For several months now since November, the leaders of the west, Russia, and indeed the United States have been engaged in an escalating war of words. The political shadow boxing has been over a possible Russian incursion into Ukraine, in the aftermath of Russia having amassed almost over a hundred thousand troops along the borders with eastern Ukraine.

West sends weapons to Ukraine as tensions escalate with Russia

President Vladimir Putin hailed the relationship between China and Russia as he met with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping ahead of the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022.

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets Chinese President Xi Jinping amid Ukraine crisis

Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis, Russian President Vladimir Putin is in China attending the Beijing Winter Olympics. Will the crisis and war tensions overshadow the games completely? Watch the report.

Ukraine crisis overshadows the Beijing Winter Olympics

Russian President Putin & Chinese President Xi Jinping project united front against the West

In pictures - Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 opening ceremony

China and Russia put up a united front as Ukraine war threat hangs over the 2022 Beijing Winter Games opening. Will Vladimir Putin burst Xi Jinping's Olympic dream? Palki Sharma brings you more perspective from Kyiv.

Ukraine war threat hangs over the Beijing winter games opening

Putin-Xi Meet in Beijing: Russian President hails close ties with China

Russian President Putin is currently meeting his Chinese counterpart president Xi Jinping. President Putin has arrived in Beijing as he will attend winter Olympics opening ceremony apart from this Russia and China will also discuss greater gas and financial cooperation.

Russian President Putin meets his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping ahead of Beijing winter Olympics

Russian President Vladimir Putin is going to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics. He is also going to meet with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

Beijing Winter Olympics: Russian President Putin to meet with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping

Chinese President Xi Jinping will chair a virtual summit commemorating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Central Asian countries on Tuesday.

President Xi to chair virtual summit commemorating 30th anniversary of China-Central Asia ties

Beijing is forcing citizens who fled overseas to return to China. A report published by a human rights NGO has detailed how China relied on coercion and kidnapping to force nearly 10,000 'fugitives' to return. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: How Xi Jinping forced 10,000 'fugitives' to return to China

Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, was caught on camera criticising Chinese President Xi Jinping.

He was approached by a Pakistani student about China's travel ban.

A Pakistani student asked why individuals from Malaysia were allowed to return to China but Pakistanis were not, "Permitted to return to China?"&nbsp;

Qureshi replied that "even Xi Jinping doesn't go anywhere."

Xi has not left China in last 24 months — and counting.

Pakistan citizens have been barred from entering China since 2020.&nbsp;

Pakistani students are the ones who are suffering the most as a result of this decision.

Around 28,000 Pakistani students are enrolled in Chinese universities.&nbsp; 
 
Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-pakistans-fm-caught-mocking-xi-jinping-446040/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Despite claims from multiple sources that re-entry is imminent, no formal direction has been issued to allow students to return.&nbsp;

Pakistani students fear that if they are unable to return to China, their Chinese education will be rendered useless.

Foreign medical qualifications obtained without on-the-job training will not be recognised in Pakistan, angering medical students who have been affected by the circumstance.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, was caught on camera criticising Chinese President Xi Jinping. He was approached by a Pakistani student about China's travel ban.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, was caught on camera criticising Chinese President Xi Jinping. He was approached by a Pakistani student about China's travel ban. A Pakistani student asked why individuals from Malaysia were allowed to return to China but Pakistanis were not, "Permitted to return to China?" Qureshi replied that "even Xi Jinping doesn't go anywhere." Xi has not left China in last 24 months — and counting. Pakistan citizens have been barred from entering China since 2020. Pakistani students are the ones who are suffering the most as a result of this decision. Around 28,000 Pakistani students are enrolled in Chinese universities. Watch: Despite claims from multiple sources that re-entry is imminent, no formal direction has been issued to allow students to return. Pakistani students fear that if they are unable to return to China, their Chinese education will be rendered useless. Foreign medical qualifications obtained without on-the-job training will not be recognised in Pakistan, angering medical students who have been affected by the circumstance. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Pakistan's Foreign Minister caught on tape mocking Xi Jinping 

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has been caught on tape mocking Chinese President Xi Jinping. A Pakistani student confronted him over China's travel ban. Qureshi told him 'Even Xi Jinping doesn't go anywhere'. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Pakistan's FM caught mocking Xi Jinping

Speaking at the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Davos Agenda, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasised the need to overcome all obstacles. "We must do everything that is necessary to clear the shadow of the pandemic and boost economic and social recovery and development," he said.

The weeklong virtual event which started today will feature heads of state and government, CEOs and other leaders.&nbsp;

"How to beat the pandemic and how to build the post-Covid world? These are major issues of common concern," he highlighted.&nbsp;

“As the momentum of the world is either progress or regresses, without contradiction nothing will exist. We need to learn from long history cycles and foster new opportunities. But first, we need to embrace cooperation and jointly defeat the pandemic,” Xi said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-xi-warns-global-confrontation-invites-catastrophic-consequences-at-davos-2022-445372">Also read |&nbsp;Live: Xi warns global confrontation 'invites catastrophic consequences' at Davos 2022</a>

Xi also spoke about a massive surge in global inflation. He said that there is a need to keep the industrial supply chain smooth. "For that, we should make the generally acceptable rules for digital economy," he highlighted.&nbsp;

Several heads of state will address the event including Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, &nbsp;and EU Commission's chief Ursua von der Leyen.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also deliver a special address via video conferencing.

As the Davos Agenda 2022 is bringing world leaders together, PM Modi will deliver the 'State of the World' address, which is scheduled at 8:30pm IST.&nbsp;

As per the WEF website, the event will also mark the launch of several forum initiatives. This includes efforts to accelerate the race to net-zero emissions.&nbsp;

Speaking at the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Davos Agenda, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasised the need to overcome all obstacles. "We must do everything that is necessary to clear the shadow of the pandemic and boost economic and social recovery and development," he said.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Davos Agenda, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasised the need to overcome all obstacles. "We must do everything that is necessary to clear the shadow of the pandemic and boost economic and social recovery and development," he said. The weeklong virtual event which started today will feature heads of state and government, CEOs and other leaders. "How to beat the pandemic and how to build the post-Covid world? These are major issues of common concern," he highlighted. “As the momentum of the world is either progress or regresses, without contradiction nothing will exist. We need to learn from long history cycles and foster new opportunities. But first, we need to embrace cooperation and jointly defeat the pandemic,” Xi said. Also read | Live: Xi warns global confrontation 'invites catastrophic consequences' at Davos 2022 Xi also spoke about a massive surge in global inflation. He said that there is a need to keep the industrial supply chain smooth. "For that, we should make the generally acceptable rules for digital economy," he highlighted. Several heads of state will address the event including Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, and EU Commission's chief Ursua von der Leyen. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also deliver a special address via video conferencing. As the Davos Agenda 2022 is bringing world leaders together, PM Modi will deliver the 'State of the World' address, which is scheduled at 8:30pm IST. As per the WEF website, the event will also mark the launch of several forum initiatives. This includes efforts to accelerate the race to net-zero emissions.

World Economic Forum: Xi highlights the need of 'fostering new opportunities' at Davos 2022

Construction and property sales have slumped. Small businesses have shut because of rising costs and weak sales. Debt-laden local governments are cutting the pay of civil servants.

China’s economy slowed markedly in the final months of last year as government measures to limit real estate speculation hurt other sectors as well. Lockdowns and travel restrictions to contain the coronavirus also dented consumer spending. Stringent regulations on everything from internet businesses to after-school tutoring companies have set off a wave of layoffs.

China’s National Bureau of Statistics said Monday that economic output from October through December was only 4% higher than during the same period a year earlier. That represented a further deceleration from the 4.9% growth in the third quarter, July through September.

The world’s demand for consumer electronics, furniture and other home comforts during the pandemic has produced record-setting exports for China, preventing its growth from stalling. Over all of last year, China’s economic output was 8.1% higher than in 2020, the government said. But much of the growth was in the first half of last year.

The snapshot of China’s economy, the main locomotive of global growth in the past few years, adds to expectations that the broader world economic outlook is beginning to dim. Making matters worse, the omicron variant of the coronavirus is now starting to spread in China, leading to more restrictions around the country and raising fears of renewed disruption of supply chains.

The slowing economy poses a quandary for China’s leaders. The measures they have imposed to address income inequality and rein in companies are part of a long-term plan to protect the economy and national security. But officials are wary of causing short-term economic instability, particularly in a year of unusual political importance.

Next month, China hosts the Winter Olympics in Beijing, which will focus an international spotlight on the country’s performance. In the fall, Xi Jinping, China’s leader, is expected to claim a third five-year term at a Communist Party congress.

With growth in his country slowing, demand slackening and debt still at near-record levels, Xi could face some of the biggest economic challenges since Deng Xiaoping began lifting the country out of its Maoist straitjacket four decades ago.

“I’m afraid that the operation and development of China’s economy in the next several years may be relatively difficult,” Li Daokui, a prominent economist and Chinese government adviser, said in a speech late last month. “Looking at the five years as a whole, it may be the most difficult period since our reform and opening up 40 years ago.”

China also faces the problem of rapid aging, which could create an even greater burden on China’s economy and its labor force. The National Bureau of Statistics said Monday that China’s birthrate fell sharply last year and is now barely higher than the death rate.

Private Sector Struggles

As costs for many raw materials have risen and the pandemic has prompted some consumers to stay home, millions of private businesses have crumbled, most of them small and family owned.

That is a big concern because private companies are the backbone of the Chinese economy, accounting for three-fifths of output and four-fifths of urban employment.

Kang Shiqing invested much of his savings nearly three years ago to open a women’s clothing store in Nanping, a river town in southeastern China’s Fujian province. But when the pandemic hit a year later, the number of customers dropped drastically and never recovered.

As in many countries, there has been a broad shift in China toward online shopping, which can undercut stores by using less labor and operating from inexpensive warehouses. Kang was stuck paying high rent for his store despite the pandemic. He finally closed it in June.

“We can hardly survive,” he said.

Another persistent difficulty for small businesses in China is the high cost of borrowing, often at double-digit interest rates from private lenders.

Chinese leaders are aware of the challenges private companies face. Premier Li Keqiang has promised further cuts in taxes and fees to help the country’s many struggling small businesses.

On Monday, China’s central bank made a small move to reduce interest rates, which could help reduce slightly the interest costs of the country’s heavily indebted real estate developers. The central bank pushed down by about a tenth of a percentage point its interest rate bench marks for one-week and one-year lending.

Construction Stalls

The building and fitting out of new homes has represented one-quarter of China’s economy. Heavy lending and widespread speculation have helped China erect the equivalent of 140 square feet of new housing for every urban resident in the past two decades.

This autumn, the sector faltered. The government wants to limit speculation and deflate a bubble that had made new homes unaffordable for young families.

China Evergrande Group is only the largest and most visible of a lengthening list of real estate developers in China that have run into severe financial difficulty lately. Kaisa Group, China Aoyuan Property Group and Fantasia are among other developers that have struggled to make payments as bond investors become more wary of lending money to China’s real estate sector.

As real estate companies try to conserve cash, they are starting fewer construction projects. And that has been a big problem for the economy. The price of steel reinforcing bars for the concrete in apartment towers, for example, dropped by one-quarter in October and November before stabilizing at a much lower level in December.

The decline in home prices in smaller cities has hurt the value of people’s assets, which in turn made them less willing to spend. Even in Shanghai and Beijing, apartment prices are no longer surging.

There have been faint hints of renewed government support for the real estate sector in recent weeks, but no sign of a return to lavish lending by state-controlled banks.

The financial distress of Evergrande “is a signal that money will be pushed from real estate to the stock market,” said Hu Jinghui, an economist who is the former chair of the China Alliance of Real Estate Agencies, a national trade group. “The policies can be loosened, but there can be no return to the past.”

Local Governments Feel the Pinch

The slowdown in the housing market has also hurt local governments, which rely on land sales as a key source of revenue.

The International Monetary Fund estimates that government land sales each year have been raising money equal to 7% of the country’s annual economic output. But in recent months, developers have curtailed land purchases.

Starved of revenue, some local governments have halted hiring and cut bonuses and benefits for civil servants, prompting widespread complaints on social media.

In Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province, a civil servant’s complaint of a 25% cut in her pay spread quickly on the internet. The municipal government did not respond to a fax requesting comment. In northern Heilongjiang province, the city of Hegang announced that it would not hire any more “low-level” workers. City officials deleted the announcement from the government’s website after it drew public attention.

Some governments have also raised fees on businesses to try to make up for the shortfall.

Bazhou, a city in Hebei province, collected 11 times as much money in fines on small businesses from October through December as it did in the first nine months of last year. Beijing criticized the city for undermining a national effort to reduce the cost of doing business.

Pockets of Strength in Exports

Strong overseas demand for China’s exports, particularly consumer goods, spurred a national wave of new factory investments, up 13.5% last year from 2020.

Some areas of consumer spending have been fairly robust, notably the luxury sector, with sports cars and jewelry selling well. Retail sales rebounded 12.5% last year compared to pandemic-depressed levels in 2020. But retail sales fell in December compared to November, as coronavirus restrictions kept some shoppers at home.

Some areas of consumer spending have been fairly robust, notably the luxury sector, with sports cars and jewelry selling well.

Few anticipate that the government will allow a severe economic downturn this year, before the Communist Party congress. Economists expect the government to soften its restrictions on lending and step up government spending.

“The first half of the year will be challenging,” said Zhu Ning, deputy dean of the Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance. “But then the second half will see a rebound.”

Construction and property sales have slumped. Small businesses have shut because of rising costs and weak sales. Debt-laden local governments are cutting the pay of civil servants.

Construction and property sales have slumped. Small businesses have shut because of rising costs and weak sales. Debt-laden local governments are cutting the pay of civil servants. China’s economy slowed markedly in the final months of last year as government measures to limit real estate speculation hurt other sectors as well. Lockdowns and travel restrictions to contain the coronavirus also dented consumer spending. Stringent regulations on everything from internet businesses to after-school tutoring companies have set off a wave of layoffs. China’s National Bureau of Statistics said Monday that economic output from October through December was only 4% higher than during the same period a year earlier. That represented a further deceleration from the 4.9% growth in the third quarter, July through September. The world’s demand for consumer electronics, furniture and other home comforts during the pandemic has produced record-setting exports for China, preventing its growth from stalling. Over all of last year, China’s economic output was 8.1% higher than in 2020, the government said. But much of the growth was in the first half of last year. The snapshot of China’s economy, the main locomotive of global growth in the past few years, adds to expectations that the broader world economic outlook is beginning to dim. Making matters worse, the omicron variant of the coronavirus is now starting to spread in China, leading to more restrictions around the country and raising fears of renewed disruption of supply chains. The slowing economy poses a quandary for China’s leaders. The measures they have imposed to address income inequality and rein in companies are part of a long-term plan to protect the economy and national security. But officials are wary of causing short-term economic instability, particularly in a year of unusual political importance. Next month, China hosts the Winter Olympics in Beijing, which will focus an international spotlight on the country’s performance. In the fall, Xi Jinping, China’s leader, is expected to claim a third five-year term at a Communist Party congress. With growth in his country slowing, demand slackening and debt still at near-record levels, Xi could face some of the biggest economic challenges since Deng Xiaoping began lifting the country out of its Maoist straitjacket four decades ago. “I’m afraid that the operation and development of China’s economy in the next several years may be relatively difficult,” Li Daokui, a prominent economist and Chinese government adviser, said in a speech late last month. “Looking at the five years as a whole, it may be the most difficult period since our reform and opening up 40 years ago.” China also faces the problem of rapid aging, which could create an even greater burden on China’s economy and its labor force. The National Bureau of Statistics said Monday that China’s birthrate fell sharply last year and is now barely higher than the death rate. Private Sector Struggles As costs for many raw materials have risen and the pandemic has prompted some consumers to stay home, millions of private businesses have crumbled, most of them small and family owned. That is a big concern because private companies are the backbone of the Chinese economy, accounting for three-fifths of output and four-fifths of urban employment. Kang Shiqing invested much of his savings nearly three years ago to open a women’s clothing store in Nanping, a river town in southeastern China’s Fujian province. But when the pandemic hit a year later, the number of customers dropped drastically and never recovered. As in many countries, there has been a broad shift in China toward online shopping, which can undercut stores by using less labor and operating from inexpensive warehouses. Kang was stuck paying high rent for his store despite the pandemic. He finally closed it in June. “We can hardly survive,” he said. Another persistent difficulty for small businesses in China is the high cost of borrowing, often at double-digit interest rates from private lenders. Chinese leaders are aware of the challenges private companies face. Premier Li Keqiang has promised further cuts in taxes and fees to help the country’s many struggling small businesses. On Monday, China’s central bank made a small move to reduce interest rates, which could help reduce slightly the interest costs of the country’s heavily indebted real estate developers. The central bank pushed down by about a tenth of a percentage point its interest rate bench marks for one-week and one-year lending. Construction Stalls The building and fitting out of new homes has represented one-quarter of China’s economy. Heavy lending and widespread speculation have helped China erect the equivalent of 140 square feet of new housing for every urban resident in the past two decades. This autumn, the sector faltered. The government wants to limit speculation and deflate a bubble that had made new homes unaffordable for young families. China Evergrande Group is only the largest and most visible of a lengthening list of real estate developers in China that have run into severe financial difficulty lately. Kaisa Group, China Aoyuan Property Group and Fantasia are among other developers that have struggled to make payments as bond investors become more wary of lending money to China’s real estate sector. As real estate companies try to conserve cash, they are starting fewer construction projects. And that has been a big problem for the economy. The price of steel reinforcing bars for the concrete in apartment towers, for example, dropped by one-quarter in October and November before stabilizing at a much lower level in December. The decline in home prices in smaller cities has hurt the value of people’s assets, which in turn made them less willing to spend. Even in Shanghai and Beijing, apartment prices are no longer surging. There have been faint hints of renewed government support for the real estate sector in recent weeks, but no sign of a return to lavish lending by state-controlled banks. The financial distress of Evergrande “is a signal that money will be pushed from real estate to the stock market,” said Hu Jinghui, an economist who is the former chair of the China Alliance of Real Estate Agencies, a national trade group. “The policies can be loosened, but there can be no return to the past.” Local Governments Feel the Pinch The slowdown in the housing market has also hurt local governments, which rely on land sales as a key source of revenue. The International Monetary Fund estimates that government land sales each year have been raising money equal to 7% of the country’s annual economic output. But in recent months, developers have curtailed land purchases. Starved of revenue, some local governments have halted hiring and cut bonuses and benefits for civil servants, prompting widespread complaints on social media. In Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province, a civil servant’s complaint of a 25% cut in her pay spread quickly on the internet. The municipal government did not respond to a fax requesting comment. In northern Heilongjiang province, the city of Hegang announced that it would not hire any more “low-level” workers. City officials deleted the announcement from the government’s website after it drew public attention. Some governments have also raised fees on businesses to try to make up for the shortfall. Bazhou, a city in Hebei province, collected 11 times as much money in fines on small businesses from October through December as it did in the first nine months of last year. Beijing criticized the city for undermining a national effort to reduce the cost of doing business. Pockets of Strength in Exports Strong overseas demand for China’s exports, particularly consumer goods, spurred a national wave of new factory investments, up 13.5% last year from 2020. Some areas of consumer spending have been fairly robust, notably the luxury sector, with sports cars and jewelry selling well. Retail sales rebounded 12.5% last year compared to pandemic-depressed levels in 2020. But retail sales fell in December compared to November, as coronavirus restrictions kept some shoppers at home. Some areas of consumer spending have been fairly robust, notably the luxury sector, with sports cars and jewelry selling well. Few anticipate that the government will allow a severe economic downturn this year, before the Communist Party congress. Economists expect the government to soften its restrictions on lending and step up government spending. “The first half of the year will be challenging,” said Zhu Ning, deputy dean of the Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance. “But then the second half will see a rebound.”

China's economy slowed late last year on real estate troubles

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday called for a shift of focus in on key areas in an essay in the ruling Communist Party's publication Qiushi.

He wants the country to concentrate on integrated circuits, displays, communications equipment and intelligent hardware.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-decoding-chinas-crackdown-on-everything-438842/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"China should cultivate a number of enterprises with international competitiveness, and leading ecological firms with control over industrial chains, to create world-class digital industry clusters," he said.

"We must see that compared with large and powerful countries in the global digital economy, China's digital economy is big but not strong, and fast but not superior."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-education-to-bitcoin-chinas-season-of-regulatory-crackdown-401448">Also see |&nbsp;From education to bitcoin, China's season of regulatory crackdown</a>

"In the course of rapid development, China's digital economy has also displayed some unhealthy and irregular seeds and trends that not only affect the healthy development of the digital economy, but violate laws and regulations and pose a threat to national economic and financial security," he said.

Aiming to increase the sector's share of national GDP by pushing technologies like 6G and big data centres, China's cabinet had issued a plan on Wednesday for the development of the digital economy.

Chinese regulators have cracked down on technology companies, seeking to curb their influence and address complaints that some companies misuse data and engage in other tactics that hurt consumers’ interests.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-longer-be-accessible-yahoo-pulls-out-of-china-amid-tech-crackdown-426154">Also read |&nbsp;'No longer be accessible': Yahoo pulls out of China amid tech crackdown</a>

Foreign technology firms have been pulling out or downsizing their operations in mainland China as a strict data privacy law specifying how companies collect and store data takes effect.

The downsizing and departures also come as US and China tussle over technology and trade. Washington has imposed restrictions on telecoms equipment giant Huawei and other Chinese tech companies, alleging they have ties with China’s military and government.

Chinese alternatives have popped up over the years to fill the void left by foreign social media platforms that have given up operating under the Great Firewall.

Instead of Google, China’s most popular search engine is Baidu. Messaging apps like WeChat are used instead of WhatsApp or Messenger. Weibo, a microblogging platform, is the closest equivalent to Twitter, with more than 560 million Chinese users.

Unless they use a virtual private network (VPN) to mask their internet traffic and location and circumvent the web restrictions Chinese have fewer options for social networking and access to content and are likely to turn to strictly censored local alternatives.

 
(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday called for a shift of focus in on key areas in an essay in the ruling Communist Party's publication Qiushi. He wants the country to concentrate on integrated circuits, displays, communications equipment and intelligent hardware.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday called for a shift of focus in on key areas in an essay in the ruling Communist Party's publication Qiushi. He wants the country to concentrate on integrated circuits, displays, communications equipment and intelligent hardware. "China should cultivate a number of enterprises with international competitiveness, and leading ecological firms with control over industrial chains, to create world-class digital industry clusters," he said. "We must see that compared with large and powerful countries in the global digital economy, China's digital economy is big but not strong, and fast but not superior." Also see | From education to bitcoin, China's season of regulatory crackdown "In the course of rapid development, China's digital economy has also displayed some unhealthy and irregular seeds and trends that not only affect the healthy development of the digital economy, but violate laws and regulations and pose a threat to national economic and financial security," he said. Aiming to increase the sector's share of national GDP by pushing technologies like 6G and big data centres, China's cabinet had issued a plan on Wednesday for the development of the digital economy. Chinese regulators have cracked down on technology companies, seeking to curb their influence and address complaints that some companies misuse data and engage in other tactics that hurt consumers’ interests. Also read | 'No longer be accessible': Yahoo pulls out of China amid tech crackdown Foreign technology firms have been pulling out or downsizing their operations in mainland China as a strict data privacy law specifying how companies collect and store data takes effect. The downsizing and departures also come as US and China tussle over technology and trade. Washington has imposed restrictions on telecoms equipment giant Huawei and other Chinese tech companies, alleging they have ties with China’s military and government. Chinese alternatives have popped up over the years to fill the void left by foreign social media platforms that have given up operating under the Great Firewall. Instead of Google, China’s most popular search engine is Baidu. Messaging apps like WeChat are used instead of WhatsApp or Messenger. Weibo, a microblogging platform, is the closest equivalent to Twitter, with more than 560 million Chinese users. Unless they use a virtual private network (VPN) to mask their internet traffic and location and circumvent the web restrictions Chinese have fewer options for social networking and access to content and are likely to turn to strictly censored local alternatives. (With inputs from agencies)

From integrated circuits to intelligent hardware: Xi Jinping calls for shift in China's focus

China has been using different tactics at the border areas over the years. From aerial incursions into Taiwan’s defence zone to unfurling flag at Galwan valley, China’s aggressive approach continues in border and territorial issues. All of this comes at a time when Xi Jinping led government rolled out a new ‘border law’. China’s National People’s Congress passed the law last year which said that PLA shall take measures to strengthen the border defence, support economic and social development in border areas. Among other things, the law allows PLA to work closely with civilians living near the border. The law can affect the neighbouring countries of China. It is suspected that China may have stalled negotiations with India over the LAC standoff for the border law to be implemented. China shares nearly 22,000 km border land with 14 other countries. China is yet to finalise border agreements with India and Bhutan.

Explained: China’s border law & how India, other neighboring countries are affected

Former paramilitary chief of the Xinjiang Peng Jingtang will lead Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in Hong Kong.

Citing PLA's spokesman, state broadcaster CCTV reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping has signed the order of Peng's appointment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-hong-kong-begins-voting-on-chinas-blueprint-locals-skip-undemocratic-process-438096">Also read |&nbsp;As Hong Kong begins voting on China's blueprint, locals skip 'undemocratic' process</a>

Peng has vowed to resolutely defend national sovereignty and security interests, follow the command of the ruling Communist Party and Xi Jinping.

Peng will replace Chen Daoxiang, who is reaching the age of retirement. PLA soldiers have become more visible in Hong Kong under Chen's leadership. They cleared debris following a clash between demonstrators and police during the 2019 protests.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-court-grants-bail-to-activist-charged-under-security-law-media-393112">Also read |&nbsp;Hong Kong court grants bail to activist charged under security law: Media</a>

Peng was previously the deputy chief of staff of China's paramilitary police force, the People's Armed Police.&nbsp;

He had also served as the chief of staff of the Armed Police Force in Xinjiang. Currently, he holds the rank of major general.

China has been accused by Washington of genocide in Xinjiang, a far-western region where human rights campaigners say authorities have detained vast numbers of Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in camps and are stamping out their culture.

After passing the Hong Kong national security law, Beijing has been trying to remould the business hub in its own authoritarian image.

The PLA maintains a garrison in Hong Kong, but its activities are largely low-profile.

Under the city's mini-constitution, Hong Kong has its own police force but China has maintained military barracks there since the 1997 handover when colonial Britain's own forces left. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Former paramilitary chief of the Xinjiang Peng Jingtang will lead Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in Hong Kong. Citing PLA's spokesman, state broadcaster CCTV reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping has signed the order of Peng's appointment.

Former paramilitary chief of the Xinjiang Peng Jingtang will lead Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in Hong Kong. Citing PLA's spokesman, state broadcaster CCTV reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping has signed the order of Peng's appointment. Also read | As Hong Kong begins voting on China's blueprint, locals skip 'undemocratic' process Peng has vowed to resolutely defend national sovereignty and security interests, follow the command of the ruling Communist Party and Xi Jinping. Peng will replace Chen Daoxiang, who is reaching the age of retirement. PLA soldiers have become more visible in Hong Kong under Chen's leadership. They cleared debris following a clash between demonstrators and police during the 2019 protests. Also read | Hong Kong court grants bail to activist charged under security law: Media Peng was previously the deputy chief of staff of China's paramilitary police force, the People's Armed Police. He had also served as the chief of staff of the Armed Police Force in Xinjiang. Currently, he holds the rank of major general. China has been accused by Washington of genocide in Xinjiang, a far-western region where human rights campaigners say authorities have detained vast numbers of Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in camps and are stamping out their culture. After passing the Hong Kong national security law, Beijing has been trying to remould the business hub in its own authoritarian image. The PLA maintains a garrison in Hong Kong, but its activities are largely low-profile. Under the city's mini-constitution, Hong Kong has its own police force but China has maintained military barracks there since the 1997 handover when colonial Britain's own forces left. (With inputs from agencies)

Former Xinjiang paramilitary chief to lead Chinese People’s Liberation Army in Hong Kong

Wang Bin, who is the chairman of China's biggest insurer is being probed by Communist Party's anti-corruption commission.

The China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said in a statement, “Wang suspected of serious violations of discipline and law, and is currently undergoing disciplinary review and investigation.”

Wang chairs China Life Insurance, which is listed in Shanghai, Hong Kong, and New York.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-decoding-chinas-crackdown-on-everything-438842/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Highlighting its support to Beijing’s actions to cleanse the country’s political and financial systems, China Life Insurance Co. Ltd. said will cooperate with investigations.

As per state-owned Securities Times, Wang is the first high-level official in China’s finance sector embroiled in an anti-corruption campaign this year.

It comes with Chinese property giant Evergrande Group reeling under more than $300 billion in liabilities and becoming the world's most indebted developer. This includes nearly $20 billion of offshore bonds deemed in cross-default by ratings agencies last month after it missed payments.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-year-china-went-rogue-on-itself-will-crackdowns-hamper-economic-growth-439871" hreflang="en">The year China went rogue on itself: Will crackdowns hamper economic growth?</a>

More than a million officials have been punished in recent years in a wide-ranging anti-corruption campaign launched under President Xi Jinping.

As Chinese authorities step up scrutiny over the nation’s $54 trillion financial system, Beijing’s anti-graft crackdown has taken down more than 20 financial officials so far.

Last year China executed Lai Xiaomin, the former chairman of Huarong, one of China's largest state-controlled asset management firms, who was accused of taking $260 million worth of bribes.

In September Yuan Renguo, the former head of Keichow Moutai, the world's most valuable spirits company, was jailed for life for taking more than $17 million in bribes.

In 2020, the former head of China's insurance regulator was sentenced to 11 years in prison, also on charges of taking bribes.

(With inputs from agencies)

Wang Bin, who is the chairman of China's biggest insurer is being probed by Communist Party's anti-corruption commission. The China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said in a statement, “Wang suspected of serious violations of discipline and law, and is currently undergoing disciplinary review and investigation.

Wang Bin, who is the chairman of China's biggest insurer is being probed by Communist Party's anti-corruption commission. The China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said in a statement, “Wang suspected of serious violations of discipline and law, and is currently undergoing disciplinary review and investigation.” Wang chairs China Life Insurance, which is listed in Shanghai, Hong Kong, and New York. Highlighting its support to Beijing’s actions to cleanse the country’s political and financial systems, China Life Insurance Co. Ltd. said will cooperate with investigations. As per state-owned Securities Times, Wang is the first high-level official in China’s finance sector embroiled in an anti-corruption campaign this year. It comes with Chinese property giant Evergrande Group reeling under more than $300 billion in liabilities and becoming the world's most indebted developer. This includes nearly $20 billion of offshore bonds deemed in cross-default by ratings agencies last month after it missed payments. Also read | The year China went rogue on itself: Will crackdowns hamper economic growth? More than a million officials have been punished in recent years in a wide-ranging anti-corruption campaign launched under President Xi Jinping. As Chinese authorities step up scrutiny over the nation’s $54 trillion financial system, Beijing’s anti-graft crackdown has taken down more than 20 financial officials so far. Last year China executed Lai Xiaomin, the former chairman of Huarong, one of China's largest state-controlled asset management firms, who was accused of taking $260 million worth of bribes. In September Yuan Renguo, the former head of Keichow Moutai, the world's most valuable spirits company, was jailed for life for taking more than $17 million in bribes. In 2020, the former head of China's insurance regulator was sentenced to 11 years in prison, also on charges of taking bribes. (With inputs from agencies)

Chairman of China's biggest insurer being probed by Communist Party's anti-corruption commission

2021: A year when... Wuhan virus continued to mutate. China kept trying to control South China Sea Beijing intensified its crackdowns. Will Xi Jinping's dictatorship lead to the Great Fall of China?

2021: The Great Fall Of China?

From entertainment to technology, there is scarcely any sector left that Chinese President Xi Jinping hasn't cracked down upon in 2021.

As a result of the stinging regulations imposed by the Communist Party of China in the name of ''common prosperity,'' the country's firms are dropping out of the list of top 10 most valuable firms.

In a massive setback, Chinese markets have lost $1.5 trillion, with the country's biggest real estate firm Evergrande on the verge of bankruptcy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/what-are-recommendation-algorithms-that-china-is-cracking-down-on-and-how-do-they-affect-internet-users-408781">Also read |&nbsp;What are recommendation algorithms that China is cracking down on, and how do they affect internet users?</a>

Where did China go wrong?

Experts had predicted that the Chinese economy will take off and achieve unprecedented heights after the 2008 financial crisis that shook the stock markets all across the globe.

However, Jinping, who became the country's president in 2013, claimed that Chinese companies pose a threat to the dominance of the Communist Party and clipped their wings.

The authoritarian leader's obsession with control over everything is hampering the country's growth.

His crackdown on Alibaba and Tencent resulted in them&nbsp;dropping out of the list of the world's most valuable firms. It is also bleeding Chinese stocks. The country is becoming a graveyard for unicorn companies.

There has been a massive sell-off because of volatility and the investors are fleeing and companies that are unable to pay back their debts.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/chinas-cryptocurrency-mining-crackdown-spreads-to-yunnan-in-southwest-media-391020">Also read |&nbsp;China's cryptocurrency-mining crackdown spreads to Yunnan in southwest&nbsp;</a>

From regulation to vendetta

Regulation in any country keeps corruption and other illegal activities at bay and ensures that customer interest is safeguarded.

However, it appears that in China it has transformed into vendetta. Tech companies are finding it impossible to work in a hostile environment.

From 2018 to 2021, 38 per cent of apps on the Chinese market disappeared without any trace of the cause.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lgbtq-students-targeted-face-crackdown-in-china-416777">Also read |&nbsp;LGBTQ students targeted, face crackdown in China</a>

The Ride-hailing app of Didi Chuxing, which was a market leader, was banned from Chinese app stores in early July, just days after raising $4.4 billion in a New York IPO.

The company had gone ahead with its debut despite pushback from Chinese authorities concerned that a listing could place Didi's user data in foreign hands.

When Xi became insecure about Jack Ma's growing popularity and meeting with the former US President Donald Trump, he imposed a fine of $2.8 billion on his companies.

Billionaire Ma is the founder of e-commerce giant Alibaba and had openly criticised the country's regulatory system in October.

But Xi blamed the crackdown on the company's monopolistic and uncompetitive practices along with the abandonment of social responsibilities.

Recently, a fine of $210 million was imposed on an internet celebrity Viya, dubbed ''the queen of live streaming'' in China.

Her real name is Huang Wei and she has more than 100 million followers but has been accused of tax evasion.

These fines are not just monetary punishments but are clear political signals by the regime.

China faced global criticism when the country's tennis star Peng Shuai accused the former Chinese vice premier Zhang Gaoli of sexually assaulting her in a social media post which was later deleted.

She, later on, said that her post was misunderstood. However, the Women's Tennis Association expressed concern about her ''well-being and ability to communicate without censorship or coercion.''

China has also tightened its oversight over education, video games, and cryptocurrencies as well.

As per a new rule, children are only allowed to play video games for three hours per week as they are extremely violent.

Private tutors in China have been banned from giving online classes and they are not allowed to tutor in subjects that are part of the school curriculum.

It is scrutinising online platforms and social media networks claiming that is ''cleaning up'' the internet.

Beijing has also squeezed out of its market miners and traders of bitcoin and other digital currencies, arresting more than1,000 people for laundering money using cryptocurrencies in June.

From entertainment to technology, there is scarcely any sector left that Chinese President Xi Jinping hasn't cracked down upon in 2021. As a result of the stinging regulations imposed by the Communist Party of China in the name of ''common prosperity,'' the country's firms are dropping out of the list of top 10 most valuable firms.

From entertainment to technology, there is scarcely any sector left that Chinese President Xi Jinping hasn't cracked down upon in 2021. As a result of the stinging regulations imposed by the Communist Party of China in the name of ''common prosperity,'' the country's firms are dropping out of the list of top 10 most valuable firms. In a massive setback, Chinese markets have lost $1.5 trillion, with the country's biggest real estate firm Evergrande on the verge of bankruptcy. Also read | What are recommendation algorithms that China is cracking down on, and how do they affect internet users? Where did China go wrong? Experts had predicted that the Chinese economy will take off and achieve unprecedented heights after the 2008 financial crisis that shook the stock markets all across the globe. However, Jinping, who became the country's president in 2013, claimed that Chinese companies pose a threat to the dominance of the Communist Party and clipped their wings. The authoritarian leader's obsession with control over everything is hampering the country's growth. His crackdown on Alibaba and Tencent resulted in them dropping out of the list of the world's most valuable firms. It is also bleeding Chinese stocks. The country is becoming a graveyard for unicorn companies. There has been a massive sell-off because of volatility and the investors are fleeing and companies that are unable to pay back their debts. Also read | China's cryptocurrency-mining crackdown spreads to Yunnan in southwest From regulation to vendetta Regulation in any country keeps corruption and other illegal activities at bay and ensures that customer interest is safeguarded. However, it appears that in China it has transformed into vendetta. Tech companies are finding it impossible to work in a hostile environment. From 2018 to 2021, 38 per cent of apps on the Chinese market disappeared without any trace of the cause. Also read | LGBTQ students targeted, face crackdown in China The Ride-hailing app of Didi Chuxing, which was a market leader, was banned from Chinese app stores in early July, just days after raising $4.4 billion in a New York IPO. The company had gone ahead with its debut despite pushback from Chinese authorities concerned that a listing could place Didi's user data in foreign hands. When Xi became insecure about Jack Ma's growing popularity and meeting with the former US President Donald Trump, he imposed a fine of $2.8 billion on his companies. Billionaire Ma is the founder of e-commerce giant Alibaba and had openly criticised the country's regulatory system in October. But Xi blamed the crackdown on the company's monopolistic and uncompetitive practices along with the abandonment of social responsibilities. Recently, a fine of $210 million was imposed on an internet celebrity Viya, dubbed ''the queen of live streaming'' in China. Her real name is Huang Wei and she has more than 100 million followers but has been accused of tax evasion. These fines are not just monetary punishments but are clear political signals by the regime. China faced global criticism when the country's tennis star Peng Shuai accused the former Chinese vice premier Zhang Gaoli of sexually assaulting her in a social media post which was later deleted. She, later on, said that her post was misunderstood. However, the Women's Tennis Association expressed concern about her ''well-being and ability to communicate without censorship or coercion.'' China has also tightened its oversight over education, video games, and cryptocurrencies as well. As per a new rule, children are only allowed to play video games for three hours per week as they are extremely violent. Private tutors in China have been banned from giving online classes and they are not allowed to tutor in subjects that are part of the school curriculum. It is scrutinising online platforms and social media networks claiming that is ''cleaning up'' the internet. Beijing has also squeezed out of its market miners and traders of bitcoin and other digital currencies, arresting more than1,000 people for laundering money using cryptocurrencies in June.

The year China went rogue on itself: Will crackdowns hamper economic growth?

Xi Jinping wants to host a 'green' Winter Olympics next year. To fulfil this mission, Chinese companies are evicting farmers from their lands to build solar panels and windmills. Palki Sharma tells you about the human cost of Xi's publicity stunt.

Gravitas: What is the human cost of the Beijing Winter Olympics?

Xi Jinping is cracking down on everything from Big Tech to online gaming to real estate. His witchhunt has left a USD1.5 trillion hole in Chinese markets. Palki Sharma tells you why this crackdown is less about regulation and more about insecurity.

Gravitas: Decoding China's 'crackdown on everything'

Amazon has disabled ratings, comments and reviews on Chinese President Xi Jinping’s book, "The Governance of China." The book talks about his doctrine of 'Socialism with Chinese Characteristics.'

Amazon blocks reviews, comments on Xi Jinping's books to mute criticism

Chinese President Xi Jinping might be a ‘killer’ who ‘destroyed the world’ but he had a ‘great relationship’ with the former US president Donald Trump, the latter claims.<o:p></o:p>

In an interview with Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo, former reality TV star and twice impeached president reminisced about his relationship with the Chinese President.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-blasts-disloyal-and-ungrateful-netanyahu-for-congratulating-biden-after-presidential-polls-436098">Trumps blasts ‘disloyal and ungrateful’ Netanyahu for congratulating Biden after presidential polls</a></o:p>

“He is a killer,”&nbsp;Trump said on one of his most favourite news channels,&nbsp;“but I had a great relationship with him.”<o:p></o:p>

Trump claims that the two leaders used to get along and had a great relationship, but then coronavirus pandemic took place and the friendship between the two leaders fizzled out.<o:p></o:p>

While Trump claims that it was the coronavirus pandemic that made their friendship sore, the relationship between the two countries has only deteriorated since Trump had taken over the country.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-would-have-won-if-us-election-were-held-today-poll-434920">Donald Trump would have won if US election were held today: Poll</a></o:p>

In fact, it was under Trump’s leadership when the US’ National Defense Strategy had labelled China to be one of the main “strategic competitors” of the US and Trump had described the Asian country as a “foe”.<o:p></o:p>

During the interview, Trump went on to accuse the Chinese President of destroying the whole world by spreading coronavirus pandemic all over the world. Trump has often claimed that it was Xi Jinping and his officials who instructed Chinese scientists to develop COVID-19 in a science lab and then spread it around the world. <o:p></o:p>

“They’ve really destroyed the whole world,”&nbsp;Trump said.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, he also claimed that the current President of the US is “afraid” of Xi Jinping and therefore has not pressurised authorities to find out the origin of the deadly coronavirus pandemic.<o:p></o:p>

Chinese President Xi Jinping might be a ‘killer’ who ‘destroyed the world’ but he had a ‘great relationship’ with the former US president Donald Trump, the latter claims.

Chinese President Xi Jinping might be a ‘killer’ who ‘destroyed the world’ but he had a ‘great relationship’ with the former US president Donald Trump, the latter claims. In an interview with Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo, former reality TV star and twice impeached president reminisced about his relationship with the Chinese President. Also read | Trumps blasts ‘disloyal and ungrateful’ Netanyahu for congratulating Biden after presidential polls “He is a killer,” Trump said on one of his most favourite news channels, “but I had a great relationship with him.” Trump claims that the two leaders used to get along and had a great relationship, but then coronavirus pandemic took place and the friendship between the two leaders fizzled out. While Trump claims that it was the coronavirus pandemic that made their friendship sore, the relationship between the two countries has only deteriorated since Trump had taken over the country. Also read | Donald Trump would have won if US election were held today: Poll In fact, it was under Trump’s leadership when the US’ National Defense Strategy had labelled China to be one of the main “strategic competitors” of the US and Trump had described the Asian country as a “foe”. During the interview, Trump went on to accuse the Chinese President of destroying the whole world by spreading coronavirus pandemic all over the world. Trump has often claimed that it was Xi Jinping and his officials who instructed Chinese scientists to develop COVID-19 in a science lab and then spread it around the world. “They’ve really destroyed the whole world,” Trump said. Meanwhile, he also claimed that the current President of the US is “afraid” of Xi Jinping and therefore has not pressurised authorities to find out the origin of the deadly coronavirus pandemic.

China's Xi Jinping is a 'killer' but used to be my friend, Donald Trump claims

Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping held virtual talks amid rising tensions with the West. Topping the agenda was a joint Russia-China security policy. Can the two ambitious and volatile leaders agree to work together? Is the West facing a two-front threat? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: A Russia-China military alliance against NATO?

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin hold virtual talks as the two leaders face pressure from the West on separate fronts.

Putin and Xi Jinping hail Russia-China ties during virtual summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping have held a video meeting amid tensions with West.

Russian President Putin and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping holds virtual meet

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping held a video call on Wednesday to discuss bilateral relations and international affairs, a summit that comes amid heightened tensions over Ukraine. WION brings in more on this.

Russia-China news | Putin, Xi hail ties amid tensions with West

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin conducted a virtual meeting on Wednesday, China Central Television (CCTV) reported.

Xi Jinping expressed&nbsp;gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for safeguarding China-Russia relations against attempts by other powers to destabilise them.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin reminded his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, that Russia-Beijing ties are an example of how state relations should grow in the twenty-first century.

"I am glad to have the opportunity to be in direct communication with you. This allows us to thoroughly discuss the development of Russian-Chinese relations, comprehensive partnership, and strategic interaction. I consider these relations to be a real model of interstate cooperation in the 21st century," Putin said during the online meeting. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-accuses-us-of-inciting-violence-and-instigating-confrontation-436817">Also read | China accuses US of 'inciting violence' and 'instigating confrontation'</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he expects his next meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, to take place in February 2022 in Beijing during the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics. 
 
Watch | Gravitas: Russia's Vladimir Putin attempts an outreach to India

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"Dear friend, distinguished Chairman Xi Jinping, I hope that next February we will finally be able to meet in person in Beijing. As we agreed, we will hold negotiations with you, then we will participate in the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games," Putin said during the online meeting.

Putin also said that he is sure Beijing Olympics will be held "at the highest level," adding that Moscow is against the politicization of sports. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin conducted a virtual meeting on Wednesday, China Central Television (CCTV) reported. Xi Jinping expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for safeguarding China-Russia relations against attempts by other powers to destabilise them.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin conducted a virtual meeting on Wednesday, China Central Television (CCTV) reported. Xi Jinping expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for safeguarding China-Russia relations against attempts by other powers to destabilise them. On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin reminded his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, that Russia-Beijing ties are an example of how state relations should grow in the twenty-first century. "I am glad to have the opportunity to be in direct communication with you. This allows us to thoroughly discuss the development of Russian-Chinese relations, comprehensive partnership, and strategic interaction. I consider these relations to be a real model of interstate cooperation in the 21st century," Putin said during the online meeting. Also read | China accuses US of 'inciting violence' and 'instigating confrontation' Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he expects his next meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, to take place in February 2022 in Beijing during the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics. Watch | Gravitas: Russia's Vladimir Putin attempts an outreach to India "Dear friend, distinguished Chairman Xi Jinping, I hope that next February we will finally be able to meet in person in Beijing. As we agreed, we will hold negotiations with you, then we will participate in the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games," Putin said during the online meeting. Putin also said that he is sure Beijing Olympics will be held "at the highest level," adding that Moscow is against the politicization of sports. (With inputs from agencies)

Xi thanks Putin for standing against attempts to undermine China-Russia relations

In a bid to strengthen ties between Russia and China, President Vladimir Putin to hold a virtual meeting with his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping on December 15.

Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold virtual meeting with his Chinese counterpart on December 15

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