The Communist Party has reached the dinner tables of China. Eating influencers claim their food videos were censored. Reportedly, the PLA has decided to use robot cooks and cut down on oily and deep fried diet. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you how China's food crisis is now becoming evident.

Gravitas: China's new diktats: Food videos censored, PLA to use robot cooks

China has removed 'sensitive content' from school textbooks in Hong Kong. Jimmy Lai Apple has likened China to the Big Brother in George Orwell's novel 1984. Palki Sharma Upadhyay explains how China is brainwashing young minds.

Gravitas: China Brainwashing Hong Kong's Children

People in China's capital Beijing are no longer required to wear masks outdoors, health authorities said on Friday, a second such announcement since May when it was reversed after a recurrence of coronavirus cases in the city.

According to official data, Beijing had 935 cases of coronavirus since February this year of which 924 have recovered. The city reported nine deaths.

People are no longer required to wear masks outdoors, but they still need to wear masks when in close contact with others, a new guideline issued by the Beijing Centre for Disease Prevention and Control said.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/partygoers-flood-water-park-in-wuhan-the-original-epicentre-of-coronavirus-321490">Partygoers flood water park in Wuhan, the original epicentre of coronavirus</a>

Under flashing lights and with dance music blaring, scores of people converged on a pool party on August 15&nbsp;in the Chinese city of&nbsp;Wuhan&nbsp;where the novel coronavirus emerged late last year.

Videos and photos of an electronic music festival at the&nbsp;Wuhan&nbsp;Maya Beach Water Park showed face mask free revellers crammed into rubber dinghies and performers on stage partying, months after the city's lockdown was lifted in April.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/papua-new-guinea-bars-chinese-workers-in-vaccine-trial-over-coronavirus-risk-322161" hreflang="en">Papua New Guinea bars Chinese workers in vaccine trial over coronavirus risk</a>

Chinese state newspapers threw their support behind the party at the&nbsp;amusement park. A&nbsp;story in the Global Times, a tabloid published by the ruling Communist Party's People's Daily, cited&nbsp;Wuhan&nbsp;residents as saying the pool party reflected the city's success in its virus-control efforts.

Chinese football fans will return to the stadiums this Saturday when the gaming season begins. Thousands of fans will be allowed to attend a high-profile football match after they get tested.

China is portraying an image that all is well in the country and it is, therefore, returning to normalcy.

However, 48&nbsp;Chinese workers were banned from entering a mine in&nbsp;Papua New Guinea because they might test positive for the Wuhan virus.

The workers had been due to fly from the northern city of Tianjin to the Ramu NiCo plant in northern Papua New Guinea run by state-run Metallurgical Corporation of China Ltd (MCC).

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="http://w3.cdn.anvato.net/player/prod/v3/anvload.html?key=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%3D%3D" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Chinese state-backed firm insisted on sending them back to work. It said they have been given a vaccine for the virus. Although the world has no idea about the whereabouts of this vaccine,&nbsp;China metallurgical group corporation&nbsp;managed to get it and get it&nbsp;injected it into its employees.

When Papua New Guinea demanded an explantion behind the entire incident. China's&nbsp;foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said&nbsp;he was not aware of the matter, adding that he believes&nbsp;China's vaccine development strictly follows standardised scientific protocol, and that safety and effectiveness evaluations as well as ethical inspections are carried out in the research process.

People in China's capital Beijing are no longer required to wear masks outdoors, health authorities said on Friday, a second such announcement since May when it was reversed after a recurrence of coronavirus cases in the city.

People in China's capital Beijing are no longer required to wear masks outdoors, health authorities said on Friday, a second such announcement since May when it was reversed after a recurrence of coronavirus cases in the city. According to official data, Beijing had 935 cases of coronavirus since February this year of which 924 have recovered. The city reported nine deaths. People are no longer required to wear masks outdoors, but they still need to wear masks when in close contact with others, a new guideline issued by the Beijing Centre for Disease Prevention and Control said. Also see: Partygoers flood water park in Wuhan, the original epicentre of coronavirus Under flashing lights and with dance music blaring, scores of people converged on a pool party on August 15 in the Chinese city of Wuhan where the novel coronavirus emerged late last year. Videos and photos of an electronic music festival at the Wuhan Maya Beach Water Park showed face mask free revellers crammed into rubber dinghies and performers on stage partying, months after the city's lockdown was lifted in April. Also read: Papua New Guinea bars Chinese workers in vaccine trial over coronavirus risk Chinese state newspapers threw their support behind the party at the amusement park. A story in the Global Times, a tabloid published by the ruling Communist Party's People's Daily, cited Wuhan residents as saying the pool party reflected the city's success in its virus-control efforts. Chinese football fans will return to the stadiums this Saturday when the gaming season begins. Thousands of fans will be allowed to attend a high-profile football match after they get tested. China is portraying an image that all is well in the country and it is, therefore, returning to normalcy. However, 48 Chinese workers were banned from entering a mine in Papua New Guinea because they might test positive for the Wuhan virus. The workers had been due to fly from the northern city of Tianjin to the Ramu NiCo plant in northern Papua New Guinea run by state-run Metallurgical Corporation of China Ltd (MCC). × The Chinese state-backed firm insisted on sending them back to work. It said they have been given a vaccine for the virus. Although the world has no idea about the whereabouts of this vaccine, China metallurgical group corporation managed to get it and get it injected it into its employees. When Papua New Guinea demanded an explantion behind the entire incident. China's foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said he was not aware of the matter, adding that he believes China's vaccine development strictly follows standardised scientific protocol, and that safety and effectiveness evaluations as well as ethical inspections are carried out in the research process.

After Wuhan water park party, now Beijing says face masks not mandatory in public spaces

There is proposed legislation in the United States and it aims to drop the title of "President" for China's Xi Jinping in all official US documents. Watch report.

Redesignating Xi Jinping: US bill to designate Xi as a party chief

US lawmakers have introduced a bill to change the way the federal government refers to the leader of China.&nbsp;

The 'Name the Enemy Act' would require that official US government documents instead refer to the head of state according to his or her role as head of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This implies the new bill stands to prohibit the use of the term “president”.

The Chinese leader, currently Xi Jinping, holds three official titles, none of which is “president”: head of state (guojia zhuxi, literally “state chairman”); chairman of the central military commission; and general secretary of the CCP.

Critics say "president" offers unwarranted legitimacy to an unelected leader.

“Addressing the head of state of the People’s Republic of China as a “president” grants the incorrect assumption that the people of the state, via democratic means, have readily legitimised the leader who rules them”, the legislation states.

The House bill would prohibit the use of federal funds for the “creation or dissemination” of official documents and communications that refer to the China’s leader as “president”.

The legislation comes as many top cabinet officials, led by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, have recently begun abandoning the term “president” in favour of “general secretary”.&nbsp;

Earlier in May, a White House report in May used Xi’s party title exclusively.

US lawmakers have introduced a bill to change the way the federal government refers to the leader of China. The 'Name the Enemy Act' would require that official US government documents instead refer to the head of state according to his or her role as head of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

US lawmakers have introduced a bill to change the way the federal government refers to the leader of China. The 'Name the Enemy Act' would require that official US government documents instead refer to the head of state according to his or her role as head of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This implies the new bill stands to prohibit the use of the term “president”. The Chinese leader, currently Xi Jinping, holds three official titles, none of which is “president”: head of state (guojia zhuxi, literally “state chairman”); chairman of the central military commission; and general secretary of the CCP. Critics say "president" offers unwarranted legitimacy to an unelected leader. “Addressing the head of state of the People’s Republic of China as a “president” grants the incorrect assumption that the people of the state, via democratic means, have readily legitimised the leader who rules them”, the legislation states. The House bill would prohibit the use of federal funds for the “creation or dissemination” of official documents and communications that refer to the China’s leader as “president”. The legislation comes as many top cabinet officials, led by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, have recently begun abandoning the term “president” in favour of “general secretary”. Earlier in May, a White House report in May used Xi’s party title exclusively.

President no more? US moves to ban Chinese leader Xi Jinping's title

Xi Jinping's anti-corruption crackdown is seen as an tool to eliminate rivals. After politicians and the military - The Chinese President has now begun a sweeping clean-up of China's domestic-security apparatus.

Gravitas: China's biggest purge since Mao

Family members of several Chinese are linked to offshore dealings. Leaked files claim that Xi Jinping's brother-in-law has offshore companies, as does Mao Zedong's Grandson-in-law.

Gravitas: Corruption in Xi Jinping's family

Equal distribution of wealth and public ownership of land is the foundation of Communism. A Communist society is one that strives towards being classless and stateless.

However, 22,000 people from China and Hong Kong have money stashed in offshore accounts. The people of China are unaware of it.&nbsp;China is an oligarchy and&nbsp;its people are being led by 21st-century Tsars.

At least $4 trillion in untraced assets have left China since 2000.&nbsp;The money has gone into offshore accounts and trusts. China's elites own secret companies abroad. &nbsp;They operate offshore accounts. At least 15 of them are members of China's National People's Congress.

Then there are members of the Politburo Standing Committee and some family members of President Xi Jinping.&nbsp;Deng Jiagui is the&nbsp;brother-in-law of Xi Jinping. He is also the owner of the&nbsp;offshore companies - Victory Enterprises Ltd, Best Effect Enterprises Ltd, and Wealth Ming International Ltd.

These companies are located in the British Virgin Island. The first company was dissolved in 2007. The other two companies have been laying low.&nbsp;Li Xiaolin is&nbsp;the daughter of former Chinese Premier Li Peng.

Li Xiaolin and her husband own an offshore firm called Cofic Investment. Their company is based out of the British Virgin Island.

Jasmin Li Zidan is the grand-daughter of the former Politburo Standing Committee member Jia Kinglin. Jasmin owns an offshore company called Harvest Sun Trading Limited.

Also in the list is a grandson-in-law of former CCP chairman&nbsp;Mao Zedong whose name is Che Dong-Sheng.&nbsp;He incorporated Keen Best International Limited&nbsp;in the British Virgin Islands in 2011. Chen is also the head of a life insurance company and an art auction house.

The question is how did they manage to set up companies abroad? The international consortium of investigative journalists ran a study.&nbsp;They found that these Chinese elites were helped by Western financial groups.&nbsp;Swiss financial giant Credit Suisse, for example&nbsp;reportedly helped Wen Jiabao's son create his company. It&nbsp;was at a time when Wen Jiabao was leading China.

Xi's&nbsp;administration does not require government&nbsp;officials to disclose their personal assets. They&nbsp;conceal their assets through&nbsp;censorship.&nbsp;Any reports regarding offshore assets are quickly taken off the internet as China likes to project&nbsp;itself as a no-nonsense society.

Public figures are routinely arrested to hammer the point home. From actor Fan Bingbing and Interpol chief Meng Hongwei, if someone still demands government officials to disclose their assets they are jailed.

Equal distribution of wealth and public ownership of land is the foundation of Communism. A Communist society is one that strives towards being classless and stateless.

Equal distribution of wealth and public ownership of land is the foundation of Communism. A Communist society is one that strives towards being classless and stateless. However, 22,000 people from China and Hong Kong have money stashed in offshore accounts. The people of China are unaware of it. China is an oligarchy and its people are being led by 21st-century Tsars. At least $4 trillion in untraced assets have left China since 2000. The money has gone into offshore accounts and trusts. China's elites own secret companies abroad. They operate offshore accounts. At least 15 of them are members of China's National People's Congress. Then there are members of the Politburo Standing Committee and some family members of President Xi Jinping. Deng Jiagui is the brother-in-law of Xi Jinping. He is also the owner of the offshore companies - Victory Enterprises Ltd, Best Effect Enterprises Ltd, and Wealth Ming International Ltd. These companies are located in the British Virgin Island. The first company was dissolved in 2007. The other two companies have been laying low. Li Xiaolin is the daughter of former Chinese Premier Li Peng. Li Xiaolin and her husband own an offshore firm called Cofic Investment. Their company is based out of the British Virgin Island. Jasmin Li Zidan is the grand-daughter of the former Politburo Standing Committee member Jia Kinglin. Jasmin owns an offshore company called Harvest Sun Trading Limited. Also in the list is a grandson-in-law of former CCP chairman Mao Zedong whose name is Che Dong-Sheng. He incorporated Keen Best International Limited in the British Virgin Islands in 2011. Chen is also the head of a life insurance company and an art auction house. The question is how did they manage to set up companies abroad? The international consortium of investigative journalists ran a study. They found that these Chinese elites were helped by Western financial groups. Swiss financial giant Credit Suisse, for example reportedly helped Wen Jiabao's son create his company. It was at a time when Wen Jiabao was leading China. Xi's administration does not require government officials to disclose their personal assets. They conceal their assets through censorship. Any reports regarding offshore assets are quickly taken off the internet as China likes to project itself as a no-nonsense society. Public figures are routinely arrested to hammer the point home. From actor Fan Bingbing and Interpol chief Meng Hongwei, if someone still demands government officials to disclose their assets they are jailed.

How China's Politburo members own offshore companies

Chen Yixin is the secretary-general of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission in China and a protégé of Chinese President&nbsp;Xi Jinping.

His name has appeared far too frequently within the Chinese press this year. Chen Yixin was sent to Wuhan to control the virus. Now, he is shifting his attention to China’s security apparatus and initiating a new round of evictions.

The successor of Xi Jinping has been a subject of intense speculation,&nbsp;if the Chinese president ever decides to step aside, Chen Yixin could be in the running.&nbsp;It is because for many years now Chen has been a loyal deputy to Xi Jinping even before he became president of China.

The association began in the Zhenjiang province in the east. Xi was in charge of the region from 2002 to 2007 and Chen was his&nbsp;loyal deputy.

He handled the secretariat of the province. When Xi Jinping came to Beijing, Chen Yixin received a promotion too. Now,&nbsp;Chen is seen as the right-hand man of Xi. He handles issues that Xi Jinping doesn’t want to get his hands dirty with like the Wuhan virus. When the outbreak began and China's chaos became international news,&nbsp;Xi Jinping stayed away from the limelight.

The man chosen to visit Wuhan was Chen Yixin. He was appointed as the deputy head of the central government group and was tasked with controlling the pandemic.

Chen knew the city well. He had served as the party chief of Wuhan and his hands are full under Xi's leadership.

He serves as the secretary-general of the central political and legal affairs commission which is the&nbsp;top law enforcement body of China. It oversees police officers, prosecutors, courts and prisons and Chen is best poised to lead the purge in the state security apparatus.

In July, China’s state-owned wire service had&nbsp;sent out a&nbsp;dispatch saying “China to rectify problems in political, legal organs”. It&nbsp;was a cryptic announcement of a new round of clean-up.

In Chen Yixin’s own words, he is “thoroughly removing tumors” from China’s justice system and going after the so-called corrupt officials like a surgeon would “scrap poison off one’s bones”.&nbsp;Xi is projecting it as part of his anti-corruption drive - the tool he's used to eliminate&nbsp;dissenters and political rivals from the Communist Party.

Chen Yixin is the secretary-general of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission in China and a protégé of Chinese President Xi Jinping. His name has appeared far too frequently within the Chinese press this year.

Chen Yixin is the secretary-general of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission in China and a protégé of Chinese President Xi Jinping. His name has appeared far too frequently within the Chinese press this year. Chen Yixin was sent to Wuhan to control the virus. Now, he is shifting his attention to China’s security apparatus and initiating a new round of evictions. The successor of Xi Jinping has been a subject of intense speculation, if the Chinese president ever decides to step aside, Chen Yixin could be in the running. It is because for many years now Chen has been a loyal deputy to Xi Jinping even before he became president of China. The association began in the Zhenjiang province in the east. Xi was in charge of the region from 2002 to 2007 and Chen was his loyal deputy. He handled the secretariat of the province. When Xi Jinping came to Beijing, Chen Yixin received a promotion too. Now, Chen is seen as the right-hand man of Xi. He handles issues that Xi Jinping doesn’t want to get his hands dirty with like the Wuhan virus. When the outbreak began and China's chaos became international news, Xi Jinping stayed away from the limelight. The man chosen to visit Wuhan was Chen Yixin. He was appointed as the deputy head of the central government group and was tasked with controlling the pandemic. Chen knew the city well. He had served as the party chief of Wuhan and his hands are full under Xi's leadership. He serves as the secretary-general of the central political and legal affairs commission which is the top law enforcement body of China. It oversees police officers, prosecutors, courts and prisons and Chen is best poised to lead the purge in the state security apparatus. In July, China’s state-owned wire service had sent out a dispatch saying “China to rectify problems in political, legal organs”. It was a cryptic announcement of a new round of clean-up. In Chen Yixin’s own words, he is “thoroughly removing tumors” from China’s justice system and going after the so-called corrupt officials like a surgeon would “scrap poison off one’s bones”. Xi is projecting it as part of his anti-corruption drive - the tool he's used to eliminate dissenters and political rivals from the Communist Party.

Meet Chen Yixin, Xi Jinping's likely successor

President Xi Jinping was barely known a year before he rose to power. Now, he is China’s most powerful leader since Mao and is chasing the dreams of world domination.

The Chinese president doesn’t have to fight an election. However, he still needs to run campaigns to stay in power.&nbsp; It&nbsp;is about avoiding a leadership battle.

Xi Jinping has kicked off his campaign to stay in power.&nbsp;Eight months into 2020 with&nbsp;the world still fighting the Wuhan virus, Xi Jinping is fighting his officials.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The domestic security apparatus of China has become his focus with&nbsp;the policemen, judges, members of the judiciary, officials who work in law enforcement. The clean-up has already begun.&nbsp;It was announced in July. China says it is “rectifying problems in the political and legal organs.” But, it&nbsp;is a clean-up operation.

The Wall Street Journal has published the specifics. At least 21 police and judicial officials are under investigation. It includes cadres who have been awarded for good performance.

The police chief of Shanghai, Gong Daoan is the most senior target so far. Now, in any other country it will be an investigation agency who will conduct the probe. However,&nbsp;in China, it is the Communist Party that investigates a cop charged with corruption. They have an entire wing for it.&nbsp;It is called the Central Committee Discipline Inspection which is China’s top anti-graft watchdog.

Gong Daoan is also one of the deputy mayors of Shanghai. He has been accused of “serious violations of party discipline and law”. It is a&nbsp;classification that is used perhaps for every Chinese officer charged for corruption in Xi Jinping’s purge and there are no accusations,&nbsp;no charge of money changing hands or favours being granted. Everything is a “violation of party law".

Xi Jinping has been in power for seven years now. Since 2013, his anti-corruption drive has taken down one million officials. It&nbsp;includes party members, government officials, members of the armed forces and now security officials. No one is safe from the great purge of Xi Jinping&nbsp;especially&nbsp;when they are his rivals.

Sun Zhengcai was one of them. He was the party secretary of Chongqing which is an&nbsp;inland city of China. He was considered as China’s next leader.

However, two years back, he faced action. Sun Zhengcai was accused of taking almost $27 million&nbsp;in bribes. He has been sentenced to life in prison.

The Chinese government said Sun was corrupt. So he was punished. But Xi Jinping’s critics say the president jailed a rival but&nbsp;there is no way to prove it.

Xi Jinping did install one of his proteges in Sun’s place. Zhou Yongkang was another high profile name that Xi Jinping took down.

Until 2012, he was one of the nine most senior politicians in China serving as the head of China's security services and now&nbsp;he has to spend his life in prison.

Zhou was put under investigation after his retirement, just a year after Xi Jinping took power. His investigation began with the familiar charge&nbsp;"senior disciplinary violation".

In 2014, he was expelled from the party and arrested. Later, he was convicted of a series of corruption charges which&nbsp;included&nbsp;bribery, abuse of power and leaking state secrets.

The military has been one of the prime targets of the clean-up&nbsp;with several high profile generals being taken down.&nbsp;According to a report in 2018, more than 13,000 senior officers have faced investigation.

Last year, Fang Fenghui, an ex-chief of joint staff of the People’s Liberation Army was sentenced to life. He too was accused of bribery.

Fang had accompanied President Xi to his first meeting with US President Donald Trump in 2017.&nbsp;Now, he is in jail. After politicians, soldiers and party officials, Xi Jinping is now going after the police and the judges.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

President Xi Jinping was barely known a year before he rose to power. Now, he is China’s most powerful leader since Mao and is chasing the dreams of world domination.

President Xi Jinping was barely known a year before he rose to power. Now, he is China’s most powerful leader since Mao and is chasing the dreams of world domination. The Chinese president doesn’t have to fight an election. However, he still needs to run campaigns to stay in power. It is about avoiding a leadership battle. Xi Jinping has kicked off his campaign to stay in power. Eight months into 2020 with the world still fighting the Wuhan virus, Xi Jinping is fighting his officials. The domestic security apparatus of China has become his focus with the policemen, judges, members of the judiciary, officials who work in law enforcement. The clean-up has already begun. It was announced in July. China says it is “rectifying problems in the political and legal organs.” But, it is a clean-up operation. The Wall Street Journal has published the specifics. At least 21 police and judicial officials are under investigation. It includes cadres who have been awarded for good performance. The police chief of Shanghai, Gong Daoan is the most senior target so far. Now, in any other country it will be an investigation agency who will conduct the probe. However, in China, it is the Communist Party that investigates a cop charged with corruption. They have an entire wing for it. It is called the Central Committee Discipline Inspection which is China’s top anti-graft watchdog. Gong Daoan is also one of the deputy mayors of Shanghai. He has been accused of “serious violations of party discipline and law”. It is a classification that is used perhaps for every Chinese officer charged for corruption in Xi Jinping’s purge and there are no accusations, no charge of money changing hands or favours being granted. Everything is a “violation of party law". Xi Jinping has been in power for seven years now. Since 2013, his anti-corruption drive has taken down one million officials. It includes party members, government officials, members of the armed forces and now security officials. No one is safe from the great purge of Xi Jinping especially when they are his rivals. Sun Zhengcai was one of them. He was the party secretary of Chongqing which is an inland city of China. He was considered as China’s next leader. However, two years back, he faced action. Sun Zhengcai was accused of taking almost $27 million in bribes. He has been sentenced to life in prison. The Chinese government said Sun was corrupt. So he was punished. But Xi Jinping’s critics say the president jailed a rival but there is no way to prove it. Xi Jinping did install one of his proteges in Sun’s place. Zhou Yongkang was another high profile name that Xi Jinping took down. Until 2012, he was one of the nine most senior politicians in China serving as the head of China's security services and now he has to spend his life in prison. Zhou was put under investigation after his retirement, just a year after Xi Jinping took power. His investigation began with the familiar charge "senior disciplinary violation". In 2014, he was expelled from the party and arrested. Later, he was convicted of a series of corruption charges which included bribery, abuse of power and leaking state secrets. The military has been one of the prime targets of the clean-up with several high profile generals being taken down. According to a report in 2018, more than 13,000 senior officers have faced investigation. Last year, Fang Fenghui, an ex-chief of joint staff of the People’s Liberation Army was sentenced to life. He too was accused of bribery. Fang had accompanied President Xi to his first meeting with US President Donald Trump in 2017. Now, he is in jail. After politicians, soldiers and party officials, Xi Jinping is now going after the police and the judges.

Xi Jinping's great purge: Now, China targets domestic security apparatus

A senior ally of Chinese leader Xi Jinping called for a Mao-style purge of China's domestic security apparatus last month

WION Dispatch: Xi Jinping uses anti-graft measures to dispatch rivals

Dissent against Xi Jinping in China's Communist Party has been rising with voices of opposition growing louder.

The party has turned against Cai&nbsp;Xia who was a loyal member of the Communist Party and worked in China’s elite central party school.

She was expelled on Monday for criticising Xi Jinping. She had given an interview to The Guardian in June revealing widespread opposition against Xi Jinping within the party and how the Chinese president has made China the enemy of the world.

It was a scathing account from an insider. Cai&nbsp;Xia doesn’t mince words, she asserted that Xi Jinping has singlehandedly “killed a party and a country”.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-xi-jinping-crushing-dissent-within-the-communist-party-321563/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On the question of the removal of presidential term limits in 2018, Cai&nbsp;Xia said the Communist Party has become a political zombie with no ability to correct the errors.

When she was asked why would Xi Jinping make China an enemy of the world, Cai&nbsp;Xia said it is about Xi Jinping himself. She listed several factors to back her argument. First, it was an effort by Xi Jinping to consolidate his own position and authority. Second, it’s a way to divert attention from domestic issues&nbsp;and then she mentioned China’s border standoff with India, also China's battles with America.

Cai&nbsp;Xia also held Xi Jinping responsible for the pandemic. She claims that even after receiving the information the Chinese president did not raise an alarm nor did he make the information public or mobilise resources.

Cai&nbsp;Xia added that China's Communist Party is not silent, stating&nbsp;that there is opposition against Xi Jinping but it remains below the radar for two reasons - the anti-corruption crackdown, that is those who are corrupt will not question the president and those who are clean&nbsp;fear that they will be implicated under false charges.

Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign has become a machine to target rivals. However, the reason why they remain silent is due to the disciplinary code of the Communist Party which was adopted under Xi Jinping. It has a rule which states that no member can “distort” the policies of the party. Cai&nbsp;Xia says if a member has a different opinion it will be considered a violation of party discipline.

Cai&nbsp;Xia expressed her opinion and was sacked from the party. She is not the only one to meet this fate. Two more party critics have faced retribution in recent times. Xu Zhangrun, a law professor who was dismissed from his post for criticising Xi Jinping. He was even detained for a few days and Ren Zhi Qiang who called Xi Jinping a clown. He was expelled from the Communist Party accused of corruption and put under investigation.

Three other senior members questioned the president and faced action in a matter of weeks. Xi Jinping has been ruthlessly crushing dissent but he cannot hide the fact that he has been facing opposition. 
&nbsp;

Dissent against Xi Jinping in China's Communist Party has been rising with voices of opposition growing louder. The party has turned against Cai Xia who was a loyal member of the Communist Party and worked in China’s elite central party school.

Dissent against Xi Jinping in China's Communist Party has been rising with voices of opposition growing louder. The party has turned against Cai Xia who was a loyal member of the Communist Party and worked in China’s elite central party school. She was expelled on Monday for criticising Xi Jinping. She had given an interview to The Guardian in June revealing widespread opposition against Xi Jinping within the party and how the Chinese president has made China the enemy of the world. It was a scathing account from an insider. Cai Xia doesn’t mince words, she asserted that Xi Jinping has singlehandedly “killed a party and a country”. On the question of the removal of presidential term limits in 2018, Cai Xia said the Communist Party has become a political zombie with no ability to correct the errors. When she was asked why would Xi Jinping make China an enemy of the world, Cai Xia said it is about Xi Jinping himself. She listed several factors to back her argument. First, it was an effort by Xi Jinping to consolidate his own position and authority. Second, it’s a way to divert attention from domestic issues and then she mentioned China’s border standoff with India, also China's battles with America. Cai Xia also held Xi Jinping responsible for the pandemic. She claims that even after receiving the information the Chinese president did not raise an alarm nor did he make the information public or mobilise resources. Cai Xia added that China's Communist Party is not silent, stating that there is opposition against Xi Jinping but it remains below the radar for two reasons - the anti-corruption crackdown, that is those who are corrupt will not question the president and those who are clean fear that they will be implicated under false charges. Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign has become a machine to target rivals. However, the reason why they remain silent is due to the disciplinary code of the Communist Party which was adopted under Xi Jinping. It has a rule which states that no member can “distort” the policies of the party. Cai Xia says if a member has a different opinion it will be considered a violation of party discipline. Cai Xia expressed her opinion and was sacked from the party. She is not the only one to meet this fate. Two more party critics have faced retribution in recent times. Xu Zhangrun, a law professor who was dismissed from his post for criticising Xi Jinping. He was even detained for a few days and Ren Zhi Qiang who called Xi Jinping a clown. He was expelled from the Communist Party accused of corruption and put under investigation. Three other senior members questioned the president and faced action in a matter of weeks. Xi Jinping has been ruthlessly crushing dissent but he cannot hide the fact that he has been facing opposition.

Xi Jinping expels party members as dissent grows in Chinese Communist Party

A retired Chinese professor Cai Xia who called President Xi Jinping a “mafia boss” and the ruling Communist Party a “political zombie” has been disciplined, according to her former employer, the latest such critic to face punishment in recent months.

China's intolerance to dissent highlighted again: Professor sacked for accusing Xi | Cai Xia

A popular restaurant in central China called&nbsp;Chuiyan Fried Beef weighed customers&nbsp;before they entered the premises as part of a national campaign to reduce food waste.

The Hunan chain&nbsp;in the city of Changsha,&nbsp;has apologised after being accused of “fat-shaming” customers. It said&nbsp;“our intention was to advocate not wasting food and for people to order in a healthy way”.

"Netizens are welcome to come to the store to experience it and give their comments and suggestions," the statement said.

Tan Yan, president of the Chuiyan Fried Beef chain, said that despite the upset, ''more than a thousand groups of customers had gone along with the idea.''

The whole incident sparked outrage after two scales were placed at the entrance of the restaurant along with a note suggesting how much food people should order based on their body weight.

The guide recommended that women under 40&nbsp;kg&nbsp;should order no more than two dishes, suggestions included sautéed beef and steamed fish head, while men weighing 70-80 kg could have up to three.

Last week, a catering association in the central city of Wuhan advocated for customers to&nbsp;order "N-1" dishes,&nbsp;or one fewer dish than the number of people dining.

Chinese President Xi Jinping announced a food waste minimisation campaign on August 11, as China continues to grapple with food crisis.

&nbsp;

A popular restaurant in central China called Chuiyan Fried Beef weighed customers before they entered the premises as part of a national campaign to reduce food waste.

A popular restaurant in central China called Chuiyan Fried Beef weighed customers before they entered the premises as part of a national campaign to reduce food waste. The Hunan chain in the city of Changsha, has apologised after being accused of “fat-shaming” customers. It said “our intention was to advocate not wasting food and for people to order in a healthy way”. "Netizens are welcome to come to the store to experience it and give their comments and suggestions," the statement said. Tan Yan, president of the Chuiyan Fried Beef chain, said that despite the upset, ''more than a thousand groups of customers had gone along with the idea.'' The whole incident sparked outrage after two scales were placed at the entrance of the restaurant along with a note suggesting how much food people should order based on their body weight. The guide recommended that women under 40 kg should order no more than two dishes, suggestions included sautéed beef and steamed fish head, while men weighing 70-80 kg could have up to three. Last week, a catering association in the central city of Wuhan advocated for customers to order "N-1" dishes, or one fewer dish than the number of people dining. Chinese President Xi Jinping announced a food waste minimisation campaign on August 11, as China continues to grapple with food crisis.

Chinese restaurant chain weighing customers to assess how much food they should eat

Cai is the grand-daughter of a revolutionary fighter and taught for four decades at the party school

WION Dispatch: Chinese Academic Cai Xia expelled for the CCP

Chinese President Xi Jinping has launched 'Operation Empty Plate' - and asked people to stop wasting food. China's crops have been wiped out by mass flooding. With food prices on the rise - is China staring at a food crisis? Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: Is China running out of food?

On Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke about a campaign called "Operation empty plate" which was initially launched in 2013 to target big feasts held by Chinese officials.&nbsp;Now, Xi Jinping has expanded it to the public.

The Chinese president asked his people to stop wasting food and eat frugally. He did not say a word about food shortage,&nbsp;instead&nbsp;Xi Jinping spoke about "bumper harvest in my country's grain production year after year".

President Xi lied. China's crops have been wiped out by the mass flooding and food prices are on the rise. Xi Jinping also hid another truth - China's food security is hanging by the thread.

The are several reasons for it. Firstly, China is home to 1.4 billion people but the country is far from self-reliant. It imports 20 per cent to 30 per cent of its food grains. China was the world's top agricultural market between 2003 and 2017, its food imports have grown from $14 billion to $105 billion from the top-10 import partners alone, China imports food worth $75.3 billion.

It imports $22.7 billion worth from Brazil, $18.1 billion from the United States, $5.6 billion from Canada, $5.35 billion from New Zealand, $4.3 billion from Indonesia, $4.13 billion from Thailand, $3.37 billion from Hong Kong and $2.84 billion from France, according to 2017 data.

The moral of the story is that China relies on the world to feed its people. Now, China is reeling under a crisis of its own making. It is in a trade war with the US which is the same country from which Beijing had imported grains worth $5.5 billion last year.

China's total agricultural imports from India in 2018-19 was worth $1999 million, major imports included prawns, castor oil, capsicum etc. Food security has always been a priority for China since it needs to feed 1.4 billion people but Xi Jinping has rejigged China's priority list by putting his expansionist ambitions above everything else. The result is the global supply chain has been impaired because of the Wuhan virus pandemic.

Countries are refusing to engage with China because of its aggressive foreign policy and then there are the trade wars. In short, China may be headed towards a food crisis.

However, Xi Jinping has been masquerading through the crisis as a frugal campaigner under "Operation empty plate", restaurants are being asked to offer small portions and diners are being asked to order less. Xi Jinping may be hiding the problem of food shortage that China may soon be facing.

Beijing may have known it for some time. In June, China imported 910,000 tons of wheat, it was a 197 per cent increase year-on-year. It imported 880,000 tons of corn which is a year-on-year increase of 23 per cent. Imports of sorghum surged to 680,000 tons and sugar imports touched 140,000 tons. It is a 196 per cent year-on-year increase. Earlier, the numbers looked like China was trying to take advantage of cheap global prices but it looks it could have been China trying to avert a crisis.

It was stocking up in the fear of being cut-off from the global supply chain but the question is how long will these stocks last because by the looks of it China's isolation is not ending anytime soon. 
&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke about a campaign called "Operation empty plate" which was initially launched in 2013 to target big feasts held by Chinese officials.

On Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke about a campaign called "Operation empty plate" which was initially launched in 2013 to target big feasts held by Chinese officials. Now, Xi Jinping has expanded it to the public. The Chinese president asked his people to stop wasting food and eat frugally. He did not say a word about food shortage, instead Xi Jinping spoke about "bumper harvest in my country's grain production year after year". President Xi lied. China's crops have been wiped out by the mass flooding and food prices are on the rise. Xi Jinping also hid another truth - China's food security is hanging by the thread. The are several reasons for it. Firstly, China is home to 1.4 billion people but the country is far from self-reliant. It imports 20 per cent to 30 per cent of its food grains. China was the world's top agricultural market between 2003 and 2017, its food imports have grown from $14 billion to $105 billion from the top-10 import partners alone, China imports food worth $75.3 billion. It imports $22.7 billion worth from Brazil, $18.1 billion from the United States, $5.6 billion from Canada, $5.35 billion from New Zealand, $4.3 billion from Indonesia, $4.13 billion from Thailand, $3.37 billion from Hong Kong and $2.84 billion from France, according to 2017 data. The moral of the story is that China relies on the world to feed its people. Now, China is reeling under a crisis of its own making. It is in a trade war with the US which is the same country from which Beijing had imported grains worth $5.5 billion last year. China's total agricultural imports from India in 2018-19 was worth $1999 million, major imports included prawns, castor oil, capsicum etc. Food security has always been a priority for China since it needs to feed 1.4 billion people but Xi Jinping has rejigged China's priority list by putting his expansionist ambitions above everything else. The result is the global supply chain has been impaired because of the Wuhan virus pandemic. Countries are refusing to engage with China because of its aggressive foreign policy and then there are the trade wars. In short, China may be headed towards a food crisis. However, Xi Jinping has been masquerading through the crisis as a frugal campaigner under "Operation empty plate", restaurants are being asked to offer small portions and diners are being asked to order less. Xi Jinping may be hiding the problem of food shortage that China may soon be facing. Beijing may have known it for some time. In June, China imported 910,000 tons of wheat, it was a 197 per cent increase year-on-year. It imported 880,000 tons of corn which is a year-on-year increase of 23 per cent. Imports of sorghum surged to 680,000 tons and sugar imports touched 140,000 tons. It is a 196 per cent year-on-year increase. Earlier, the numbers looked like China was trying to take advantage of cheap global prices but it looks it could have been China trying to avert a crisis. It was stocking up in the fear of being cut-off from the global supply chain but the question is how long will these stocks last because by the looks of it China's isolation is not ending anytime soon.

Amid pandemic, China stares at food crisis

Amid the heightened tensions, the United States and China on Sunday will discuss the "phase one" of the trade deal signed earlier this year.&nbsp;

In January, Beijing and Washington halted a months-long trade war with a partial truce, but the arrival of coronavirus crisis and a number of issues that followed the pandemic, including China's new security law worsened the relations between both the countries.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-says-trumps-china-trade-deal-is-failing-badly-318457">Biden says Trump's China trade deal is 'failing' badly</a>

The purchases by China according to the deal have been lagging and US President Donald Trump has sharpened his attack towards China at a time when the US is less than 100 days away from the presidential elections.&nbsp;

Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-china-to-discuss-trade-deal-and-other-grievances-on-august-15-amid-spat-318255">United States, China to discuss trade deal and other grievances on August 15 amid spat</a>

"The outcome of the trade talk will signal if both sides are willing to continue to keep the deal, which will signal whether the relationship will deteriorate further," said Iris Pang, chief economist for greater China at ING, reported news agency AFP.&nbsp;

The world's two largest economies have so far not confirmed the talks, but the deal calls for a meeting after every six months, which would begin from Saturday.&nbsp;

In June, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said China would continue its commitments made in the deal and the US would be looking for a second deal, but in the same month, a Chinese State Council counsellor said the pandemic has had an "impact" on the agreement and that ties between the countries are "very unsatisfactory." 
&nbsp;

Amid the heightened tensions, the United States and China on Sunday will discuss the "phase one" of the trade deal signed earlier this year. In January, Beijing and Washington halted a months-long trade war with a partial truce, but the arrival of coronavirus crisis and a number of issues that followed the pandemic, including China's new security law worsened the relations between both the countries.

Amid the heightened tensions, the United States and China on Sunday will discuss the "phase one" of the trade deal signed earlier this year. In January, Beijing and Washington halted a months-long trade war with a partial truce, but the arrival of coronavirus crisis and a number of issues that followed the pandemic, including China's new security law worsened the relations between both the countries. Also read | Biden says Trump's China trade deal is 'failing' badly The purchases by China according to the deal have been lagging and US President Donald Trump has sharpened his attack towards China at a time when the US is less than 100 days away from the presidential elections. Also read | United States, China to discuss trade deal and other grievances on August 15 amid spat "The outcome of the trade talk will signal if both sides are willing to continue to keep the deal, which will signal whether the relationship will deteriorate further," said Iris Pang, chief economist for greater China at ING, reported news agency AFP. The world's two largest economies have so far not confirmed the talks, but the deal calls for a meeting after every six months, which would begin from Saturday. In June, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said China would continue its commitments made in the deal and the US would be looking for a second deal, but in the same month, a Chinese State Council counsellor said the pandemic has had an "impact" on the agreement and that ties between the countries are "very unsatisfactory."

Amid troubled ties, US, China to resume talks on trade deal

Pushing for cultivating a culture where "food waste is shameful and thriftiness is honourable", Chinese President Xi Jinping called for taking long-term measures to stop waste.&nbsp;

In his address on Tuesday, Xi said it's "shocking and distressing" the amount of food that is wasted in China. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-extends-anti-dumping-tariff-on-indian-fibre-optic-product-320095">China extends anti-dumping tariff on Indian fibre optic product</a>

"We should still maintain a sense of crisis about food security. The impact of this year’s COVID-19 pandemic has sounded the alarm," the Chinese president said, according to state news agency Xinhua.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-nepal-should-support-each-others-core-interests-chinese-official-320051">China, Nepal should support each other's core interests: Chinese official</a>

Xi's comments came after massive floods across the country have destroyed vast swathes of crops leading to a rise in food prices, which were already high due to the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

He said public awareness related to the issue needs to be enhanced and called for improving legislation, taking effective measures and creating a long-term mechanism to stop food waste.

Xi suggested specific steps required to reduce food waste in schools and promote students awareness, including inculcating habits of being thrifty.&nbsp;

Several restaurants in China have started reminding their customers to avoid ordering an amount that is likely to get wasted.&nbsp;

"As the generation post-1980s, we have not had rough time, but we still hope our children can contrast past misery with present happiness, and do not waste food, as it is not a good habit to do so," said a local resident. 
&nbsp;

Pushing for cultivating a culture where "food waste is shameful and thriftiness is honourable", Chinese President Xi Jinping called for taking long-term measures to stop waste.

Pushing for cultivating a culture where "food waste is shameful and thriftiness is honourable", Chinese President Xi Jinping called for taking long-term measures to stop waste. In his address on Tuesday, Xi said it's "shocking and distressing" the amount of food that is wasted in China. Also read | China extends anti-dumping tariff on Indian fibre optic product "We should still maintain a sense of crisis about food security. The impact of this year’s COVID-19 pandemic has sounded the alarm," the Chinese president said, according to state news agency Xinhua. Also read | China, Nepal should support each other's core interests: Chinese official Xi's comments came after massive floods across the country have destroyed vast swathes of crops leading to a rise in food prices, which were already high due to the coronavirus pandemic. He said public awareness related to the issue needs to be enhanced and called for improving legislation, taking effective measures and creating a long-term mechanism to stop food waste. Xi suggested specific steps required to reduce food waste in schools and promote students awareness, including inculcating habits of being thrifty. Several restaurants in China have started reminding their customers to avoid ordering an amount that is likely to get wasted. "As the generation post-1980s, we have not had rough time, but we still hope our children can contrast past misery with present happiness, and do not waste food, as it is not a good habit to do so," said a local resident.

'Food waste is shameful': Xi Jinping underscores new priority

As the rift between Saudi Arabia & Pakistan widens, the Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely to travel to Islamabad in the coming months.WION's Palki gets you a report on the significance of this visit.

Gravitas: Xi Jinping likely to visit Islamabad

In a few months, Islamabad will be rolling out the red carpet for the most significant visit by a foreign leader Xi Jinping. The Chinese president is planning to visit Pakistan later this year.

According to reports, the announcement has been made and the preparations have begun. Only the dates haven't been finalised. The Chinese president was scheduled to travel to Pakistan way back in June but thanks to the Wuhan virus, he could not.

This will be his second visit to Pakistan in 5 years. Xi Jinping last travelled to Islamabad in 2015. Another prime minister was in power Nawaz sharif. Nonetheless, a total of 51 CPEC projects were signed during this visit. Now Imran Khan is in power. One can only imagine the kind of deals that will be struck this time.

The&nbsp;visit comes at a time when Pakistan's ties with its other allies are at their worst. Saudi Arabia, the fiercest and foremost Muslim brother of Pakistan. The rift between Riyadh and Islamabad is widening. First, it made Pakistan repay 1 billion dollars from the 3 billion dollar cash loan it had borrowed in 2018. Chinese cheque-books helped Imran Khan pay back this EMI. But then Saudi Arabia also shut the oil tap for Pakistan --- it decided to not renew a 3.2 billion dollar 'oil on loan' provision.

What did the Imran Khan govt do in return?. It approved the most expensive cpec project to date. Last week, Pakistan gave the go-ahead for a 6.8 billion dollar project to update its railway lines under the cpec agreement. 
Saudi Arabia's apprehension and China's willingness to raise the Kashmir issue on global platforms. The Organisation of Islamic Countries has repeatedly refused to convene a meeting on Kashmir.

The OIC's de facto leader Saudi Arabia has run out of patience with Imran Khan's Kashmir obsession. This is where China has trumped the Saudis. Last week China convened a UNSC meeting to discuss Kashmir at Pakistan's behest but almost every security council member made it clear that Kashmir was not a matter for the un body to discuss.

China's attempts may have failed. It may have been embarrassed. But its relations with Pakistan haven't changed a bit. The China-Pak partnership remains as strong as ever and Xi Jinping's visit to Pakistan is an attempt to remind the world of this reality.&nbsp;

That Islamabad may be losing its friends in the Islamic world but it will forever have the support of communist China. That it will continue to get Chinese loans, Chinese projects and Chinese labourers who don't hesitate in thrashing Pakistanis over the slightest of disagreement.

In a few months, Islamabad will be rolling out the red carpet for the most significant visit by a foreign leader Xi Jinping. The Chinese president is planning to visit Pakistan later this year.

In a few months, Islamabad will be rolling out the red carpet for the most significant visit by a foreign leader Xi Jinping. The Chinese president is planning to visit Pakistan later this year. According to reports, the announcement has been made and the preparations have begun. Only the dates haven't been finalised. The Chinese president was scheduled to travel to Pakistan way back in June but thanks to the Wuhan virus, he could not. This will be his second visit to Pakistan in 5 years. Xi Jinping last travelled to Islamabad in 2015. Another prime minister was in power Nawaz sharif. Nonetheless, a total of 51 CPEC projects were signed during this visit. Now Imran Khan is in power. One can only imagine the kind of deals that will be struck this time. The visit comes at a time when Pakistan's ties with its other allies are at their worst. Saudi Arabia, the fiercest and foremost Muslim brother of Pakistan. The rift between Riyadh and Islamabad is widening. First, it made Pakistan repay 1 billion dollars from the 3 billion dollar cash loan it had borrowed in 2018. Chinese cheque-books helped Imran Khan pay back this EMI. But then Saudi Arabia also shut the oil tap for Pakistan --- it decided to not renew a 3.2 billion dollar 'oil on loan' provision. What did the Imran Khan govt do in return?. It approved the most expensive cpec project to date. Last week, Pakistan gave the go-ahead for a 6.8 billion dollar project to update its railway lines under the cpec agreement. Saudi Arabia's apprehension and China's willingness to raise the Kashmir issue on global platforms. The Organisation of Islamic Countries has repeatedly refused to convene a meeting on Kashmir. The OIC's de facto leader Saudi Arabia has run out of patience with Imran Khan's Kashmir obsession. This is where China has trumped the Saudis. Last week China convened a UNSC meeting to discuss Kashmir at Pakistan's behest but almost every security council member made it clear that Kashmir was not a matter for the un body to discuss. China's attempts may have failed. It may have been embarrassed. But its relations with Pakistan haven't changed a bit. The China-Pak partnership remains as strong as ever and Xi Jinping's visit to Pakistan is an attempt to remind the world of this reality. That Islamabad may be losing its friends in the Islamic world but it will forever have the support of communist China. That it will continue to get Chinese loans, Chinese projects and Chinese labourers who don't hesitate in thrashing Pakistanis over the slightest of disagreement.

Islamabad all set to roll out the red carpet for Chinese President Xi Jinping

China and Nepal should firmly support each other's core interests and major concerns, a senior Chinese official said on Wednesday as the two countries held their annual diplomatic consultations.

The 13th round of diplomatic consultations between China's Vice Foreign Minister Luo Zhaohui and Nepal's Foreign Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi via video conferencing came amidst Beijing's deepening political and diplomatic influence in the Himalayan nation, including shoring-up support for pro-China Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli in the backdrop of intra-party feud in the ruling communist party.

Luo said that the two sides should focus on implementing the outcomes of last year's Nepal visit of President Xi Jinping, strengthening cooperation in fighting COVID-19 and jointly building the "One Belt One Road" initiative.

A pet project of Xi, the initiative focuses on improving connectivity and cooperation among Asian countries, Africa, China and Europe.

The two sides should firmly support each other's core interests and major concerns, strengthen coordination in international and regional affairs, and promote greater development of bilateral relations in such areas as connectivity, development assistance, defence, law enforcement and security, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

China's investments under its multibillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) include the building of the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network through Tibet.

China's high-profile projects include the construction of tunnels along the road from Jilong in Tibet to Kathmandu, establishment of a science and technology university in Nepal, development of the three North-South corridors in Nepal and the Nepal-China electric power cooperation.

According to a recent article by Nepal's ambassador to China Mahendra Bahadur Pandey in Chinese official media, plans are afoot on some of the landmark projects in the areas of infrastructure, industry and education that were agreed to be initiated in Nepal during Xi's visit.

Last month for the first-time, China held its first foreign ministers level meeting with Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nepal during which they discussed cooperation to contain COVID-19, economic recovery and resumption of the BRI projects.

Bairagi said Nepal will continue to firmly adhere to the ?One-China' policy and support China's positions on issues concerning Taiwan, Tibet and Hong Kong, the statement added.&nbsp;

China and Nepal should firmly support each other's core interests and major concerns, a senior Chinese official said on Wednesday as the two countries held their annual diplomatic consultations.

China and Nepal should firmly support each other's core interests and major concerns, a senior Chinese official said on Wednesday as the two countries held their annual diplomatic consultations. The 13th round of diplomatic consultations between China's Vice Foreign Minister Luo Zhaohui and Nepal's Foreign Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi via video conferencing came amidst Beijing's deepening political and diplomatic influence in the Himalayan nation, including shoring-up support for pro-China Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli in the backdrop of intra-party feud in the ruling communist party. Luo said that the two sides should focus on implementing the outcomes of last year's Nepal visit of President Xi Jinping, strengthening cooperation in fighting COVID-19 and jointly building the "One Belt One Road" initiative. A pet project of Xi, the initiative focuses on improving connectivity and cooperation among Asian countries, Africa, China and Europe. The two sides should firmly support each other's core interests and major concerns, strengthen coordination in international and regional affairs, and promote greater development of bilateral relations in such areas as connectivity, development assistance, defence, law enforcement and security, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement. China's investments under its multibillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) include the building of the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network through Tibet. China's high-profile projects include the construction of tunnels along the road from Jilong in Tibet to Kathmandu, establishment of a science and technology university in Nepal, development of the three North-South corridors in Nepal and the Nepal-China electric power cooperation. According to a recent article by Nepal's ambassador to China Mahendra Bahadur Pandey in Chinese official media, plans are afoot on some of the landmark projects in the areas of infrastructure, industry and education that were agreed to be initiated in Nepal during Xi's visit. Last month for the first-time, China held its first foreign ministers level meeting with Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nepal during which they discussed cooperation to contain COVID-19, economic recovery and resumption of the BRI projects. Bairagi said Nepal will continue to firmly adhere to the ?One-China' policy and support China's positions on issues concerning Taiwan, Tibet and Hong Kong, the statement added.

China, Nepal should support each other's core interests: Chinese official

After taking power, Chinese President Xi Jinping has elevated his friends and family to top positions in China. A new assessment has claimed that almost 60% of the members of China's Communist Party have direct ties to Xi Jinping.

Gravitas: Friends and Family get top positions in Xi Jinping's China

Chinese President Xi Jinping is all set to visit Pakistan soon. The meet will be part of Pakistan China yearly high-level strategic council meeting.

The details of the visit are still being finalised and dates are also being decided.

The Chinese President's visit was scheduled for earlier this year, in the month of June, but could not happen due to COVID pandemic.

This will be the second visit of the Chinese President outside the country amidst COVID in 2020, the first being to Myanmar in January of this year.

Chinese President Xi Jinping last visited Pakistan in 2015 and around 51 projects being signed under the China Pakistan Economic corridor.

That was also his first state visit of the Chinese leadership to Pakistan. Both Islamabad and Beijing have close ties, and have termed it as "all-weather friendship".

The visit by Chinese president comes amidst growing influence of Beijing in south Asia and deteriorating ties with New Delhi. &nbsp;Chinese forces were involved in a violent face-off with the Indian forces at the Line of

Actual Control or LAC in eastern Ladakh. 20 Indian soldiers died in the face-off, while the Chinese side also suffered casualties they did not come with the numbers.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is all set to visit Pakistan soon. The meet will be part of Pakistan China yearly high-level strategic council meeting. The details of the visit are still being finalised and dates are also being decided.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is all set to visit Pakistan soon. The meet will be part of Pakistan China yearly high-level strategic council meeting. The details of the visit are still being finalised and dates are also being decided. The Chinese President's visit was scheduled for earlier this year, in the month of June, but could not happen due to COVID pandemic. This will be the second visit of the Chinese President outside the country amidst COVID in 2020, the first being to Myanmar in January of this year. Chinese President Xi Jinping last visited Pakistan in 2015 and around 51 projects being signed under the China Pakistan Economic corridor. That was also his first state visit of the Chinese leadership to Pakistan. Both Islamabad and Beijing have close ties, and have termed it as "all-weather friendship". The visit by Chinese president comes amidst growing influence of Beijing in south Asia and deteriorating ties with New Delhi. Chinese forces were involved in a violent face-off with the Indian forces at the Line of Actual Control or LAC in eastern Ladakh. 20 Indian soldiers died in the face-off, while the Chinese side also suffered casualties they did not come with the numbers.

Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit Pakistan

Journalists who have faced China's wrath for defending liberties

Xi Jinping tightened his grip on power by promising a corruption-free China. More than one million officials were sacked and they were Xi Jinping loyalists.

In 2017, the Communist Party unveiled its leadership team - the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China. It's the highest decision-making body of the Chinese government and&nbsp;at the centre is Xi Jinping.&nbsp;

The faces around him have one thing in common --- they pose no challenge to the Chinese president.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-friends-and-family-get-top-positions-in-xi-jinpings-china-319583/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It's customary for a Chinese president to appoint a potential successor on the Standing Committee in his second term.

However, Xi Jinping has not appointed a successor. He has removed presidential term limits and made himself the de facto ruler for life.

An American think tank has come up with this assessment of China’s leadership.&nbsp;According to the assessment, Xi Jinping promoted and elevated his comrades in the Politburo.

The Politburo has 25 members and it runs the affairs of the country. &nbsp;Almost 60 per cent of this team has direct ties to Xi Jinping. Many have worked under him before. Other members include loyal advisers, a childhood friend and even family associates.

Xi made room for them by carrying out the great purge or&nbsp;what he called an anti-corruption campaign. More than one million officials were disciplined in this drive.&nbsp;China hasn’t seen a campaign so vast and ruthless since the days of Mao Zedong.

According to a report in 2017, over 170 ministers and deputy minister-level officials were either sacked or jailed.&nbsp;They were charged with crimes like corruption, misconduct and violation of party discipline.

By 2017, nearly 70 per cent of the party’s central committee was reportedly replaced. China’s centre of power has dramatically been altered and Xi Jinping has surrounded himself with loyalists and "yes men".

Eight years and a massive anti-corruption campaign later, has China defeated corruption?&nbsp;China ranks 80th on a list of 198 countries in terms of transparency.&nbsp;

&nbsp;According to the annual corruption perceptions index of transparency international,&nbsp;China scored 41 out of 100.

Xi Jinping tightened his grip on power by promising a corruption-free China. More than one million officials were sacked and they were Xi Jinping loyalists. In 2017, the Communist Party unveiled its leadership team - the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China.

Xi Jinping tightened his grip on power by promising a corruption-free China. More than one million officials were sacked and they were Xi Jinping loyalists. In 2017, the Communist Party unveiled its leadership team - the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China. It's the highest decision-making body of the Chinese government and at the centre is Xi Jinping. The faces around him have one thing in common --- they pose no challenge to the Chinese president. It's customary for a Chinese president to appoint a potential successor on the Standing Committee in his second term. However, Xi Jinping has not appointed a successor. He has removed presidential term limits and made himself the de facto ruler for life. An American think tank has come up with this assessment of China’s leadership. According to the assessment, Xi Jinping promoted and elevated his comrades in the Politburo. The Politburo has 25 members and it runs the affairs of the country. Almost 60 per cent of this team has direct ties to Xi Jinping. Many have worked under him before. Other members include loyal advisers, a childhood friend and even family associates. Xi made room for them by carrying out the great purge or what he called an anti-corruption campaign. More than one million officials were disciplined in this drive. China hasn’t seen a campaign so vast and ruthless since the days of Mao Zedong. According to a report in 2017, over 170 ministers and deputy minister-level officials were either sacked or jailed. They were charged with crimes like corruption, misconduct and violation of party discipline. By 2017, nearly 70 per cent of the party’s central committee was reportedly replaced. China’s centre of power has dramatically been altered and Xi Jinping has surrounded himself with loyalists and "yes men". Eight years and a massive anti-corruption campaign later, has China defeated corruption? China ranks 80th on a list of 198 countries in terms of transparency. According to the annual corruption perceptions index of transparency international, China scored 41 out of 100.

Xi Jinping tries to secure his throne with anti-corruption drive

The opposition party in Taiwan demanded clarification on Monday on US envoy's pronunciation, which appeared to wrongly spell the name of the president, which sounded closer to her arch-rival Chinese counterpart.

US Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar met President Tsai Ing-wen earlier on Monday and in his opening statement pronounced the name as "shee", which is how Chinese President Xi Jinping's name is spelt, instead of "ts-eye".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-jets-spotted-in-taiwan-strait-during-us-health-chief-visit-319442">Chinese jets spotted in Taiwan Strait during US health chief visit</a>

However, a few sentences later, Azar corrected himself and pronounced President Tsai's as it is generally is spoken.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ongoing-historic-visit-to-taiwan-a-true-honour-for-trump-administration-319305">Ongoing historic visit to Taiwan a 'true honour' for Trump administration</a>

For opposition Kuomintang party (KMT), the glitch came as a "shock and disapproval" as they demanded clarification from the US.&nbsp;

"The KMT expresses shock and disapproval while urging the presidential office to sternly protest to the US side and clarify that the president of the Republic of China is surnamed Tsai, not Xi," said KMT in a statement.

However, Taiwan president brushed aside the opposition party's demand.

"There is no doubt Secretary Azar was addressing (her) as President Tsai," said Xavier Chang, Tsai's spokesman, in a statement.

"We suggest all sides to focus on (Taiwan's) diplomatic accomplishments and anti-pandemic cooperation. Closer Taiwan-US relations is the joint fruit of the efforts made by all people."

Tsai's party is at loggerheads with the Chinese administration, which is based on the autonomy of Taiwan, which Beijing considers as its own territory.&nbsp;

Also, US health secretary's visit to Taiwan has already raised eyebrows in China as for long several countries refused to consider Taiwan as an independent country separate from mainland China.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)

The opposition party in Taiwan demanded clarification on Monday on US envoy's pronunciation, which appeared to wrongly spell the name of the president, which sounded closer to her arch-rival Chinese counterpart.

The opposition party in Taiwan demanded clarification on Monday on US envoy's pronunciation, which appeared to wrongly spell the name of the president, which sounded closer to her arch-rival Chinese counterpart. US Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar met President Tsai Ing-wen earlier on Monday and in his opening statement pronounced the name as "shee", which is how Chinese President Xi Jinping's name is spelt, instead of "ts-eye". Also read | Chinese jets spotted in Taiwan Strait during US health chief visit However, a few sentences later, Azar corrected himself and pronounced President Tsai's as it is generally is spoken. Also read | Ongoing historic visit to Taiwan a 'true honour' for Trump administration For opposition Kuomintang party (KMT), the glitch came as a "shock and disapproval" as they demanded clarification from the US. "The KMT expresses shock and disapproval while urging the presidential office to sternly protest to the US side and clarify that the president of the Republic of China is surnamed Tsai, not Xi," said KMT in a statement. However, Taiwan president brushed aside the opposition party's demand. "There is no doubt Secretary Azar was addressing (her) as President Tsai," said Xavier Chang, Tsai's spokesman, in a statement. "We suggest all sides to focus on (Taiwan's) diplomatic accomplishments and anti-pandemic cooperation. Closer Taiwan-US relations is the joint fruit of the efforts made by all people." Tsai's party is at loggerheads with the Chinese administration, which is based on the autonomy of Taiwan, which Beijing considers as its own territory. Also, US health secretary's visit to Taiwan has already raised eyebrows in China as for long several countries refused to consider Taiwan as an independent country separate from mainland China. (With inputs from AFP)

Taiwan: Opposition party demands clarification of US envoy spelling President Tsai as 'Xi'

It's always better to serve one master at a time. If you start serving two, you are inviting trouble.

This is a lesson from the Bible and Pakistan has started to learn it finally.&nbsp;

The Imran Khan government made itself a slave of money by two masters: Saudi Arabia, its religious master with oil money and China, the mastermind with deep pockets.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-saudi-arabia-makes-pakistan-repay-1-billion-318705/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Pakistan has borrowed billions of dollars from both these nations.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-approves-most-expensive-china-aided-project-to-date-318443">Pakistan approves most expensive China-aided project to date</a>

China's debt-trap diplomacy is well-known, but what about Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

Islamabad secured a $3 billion loan from Riyadh in October 2018, assuming that they would not be asked to pay back.&nbsp;

The Pakistani PM tried hard to ensure this and even played chauffeur for the Saudi crown prince.&nbsp;

Earlier today, it was announced in Pakistani media that Islamabad has paid back $1 billion.&nbsp;

However, the Pakistani media has not put it correctly, and, in fact, Riyadh has forced it to pay.

This payback was due for a long time and let's just look at what really happened.

Ever since he came to power, Khan has been obsessed with Kashmir. Repeatedly, Khan has allowed this obsession to dominate Pakistan's foreign policy.&nbsp;

In February, Khan consistently pushed Saudi Arabia for the Organisation of Islamic Countries' (OIC) meeting on Kashmir. Saudi Arabia is the de facto leader of OIC and it refused to slam India on Kashmir.&nbsp;

The prime minister went all the way to Malaysia and said: "OIC can't come together on Kashmir, we are divided, we have no voice".&nbsp;

This tone of Imran was not appreciated by Saudi Arabia. Riyadh's message was clear: Domestic political narratives cannot drive foreign policy.&nbsp;

It has been a while since this episode and the world faced the pandemic in between.&nbsp;

But it seems that the Pakistani PM has not moved on and is once again asking Saudis to convene a meeting of Islamic countries on Kashmir.&nbsp;

Recently, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said: "OIC's leadership should stay away from this attitude of being careful and if they can't do this, then our prime minister will call the meeting".

These are strong words spoken by a country that is surviving on loans from Saudi Arabia.

Another question that remains is how did Pakistan afford to pay back a billion dollars, during a pandemic and when its economy is on a downfall.&nbsp;

The answer is China.

A Pakistani newspaper said, "Pakistan's time-tested friend, China, has immediately come forward and extended $1 billion in loan to help Islamabad avoid any adverse impact of the partial withdrawal of the Saudi lifeline."

China's modus operandi is this policy, give with one hand and take away with the other.&nbsp;

And once again China managed to do this.&nbsp;

At least 24 hours before China helped Pakistan with this aid, Pakistan's top economic body approved its costliest project ever: CPEC, a $6.8 billion project to upgrade Pakistan's railway lines.&nbsp;

Interestingly, Pakistan's entire developmental budget this financial year was $7.9 billion.

China's time-tested friendship has been a costly affair for Pakistan.

The harsh reality for Pakistan is that its obsession with Kashmir and attempts to please China has impacted its support from the Islamic world.&nbsp;

Imran Khan can drive all he likes, but he can't take the world for a ride.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

It's always better to serve one master at a time. If you start serving two, you are inviting trouble. This is a lesson from the Bible and Pakistan has started to learn it finally.

It's always better to serve one master at a time. If you start serving two, you are inviting trouble. This is a lesson from the Bible and Pakistan has started to learn it finally. The Imran Khan government made itself a slave of money by two masters: Saudi Arabia, its religious master with oil money and China, the mastermind with deep pockets. Watch | Pakistan has borrowed billions of dollars from both these nations. Also read | Pakistan approves most expensive China-aided project to date China's debt-trap diplomacy is well-known, but what about Saudi Arabia. Islamabad secured a $3 billion loan from Riyadh in October 2018, assuming that they would not be asked to pay back. The Pakistani PM tried hard to ensure this and even played chauffeur for the Saudi crown prince. Earlier today, it was announced in Pakistani media that Islamabad has paid back $1 billion. However, the Pakistani media has not put it correctly, and, in fact, Riyadh has forced it to pay. This payback was due for a long time and let's just look at what really happened. Ever since he came to power, Khan has been obsessed with Kashmir. Repeatedly, Khan has allowed this obsession to dominate Pakistan's foreign policy. In February, Khan consistently pushed Saudi Arabia for the Organisation of Islamic Countries' (OIC) meeting on Kashmir. Saudi Arabia is the de facto leader of OIC and it refused to slam India on Kashmir. The prime minister went all the way to Malaysia and said: "OIC can't come together on Kashmir, we are divided, we have no voice". This tone of Imran was not appreciated by Saudi Arabia. Riyadh's message was clear: Domestic political narratives cannot drive foreign policy. It has been a while since this episode and the world faced the pandemic in between. But it seems that the Pakistani PM has not moved on and is once again asking Saudis to convene a meeting of Islamic countries on Kashmir. Recently, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said: "OIC's leadership should stay away from this attitude of being careful and if they can't do this, then our prime minister will call the meeting". These are strong words spoken by a country that is surviving on loans from Saudi Arabia. Another question that remains is how did Pakistan afford to pay back a billion dollars, during a pandemic and when its economy is on a downfall. The answer is China. A Pakistani newspaper said, "Pakistan's time-tested friend, China, has immediately come forward and extended $1 billion in loan to help Islamabad avoid any adverse impact of the partial withdrawal of the Saudi lifeline." China's modus operandi is this policy, give with one hand and take away with the other. And once again China managed to do this. At least 24 hours before China helped Pakistan with this aid, Pakistan's top economic body approved its costliest project ever: CPEC, a $6.8 billion project to upgrade Pakistan's railway lines. Interestingly, Pakistan's entire developmental budget this financial year was $7.9 billion. China's time-tested friendship has been a costly affair for Pakistan. The harsh reality for Pakistan is that its obsession with Kashmir and attempts to please China has impacted its support from the Islamic world. Imran Khan can drive all he likes, but he can't take the world for a ride.

Imran Khan's proximity with China has distanced his other master

Xi Jinping has many dreams. The dreams to make China a superpower. Put the middle kingdom at the centre of global commerce and to take back the breakaway province of Taiwan.

Xi Jinping has another dream to win a football world cup but Chinese football team is a national humiliation and, therefore, Xi Jinping decided to take matters in&nbsp;his own hands.&nbsp;

Here is how the Chinese president is chasing the world cup glory.

Xi hopes to be the world’s most powerful football coach. Even better than the likes of Jose Mourinho or Zinedine Zidane. Xi Jinping is not quitting his day job. But, for quite some time now, the Chinese president has been on a mission. A mission to turn China into a superpower, on the football pitch.

The battle is a personal one. When President Xi was party chief in rural Hebei, he witnessed the trashing of the Chinese side by a British club Watford FC which defeated China’s national team 5-1 in 1983.&nbsp;

Xi hasn’t forgotten the humiliation. So, in 2011, he unveiled the great soccer dream. The Chinese president wants to not just host the football world cup but even lift the trophy one day. With China’s football ambition, the geopolitical power battle is now set to kick off in the stadium too.&nbsp;

With his world cup bid, Xi Jinping will be rubbing shoulders with his good friend Vladimir Putin. Russia had hosted the 2018 world cup with the Russian president attending every game to cheer his side.

The US is an adversary here too. The American women’s national team is the world’s most successful side. China may be able to push its weight around against Russia and the US. But on the football field, China is a non-starter.&nbsp;

The Chinese national side is ranked 76th in the world. It has qualified only once for the world cup, way back in 2002. The talent deficit is quite evident. But the dragon is desperate and is recruiting foreign players into its national side.

In 2019, Nico Yennaris gave up his British passport and moved to Beijing. Yennaris, now known as like, is now a member of the Chinese side.

Others players rejected in the West, are chasing stardom in China now. John Hou Saeter renounced his Norwegian passport to play in China.

Brazil-born strike Elkeson has joined the Chinese team too. Reports say, at least nine foreign footballers have switched their allegiance to be naturalized Chinese citizens. With the recruits, China is targeting world cup qualification once again.

The world is still gripped by the Wuhan virus but football has resumed in China with the national team starting practice. Xi Jinping wants to transform China into a great soccer nation but he must first know the score... Or he'll end up with more embarrassment.

Xi Jinping has many dreams. The dreams to make China a superpower. Put the middle kingdom at the centre of global commerce and to take back the breakaway province of Taiwan.

Xi Jinping has many dreams. The dreams to make China a superpower. Put the middle kingdom at the centre of global commerce and to take back the breakaway province of Taiwan. Xi Jinping has another dream to win a football world cup but Chinese football team is a national humiliation and, therefore, Xi Jinping decided to take matters in his own hands. Here is how the Chinese president is chasing the world cup glory. Xi hopes to be the world’s most powerful football coach. Even better than the likes of Jose Mourinho or Zinedine Zidane. Xi Jinping is not quitting his day job. But, for quite some time now, the Chinese president has been on a mission. A mission to turn China into a superpower, on the football pitch. The battle is a personal one. When President Xi was party chief in rural Hebei, he witnessed the trashing of the Chinese side by a British club Watford FC which defeated China’s national team 5-1 in 1983. Xi hasn’t forgotten the humiliation. So, in 2011, he unveiled the great soccer dream. The Chinese president wants to not just host the football world cup but even lift the trophy one day. With China’s football ambition, the geopolitical power battle is now set to kick off in the stadium too. With his world cup bid, Xi Jinping will be rubbing shoulders with his good friend Vladimir Putin. Russia had hosted the 2018 world cup with the Russian president attending every game to cheer his side. The US is an adversary here too. The American women’s national team is the world’s most successful side. China may be able to push its weight around against Russia and the US. But on the football field, China is a non-starter. The Chinese national side is ranked 76th in the world. It has qualified only once for the world cup, way back in 2002. The talent deficit is quite evident. But the dragon is desperate and is recruiting foreign players into its national side. In 2019, Nico Yennaris gave up his British passport and moved to Beijing. Yennaris, now known as like, is now a member of the Chinese side. Others players rejected in the West, are chasing stardom in China now. John Hou Saeter renounced his Norwegian passport to play in China. Brazil-born strike Elkeson has joined the Chinese team too. Reports say, at least nine foreign footballers have switched their allegiance to be naturalized Chinese citizens. With the recruits, China is targeting world cup qualification once again. The world is still gripped by the Wuhan virus but football has resumed in China with the national team starting practice. Xi Jinping wants to transform China into a great soccer nation but he must first know the score... Or he'll end up with more embarrassment.

Why Xi Jinping's dream to conquer the soccer world will just fall short

A resistance movement against the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is getting bigger. Baloch and Sindhi groups have joined hands against Chinese investments. China is responding by asking Pakistan to declare some of its citizens as terrorists - who pose a threat to Chinese assets. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: China asks Pakistan to declare some of its citizens as terrorists

China promised development and employment when the China-Pakistan economic corridor was launched. But, broken promises are forcing the people in Gwadar to pick up arms against Chinese investments in Pakistan. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay brings you a report.

Gravitas: Pakistan: How CPEC left behind the people of Gwadar

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