Ahead of its 20th Party Congress, China's Communist Party has released a list of delegates who will attend the event next month. Multiple former police officials have also been put behind bars. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Preparations begin for Xi Jinping's coronation

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidPliUQsNu296A" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Social media rumours from multiple sources claiming an attempt of a military coup in China and President Xi Jinping being under house arrest went viral in the past couple of days. The shocking, but unverified,&nbsp;claims tried to paint a chaotic picture of China and a dramatic shift in politics, which was a farce.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As WION dissected the viral news, it appears that those were just baseless claims shared by unverified social media handles and no concrete pieces of evidence were provided. It is most likely a meal cooked on Twitter and served with extra salt and pepper by the Twitterati with the hashtag #ChinaCoup trending on Twitter heavily.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The claims created a buzz on social media after some top news channels, including in India, carried it as "exclusive news". But, the rumour mill has now stopped ahead of a key meeting of China's ruling Communist party next month, when Xi is expected to be granted an unprecedented third term.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports have mentioned that Xi is expected to be re-appointed as leader of the party and military commission at the once-in-five-years meeting. The list of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) central committee delegates for the party congress was announced by state media on Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>When did it start?&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The rumours started just a couple of days after senior security officials were jailed for corruption in China. Former vice-minister of public security Sun Lijun, former justice minister Fu Zhenghua, and former police chiefs of Shanghai, Chongqing and Shanxi were sent to prison&nbsp;by Chinese courts on corruption charges last week.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>How did it start?&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>It started when unfounded claims accompanied by videos of military vehicles - without attributing sources - were circulated on social media. Some shared videos claiming them to be the actual footage of military vehicles moving to Beijing, which came after the so-called "grounding of 59 per cent of the flights in the country and the jailings of senior officials". It showcased a coup-like situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Twitter user with an account identified as New Highland Vision wrote that former Chinese president Hu Jintao and former premier Wen Jiabao persuaded Song Ping, the former member of the Politburo Standing Committee, to take the control of the Central Guard Bureau (CGB) from Xi. The tweet was posted on 22 September. The account has over 20,000 followers.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today in Beijing, I investigated the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/chinacoup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#chinacoup</a> so you don’t have to. At considerable personal risk, I ventured out to some neuralgic key points in the city. Disturbing finds. Brace yourselves. /1 <a href="https://t.co/z4CJYpQbbk">pic.twitter.com/z4CJYpQbbk</a></p>
— Georg Fahrion (@schorselysees) <a href="https://twitter.com/schorselysees/status/1573949280234008576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Nearby Tian’anmen Square swarms with thugs in plainclothes. I’ve been in China long enough to know these are not tourists. /3 <a href="https://t.co/xTwglk4v8i">pic.twitter.com/xTwglk4v8i</a></p>
— Georg Fahrion (@schorselysees) <a href="https://twitter.com/schorselysees/status/1573949307316600832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Second Ring Road close to the Foreign Ministry.<br />
<br />
One of Beijing’s main thoroughfares, it has been closed off to civilian traffic. A column of military vehicles stretches about 80 kilometers from here to some place in Hebei. /5 <a href="https://t.co/eCIjUIalNS">pic.twitter.com/eCIjUIalNS</a></p>
— Georg Fahrion (@schorselysees) <a href="https://twitter.com/schorselysees/status/1573949338987900928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This video of military vehicles moving to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Beijing?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Beijing</a> comes immediately after the grounding of 59% of the flights in the country and the jailings of senior officials. There’s a lot of smoke, which means there is a fire somewhere inside the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CCP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CCP</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#China</a> is unstable. <a href="https://t.co/hSUS3210GR">https://t.co/hSUS3210GR</a></p>
— Gordon G. Chang (@GordonGChang) <a href="https://twitter.com/GordonGChang/status/1573481779163447297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Of direct concern to us here in India. Many Flights to Lhasa Gonggar are also being cancelled. We have to see if there is an uptick in military air traffic over the Tibetan plateau or not. # XiJinping <a href="https://t.co/xFvJDL6xhp">pic.twitter.com/xFvJDL6xhp</a></p>
— Saurav Jha (@SJha1618) <a href="https://twitter.com/SJha1618/status/1573568343436496896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The rumours were fueled further when some claimed that a few flights in and out of Beijing were said to be cancelled as were some trains and buses.</p>

<p>On China's social media, there was no specific mention of the coup rumours.&nbsp;However, a Weibo hashtag related to "airports across the country cancel flights" was viewed by more than 200,000 people over the weekend.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, flights were canceled when there were rise in Coivd cases in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Nearly 60% of flights were canceled across <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#China</a> yesterday (Sep 21). No reasons were offered.<br />
As of 22:35 on September 21, 16,062 flights were planned for the day, and 9,583 flights were canceled. <a href="https://t.co/jUrbJh4Jum">pic.twitter.com/jUrbJh4Jum</a></p>
— Jennifer Zeng 曾錚 (@jenniferzeng97) <a href="https://twitter.com/jenniferzeng97/status/1572978679692533762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>What's the truth?</strong></p>

<p>Drew Thompson, who is a scholar with the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, said a coup in China wasn't entirely implausible. Thompson mentioned that Xi had reportedly shown concern about the prospect in the past, but the weekend's rumours looked more like "wishful thinking".&nbsp;</p>

<p>They appeared to originate in accounts associated with the Falun Gong movement, which Thompson said was "essentially not credible".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The rumour that Xi Jinping has been arrested has legs because it is such a sensitive political moment in China, and the recent trials (and convictions) of long-serving senior officials creates a hothouse atmosphere," he said on Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Other analysts like Sinocism author, Bill Bishop, said he thought the rumours were "BS" but the "inherent opacity" of the CCP mechanisms easily fuelled their spread.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I don’t follow “Zhao Lanjian” on Twitter, and when I looked for his account, I could not find it.<br />
<br />
Falungong media is amplifying the rumor which makes it suspect too.<br />
<br />
Zhao has written several articles for New Tang Dynasty TV, which is a Falungong outlet.</p>
— Drew Thompson 唐安竹 (@TangAnZhu) <a href="https://twitter.com/TangAnZhu/status/1573459299770454016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The claimed source of the information is an “investigative journalist” named Zhao Lanjian who tweeted that 60% of China’s flights have been cancelled, which is an indication of a coup.<a href="https://twitter.com/ELuttwak?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ELuttwak</a> might agree that flight cancellations are not the opening phase of a coup.</p>
— Drew Thompson 唐安竹 (@TangAnZhu) <a href="https://twitter.com/TangAnZhu/status/1573459297102888960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The rumor that Xi Jinping has been arrested has legs because it is such a sensitive political moment in China, and the recent trials (and convictions) of long-serving senior officials creates a hothouse atmosphere.</p>
— Drew Thompson 唐安竹 (@TangAnZhu) <a href="https://twitter.com/TangAnZhu/status/1573459302479990785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Xi's absence fuelled rumours</strong></p>

<p>The Chinese president has been absent from the public eye since he returned to China from the SCO Summit in Uzbekistan. Some say he might be quarantined, considering the dire Covid situation in China. It surely doesn't mean there's a military coup.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I think the fact this rumour spread so far, and was considered plausible enough to analyse is really a reflection of an underlying shortcoming of Chinese governance," said Thompson.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Role of social media&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>It also leads to one question whether or not the public should believe what social media has to offer. &nbsp;As in this case, the rumours related to the "China coup" could have led to national security issues and a state of chaos and disorder.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The role of social media has also been questioned in the case as the rumours were circulating for several days and the misleading tweets are still live. What are tech giants doing to curb the spread of this fake news?&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Social media rumours from multiple sources claiming an attempt of a military coup in China and President Xi Jinping being under house arrest went viral in the past couple of days.

Social media rumours from multiple sources claiming an attempt of a military coup in China and President Xi Jinping being under house arrest went viral in the past couple of days. The shocking, but unverified, claims tried to paint a chaotic picture of China and a dramatic shift in politics, which was a farce. As WION dissected the viral news, it appears that those were just baseless claims shared by unverified social media handles and no concrete pieces of evidence were provided. It is most likely a meal cooked on Twitter and served with extra salt and pepper by the Twitterati with the hashtag #ChinaCoup trending on Twitter heavily. The claims created a buzz on social media after some top news channels, including in India, carried it as "exclusive news". But, the rumour mill has now stopped ahead of a key meeting of China's ruling Communist party next month, when Xi is expected to be granted an unprecedented third term. Reports have mentioned that Xi is expected to be re-appointed as leader of the party and military commission at the once-in-five-years meeting. The list of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) central committee delegates for the party congress was announced by state media on Sunday. When did it start? The rumours started just a couple of days after senior security officials were jailed for corruption in China. Former vice-minister of public security Sun Lijun, former justice minister Fu Zhenghua, and former police chiefs of Shanghai, Chongqing and Shanxi were sent to prison by Chinese courts on corruption charges last week. How did it start? It started when unfounded claims accompanied by videos of military vehicles - without attributing sources - were circulated on social media. Some shared videos claiming them to be the actual footage of military vehicles moving to Beijing, which came after the so-called "grounding of 59 per cent of the flights in the country and the jailings of senior officials". It showcased a coup-like situation. A Twitter user with an account identified as New Highland Vision wrote that former Chinese president Hu Jintao and former premier Wen Jiabao persuaded Song Ping, the former member of the Politburo Standing Committee, to take the control of the Central Guard Bureau (CGB) from Xi. The tweet was posted on 22 September. The account has over 20,000 followers. Today in Beijing, I investigated the #chinacoup so you don’t have to. At considerable personal risk, I ventured out to some neuralgic key points in the city. Disturbing finds. Brace yourselves. /1 pic.twitter.com/z4CJYpQbbk — Georg Fahrion (@schorselysees) September 25, 2022 × Nearby Tian’anmen Square swarms with thugs in plainclothes. I’ve been in China long enough to know these are not tourists. /3 pic.twitter.com/xTwglk4v8i — Georg Fahrion (@schorselysees) September 25, 2022 × The Second Ring Road close to the Foreign Ministry. One of Beijing’s main thoroughfares, it has been closed off to civilian traffic. A column of military vehicles stretches about 80 kilometers from here to some place in Hebei. /5 pic.twitter.com/eCIjUIalNS — Georg Fahrion (@schorselysees) September 25, 2022 × This video of military vehicles moving to #Beijing comes immediately after the grounding of 59% of the flights in the country and the jailings of senior officials. There’s a lot of smoke, which means there is a fire somewhere inside the #CCP. #China is unstable. https://t.co/hSUS3210GR — Gordon G. Chang (@GordonGChang) September 24, 2022 × Of direct concern to us here in India. Many Flights to Lhasa Gonggar are also being cancelled. We have to see if there is an uptick in military air traffic over the Tibetan plateau or not. # XiJinping pic.twitter.com/xFvJDL6xhp — Saurav Jha (@SJha1618) September 24, 2022 × The rumours were fueled further when some claimed that a few flights in and out of Beijing were said to be cancelled as were some trains and buses. On China's social media, there was no specific mention of the coup rumours. However, a Weibo hashtag related to "airports across the country cancel flights" was viewed by more than 200,000 people over the weekend. Notably, flights were canceled when there were rise in Coivd cases in the country. Nearly 60% of flights were canceled across #China yesterday (Sep 21). No reasons were offered. As of 22:35 on September 21, 16,062 flights were planned for the day, and 9,583 flights were canceled. pic.twitter.com/jUrbJh4Jum — Jennifer Zeng 曾錚 (@jenniferzeng97) September 22, 2022 × What's the truth? Drew Thompson, who is a scholar with the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, said a coup in China wasn't entirely implausible. Thompson mentioned that Xi had reportedly shown concern about the prospect in the past, but the weekend's rumours looked more like "wishful thinking". They appeared to originate in accounts associated with the Falun Gong movement, which Thompson said was "essentially not credible". "The rumour that Xi Jinping has been arrested has legs because it is such a sensitive political moment in China, and the recent trials (and convictions) of long-serving senior officials creates a hothouse atmosphere," he said on Twitter. Other analysts like Sinocism author, Bill Bishop, said he thought the rumours were "BS" but the "inherent opacity" of the CCP mechanisms easily fuelled their spread. I don’t follow “Zhao Lanjian” on Twitter, and when I looked for his account, I could not find it. Falungong media is amplifying the rumor which makes it suspect too. Zhao has written several articles for New Tang Dynasty TV, which is a Falungong outlet. — Drew Thompson 唐安竹 (@TangAnZhu) September 23, 2022 × The claimed source of the information is an “investigative journalist” named Zhao Lanjian who tweeted that 60% of China’s flights have been cancelled, which is an indication of a coup.@ELuttwak might agree that flight cancellations are not the opening phase of a coup. — Drew Thompson 唐安竹 (@TangAnZhu) September 23, 2022 × The rumor that Xi Jinping has been arrested has legs because it is such a sensitive political moment in China, and the recent trials (and convictions) of long-serving senior officials creates a hothouse atmosphere. — Drew Thompson 唐安竹 (@TangAnZhu) September 23, 2022 × Xi's absence fuelled rumours The Chinese president has been absent from the public eye since he returned to China from the SCO Summit in Uzbekistan. Some say he might be quarantined, considering the dire Covid situation in China. It surely doesn't mean there's a military coup. "I think the fact this rumour spread so far, and was considered plausible enough to analyse is really a reflection of an underlying shortcoming of Chinese governance," said Thompson. Role of social media It also leads to one question whether or not the public should believe what social media has to offer. As in this case, the rumours related to the "China coup" could have led to national security issues and a state of chaos and disorder. The role of social media has also been questioned in the case as the rumours were circulating for several days and the misleading tweets are still live. What are tech giants doing to curb the spread of this fake news? 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.

The truth behind 'China coup' and Xi Jinping being 'under house arrest'. Did social media cross the line?

<p>Ahead of a key political meeting starting October 16, China's Communist Party said Sunday that it had elected all the delegates.&nbsp;China's Communist Party's 20th five-yearly party congress will be a landmark meeting at which President Xi Jinping is expected to be anointed as the country's most powerful leader in decades.</p>

<p>While President Xi Jinping is expected to secure an unprecedented third term in the meeting, the 25-member Politburo can&nbsp;see a shuffle of personnel.</p>

<p>Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported that the elected 2,296 delegates must adhere to Xi's political ideology in addition to the party constitution.</p>

<p>Amid a strict zero-Covid policy that has accelerated China's inward turn from the world and deteriorating relations with the United States, Xi is facing significant political headwinds.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-underscores-its-claim-on-taiwan-at-unga-519414/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Offering signposts on the direction of the world's second-largest economy, the congress is the most important date on China's political calendar.</p>

<p>Following a highly choreographed exercise to pick members of the party's Central Committee of around 200 members, the Central Committee will then vote for the 25-person Politburo and its all-powerful Standing Committee.</p>

<p>Crushing a democracy movement in Hong Kong and strict lockdowns on cities in the name of curbing the coronavirus, analysts believe that Xi's decade-long tenure has served to take down his political rivals.</p>

<p>Xi has faced harsh human rights criticism from the international community over the repressive policies in the northwestern Xinjiang region and the "Wolf Warrior" foreign strategy.</p>

<p>Leaving open the possibility of him becoming the leader for life, Xi abolished the presidential two-term limit in 2018 claiming that he wanted to prevent another Mao-like dictatorship.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>Watch WION's live TV here:</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Ahead of a key political meeting starting October 16, China's Communist Party said Sunday that it had elected all the delegates. China's Communist Party's 20th five-yearly party congress will be a landmark meeting at which President Xi Jinping is expected to be anointed as the country's most powerful leader in decades.

Ahead of a key political meeting starting October 16, China's Communist Party said Sunday that it had elected all the delegates. China's Communist Party's 20th five-yearly party congress will be a landmark meeting at which President Xi Jinping is expected to be anointed as the country's most powerful leader in decades. While President Xi Jinping is expected to secure an unprecedented third term in the meeting, the 25-member Politburo can see a shuffle of personnel. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported that the elected 2,296 delegates must adhere to Xi's political ideology in addition to the party constitution. Amid a strict zero-Covid policy that has accelerated China's inward turn from the world and deteriorating relations with the United States, Xi is facing significant political headwinds. × Offering signposts on the direction of the world's second-largest economy, the congress is the most important date on China's political calendar. Following a highly choreographed exercise to pick members of the party's Central Committee of around 200 members, the Central Committee will then vote for the 25-person Politburo and its all-powerful Standing Committee. Crushing a democracy movement in Hong Kong and strict lockdowns on cities in the name of curbing the coronavirus, analysts believe that Xi's decade-long tenure has served to take down his political rivals. Xi has faced harsh human rights criticism from the international community over the repressive policies in the northwestern Xinjiang region and the "Wolf Warrior" foreign strategy. Leaving open the possibility of him becoming the leader for life, Xi abolished the presidential two-term limit in 2018 claiming that he wanted to prevent another Mao-like dictatorship. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Chinese Communist Party elects 2,296 delegates for key five-yearly congress

<p>Chinese state media reported on Thursday that former justice minister Fu Zhenghua has been sentenced to death.</p>

<p>Accused of taking bribes and “bending the law for personal gains”, the 67-year-old spearheaded high-profile graft probes during his tenure.</p>

<p>Xinhua news agency also reported that Fu was also been part of a "political gang" of Sun Lijun who himself colluded with some top law enforcement officials with the aim of personal enrichment.</p>

<p>Indicating President Xi Jinping’s continued focus on “taking out the tigers” of corruption, Fu’s indictment comes weeks ahead of the all-important Communist Party of China (CPC) congress in October.</p>

<p>Fu Zhenghua, who was in charge of a high-profile corruption investigation into Zhou Yongkang, had also served as the head of the Beijing municipal public security bureau.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/former-chinese-justice-minister-fu-zhenghua-jailed-for-life-518717/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>According to prosecutors, “During his tenure at the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau, Fu purposefully shielded his brother, who had severely breached the law, from criminal prosecution.”</p>

<p>With no possibility of parole, he was handed a suspended death sentence that will be commuted to life imprisonment after two years.</p>

<p>Accepting bribes exceeding 117 million yuan ($16.50 million), Fu was deputy head of the Ministry of Public Security before becoming justice minister in 2018.</p>

<p>As a part of the anti-graft campaign, Zhou received a life sentence in jail for corruption in 2015 even though he was China’s top security official and retired as a member of the Communist party’s politburo standing committee.</p>

<p>When he took over as the general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in 2012, Xi had identified “corruption” as one of the primary “pressing issues” China faced.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>Watch WION's live TV here:</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Chinese state media reported on Thursday that former justice minister Fu Zhenghua has been sentenced to death. Accused of taking bribes and “bending the law for personal gains”, the 67-year-old spearheaded high-profile graft probes during his tenure.

Chinese state media reported on Thursday that former justice minister Fu Zhenghua has been sentenced to death. Accused of taking bribes and “bending the law for personal gains”, the 67-year-old spearheaded high-profile graft probes during his tenure. Xinhua news agency also reported that Fu was also been part of a "political gang" of Sun Lijun who himself colluded with some top law enforcement officials with the aim of personal enrichment. Indicating President Xi Jinping’s continued focus on “taking out the tigers” of corruption, Fu’s indictment comes weeks ahead of the all-important Communist Party of China (CPC) congress in October. Fu Zhenghua, who was in charge of a high-profile corruption investigation into Zhou Yongkang, had also served as the head of the Beijing municipal public security bureau. × According to prosecutors, “During his tenure at the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau, Fu purposefully shielded his brother, who had severely breached the law, from criminal prosecution.” With no possibility of parole, he was handed a suspended death sentence that will be commuted to life imprisonment after two years. Accepting bribes exceeding 117 million yuan ($16.50 million), Fu was deputy head of the Ministry of Public Security before becoming justice minister in 2018. As a part of the anti-graft campaign, Zhou received a life sentence in jail for corruption in 2015 even though he was China’s top security official and retired as a member of the Communist party’s politburo standing committee. When he took over as the general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in 2012, Xi had identified “corruption” as one of the primary “pressing issues” China faced. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

'Bended the law for personal gains': Former Chinese justice minister Fu Zhenghua sentenced to death

<p>US President Joe Biden warns&nbsp;Chinese President Xi Jinping that if he goes against sanctions imposed against Russia, over its invasion, it will damage the investment climate. In other news, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that the counter-offensive by Ukraine against Russia will not stop and claimed that its forces are reclaiming its cities from Moscow. Meanwhile, in the Chinese province of Guizhou, a bus taking passengers to a COVID-19 quarantine facility crashed on Sunday, killing 27 people. Finally, US president Joe Biden in an interview recently stated the Covid pandemic in the country has ended.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-warned-of-investor-fallout-by-joe-biden-if-china-backs-russias-war-517490"><strong>Biden warns Jinping, says US forces would help defend Taiwan against China</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/09/19/296911-00032jg9gu.jpg" /></p>

<p>Although there is no indication that China has actively supported the Russian war effort with weapons sales, Biden said he told Xi that violating the sanctions would be a "gigantic mistake."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-let-up-in-taking-back-ukrainian-towns-volodymyr-zelensky-517507"><strong>No let-up in taking back Ukrainian towns from Russian forces: Volodymyr Zelensky</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/09/19/296905-untitled-design-19.png" /></p>

<p>During his nightly address, he said “Maybe now it seems to some of you that after a series of victories we have a certain lull but its preparation for the next series... because Ukraine must be free — all of it.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/27-dead-in-china-after-bus-taking-people-to-covid-19-quarantine-facility-crashes-517528"><strong>27 dead in China after bus taking people to COVID-19 quarantine facility crashes</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/09/19/296916-bus-accident-kills-27-after-overturning-in-rural-chinas-guizhou.jpg" /></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a648d73c-8343-4de9-a78f-1bfee3631313}{93}" paraid="524270523" >The Chinese authorities confirmed that the accident occurred around 2:40 AM local time and the bus was “transporting people linked to the epidemic to quarantine” from the provincial capital of Guiyang.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-biden-says-covid-19-pandemic-in-us-is-over-517520"><strong>President Biden says COVID-19 pandemic in US 'is over'</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/25/290406-biden-student-loans-6.jpg" /></p>

<p>"The pandemic is over. We still have a problem with Covid. We're still doing a lot of work on it..., but the pandemic is over," Biden told CBS news programme&nbsp;"60 Minutes" in an interview taped as he walked the floor of the Detroit Auto Show last week.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Hurricane Fiona hits Puerto Rico; threatens to cause landslides</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hurricane-fiona-hits-puerto-rico-threatens-to-cause-landslides-517526/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


US President Joe Biden warns Chinese President Xi Jinping that if he goes against sanctions imposed against Russia, over its invasion, it will damage the investment climate.

US President Joe Biden warns Chinese President Xi Jinping that if he goes against sanctions imposed against Russia, over its invasion, it will damage the investment climate. In other news, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that the counter-offensive by Ukraine against Russia will not stop and claimed that its forces are reclaiming its cities from Moscow. Meanwhile, in the Chinese province of Guizhou, a bus taking passengers to a COVID-19 quarantine facility crashed on Sunday, killing 27 people. Finally, US president Joe Biden in an interview recently stated the Covid pandemic in the country has ended. Click on the headlines to read more: Biden warns Jinping, says US forces would help defend Taiwan against China Although there is no indication that China has actively supported the Russian war effort with weapons sales, Biden said he told Xi that violating the sanctions would be a "gigantic mistake." No let-up in taking back Ukrainian towns from Russian forces: Volodymyr Zelensky During his nightly address, he said “Maybe now it seems to some of you that after a series of victories we have a certain lull but its preparation for the next series... because Ukraine must be free — all of it.” 27 dead in China after bus taking people to COVID-19 quarantine facility crashes The Chinese authorities confirmed that the accident occurred around 2:40 AM local time and the bus was “transporting people linked to the epidemic to quarantine” from the provincial capital of Guiyang. President Biden says COVID-19 pandemic in US 'is over' "The pandemic is over. We still have a problem with Covid. We're still doing a lot of work on it..., but the pandemic is over," Biden told CBS news programme "60 Minutes" in an interview taped as he walked the floor of the Detroit Auto Show last week. Watch | Hurricane Fiona hits Puerto Rico; threatens to cause landslides

Morning news brief: Joe Biden warns Xi Jinping, 27 dead in China in bus crash, and more

<p>Chinese President Xi Jinping has received a warning from US President Joe Biden. According to the American leader, if Beijing violates sanctions imposed by a coalition of countries against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, it will damage the investment climate.</p>

<p>When asked if American forces&nbsp;would defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion, Biden gave an&nbsp;affirmative answer.</p>

<p>Although there is no indication that China has actively supported the Russian war effort with weapons sales, Biden said he told Xi that violating the sanctions would be a "gigantic mistake."</p>

<p>During an interview with CBS, Biden said he delivered the warning in a phone call shortly after Xi met with Putin at the Beijing Winter Olympics on February 4.</p>

<p>"I called President Xi -- not to threaten at all, just to say to him... that if you think Americans and others will continue to invest in China, based on your violating the sanctions that have been imposed on Russia, I think you're making a gigantic mistake," CBS quoted Biden as saying.</p>

<p>"Thus far, there's no indication they put forward weapons or other things that Russia has wanted," he added.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-russia-foes-on-ground-friends-in-space-517465/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Dismissing the notion that the Chinese-Russian alliance effectively means the United States is fighting a new kind of Cold War, Biden requested Russian President Vladimir Putin to forgo the use of nuclear weapons in the wake of setbacks in Ukraine.</p>

<p>Despite&nbsp;previously having stated he will run again, Biden said that he has yet to decide whether he will seek a second term in 2024.</p>

<p>Putting Putin under pressure from nationalists at home to regain the initiative, Ukraine's military drove back Russian forces in a lightning rout in the northeast of the country this week.</p>

<p>Resulting in the ongoing devastation of cities and towns across much of the country, Russia invaded its pro-Western neighbour Ukraine on February 24.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-report-points-out-glaring-weakness-shared-by-chinese-and-russian-militaries-517351" hreflang="en">US report points out glaring weakness shared by Chinese and Russian militaries</a></strong></p>

<p>While their alliance is unequal and its future far from clear, Xi and Putin have talked up the Beijing-Moscow relationship as the new centre of a multipolar world.</p>

<p>Beijing has every claim to be the senior partner in an unbalanced relationship as it has a GDP and population that are both around 10 times greater than those of its neighbour.</p>

<p>Never condemning the assault but also stopping short of expressing any backing for it, China has remained relatively tight-lipped about Russia's invasion of Ukraine.</p>

<p>With a border dispute over islands in the Amur River bringing the two sides to the brink of war in 1969, there were tensions in Soviet times when both Beijing and Moscow were supposed to be Communist allies.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>Watch WION's live TV here:</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Chinese President Xi Jinping has received a warning from US President Joe Biden. According to the American leader, if Beijing violates sanctions imposed by a coalition of countries against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, it will damage the investment climate.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has received a warning from US President Joe Biden. According to the American leader, if Beijing violates sanctions imposed by a coalition of countries against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, it will damage the investment climate. When asked if American forces would defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion, Biden gave an affirmative answer. Although there is no indication that China has actively supported the Russian war effort with weapons sales, Biden said he told Xi that violating the sanctions would be a "gigantic mistake." During an interview with CBS, Biden said he delivered the warning in a phone call shortly after Xi met with Putin at the Beijing Winter Olympics on February 4. "I called President Xi -- not to threaten at all, just to say to him... that if you think Americans and others will continue to invest in China, based on your violating the sanctions that have been imposed on Russia, I think you're making a gigantic mistake," CBS quoted Biden as saying. "Thus far, there's no indication they put forward weapons or other things that Russia has wanted," he added. × Dismissing the notion that the Chinese-Russian alliance effectively means the United States is fighting a new kind of Cold War, Biden requested Russian President Vladimir Putin to forgo the use of nuclear weapons in the wake of setbacks in Ukraine. Despite previously having stated he will run again, Biden said that he has yet to decide whether he will seek a second term in 2024. Putting Putin under pressure from nationalists at home to regain the initiative, Ukraine's military drove back Russian forces in a lightning rout in the northeast of the country this week. Resulting in the ongoing devastation of cities and towns across much of the country, Russia invaded its pro-Western neighbour Ukraine on February 24. Also read | US report points out glaring weakness shared by Chinese and Russian militaries While their alliance is unequal and its future far from clear, Xi and Putin have talked up the Beijing-Moscow relationship as the new centre of a multipolar world. Beijing has every claim to be the senior partner in an unbalanced relationship as it has a GDP and population that are both around 10 times greater than those of its neighbour. Never condemning the assault but also stopping short of expressing any backing for it, China has remained relatively tight-lipped about Russia's invasion of Ukraine. With a border dispute over islands in the Amur River bringing the two sides to the brink of war in 1969, there were tensions in Soviet times when both Beijing and Moscow were supposed to be Communist allies. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Biden warns Xi, says US forces would help defend Taiwan against China

Heads of 11 member states attended day one of the SCO Summit in Samarkand and at dinner on Thursday, Chinese President Xi Jinping was missing from those pictures.

SCO Summit 2022: China's Xi skips dinner with Putin, allies as Covid precaution

<p>Chinese President Xi Jinping met Russian President Vladimir Putin in the ancient Silk Road city of Samarkand in Uzbekistan on Thursday and had important discussions about Taiwan and Ukraine.</p>

<p>After blasting Washington’s “ugly” policies, Putin thanked Xi for his “balanced” approach to the Ukrainian crisis.</p>

<p>Ahead of the 20th Communist Party Congress, Xi is confident about his grip on power as he is due to cement his place as the most powerful Chinese leader since Mao Zedong.</p>

<p>Allowing Xi to present himself as the global leader of the anti-American world, China's “no-limits” friendship with Moscow is giving Russia the leverage to tilt towards Asia.</p>

<p>Being careful not to provide the sort of direct material support which could provoke Western sanctions, Xi promised “strong support” to Russia’s “core interests.”</p>

<p>Although for much of the past 300 years Russia has looked to the West as the crucible of economic growth, Putin casts the West as a failing group of declining US puppets.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/22nd-sco-summit-series-of-bilaterals-among-world-leaders-on-day-1-516609/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Calling Russian action against Ukraine a legitimate response to US provocation, China's foreign ministry defended Moscow's ''special military operation.''</p>

<p>Since Soviet geologists found oil and gas in the swamps of Siberia in the decades after World War Two, selling oil and gas to Europe has been one of the main sources of Russian foreign currency earnings.</p>

<p>As the West moves to establish a price cap on Russian energy resources and potentially cut their imports altogether, observers say Russia will likely grow increasingly reliant on China as a market for its oil and gas.</p>

<p>Following US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, Russia backed China amid tensions with Washington.</p>

<p>While Putin said last week that a major gas export route to China via Mongolia had been agreed, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said no new energy deals with China are expected to be signed in Uzbekistan.</p>

<p>From the Bovanenkovo and Kharasavey gas fields in Yamal, the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline will travel through Mongolia taking Russian gas to China.</p>

<p>After the West froze $300 billion in Russian state-owned reserves, Moscow called dollars and euros "toxic".</p>

<p>As a result of the deepening ties between Russia and China, the yuan is becoming much more popular as Moscow tries to ditch its post-Soviet addiction to cash US dollars.</p>

<p>On the basis of a 50-50 split between the Russian rouble and Chinese yuan, Putin said last week that China will pay Gazprom for its gas in national currencies.</p>

<p>After successfully completing its debut yuan-denominated bond placement worth 15 billion yuan ($2.15 billion), Russia's largest oil producer Rosneft said it was gradually shifting to foreign trade settlements in Russian roubles and national currencies of "friendly" countries.</p>

<p>While Russia's largest gold producer Polyus issued bonds denominated in the Chinese yuan worth 4.6 billion yuan ($670 million), the country's aluminium producer Rusal tapped the yuan bond market on the Moscow Exchange.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>Watch WION's live TV here:</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Chinese President Xi Jinping met Russian President Vladimir Putin in the ancient Silk Road city of Samarkand in Uzbekistan on Thursday and had important discussions about Taiwan and Ukraine.

Chinese President Xi Jinping met Russian President Vladimir Putin in the ancient Silk Road city of Samarkand in Uzbekistan on Thursday and had important discussions about Taiwan and Ukraine. After blasting Washington’s “ugly” policies, Putin thanked Xi for his “balanced” approach to the Ukrainian crisis. Ahead of the 20th Communist Party Congress, Xi is confident about his grip on power as he is due to cement his place as the most powerful Chinese leader since Mao Zedong. Allowing Xi to present himself as the global leader of the anti-American world, China's “no-limits” friendship with Moscow is giving Russia the leverage to tilt towards Asia. Being careful not to provide the sort of direct material support which could provoke Western sanctions, Xi promised “strong support” to Russia’s “core interests.” Although for much of the past 300 years Russia has looked to the West as the crucible of economic growth, Putin casts the West as a failing group of declining US puppets. × Calling Russian action against Ukraine a legitimate response to US provocation, China's foreign ministry defended Moscow's ''special military operation.'' Since Soviet geologists found oil and gas in the swamps of Siberia in the decades after World War Two, selling oil and gas to Europe has been one of the main sources of Russian foreign currency earnings. As the West moves to establish a price cap on Russian energy resources and potentially cut their imports altogether, observers say Russia will likely grow increasingly reliant on China as a market for its oil and gas. Following US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, Russia backed China amid tensions with Washington. While Putin said last week that a major gas export route to China via Mongolia had been agreed, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said no new energy deals with China are expected to be signed in Uzbekistan. From the Bovanenkovo and Kharasavey gas fields in Yamal, the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline will travel through Mongolia taking Russian gas to China. After the West froze $300 billion in Russian state-owned reserves, Moscow called dollars and euros "toxic". As a result of the deepening ties between Russia and China, the yuan is becoming much more popular as Moscow tries to ditch its post-Soviet addiction to cash US dollars. On the basis of a 50-50 split between the Russian rouble and Chinese yuan, Putin said last week that China will pay Gazprom for its gas in national currencies. After successfully completing its debut yuan-denominated bond placement worth 15 billion yuan ($2.15 billion), Russia's largest oil producer Rosneft said it was gradually shifting to foreign trade settlements in Russian roubles and national currencies of "friendly" countries. While Russia's largest gold producer Polyus issued bonds denominated in the Chinese yuan worth 4.6 billion yuan ($670 million), the country's aluminium producer Rusal tapped the yuan bond market on the Moscow Exchange. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

From energy to yuan: All you need to know about Xi and Putin's 'no limits' partnership

The meeting between old friends Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit showed a solidifying alliance between both sides. Moreover, China has leaned towards Russia and against the West since Russia invaded Ukraine.

China, Russia forge stronger ties at the SCO summit

China's Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin are all set to meet in a few hours from now. They will be discussing the war in Ukraine, tensions in the Taiwan Strait and other international and regional issues. WION correspondent Siddhant Sibbal brings details.

High-stakes bilateral meet in Uzbekistan to boost diplomatic ties

China’s President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold talks on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Uzbekistan, which Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also attend.

SCO Summit 2022: Chinese President Xi Jinping to hold talks with Russia's Putin at Uzbekistan summit

Next month, Xi Jinping is expected to secure a record third term as China's President. Before his re-election, Xi is reaching out to Central Asia. The goal? To build an alternative world order - with China at the Centre. Priyanka Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Xi Jinping's big bet before his "coronation"

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin praised China for its "balanced&nbsp;position”&nbsp;on&nbsp;the Ukraine&nbsp;crisis during his face-to-face meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation&nbsp;Organisation&nbsp;(SCO) summit in Uzbekistan. This was the first meeting between the two world readers since Russia begin their military operations in Ukraine in February earlier this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We highly value the balanced position of our Chinese friends when it comes to the Ukraine crisis. We understand your questions and concern about this. During today's meeting, we will of course explain our position," Putin told XI in the opening remarks of their bilateral meeting in Samarkand.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-cooperation-organisation-sco-summit-live-updates-515964" hreflang="en">SCO Summit LIVE Updates</a></p>

<p>China has not condemned Russia's actions in Ukraine till now and in all major votes, it has either refrained from voting or has casted its vote in Russia's&nbsp;favour.&nbsp;&nbsp;While the United States and other western nations have imposed sanctions on Russia, China has continued their trade relations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia also supported China's claim&nbsp;regarding&nbsp;Taiwan and said that the United States is looking to disrupt the peace in the region. There was massive uproar in China after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan and Beijing responded by conducting military drills on the Taiwan Strait.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/six-countries-not-invited-for-queen-elizabeth-iis-funeral-see-complete-list-516447" hreflang="en">Six countries not invited for Queen Elizabeth II's funeral - See complete list</a></p>

<p>"We intend to firmly adhere to the principle of 'One China'," Putin said after the meeting. We condemn provocations by the United States and their satellites in the Taiwan Strait," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin also held bilateral meetings&nbsp;with Iranian&nbsp;President Ebrahim Raisi, Turkmen President Serdar Berdymukhamedov and Kyrgyz President&nbsp;Sadyr&nbsp;Japarov.&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin praised China for its "balanced position” on the Ukraine crisis during his face-to-face meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Uzbekistan.

Russian President Vladimir Putin praised China for its "balanced position” on the Ukraine crisis during his face-to-face meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Uzbekistan. This was the first meeting between the two world readers since Russia begin their military operations in Ukraine in February earlier this year. "We highly value the balanced position of our Chinese friends when it comes to the Ukraine crisis. We understand your questions and concern about this. During today's meeting, we will of course explain our position," Putin told XI in the opening remarks of their bilateral meeting in Samarkand. Also read | SCO Summit LIVE Updates China has not condemned Russia's actions in Ukraine till now and in all major votes, it has either refrained from voting or has casted its vote in Russia's favour. While the United States and other western nations have imposed sanctions on Russia, China has continued their trade relations. Russia also supported China's claim regarding Taiwan and said that the United States is looking to disrupt the peace in the region. There was massive uproar in China after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan and Beijing responded by conducting military drills on the Taiwan Strait. Also read | Six countries not invited for Queen Elizabeth II's funeral - See complete list "We intend to firmly adhere to the principle of 'One China'," Putin said after the meeting. We condemn provocations by the United States and their satellites in the Taiwan Strait," he said. Putin also held bilateral meetings with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Turkmen President Serdar Berdymukhamedov and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov.

SCO Summit 2022: Vladimir Putin praises China's Xi Jinping for 'balanced position' on Ukraine

<p>China's President Xi Jinping was in ex-Soviet nation Kazakhstan on Wednesday on his first trip abroad since the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, ahead of a meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Their highly-anticipated meeting comes as Russia suffers serious setbacks in Ukraine, but China has stood firm in its support of Putin and their "no limits" friendship.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During a meeting with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Xi vowed full support for Kazakhstan's sovereignty at a time when the ex-Soviet Central Asian region has been spooked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"No matter how the international situation changes, we will continue to resolutely support Kazakhstan in protecting its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity," Xi said, according to a Kazakh government statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Beijing firmly supports the reform measures President (Tokayev) has taken to maintain national stability and development, and firmly opposes any forces that interfere in Kazakhstan's internal affairs," Xi said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tokayev hailed Xi's visit as a reunion of "historic importance", saying the Chinese leader's decision to visit Nur-Sultan first since the start of the pandemic was a sign of "high-level... mutual trust and cooperation". &nbsp;</p>

<p>The ex-Soviet Central Asian region, which Russia sees as in its sphere of influence, is key to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a trillion-dollar push to improve trade links across the globe by building landmark infrastructure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tokayev said Beijing and Nur-Sultan had "set an example" for cooperation within the huge BRI initiative and praised prospects for further cooperation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Xi, during his three-day visit to Central Asia, is scheduled to attend a summit of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) leaders in Uzbekistan, where he is expected to meet with Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>'Mutual respect, fairness'&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The SCO was established in 2001 as a political, economic and security organisation to rival Western institutions and the summit will bring together Xi, Putin, Tokayev, leaders from India, Pakistan and three more ex-Soviet Central Asian countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Xi wrote ahead of the visit that the group had "set a fine example of a new type of international relations featuring mutual respect, fairness, justice and win-win cooperation, and proved itself an important and constructive force".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Those were comments echoed by the Kremlin's foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov who told reporters in Moscow that the SCO members "stand for a just world order".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The SCO offers a real alternative to Western-centric organisations," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ushakov said that among Putin's meeting in Samarkand this week, his talks with Xi would be "of particular importance", focusing on the conflict in Ukraine and Russia's growing economic ties with China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Xi, in an article for Chinese state media ahead of the trip, said Beijing was prepared to work with Kazakhstan to "deepen cooperation in law enforcement, security and defence".&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said also China wanted to work with Kazakhstan on drug trafficking and transnational organised crime as well as what China calls the "three evils".&nbsp;</p>

<p>China's government has previously used the term -- referring to terrorism, separatism and religious extremism -- to talk about its crackdown Xinjiang, which borders Kazakhstan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Beijing stands accused of detaining over one million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang, including some Kazakhs, under a years-long security campaign that the United States and some lawmakers in other Western countries have labelled a "genocide".&nbsp;</p>

<p>China vociferously denies the allegations, saying its actions are aimed at combating terrorism.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a separate article for Uzbek media, Xi pledged to "strengthen security cooperation and resolve risks and challenges" and said Uzbekistan had a "unique role to play in resolving the Afghanistan issue", CCTV reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The two sides must take a clear stand against any forces undermining the regional security situation," CCTV reported Xi as writing.</p>

<p>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"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


China's President Xi Jinping was in ex-Soviet nation Kazakhstan on Wednesday on his first trip abroad since the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, ahead of a meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

China's President Xi Jinping was in ex-Soviet nation Kazakhstan on Wednesday on his first trip abroad since the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, ahead of a meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Their highly-anticipated meeting comes as Russia suffers serious setbacks in Ukraine, but China has stood firm in its support of Putin and their "no limits" friendship. During a meeting with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Xi vowed full support for Kazakhstan's sovereignty at a time when the ex-Soviet Central Asian region has been spooked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "No matter how the international situation changes, we will continue to resolutely support Kazakhstan in protecting its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity," Xi said, according to a Kazakh government statement. "Beijing firmly supports the reform measures President (Tokayev) has taken to maintain national stability and development, and firmly opposes any forces that interfere in Kazakhstan's internal affairs," Xi said. Tokayev hailed Xi's visit as a reunion of "historic importance", saying the Chinese leader's decision to visit Nur-Sultan first since the start of the pandemic was a sign of "high-level... mutual trust and cooperation".  The ex-Soviet Central Asian region, which Russia sees as in its sphere of influence, is key to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a trillion-dollar push to improve trade links across the globe by building landmark infrastructure. Tokayev said Beijing and Nur-Sultan had "set an example" for cooperation within the huge BRI initiative and praised prospects for further cooperation. Xi, during his three-day visit to Central Asia, is scheduled to attend a summit of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) leaders in Uzbekistan, where he is expected to meet with Putin. 'Mutual respect, fairness' The SCO was established in 2001 as a political, economic and security organisation to rival Western institutions and the summit will bring together Xi, Putin, Tokayev, leaders from India, Pakistan and three more ex-Soviet Central Asian countries. Xi wrote ahead of the visit that the group had "set a fine example of a new type of international relations featuring mutual respect, fairness, justice and win-win cooperation, and proved itself an important and constructive force". Those were comments echoed by the Kremlin's foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov who told reporters in Moscow that the SCO members "stand for a just world order". "The SCO offers a real alternative to Western-centric organisations," he added. Ushakov said that among Putin's meeting in Samarkand this week, his talks with Xi would be "of particular importance", focusing on the conflict in Ukraine and Russia's growing economic ties with China. Xi, in an article for Chinese state media ahead of the trip, said Beijing was prepared to work with Kazakhstan to "deepen cooperation in law enforcement, security and defence". He said also China wanted to work with Kazakhstan on drug trafficking and transnational organised crime as well as what China calls the "three evils". China's government has previously used the term -- referring to terrorism, separatism and religious extremism -- to talk about its crackdown Xinjiang, which borders Kazakhstan. Beijing stands accused of detaining over one million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang, including some Kazakhs, under a years-long security campaign that the United States and some lawmakers in other Western countries have labelled a "genocide". China vociferously denies the allegations, saying its actions are aimed at combating terrorism. In a separate article for Uzbek media, Xi pledged to "strengthen security cooperation and resolve risks and challenges" and said Uzbekistan had a "unique role to play in resolving the Afghanistan issue", CCTV reported. "The two sides must take a clear stand against any forces undermining the regional security situation," CCTV reported Xi as writing. 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 ×

Xi vows full backing to Kazakhstan for its sovereignty amid Russia's Ukraine invasion

China Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin are all set to meet this week. They will discuss the war in Ukraine and other international and regional topics. As the two leaders gather in Uzbekistan at the meeting of the Shanghai Corporation Organization, this is Xi Jinping's first overseas trip since the start of the pandemic and comes as he seeks a historic third term.

Kremlin: Xi-Putin to showcase alternative to the west, Ukraine war and regional issues on agenda

Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Central Asia this week on his first trip out of the country since the COVID-19 pandemic, attending the regional Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Uzbekistan.

Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit Central Asia on first post-pandemic foreign trip

<p>The summit this week between President Vladimir Putin of Russia and Xi Jinping of China is a show of force by two autocratic leaders united against what they consider American hegemony. It is also a moment of mutual weakness as Russia suffers losses in Ukraine and China endures an economic slowdown.</p>

<p>They come to the meeting, expected to take place later this week in Uzbekistan, with their own agendas and their own challenges that will test an important relationship both have described as a friendship with “no limits.”</p>

<p>Moscow needs Beijing. Russia’s recent routs on the battlefields of Ukraine, coupled with the broad damage inflicted by Western sanctions, have made Chinese support all the more important. China has emerged as a major buyer of Russian commodities, purchases that have helped replenish Moscow’s coffers.</p>

<p>Beijing, though, remains cautious. It wants to project strength in the increasingly acrimonious competition with the United States and can’t afford for its main partner in an authoritarian alliance to face a humiliating defeat. But providing substantial, additional help to Russia, either economically or militarily, risks running afoul of Western sanctions and imperiling China’s economy.</p>

<p>“Xi’s China has been carrying out an exquisite tightrope walk with regard to Russia,” said Rana Mitter, a professor of history and politics at Oxford University. “It is keen to show support for Russia in general, but finds active support for an invasion too politically embarrassing to contemplate and wants Moscow to resolve matters one way or another.”</p>

<p>Image matters for Xi as he prepares to secure a third term at a pivotal Communist Party congress in Beijing next month. His trip this week, during which he will attend a regional summit in Uzbekistan and visit Kazakhstan, marks the first time Xi has traveled abroad since the start of the pandemic and signals just how much he values the relationship. The meeting with Putin will give the Chinese leader a chance to look like a global statesman, playing well to a home audience.</p>

<p>Russia also provides much-needed backing for China’s agenda. When House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan last month in defiance of China’s claims to the self-ruled democracy, the Kremlin was quick to support Beijing’s stance, describing the trip as “provocative” and pledging “absolute solidarity with China.”</p>

<p>But China has tied itself to a war that has so far backfired for Russia. Any serious weakening of Putin’s dominance in Russia could hurt Beijing’s position at a time when the leadership is dealing with the political and economic fallout from its strict COVID-19 policies.</p>

<p>The question confronting China is whether to double down or let Russia navigate the setbacks on its own. Both strategies carry risks, and most experts expect China to choose a middle path of continued economic support without openly circumventing sanctions or providing outright military assistance.</p>

<p>China, which has avoided describing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a war, appears to be tempering its bets. When Xi’s second-highest-ranking deputy, Li Zhanshu, met with Putin in Russia last week, Chinese state media emphasized the two countries’ shared admiration but steered clear of overt advocacy for Russia’s actions in Ukraine.</p>

<p>China’s official Xinhua News Agency said Li has told Putin that, “political mutual trust, strategic coordination and pragmatic cooperation between the two countries have reached an unprecedented level.”</p>

<p>Xinhua made no mention of Ukraine, even as Russian state media claimed Beijing backed the invasion, portraying Li as having said that China “understands and supports Russia” particularly “on the situation in Ukraine.”</p>

<p>“China keeps avoiding military involvement in any degree in Russia’s war and will continue to do so, especially when the Russians have been in a drastic failure situation in the field,” said Shi Yinhong, a professor of international relations at Renmin University in Beijing. “China’s diplomatic and political support or sympathy will not really help them, though dramatic purchases of their energy since April help a little non-militarily.”</p>

<p>Putin, who describes his war as part of a battle against nefarious Western powers that threaten Russia’s very existence, appears to find China’s middle ground vexing. He suggested as much last week in describing the long-running negotiations for a new pipeline that could allow Russia to export more Siberian natural gas to China rather than Europe — a matter of critical importance to Moscow as Europe rushes to reduce energy imports from Russia.</p>

<p>“Our Chinese friends are tough bargainers,” Putin said at a conference in the Russian port city of Vladivostok focused on increasing economic ties with Asia. “Naturally, they proceed from their national interests in any deal, which is the only way to go.”</p>

<p>Putin will go into the meeting with Xi looking to China as a lifeline at perhaps Russia’s most tenuous moment since the invasion began in February. Russian forces have recently lost more than 1,000 square miles of territory in Ukraine, creating new political headwinds for Putin — even from some of his longtime supporters, now frustrated by Russia’s bumbling war effort.</p>

<p>At this week’s meeting, Putin hopes to close a deal for the natural gas pipeline. Russia also needs access to China’s high-tech exports and Chinese currency to pay for those goods, since Russia’s access to dollars is severely restricted.</p>

<p>“China has more leverage than Russia,” said Alexander Gabuev, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.</p>

<p>As Western countries shun Moscow, it is the expanding ties with China that Putin points to most as proof that Russia cannot be isolated. It is a relationship to which Putin has devoted enormous effort, one that accelerated after relations with the West took a dive following Russia’s annexation of the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea in 2014.</p>

<p>The honor of meeting Xi in person is sure to be extolled by Russia’s state media as evidence of Putin’s continued acumen on the world stage. “Our relations have reached unprecedented heights,” Putin said at the Vladivostok conference.</p>

<p>The century-old relationship between the two nations is steeped in ideology and history. Moscow was crucial to the Chinese Communist Party’s founding, early survival and eventual victory in 1949 in China’s Civil War. Relatively close relations have continued, although they were interrupted by a rift in the 1960s so serious that the two countries fought border skirmishes.</p>

<p>Xi has a long-standing connection to Russia and Putin, whom he has met with 38 times. The Chinese leader’s father, Xi Zhongxun, a leading party figure in the 1950s, oversaw Soviet experts who came to China to help build the country’s heavy industry after the civil war, said Joseph Torigian, the author of an upcoming biography on the elder Xi.</p>

<p>Xi’s father visited Moscow, full of admiration. “He brought back mementos from Russia,” Torigian said, “that Xi Jinping later recalled.”</p>

<p>A week after he became China’s president in March 2013, Xi chose Russia for his first trip abroad and hinted in a speech there that the two countries would work together against the West.</p>

<p>“Currently, China and Russia are both in important periods of national revival, and bilateral relations have entered a new stage,” Xi said.</p>

<p>China now has the upper hand in the relationship, given its economic and military might. China’s economy was 10 times the size of Russia’s last year, before the war in Ukraine. From May through July, China bought record amounts of Russian oil at a deep discount and imported more Russian natural gas and coal.</p>

<p>Gazprom, the Russian gas giant, announced last week that China’s payments for gas from one pipeline would no longer be made in dollars or euros, but in Russian rubles and Chinese yuan. Such deals make it easier for Russia to bypass Western banks and buy Chinese goods that are similar to high-tech Western products under export restrictions.</p>

<p>While China has sold many cars and other products that do not use Western technology to Russia, it appears to have avoided the riskier activity of reselling advanced Western technology. China appears to have refrained so far this year from shipping weapons to Russia, forcing Moscow to ask Iran and North Korea for military equipment.</p>

<p>China’s military has a long history of training with its Russian counterparts. Last week, China sent more than 2,000 People’s Liberation Army soldiers, 21 combat aircraft and three warships to participate in joint military exercises in eastern Russia.</p>

<p>It was the first time that China had sent air, land and naval forces to participate in the major military exercise, which Putin personally oversaw.</p>

<p>But Xi is unlikely to tie his country more closely to Russia than he did in February, when he declared the limitless friendship.</p>

<p>“I don’t really expect any sort of new statement to be made by Xi Jinping that would be perceived as more strategic support for Russia,” said Li Mingjiang, a specialist in China’s international relations at the National University of Singapore, “nor would I expect China to walk back from what has been said.”</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The summit this week between President Vladimir Putin of Russia and Xi Jinping of China is a show of force by two autocratic leaders united against what they consider American hegemony.

The summit this week between President Vladimir Putin of Russia and Xi Jinping of China is a show of force by two autocratic leaders united against what they consider American hegemony. It is also a moment of mutual weakness as Russia suffers losses in Ukraine and China endures an economic slowdown. They come to the meeting, expected to take place later this week in Uzbekistan, with their own agendas and their own challenges that will test an important relationship both have described as a friendship with “no limits.” Moscow needs Beijing. Russia’s recent routs on the battlefields of Ukraine, coupled with the broad damage inflicted by Western sanctions, have made Chinese support all the more important. China has emerged as a major buyer of Russian commodities, purchases that have helped replenish Moscow’s coffers. Beijing, though, remains cautious. It wants to project strength in the increasingly acrimonious competition with the United States and can’t afford for its main partner in an authoritarian alliance to face a humiliating defeat. But providing substantial, additional help to Russia, either economically or militarily, risks running afoul of Western sanctions and imperiling China’s economy. “Xi’s China has been carrying out an exquisite tightrope walk with regard to Russia,” said Rana Mitter, a professor of history and politics at Oxford University. “It is keen to show support for Russia in general, but finds active support for an invasion too politically embarrassing to contemplate and wants Moscow to resolve matters one way or another.” Image matters for Xi as he prepares to secure a third term at a pivotal Communist Party congress in Beijing next month. His trip this week, during which he will attend a regional summit in Uzbekistan and visit Kazakhstan, marks the first time Xi has traveled abroad since the start of the pandemic and signals just how much he values the relationship. The meeting with Putin will give the Chinese leader a chance to look like a global statesman, playing well to a home audience. Russia also provides much-needed backing for China’s agenda. When House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan last month in defiance of China’s claims to the self-ruled democracy, the Kremlin was quick to support Beijing’s stance, describing the trip as “provocative” and pledging “absolute solidarity with China.” But China has tied itself to a war that has so far backfired for Russia. Any serious weakening of Putin’s dominance in Russia could hurt Beijing’s position at a time when the leadership is dealing with the political and economic fallout from its strict COVID-19 policies. The question confronting China is whether to double down or let Russia navigate the setbacks on its own. Both strategies carry risks, and most experts expect China to choose a middle path of continued economic support without openly circumventing sanctions or providing outright military assistance. China, which has avoided describing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a war, appears to be tempering its bets. When Xi’s second-highest-ranking deputy, Li Zhanshu, met with Putin in Russia last week, Chinese state media emphasized the two countries’ shared admiration but steered clear of overt advocacy for Russia’s actions in Ukraine. China’s official Xinhua News Agency said Li has told Putin that, “political mutual trust, strategic coordination and pragmatic cooperation between the two countries have reached an unprecedented level.” Xinhua made no mention of Ukraine, even as Russian state media claimed Beijing backed the invasion, portraying Li as having said that China “understands and supports Russia” particularly “on the situation in Ukraine.” “China keeps avoiding military involvement in any degree in Russia’s war and will continue to do so, especially when the Russians have been in a drastic failure situation in the field,” said Shi Yinhong, a professor of international relations at Renmin University in Beijing. “China’s diplomatic and political support or sympathy will not really help them, though dramatic purchases of their energy since April help a little non-militarily.” Putin, who describes his war as part of a battle against nefarious Western powers that threaten Russia’s very existence, appears to find China’s middle ground vexing. He suggested as much last week in describing the long-running negotiations for a new pipeline that could allow Russia to export more Siberian natural gas to China rather than Europe — a matter of critical importance to Moscow as Europe rushes to reduce energy imports from Russia. “Our Chinese friends are tough bargainers,” Putin said at a conference in the Russian port city of Vladivostok focused on increasing economic ties with Asia. “Naturally, they proceed from their national interests in any deal, which is the only way to go.” Putin will go into the meeting with Xi looking to China as a lifeline at perhaps Russia’s most tenuous moment since the invasion began in February. Russian forces have recently lost more than 1,000 square miles of territory in Ukraine, creating new political headwinds for Putin — even from some of his longtime supporters, now frustrated by Russia’s bumbling war effort. At this week’s meeting, Putin hopes to close a deal for the natural gas pipeline. Russia also needs access to China’s high-tech exports and Chinese currency to pay for those goods, since Russia’s access to dollars is severely restricted. “China has more leverage than Russia,” said Alexander Gabuev, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. As Western countries shun Moscow, it is the expanding ties with China that Putin points to most as proof that Russia cannot be isolated. It is a relationship to which Putin has devoted enormous effort, one that accelerated after relations with the West took a dive following Russia’s annexation of the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea in 2014. The honor of meeting Xi in person is sure to be extolled by Russia’s state media as evidence of Putin’s continued acumen on the world stage. “Our relations have reached unprecedented heights,” Putin said at the Vladivostok conference. The century-old relationship between the two nations is steeped in ideology and history. Moscow was crucial to the Chinese Communist Party’s founding, early survival and eventual victory in 1949 in China’s Civil War. Relatively close relations have continued, although they were interrupted by a rift in the 1960s so serious that the two countries fought border skirmishes. Xi has a long-standing connection to Russia and Putin, whom he has met with 38 times. The Chinese leader’s father, Xi Zhongxun, a leading party figure in the 1950s, oversaw Soviet experts who came to China to help build the country’s heavy industry after the civil war, said Joseph Torigian, the author of an upcoming biography on the elder Xi. Xi’s father visited Moscow, full of admiration. “He brought back mementos from Russia,” Torigian said, “that Xi Jinping later recalled.” A week after he became China’s president in March 2013, Xi chose Russia for his first trip abroad and hinted in a speech there that the two countries would work together against the West. “Currently, China and Russia are both in important periods of national revival, and bilateral relations have entered a new stage,” Xi said. China now has the upper hand in the relationship, given its economic and military might. China’s economy was 10 times the size of Russia’s last year, before the war in Ukraine. From May through July, China bought record amounts of Russian oil at a deep discount and imported more Russian natural gas and coal. Gazprom, the Russian gas giant, announced last week that China’s payments for gas from one pipeline would no longer be made in dollars or euros, but in Russian rubles and Chinese yuan. Such deals make it easier for Russia to bypass Western banks and buy Chinese goods that are similar to high-tech Western products under export restrictions. While China has sold many cars and other products that do not use Western technology to Russia, it appears to have avoided the riskier activity of reselling advanced Western technology. China appears to have refrained so far this year from shipping weapons to Russia, forcing Moscow to ask Iran and North Korea for military equipment. China’s military has a long history of training with its Russian counterparts. Last week, China sent more than 2,000 People’s Liberation Army soldiers, 21 combat aircraft and three warships to participate in joint military exercises in eastern Russia. It was the first time that China had sent air, land and naval forces to participate in the major military exercise, which Putin personally oversaw. But Xi is unlikely to tie his country more closely to Russia than he did in February, when he declared the limitless friendship. “I don’t really expect any sort of new statement to be made by Xi Jinping that would be perceived as more strategic support for Russia,” said Li Mingjiang, a specialist in China’s international relations at the National University of Singapore, “nor would I expect China to walk back from what has been said.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Challenges for Russia and China test a 'no-limits' friendship

Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to meet with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, during a visit to the neighbouring Central Asian nation of Uzbekistan in what would be his first overseas visit since the start of the pandemic. Eric Njoka tells you what this means for the Chinese President.

WION Fineprint | Why is Xi Jinping’s Central Asia trip important?

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will come under one roof for the first time since 2020 Galwan clashes for Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meet at Uzbekistan on 15-16 September.

SCO 2022: India, China declare disengagement at line of actual control

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will come under one roof for the first time since 2020 Galwan clashes for Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meet at Uzbekistan on 15-16 September. Indian and Chinese troops have also completed the disengagement process in the Gogra-Hot Springs area along the LAC.

India and China to be under one roof for SCO meet for first time after 2020 Galwan clashes

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will come under one roof for the first time since 2020 Galwan clashes for Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meet at Uzbekistan on 15-16 September. WION correspondent Siddhant Sibbal in an exclusive interview with Manish Prabhat, ambassador to Uzbekistan.

WION Dispatch: 22nd SCO meet between head of member states

WION Dispatch | SCO 2022: Russian President to meet Chinese counterpart

After nearly two years President Xi Jinping will leave China for a trip to Central Asia where he will be meeting his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Uzbekistan. The two leaders are due to meet on the sidelines as a Shanghai Corporation Organization Summit which is scheduled to take place on the 15th and 16th of September.

Xi Jinping to meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Uzbekistan

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization will meet in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, where regional political, security, and economic issues will be discussed. Indian Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to travel there.

What's on agenda? PM Modi to attend SCO summit with Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin & Shehbaz Sharif

xi-jinping

Xi Jinping, News on Xi Jinping, stories on Xi Jinping, articles on Xi Jinping, Xi Jinping stories at Wion, Xi Jinping news, Xi Jinping latest news

xi jinping