debris after Russian missiles target Kyiv Earlier this month, Russia and China conducted joint naval drill in response to the "aggressive posturing in the Asia-Pacific region” by the United States military. Both countries have routinely criticised the US for “interfering” in the politics of the region –when it comes to Ukraine and Taiwan. In a bid to increase the oil exports to China, Putin inaugurated a gas field in eastern Siberia last week which will be able to meet the demands efficiently. On the other hand, the Kremlin has also decided that total oil production will go down by seven per cent following the oil price cap imposed by the EU.

Putin and Xi to speak on multiple issues over video link on Friday, says Kremlin

From Chief Twit's reign to FIFA's desert breakout: The remarkable moments of 2022

Taiwan on Tuesday announced that it will extend mandatory military service from four months to one year, with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen emphatically pointing out in Taipei that 'peace with China will not fall from the sky'. The decision, while under deliberations for nearly two years, is seen to be triggered by the 'strike drills' that Beijing conducted in the sea and airspace around the self-governing island nation on over the weekend.

According to the experts that WION reached out to, China's aggressive military manoeuvres that intensified after the US House of Representatives speaker Nancy Pelosi's Taipei visit earlier this year, have pushed the island nation to be better prepared for any contingency.

Suyash Desai, Taiwan-based research scholar&nbsp;on China's military and foreign policy told WION that Beijing's&nbsp;aggression against Taiwan started in 2019 when it&nbsp;crossed the median line for the first time in 20 years.&nbsp;

"It was last crossed in 1999. Since September 2020, China started regular incursions in Taiwan's self-claimed Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) on a regular basis," Desai pointed out.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinas-xi-jinpings-unification-plan-with-taiwan-523858">China's Xi Jinping's unification plan with Taiwan</a>

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"The increase in the duration of conscription is not a surprise," Commodore R.S. Vasan (Retd.), Director General of Chennai Centre of China Studies think-tank told WION.

"The Chinese white paper on Taiwan leaves no doubt about the intentions of Xi Jinping who is determined to achieve something by the use of force that his predecessors could not attempt in the past," Commodore Vasan said.

He was referring to a white paper that China released in August 2022, just days after Pelosi's visit to the island nation. It sought to realise "China's complete reunification" as a "historic mission" of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

To deter China, expanded conscription 'first step'

Experts further add that Taiwan's expanded conscription by itself is insufficient to deal with the threat from China, and that&nbsp;"additional reforms as well as a&nbsp;greater acquisition of modern weaponry" will be required if Taipei is to stand against Beijing.

"The Taiwanese military&nbsp;also has a challenge on its hands to reform current training methods and its treatment of conscripts," Jabin T. Jacob, Associate Professor at the Department of International Relations and Governance Studies at Shiv Nadar University and Adjunct Research Fellow at New Delhi-based National Maritime Foundation, told WION.

"This (conscription) is just the first step if Taiwan wants to maintain the existing cross-strait deterrence," Suyash Desai told WION.&nbsp;

A December of challenges for Beijing

For Beijing, the conclusion of 2022 has been far from smooth.

It began with a collective uproar from people across China against stringent Covid controls that finally <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-covid-xi-administration-gradually-dismantles-zero-covid-policy-541962">forced</a> a remarkable climbdown on ‘zero Covid policy’ from one of the world's most authoritarian governments, and its leader, Xi Jinping.

Beijing’s challenges further expanded with the optics of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/several-indian-soldiers-injured-in-clashes-with-chinese-army-in-arunchal-pradesh-report-542383">pushback</a> by Indian troops against Chinese aggression along the Line of Actual Control in northeastern Arunachal Pradesh state’s Yangtse area.

In the final weeks of December 2022, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-hospitals-under-seige-as-covid-crisis-worsens-547075">visuals</a> of burdened hospitals against millions of reported Covid cases forced President Xi to come out and say that he will "never fail"&nbsp;the Chinese people.

On Christmas, the Eastern Theater Command of China's People's Liberation Army said it had carried out "joint combat readiness patrols and joint firepower strike drills" around Taiwan.

Experts have contrasting views if China's handling of its Covid crisis with the failure of 'zero Covid policy' is related to its aggression in the Taiwanese strait and along the Line of Actual Control with India earlier this month.&nbsp;

"The undisputed leader needs an excuse to unify the nation and the failed transgression in Yangtse has not worked out as planned and has resulted in the loss of face for Xi,"&nbsp;Commodore Vasan told WION.

"So the recent increase in (Taiwanese) cross-strait violations and show of force is to divert the people's attention (from the Covid crisis) by displaying an intent to accelerate the process of unification,"&nbsp;he added. &nbsp;

For Jabin T. Jacob,&nbsp;&nbsp;it is quite possible that China's recent aggressions are meant "to distract attention from its shambolic handling of the Covid situation".&nbsp;

"But it should also be understood that Chinese military plans along its borders and especially with respect to Taiwan are long-standing and such transgressions would have occurred sooner or later, with or without the Covid crisis in China right now," Jacob told WION.&nbsp;

Between LAC and South China Sea, a common Chinese tactical&nbsp;book in play

Suyash Desai points to&nbsp;the Science of Military Strategy,&nbsp;the guiding text for the Chinese military that aims to&nbsp;create a new normal in its favour by repeatedly indulging in incursion-based armed movements. Desai adds that Beijing has adopted this strategy both with India as well as in the South China Sea.&nbsp;&nbsp;"The only difference is that in case of India, they use&nbsp;border defence units and in case of the South China Sea, they use maritime militia."

"But the People's Republic of China&nbsp;uses the People's Liberation Army&nbsp;with Taiwan, which makes the dispute much more escalatory," Desai adds.

"So, I see the recently increased assertion as a continuation of the policy approach rather than compensation for bad optics from the current Covid crisis," he reasons.&nbsp;

Beijing's preparedness for western support for Taiwan

In one of the rarest public expressions of China's continued alignment with Russia since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi during a phone conversation with Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov in October 2022, said that Beijing is willing to deepen exchanges with Russia at all levels. Wang Yi said that China will help Russia to "overcome difficulties, eliminate disturbances, realise the strategic goals of development, and further establish Russia on the international stage."

Experts view that the organs of the Chinese Communist Party, with a "threadbare analysis" of the Russia-Ukraine war, would have also "factored the support of the West to Taiwan in the event of hostilities breaking out", according to Commodore Vasan, who also served as Regional Commander in the Indian Coast Guards (East) for about 1100 miles long coastline along the Bay of Bengal.&nbsp;

The sentiment was revelatory during Tuesday's press conference by Taiwan's President&nbsp;Tsai Ing-wen.&nbsp;China's "intimidation and threats against&nbsp;are getting more obvious", she said.&nbsp;

"We can only avoid a war by preparing for a war and we can only stop a war by being capable of fighting a war."

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Taiwan on Tuesday announced that it will extend mandatory military service from four months to one year, with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen emphatically pointing out in Taipei that 'peace with China will not fall from the sky'.

Taiwan on Tuesday announced that it will extend mandatory military service from four months to one year, with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen emphatically pointing out in Taipei that 'peace with China will not fall from the sky'. The decision, while under deliberations for nearly two years, is seen to be triggered by the 'strike drills' that Beijing conducted in the sea and airspace around the self-governing island nation on over the weekend. According to the experts that WION reached out to, China's aggressive military manoeuvres that intensified after the US House of Representatives speaker Nancy Pelosi's Taipei visit earlier this year, have pushed the island nation to be better prepared for any contingency. Suyash Desai, Taiwan-based research scholar on China's military and foreign policy told WION that Beijing's aggression against Taiwan started in 2019 when it crossed the median line for the first time in 20 years. "It was last crossed in 1999. Since September 2020, China started regular incursions in Taiwan's self-claimed Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) on a regular basis," Desai pointed out. WATCH | China's Xi Jinping's unification plan with Taiwan × "The increase in the duration of conscription is not a surprise," Commodore R.S. Vasan (Retd.), Director General of Chennai Centre of China Studies think-tank told WION. "The Chinese white paper on Taiwan leaves no doubt about the intentions of Xi Jinping who is determined to achieve something by the use of force that his predecessors could not attempt in the past," Commodore Vasan said. He was referring to a white paper that China released in August 2022, just days after Pelosi's visit to the island nation. It sought to realise "China's complete reunification" as a "historic mission" of the Communist Party of China (CPC). To deter China, expanded conscription 'first step' Experts further add that Taiwan's expanded conscription by itself is insufficient to deal with the threat from China, and that "additional reforms as well as a greater acquisition of modern weaponry" will be required if Taipei is to stand against Beijing. "The Taiwanese military also has a challenge on its hands to reform current training methods and its treatment of conscripts," Jabin T. Jacob, Associate Professor at the Department of International Relations and Governance Studies at Shiv Nadar University and Adjunct Research Fellow at New Delhi-based National Maritime Foundation, told WION. "This (conscription) is just the first step if Taiwan wants to maintain the existing cross-strait deterrence," Suyash Desai told WION. A December of challenges for Beijing For Beijing, the conclusion of 2022 has been far from smooth. It began with a collective uproar from people across China against stringent Covid controls that finally forced a remarkable climbdown on ‘zero Covid policy’ from one of the world's most authoritarian governments, and its leader, Xi Jinping. Beijing’s challenges further expanded with the optics of pushback by Indian troops against Chinese aggression along the Line of Actual Control in northeastern Arunachal Pradesh state’s Yangtse area. In the final weeks of December 2022, the visuals of burdened hospitals against millions of reported Covid cases forced President Xi to come out and say that he will "never fail" the Chinese people. On Christmas, the Eastern Theater Command of China's People's Liberation Army said it had carried out "joint combat readiness patrols and joint firepower strike drills" around Taiwan. Experts have contrasting views if China's handling of its Covid crisis with the failure of 'zero Covid policy' is related to its aggression in the Taiwanese strait and along the Line of Actual Control with India earlier this month. "The undisputed leader needs an excuse to unify the nation and the failed transgression in Yangtse has not worked out as planned and has resulted in the loss of face for Xi," Commodore Vasan told WION. "So the recent increase in (Taiwanese) cross-strait violations and show of force is to divert the people's attention (from the Covid crisis) by displaying an intent to accelerate the process of unification," he added. For Jabin T. Jacob, it is quite possible that China's recent aggressions are meant "to distract attention from its shambolic handling of the Covid situation". "But it should also be understood that Chinese military plans along its borders and especially with respect to Taiwan are long-standing and such transgressions would have occurred sooner or later, with or without the Covid crisis in China right now," Jacob told WION. Between LAC and South China Sea, a common Chinese tactical book in play Suyash Desai points to the Science of Military Strategy, the guiding text for the Chinese military that aims to create a new normal in its favour by repeatedly indulging in incursion-based armed movements. Desai adds that Beijing has adopted this strategy both with India as well as in the South China Sea. "The only difference is that in case of India, they use border defence units and in case of the South China Sea, they use maritime militia." "But the People's Republic of China uses the People's Liberation Army with Taiwan, which makes the dispute much more escalatory," Desai adds. "So, I see the recently increased assertion as a continuation of the policy approach rather than compensation for bad optics from the current Covid crisis," he reasons. Beijing's preparedness for western support for Taiwan In one of the rarest public expressions of China's continued alignment with Russia since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi during a phone conversation with Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov in October 2022, said that Beijing is willing to deepen exchanges with Russia at all levels. Wang Yi said that China will help Russia to "overcome difficulties, eliminate disturbances, realise the strategic goals of development, and further establish Russia on the international stage." Experts view that the organs of the Chinese Communist Party, with a "threadbare analysis" of the Russia-Ukraine war, would have also "factored the support of the West to Taiwan in the event of hostilities breaking out", according to Commodore Vasan, who also served as Regional Commander in the Indian Coast Guards (East) for about 1100 miles long coastline along the Bay of Bengal. The sentiment was revelatory during Tuesday's press conference by Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen. China's "intimidation and threats against are getting more obvious", she said. "We can only avoid a war by preparing for a war and we can only stop a war by being capable of fighting a war." 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.

Taiwan's extended conscription and 'loss of face' for Xi Jinping

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday (December 26) spoke for the first time about the current coronavirus (COVID-19) situation in the country. China is battling a fresh wave of Covid cases after the nation eased some of the hardline measures earlier this month.&nbsp;

In his directive, Xi urged healthcare officials to take steps to protect lives. His remarks come as reports emerged that people are struggling due to shortages of medicines, hospital&nbsp;beds, etc.&nbsp;

According to the Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, Xi said, "At present, Covid-19 prevention and control in China are facing a new situation and new tasks."&nbsp;

He added, "We should launch the patriotic health campaign in a more targeted way, fortify a community line of defence for epidemic prevention and control, and effectively protect people's lives, safety and health."&nbsp;

Watch this report:&nbsp;

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China, where the first known Covid case was reported in late 2019, adopted a strict zero-Covid policy to curb the spread of the virus. The precautionary measures did help the nation to remain mostly immune to the deadly virus, but the impact of lockdowns and restrictions was evident on the economy.&nbsp;

As per studies, around one million people could die over the next few months in China.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, as the situation continues to worsen, the Chinese authorities said that they will stop publishing daily Covid figures.&nbsp;

As per the National Health Commission, the decision came into effect on December 25. The drastic step has baffled the experts as the NHC released Covid data for the last three years.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday (December 26) spoke for the first time about the current coronavirus (COVID-19) situation in the country. China is battling a fresh wave of Covid cases after the nation eased some of the hardline measures earlier this month.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday (December 26) spoke for the first time about the current coronavirus (COVID-19) situation in the country. China is battling a fresh wave of Covid cases after the nation eased some of the hardline measures earlier this month. In his directive, Xi urged healthcare officials to take steps to protect lives. His remarks come as reports emerged that people are struggling due to shortages of medicines, hospital beds, etc. According to the Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, Xi said, "At present, Covid-19 prevention and control in China are facing a new situation and new tasks." He added, "We should launch the patriotic health campaign in a more targeted way, fortify a community line of defence for epidemic prevention and control, and effectively protect people's lives, safety and health." Watch this report: × China, where the first known Covid case was reported in late 2019, adopted a strict zero-Covid policy to curb the spread of the virus. The precautionary measures did help the nation to remain mostly immune to the deadly virus, but the impact of lockdowns and restrictions was evident on the economy. As per studies, around one million people could die over the next few months in China. Meanwhile, as the situation continues to worsen, the Chinese authorities said that they will stop publishing daily Covid figures. As per the National Health Commission, the decision came into effect on December 25. The drastic step has baffled the experts as the NHC released Covid data for the last three years. (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.

COVID-19: Xi Jinping finally speaks as China faces 'new situation', urges steps to 'protect' lives

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The Communist Party of China may have softened its zero Covid approach when it comes to restrictions across the country but the politicians continue to emphasise that the decisions taken by President Xi Jinping were completely correct and they will “stand the test of history”.

China was forced to go back on most of its tough COVID-19 restrictions following protests in different parts of the country and the resultant pressure from outside countries to not use force in reply.

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The People’s Daily newspaper – the mouthpiece of the Communist Party – had a lengthy defence of the government strategies on its first page and even asked the citizens to keep their trust in the government. It also pointed out the strategies “won precious time” in controlling the infections.

“After three years of efforts, we have the conditions, mechanisms, systems, teams and medicine to lay the foundation for an all-round victory in the fight against the epidemic,” the article said.

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The government had earlier launched massive attempts at controlling the narrative on social media with special focus on comments posted by users on platforms like WeChat and Weibo.&nbsp; The article also spoke about the “misinformation” and “disinformation” on social media and said that the abrupt shift in the Covid policy has made it difficult for the country to find proper footing.

“With the weakening of the pathogenicity of Omicron variant, widespread vaccination, and the accumulation of experience in prevention and control, we have formulated 20 optimization measures and 10 new optimization measures in a timely manner to minimize the impact of the epidemic on socioeconomic development,” the article explained according to Bloomberg.

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The Communist Party of China may have softened its zero Covid approach when it comes to restrictions across the country but the politicians continue to emphasise that the decisions taken by President Xi Jinping were completely correct and they will “stand the test of history”.

The Communist Party of China may have softened its zero Covid approach when it comes to restrictions across the country but the politicians continue to emphasise that the decisions taken by President Xi Jinping were completely correct and they will “stand the test of history”. China was forced to go back on most of its tough COVID-19 restrictions following protests in different parts of the country and the resultant pressure from outside countries to not use force in reply. Also read | Russians look beyond sanctions with shift in trade and energy flows The People’s Daily newspaper – the mouthpiece of the Communist Party – had a lengthy defence of the government strategies on its first page and even asked the citizens to keep their trust in the government. It also pointed out the strategies “won precious time” in controlling the infections. “After three years of efforts, we have the conditions, mechanisms, systems, teams and medicine to lay the foundation for an all-round victory in the fight against the epidemic,” the article said. Also read | Vietnam carries out major expansion in South China Sea, says US think tank The government had earlier launched massive attempts at controlling the narrative on social media with special focus on comments posted by users on platforms like WeChat and Weibo. The article also spoke about the “misinformation” and “disinformation” on social media and said that the abrupt shift in the Covid policy has made it difficult for the country to find proper footing. “With the weakening of the pathogenicity of Omicron variant, widespread vaccination, and the accumulation of experience in prevention and control, we have formulated 20 optimization measures and 10 new optimization measures in a timely manner to minimize the impact of the epidemic on socioeconomic development,” the article explained according to Bloomberg.

'Xi Jinping was right': Chinese politicians and media justify tough Covid rules

Is Xi Jinping provoking India out of insecurity? He's facing domestic turmoil at home & unprecedented criticism on the world stage. Is he using the provocations as a distraction? Here's what @mollygambhir has to say.

Gravitas: Is Xi Jinping provoking India out of insecurity?

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