Why is China denying Hong Kong was a UK colony?

Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday and according to the Chinese state media, Beijing has said that they will continue to back Moscow on "sovereignty and security". The Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said that Xi has made it clear that China is "willing to continue to offer mutual support (to Russia) on issues concerning core interests and major concerns such as sovereignty and security". From the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February, China has refused to condemn their actions and according to a number of reports, they have been buying oil and natural gas from the Kremlin.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/5g-india-to-hold-spectrum-auction-in-july-mobile-connectivity-set-to-get-10-times-faster-488302">5G: India to hold spectrum auction, mobile services set to get 10 times faster</a>

The CCTV further reported that Xi was happy with "good momentum of development" when it came to the relationship between China and Moscow and promised to "intensify strategic coordination”.

According to AFP, this was the second call between the two world leaders since the invasion of Ukraine started. China made it clear that they want to “strengthen their communication” with Russia on a number of international organisations and Xi said in the call that they will "push the international order and global governance towards more just and reasonable development".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-years-into-india-china-clash-in-galwan-valley-much-remains-unsolved-488290" hreflang="en">Two years into India-China clash in Galwan valley, much remains unsolved</a>

AFP also reported that Xi has invited Putin to the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics in early February. The two Presidents have shared a cordial relationship over the years and amid the crisis in Ukraine, China remain a strong ally of Russia despite multiple warnings from United States and other major western countries.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday and according to the Chinese state media, Beijing has said that they will continue to back Moscow on "sovereignty and security".

Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday and according to the Chinese state media, Beijing has said that they will continue to back Moscow on "sovereignty and security". The Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said that Xi has made it clear that China is "willing to continue to offer mutual support (to Russia) on issues concerning core interests and major concerns such as sovereignty and security". From the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February, China has refused to condemn their actions and according to a number of reports, they have been buying oil and natural gas from the Kremlin. Also read | 5G: India to hold spectrum auction, mobile services set to get 10 times faster The CCTV further reported that Xi was happy with "good momentum of development" when it came to the relationship between China and Moscow and promised to "intensify strategic coordination”. According to AFP, this was the second call between the two world leaders since the invasion of Ukraine started. China made it clear that they want to “strengthen their communication” with Russia on a number of international organisations and Xi said in the call that they will "push the international order and global governance towards more just and reasonable development". Also read | Two years into India-China clash in Galwan valley, much remains unsolved AFP also reported that Xi has invited Putin to the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics in early February. The two Presidents have shared a cordial relationship over the years and amid the crisis in Ukraine, China remain a strong ally of Russia despite multiple warnings from United States and other major western countries. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China to back Russia on 'sovereignty and security', Xi Jinping tells Vladimir Putin

Chinese President Xi Jinping has signed an order that allows the PLA to take missions abroad. Why is Xi Jinping decided to legally legitimize PLA's "non-war" military operations? Palki Sharma Upadhyay decodes the developments.

Gravitas: Chinese President allows PLA to take missions abroad

July 1 will mark the 25-year completion of the British handing over the control of Hong Kong to China as well as the first day for John Lee as the city’s new Chief Executive. It has been a custom for top Chinese leadership to attend the swearing-in ceremonies of all Hong Kong Chief Executives and it seems that Chinese President Xi Jinping will be present for this year’s event. Jinping has not left China since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic but with a few weeks to go for Lee’s swearing-in ceremony, a specific incident has given rise to rumours regarding his possible travel to Hong Kong.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-zelensky-says-russias-camps-resemble-nazi-concentration-camps-487844" hreflang="en">Ukraine war: Zelensky says Russia's camps 'resemble Nazi concentration camps'</a>

Parents of students at Wong Cho Bao School – an institution controlled by pro-Beijing Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers (HKFEW) – has asked its students to undergo seven days of hotel quarantine ahead of an unnamed event where they will be greeting a number of dignitaries.

According to AFP, the school will be paying for all the accommodations and according to&nbsp;a notice from school principal Wong Kam-leung, they will not be meeting their parents as well.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cctv-footage-men-mercilessly-beating-women-in-china-sparks-outrage-nine-arrested-487827" hreflang="en">CCTV footage: Men mercilessly beating women in China sparks outrage, nine arrested</a>

The AFP report further stated that the event is described in the notice as a "rare honourable mission" and the hotel quarantine for the students will take place between June 23 and June 30.

Meanwhile, ahead of the swearing-in ceremony, the Hong Kong authorities have planned "closed-loop system" which will be used to isolate around 1000 people including current city leader Carrie Lam. The South China Morning Post also reported that major Chinese leaders will be present.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

(With inputs from agencies)

July 1 will mark the 25-year completion of the British handing over the control of Hong Kong to China as well as the first day for John Lee as the city’s new Chief Executive.

July 1 will mark the 25-year completion of the British handing over the control of Hong Kong to China as well as the first day for John Lee as the city’s new Chief Executive. It has been a custom for top Chinese leadership to attend the swearing-in ceremonies of all Hong Kong Chief Executives and it seems that Chinese President Xi Jinping will be present for this year’s event. Jinping has not left China since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic but with a few weeks to go for Lee’s swearing-in ceremony, a specific incident has given rise to rumours regarding his possible travel to Hong Kong. Also read | Ukraine war: Zelensky says Russia's camps 'resemble Nazi concentration camps' Parents of students at Wong Cho Bao School – an institution controlled by pro-Beijing Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers (HKFEW) – has asked its students to undergo seven days of hotel quarantine ahead of an unnamed event where they will be greeting a number of dignitaries. According to AFP, the school will be paying for all the accommodations and according to a notice from school principal Wong Kam-leung, they will not be meeting their parents as well. Also read | CCTV footage: Men mercilessly beating women in China sparks outrage, nine arrested The AFP report further stated that the event is described in the notice as a "rare honourable mission" and the hotel quarantine for the students will take place between June 23 and June 30. Meanwhile, ahead of the swearing-in ceremony, the Hong Kong authorities have planned "closed-loop system" which will be used to isolate around 1000 people including current city leader Carrie Lam. The South China Morning Post also reported that major Chinese leaders will be present. 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. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong school notice sparks rumours about possible Xi Jinping visit in July

Covid restrictions return to Shanghai as China decides to lock down millions of people for mass COVID-19 testing this weekend, &nbsp;just 10 days after lifting its gruelling two-month lockdown, unsettling residents and raising concerns about the business impact.

Racing to stop a wider outbreak after discovering a handful of community cases, including a cluster traced to a popular beauty salon, authorities have ordered PCR testing for all residents in 14 of Shanghai's 16 districts over the weekend.&nbsp;

Five of the districts said residents would not be allowed to leave their homes while the testing was carried out. A notice issued by Changning district described the stay-home requirement as "closed management" of the community being sampled.&nbsp;

The latest scare triggered a rush to grocery stores and online platforms to stock up on food, as users of China's Twitter-like Weibo expressed fear they could be locked down for longer, having only started going back to work after the last lockdown was lifted on June 1.

Some areas had remained sealed off or quickly returned to lockdown due to infections and their close contacts. "The residential compound next to mine has already been locked down," said Zhang Jian, a 34-year-old real estate agent.&nbsp;

"If there is mass testing and there is another positive case in the compound, it will have a serious impact on our lives." He added

While China's infection rate is low by global standards, President Xi Jinping has doubled down on a zero-Covid policy that authorities say is needed to protect the elderly and the medical system, even as other countries try to live with the virus.

The latest round of mass testing comes on top of already onerous testing requirements that Shanghai introduced for its 25 million residents after easing its earlier lockdown.&nbsp;

Residents must prove that they have been tested within the last 72 hours to enter areas like malls and offices - or even to use subways and buses. Many have become frustrated by the prospect of queuing for hours to be tested.

Meanwhile, Beijing on Thursday shut entertainment and internet venues in two of the capital's largest districts after tracing cases to a few bars.&nbsp;

Shanghai's earlier lockdown fuelled widespread frustration, anger and even rare protests among its residents, many of whom grappled with lost income, the loss of freedom, the death of friends and relatives, and even hunger.

It also battered China's economy, disrupting supply chains and slowing international trade. And the latest setback has hit sentiment in financial markets.

"We are at the mercy of mass testing. Factories will have to shut down even if only one positive case is detected," said Bettina Schoen-Behanzin, vice president of the European Chamber, adding that European companies were becoming more cautious and rethinking future investments in China.

[with inputs from agencies] 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Covid restrictions return to Shanghai as China decides to lock down millions of people for mass COVID-19 testing this weekend, just 10 days after lifting its gruelling two-month lockdown, unsettling residents and raising concerns about the business impact.

Covid restrictions return to Shanghai as China decides to lock down millions of people for mass COVID-19 testing this weekend, just 10 days after lifting its gruelling two-month lockdown, unsettling residents and raising concerns about the business impact. Racing to stop a wider outbreak after discovering a handful of community cases, including a cluster traced to a popular beauty salon, authorities have ordered PCR testing for all residents in 14 of Shanghai's 16 districts over the weekend. Five of the districts said residents would not be allowed to leave their homes while the testing was carried out. A notice issued by Changning district described the stay-home requirement as "closed management" of the community being sampled. The latest scare triggered a rush to grocery stores and online platforms to stock up on food, as users of China's Twitter-like Weibo expressed fear they could be locked down for longer, having only started going back to work after the last lockdown was lifted on June 1. Some areas had remained sealed off or quickly returned to lockdown due to infections and their close contacts. "The residential compound next to mine has already been locked down," said Zhang Jian, a 34-year-old real estate agent. "If there is mass testing and there is another positive case in the compound, it will have a serious impact on our lives." He added While China's infection rate is low by global standards, President Xi Jinping has doubled down on a zero-Covid policy that authorities say is needed to protect the elderly and the medical system, even as other countries try to live with the virus. The latest round of mass testing comes on top of already onerous testing requirements that Shanghai introduced for its 25 million residents after easing its earlier lockdown. Residents must prove that they have been tested within the last 72 hours to enter areas like malls and offices - or even to use subways and buses. Many have become frustrated by the prospect of queuing for hours to be tested. Meanwhile, Beijing on Thursday shut entertainment and internet venues in two of the capital's largest districts after tracing cases to a few bars. Shanghai's earlier lockdown fuelled widespread frustration, anger and even rare protests among its residents, many of whom grappled with lost income, the loss of freedom, the death of friends and relatives, and even hunger. It also battered China's economy, disrupting supply chains and slowing international trade. And the latest setback has hit sentiment in financial markets. "We are at the mercy of mass testing. Factories will have to shut down even if only one positive case is detected," said Bettina Schoen-Behanzin, vice president of the European Chamber, adding that European companies were becoming more cautious and rethinking future investments in China. [with inputs from agencies] WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Covid restrictions return to Shanghai, Xi Jinping says ‘persistence is victory’

Chinese President Xi Jinping refuses to withdraw Zero Covid. His obsession with policy has sparked protests. Will Zero Covid weaken Xi Jinping? Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: How Zero Covid is weakening Xi Jinping

The Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi met his specific counterparts in a crucial meeting in the Fijian capital Suva. This is an attempt by China to try and encourage the countries to sign up to sweeping economic and security deals with Beijing that will help that will help the Xi Jinping administration to get a stronger foothold in the pacific region.

China chairs South Pacific islands meet, seeks big deal

A disagreement between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang is paralysing officials responsible for the world's second-largest economy, reported Bloomberg.

While Keqiang has urged&nbsp;the authorities to bolster the Chinese economy and hit their pre-determined growth targets, Jinping continues to emphasise the need for officials to push for zero coronavirus cases.

Bloomberg cited eight local government officials and financial bureaucrats familiar with the matter saying that the confusion on whom to listen to is causing chaos in a nation that implements the orders of the Chinese Communist Party without questioning its decisions.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-chinas-plan-to-counter-quad-482462/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Four senior officials told Bloomberg on the condition of anonymity that Li is trying to strengthen consensus on the urgency to revive the economy but authorities are divided as many believe that the COVID-19 outbreak should be their priority.

Earlier, the country's state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) had reported that Politburo's supreme seven-member Standing Committee pledged to "fight against any speech that distorts, questions or rejects our country's Covid-control policy.''

But Hequiang had told a press briefing later that “difficulties in some aspects, to a certain extent, are greater than when the epidemic hit us severely in 2020.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-china-utilise-veto-power-to-halt-us-bid-to-punish-north-korea-over-its-missile-launches-482495" hreflang="en">China, Russia veto US push for more UN sanctions on North Korea</a>

According to Trey McArver, co-founder of research firm Trivium China, ''Li is being put in the impossible position of trying to rescue the economy without being able to adjust the one policy, zero-Covid, that is causing the most economic damage.''

The Communist Party is trying to avoid any missteps, particularly in handling Covid outbreaks before its leadership conclave later this year.

Political experts have predicted that the party will reshuffle top ranks if they fail to fulfill the expectations of Jinping who is expected to win a landmark third term.

(With inputs from agencies)

Watch WION's live TV here:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

A disagreement between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang is paralysing officials responsible for the world's second-largest economy, reported Bloomberg.

A disagreement between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang is paralysing officials responsible for the world's second-largest economy, reported Bloomberg. While Keqiang has urged the authorities to bolster the Chinese economy and hit their pre-determined growth targets, Jinping continues to emphasise the need for officials to push for zero coronavirus cases. Bloomberg cited eight local government officials and financial bureaucrats familiar with the matter saying that the confusion on whom to listen to is causing chaos in a nation that implements the orders of the Chinese Communist Party without questioning its decisions. Four senior officials told Bloomberg on the condition of anonymity that Li is trying to strengthen consensus on the urgency to revive the economy but authorities are divided as many believe that the COVID-19 outbreak should be their priority. Earlier, the country's state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) had reported that Politburo's supreme seven-member Standing Committee pledged to "fight against any speech that distorts, questions or rejects our country's Covid-control policy.'' But Hequiang had told a press briefing later that “difficulties in some aspects, to a certain extent, are greater than when the epidemic hit us severely in 2020.” Also read | China, Russia veto US push for more UN sanctions on North Korea According to Trey McArver, co-founder of research firm Trivium China, ''Li is being put in the impossible position of trying to rescue the economy without being able to adjust the one policy, zero-Covid, that is causing the most economic damage.'' The Communist Party is trying to avoid any missteps, particularly in handling Covid outbreaks before its leadership conclave later this year. Political experts have predicted that the party will reshuffle top ranks if they fail to fulfill the expectations of Jinping who is expected to win a landmark third term. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

Disagreement between Xi Jinping and Li Keqiang paralysing officials responsible for Chinese economy

As United Nations' Human Rights chief Michelle Bachelet visits China, Uyghurs have urged her to avoid falling victim to a public relations stunt and ask hard questions in Xinjiang.

Bachelet's six-day trip has entered a delicate new phase with visits to the cities of Urumqi and Kashgar in the remote region of Xinjiang on Tuesday (May 24) and Wednesday (May 25).

The outskirts of both the cities are dotted with what are believed to be detention camps, part of a large network of freshly constructed facilities that stretches across the remote province.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Xi Jinping ordered the Genocide against Uighurs

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-xi-jinping-ordered-the-genocide-against-uighurs-433079/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Urumqi, the regional capital with a population of 4 million, has a sizable Uyghur population. It also houses key government agencies accused of orchestrating China's province-wide crackdown.

Meanwhile, Kashgar, an Uyghur heartland city with a population of 700,000, is an ancient Silk Road hub that has also been heavily targeted by Beijing's campaign.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leaked-database-shows-thousands-of-uyghurs-held-in-detention-by-china-479843">Leaked database shows thousands of Uyghurs held in detention by China</a>

China's ruling communist party has long been accused of detaining over one million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities as part of a years-long security crackdown. The United States has labelled this a "genocide".

However, China has vehemently denied the allegations and called the allegations "the lie of the century".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-rights-chief-to-visit-china-from-monday-including-xinjiang-480734">UN rights chief to visit China from Monday, including Xinjiang</a>

Campaigners fear that Chinese authorities would prevent Bachelet from conducting a comprehensive investigation into alleged human rights violations, instead giving her a stage-managed tour with limited access.

The US has expressed deep concern that she had not secured guarantees on what she will witness, saying she is unlikely to get an "unbiased" assessment of China's human rights situation.

(With inputs from agencies)

Watch WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

As United Nations' Human Rights chief Michelle Bachelet visits China, Uyghurs have urged her to avoid falling victim to a public relations stunt and ask hard questions in Xinjiang.

As United Nations' Human Rights chief Michelle Bachelet visits China, Uyghurs have urged her to avoid falling victim to a public relations stunt and ask hard questions in Xinjiang. Bachelet's six-day trip has entered a delicate new phase with visits to the cities of Urumqi and Kashgar in the remote region of Xinjiang on Tuesday (May 24) and Wednesday (May 25). The outskirts of both the cities are dotted with what are believed to be detention camps, part of a large network of freshly constructed facilities that stretches across the remote province. Watch | Gravitas: Xi Jinping ordered the Genocide against Uighurs Urumqi, the regional capital with a population of 4 million, has a sizable Uyghur population. It also houses key government agencies accused of orchestrating China's province-wide crackdown. Meanwhile, Kashgar, an Uyghur heartland city with a population of 700,000, is an ancient Silk Road hub that has also been heavily targeted by Beijing's campaign. Also read | Leaked database shows thousands of Uyghurs held in detention by China China's ruling communist party has long been accused of detaining over one million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities as part of a years-long security crackdown. The United States has labelled this a "genocide". However, China has vehemently denied the allegations and called the allegations "the lie of the century". Also read | UN rights chief to visit China from Monday, including Xinjiang Campaigners fear that Chinese authorities would prevent Bachelet from conducting a comprehensive investigation into alleged human rights violations, instead giving her a stage-managed tour with limited access. The US has expressed deep concern that she had not secured guarantees on what she will witness, saying she is unlikely to get an "unbiased" assessment of China's human rights situation. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Uyghurs urge UN rights chief to ask hard questions in Xinjiang and not be misled by 'PR stunts'

According to a new study, Microsoft's Bing censored&nbsp;names appearing in autosuggestions linked to Chinese party leaders and dissidents.

The report published by the University of Toronto's Citizen Lab said Bing censored politically sensitive Chinese names over time.

"Bing’s Chinese political autosuggestion censorship applies not only to their web search but also to the search built into Microsoft Windows as well as DuckDuckGo," the study revealed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-cyberattack-targeting-hundreds-of-us-networks-reveals-microsoft-423930">Also Read:&nbsp;Russian cyberattack targeting hundreds of US networks, reveals Microsoft</a>

The study said it found "overwhelming censorship of Chinese character names relating to Chinese politics" &nbsp;which included "top-level Chinese government leaders and party figures" namely Xi Jinping and&nbsp;Wen Jiabao, a former Chinese premier also historical figures Li Dazhao who is considered the&nbsp;co-founder of the Chinese Communist Party.

The researchers said it found names of Chinese party leaders involved in political scandals or power struggle&nbsp;were also censured on Bing.

Watch | Disrupted attempted hacks by Russian spies: Microsoft

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/microsoft-disrupted-attempted-hacks-by-russian-spies-469262/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The censorship of Chinese leaders’ names in the domestic and international versions of Bing in China may be due to Microsoft’s compliance with Chinese laws and regulations," it informed while adding that there is "no legal reason for the names to be censored in Bing autosuggestions in the United States and Canada."

The study revealed that Chinese leaders, dissidents, political activists and religious figures in English letters were "also censored in the United States English and Canada English locales."

(With inputs from Agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

According to a new study, Microsoft's Bing censored names appearing in autosuggestions linked to Chinese party leaders and dissidents. The report published by the University of Toronto's Citizen Lab said Bing censored politically sensitive Chinese names over time.

According to a new study, Microsoft's Bing censored names appearing in autosuggestions linked to Chinese party leaders and dissidents. The report published by the University of Toronto's Citizen Lab said Bing censored politically sensitive Chinese names over time. "Bing’s Chinese political autosuggestion censorship applies not only to their web search but also to the search built into Microsoft Windows as well as DuckDuckGo," the study revealed. Also Read: Russian cyberattack targeting hundreds of US networks, reveals Microsoft The study said it found "overwhelming censorship of Chinese character names relating to Chinese politics" which included "top-level Chinese government leaders and party figures" namely Xi Jinping and Wen Jiabao, a former Chinese premier also historical figures Li Dazhao who is considered the co-founder of the Chinese Communist Party. The researchers said it found names of Chinese party leaders involved in political scandals or power struggle were also censured on Bing. Watch | Disrupted attempted hacks by Russian spies: Microsoft "The censorship of Chinese leaders’ names in the domestic and international versions of Bing in China may be due to Microsoft’s compliance with Chinese laws and regulations," it informed while adding that there is "no legal reason for the names to be censored in Bing autosuggestions in the United States and Canada." The study revealed that Chinese leaders, dissidents, political activists and religious figures in English letters were "also censored in the United States English and Canada English locales." (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Microsoft's Bing censored searches linked to Xi, other Chinese party leaders: Study

More than Covid-19, the woes around China’s zero-Covid policy continues to make news in the country. Chinese leadership is trying everything it can to keep a positive narrative of its draconian policy, amid WHO Chief calling it ‘unsustainable’ and reports of President Xi Jinping suffering from a cerebral aneurysm. This week, in Chinese Vignettes, we’ll cover China’s intensifying lockdown and other top stories making news in the country.&nbsp;

CHINA OVER THE WEEK&nbsp;

Intensifying lockdown in China&nbsp;

For weeks now, residents in more than 40 cities and provinces continue to be under lockdown. And this lockdown is only intensifying. While the Chinese leadership continues to deny claims of a lockdown in Beijing, the residents rush to buy food over lockdown fears.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It is unnecessary to hoard food… residents don’t need to worry, the city’s operations won’t be affected,” said Xu Hejian, a spokesperson for the Beijing municipal government at a press briefing on Thursday.&nbsp;

Even pictures off empty streets portray the contrary narrative.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-has-xi-jinping-lost-the-plot-478218/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to a Bloomberg report, virtual fences have cut off cab access to Covid-hit districts. This is after reports of city’s parks, gyms and movie theaters being shut to halt the spread of the virus. Beijing’s eastern Chaoyang district, home to embassies and multinationals, instructed companies “providing services other than supporting residents’ livelihoods” to be shut until further notice, and new rounds of mass testing were ordered in the capital city.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The South China Morning Post reported that some residents have endured more than 20 days of lockdown Beijing’s most populous district of Chaoyang.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Meanwhile, China’s financial hub Shanghai, earlier this week, reportedly once again tightened its Covid-19 restrictions. The Wall Street Journal reported a new lockdown rule, “if one person tests positive, the whole building isolates.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Shanghai officials also announced that it aims to bring the outbreak under control by May 20 achieving its “societal zero-Covid.” From May 16, the deputy mayor of Shanghai announced that the city would begin to re-open convenience stores and pharmacies, gradually reducing other restrictions in days to come and the return to ‘more normal’ life from June 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-to-resume-normal-life-as-tough-covid-19-lockdown-set-to-end-on-june-1-479359">Also read |&nbsp;Shanghai to resume normal life as tough COVID-19 lockdown set to end on June 1</a>

China slams WHO Chief Dr. Tedros&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Tuesday, the Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO) called China’s zero-Covid policy ‘not sustainable.’&nbsp;

“We don’t think that it is sustainable considering the behavior of the virus and what&nbsp;we now anticipate in the future,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We have discussed this issue with Chinese experts. And we indicated that the approach will not be sustainable … I think a shift would be very important,”&nbsp;he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Censors quickly scrubbed these comments off the Chinese internet, removing Weibo post on the United Nations account, reported the South China Morning Post.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Following which any search for the post was deemed to be illegal.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Chinese government didn’t take Dr. Tedros’ criticism well, and hit out at WHO chief, calling his remarks “irresponsible.”&nbsp;

“We hope the relevant individual will make objective and reasonable views of China’s epidemic protocol and policy and try to get a better understanding of the facts and refrain from making irresponsible remarks,” foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a regular briefing in Beijing.&nbsp;

Hu Xijing, former editor-in-chief of Global Times, a Chinese government mouthpiece, wrote on his Weibo account that the WHO chief was jeopardising China’s fight against Covid.&nbsp;

&nbsp;“The WHO should consider what impact it has on China when they comment on China now. They should not jeopardise China’s effort to fight the pandemic from outside.” he wrote.&nbsp;

The same day, a study by&nbsp;Fudan University in Shanghai and Indiana University in the United States, and the US medical research agency National Institutes of Health&nbsp;said China could see more than 1.5 million deaths without Covid-19 controls.&nbsp;&nbsp;

‘Such an outbreak is projected to cause 112 million symptomatic cases, or 80 cases per 1,000 people, with 2.7 million of them requiring treatment in intensive care,’ reported the South China Morning Post.&nbsp;

Hong Kong cardinal Joseph Zen arrested under security law&nbsp;

This week, the news of&nbsp;90-year-old cardinal&nbsp;Joseph Zen’s arrest sent shockwaves the community. Hong Kong’s veteran Catholic church leader along with 3 others was detained by the police on Wednesday for allegedly colluding with foreign forces.&nbsp;

Zen, Former opposition lawmaker Margaret Ng, singer Denise Ho and&nbsp;academic Hui Po-keung were trustees of the 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund, which was set up in 2019 to provide assistance to those involved in anti-government protests.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Joseph Zen, a retired bishop has been a long-time advocate for Hong Kong’s democracy movement and religious freedom in mainland China.&nbsp;

CHINA IN WORLD REPORTAGE&nbsp;

Is President Xi suffering from a cerebral aneurysm?&nbsp;

Reports of Chinese President Xi Jinping suffering from a cerebral aneurysm resurfaced this week. The media reports said that due to this medical problem, he had to be hospitalized at the end of 2021, and Xi preferred to be treated with traditional Chinese medicines rather than undergoing a surgery.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The reports when on to outline various incidents to back their claim. According to the reports, he had a noticeable limp in his gait during his visit to Italy in March 2019. In Shenzhen in October 2020, his delayed appearance, slow speech and coughing spree during an address to the public. And especially the fact that he avoided meeting foreign leaders since the outbreak of Covid-19 till the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics in February.&nbsp;

CHINESE SURVEILLANCE SHIP SPOTTED OFF THE COAST OF AUSTRALIA&nbsp;

This week, according to the Australian government, a Chinese surveillance ship was spotted off the coast of Australia. The Department of Defence alleged that the&nbsp;Dongdiao Class Auxiliary Intelligence ship named Haiwangxing&nbsp;was currently headed east along the country’s north-west coast.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Australia’s Defence Minister Peter Dutton said on Friday that the ship had been tracking the western coastline for the past week.&nbsp;

“Its intent, of course, is to collect intelligence right along the coastline. It has been in close proximity to military and intelligence installations on the west coast of Australia,” Dutton was quoted as saying by the ABC.&nbsp;

“I think people understand the difficulty, the reality, of the Indo-Pacific at the moment, the acts of aggression from the Chinese leadership and from the Chinese government,”&nbsp;he added.&nbsp;

He further went on to point out that other Chinese vessels had been located off Australian waters in the past year during military exercises.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dutton’s statement comes a week before the country is set to hold its federal elections.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Countering these allegations, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that his country&nbsp;“always abides by international law and international practice.”&nbsp;

When asked about Dutton’s comments he said, “The relevant Australian politician should look at the situation in an objective manner instead of making sensational remarks.”&nbsp;

More than Covid-19, the woes around China’s zero-Covid policy continues to make news in the country. Chinese leadership is trying everything it can to keep a positive narrative of its draconian policy, amid WHO Chief calling it ‘unsustainable’ and reports of President Xi Jinping suffering from a cerebral aneurysm.

More than Covid-19, the woes around China’s zero-Covid policy continues to make news in the country. Chinese leadership is trying everything it can to keep a positive narrative of its draconian policy, amid WHO Chief calling it ‘unsustainable’ and reports of President Xi Jinping suffering from a cerebral aneurysm. This week, in Chinese Vignettes, we’ll cover China’s intensifying lockdown and other top stories making news in the country. CHINA OVER THE WEEK Intensifying lockdown in China For weeks now, residents in more than 40 cities and provinces continue to be under lockdown. And this lockdown is only intensifying. While the Chinese leadership continues to deny claims of a lockdown in Beijing, the residents rush to buy food over lockdown fears. “It is unnecessary to hoard food… residents don’t need to worry, the city’s operations won’t be affected,” said Xu Hejian, a spokesperson for the Beijing municipal government at a press briefing on Thursday. Even pictures off empty streets portray the contrary narrative. According to a Bloomberg report, virtual fences have cut off cab access to Covid-hit districts. This is after reports of city’s parks, gyms and movie theaters being shut to halt the spread of the virus. Beijing’s eastern Chaoyang district, home to embassies and multinationals, instructed companies “providing services other than supporting residents’ livelihoods” to be shut until further notice, and new rounds of mass testing were ordered in the capital city. The South China Morning Post reported that some residents have endured more than 20 days of lockdown Beijing’s most populous district of Chaoyang. Meanwhile, China’s financial hub Shanghai, earlier this week, reportedly once again tightened its Covid-19 restrictions. The Wall Street Journal reported a new lockdown rule, “if one person tests positive, the whole building isolates.” Shanghai officials also announced that it aims to bring the outbreak under control by May 20 achieving its “societal zero-Covid.” From May 16, the deputy mayor of Shanghai announced that the city would begin to re-open convenience stores and pharmacies, gradually reducing other restrictions in days to come and the return to ‘more normal’ life from June 1. Also read | Shanghai to resume normal life as tough COVID-19 lockdown set to end on June 1 China slams WHO Chief Dr. Tedros On Tuesday, the Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO) called China’s zero-Covid policy ‘not sustainable.’ “We don’t think that it is sustainable considering the behavior of the virus and what we now anticipate in the future,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus “We have discussed this issue with Chinese experts. And we indicated that the approach will not be sustainable … I think a shift would be very important,” he added. Censors quickly scrubbed these comments off the Chinese internet, removing Weibo post on the United Nations account, reported the South China Morning Post. Following which any search for the post was deemed to be illegal. The Chinese government didn’t take Dr. Tedros’ criticism well, and hit out at WHO chief, calling his remarks “irresponsible.” “We hope the relevant individual will make objective and reasonable views of China’s epidemic protocol and policy and try to get a better understanding of the facts and refrain from making irresponsible remarks,” foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a regular briefing in Beijing. Hu Xijing, former editor-in-chief of Global Times, a Chinese government mouthpiece, wrote on his Weibo account that the WHO chief was jeopardising China’s fight against Covid. “The WHO should consider what impact it has on China when they comment on China now. They should not jeopardise China’s effort to fight the pandemic from outside.” he wrote. The same day, a study by Fudan University in Shanghai and Indiana University in the United States, and the US medical research agency National Institutes of Health said China could see more than 1.5 million deaths without Covid-19 controls. ‘Such an outbreak is projected to cause 112 million symptomatic cases, or 80 cases per 1,000 people, with 2.7 million of them requiring treatment in intensive care,’ reported the South China Morning Post. Hong Kong cardinal Joseph Zen arrested under security law This week, the news of 90-year-old cardinal Joseph Zen’s arrest sent shockwaves the community. Hong Kong’s veteran Catholic church leader along with 3 others was detained by the police on Wednesday for allegedly colluding with foreign forces. Zen, Former opposition lawmaker Margaret Ng, singer Denise Ho and academic Hui Po-keung were trustees of the 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund, which was set up in 2019 to provide assistance to those involved in anti-government protests. Joseph Zen, a retired bishop has been a long-time advocate for Hong Kong’s democracy movement and religious freedom in mainland China. CHINA IN WORLD REPORTAGE Is President Xi suffering from a cerebral aneurysm? Reports of Chinese President Xi Jinping suffering from a cerebral aneurysm resurfaced this week. The media reports said that due to this medical problem, he had to be hospitalized at the end of 2021, and Xi preferred to be treated with traditional Chinese medicines rather than undergoing a surgery. The reports when on to outline various incidents to back their claim. According to the reports, he had a noticeable limp in his gait during his visit to Italy in March 2019. In Shenzhen in October 2020, his delayed appearance, slow speech and coughing spree during an address to the public. And especially the fact that he avoided meeting foreign leaders since the outbreak of Covid-19 till the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics in February. CHINESE SURVEILLANCE SHIP SPOTTED OFF THE COAST OF AUSTRALIA This week, according to the Australian government, a Chinese surveillance ship was spotted off the coast of Australia. The Department of Defence alleged that the Dongdiao Class Auxiliary Intelligence ship named Haiwangxing was currently headed east along the country’s north-west coast. Australia’s Defence Minister Peter Dutton said on Friday that the ship had been tracking the western coastline for the past week. “Its intent, of course, is to collect intelligence right along the coastline. It has been in close proximity to military and intelligence installations on the west coast of Australia,” Dutton was quoted as saying by the ABC. “I think people understand the difficulty, the reality, of the Indo-Pacific at the moment, the acts of aggression from the Chinese leadership and from the Chinese government,” he added. He further went on to point out that other Chinese vessels had been located off Australian waters in the past year during military exercises. Dutton’s statement comes a week before the country is set to hold its federal elections. Countering these allegations, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that his country “always abides by international law and international practice.” When asked about Dutton’s comments he said, “The relevant Australian politician should look at the situation in an objective manner instead of making sensational remarks.”

Chinese vignettes | Beijing censors Xi’s friend Tedros after he calls China’s Zero-Covid not ‘sustainable’

Xi Jinping's one-time ally Tedros Adhanom has criticised his zero-covid policy as 'unsustainable'. The strict lockdowns have put 40% of China's GDP at risk. Reports say Xi is struggling with a life-threatening illness. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Has Xi Jinping lost the plot?

William Burns, the director of the Central Intelligence Agency of the United States, has said that Ukraine's fierce resistance to Russia is affecting China's calculations on Taiwan.

Beijing claims Taiwan as a part of its territory and Chinese President Xi Jinping has warned that it will use force for re-unification in case of resistance.

Military experts have raised concerns that China might use Russia's invasion of Ukraine as an excuse to attack Taiwan.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-how-defence-giants-are-making-billions-from-the-ukraine-war-477174/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

During an interview with the Financial Times, Burns said, "I think the Chinese leadership is looking very carefully at all this, at the costs and consequences of any effort to use force to gain control over Taiwan."&nbsp;

"I don't for a minute think that this has eroded Xi's determination overtime to gain control over Taiwan."&nbsp;

"But I think it's something that's affecting their calculation about how and when they go about doing that," he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-try-anything-stupid-against-taiwan-hacker-group-anonymous-warns-china-477038" hreflang="en">'Don't try anything stupid against Taiwan': Hacker group Anonymous warns China</a>

Burns said he thinks Beijing has been surprised by the poor performance of Russian military forces and was unsettled by the fact that what Putin has done is to drive Europeans and Americans closer together.

Burns, a former US ambassador to Russia, has pointed out that Russia is "doubling down" on the war.

The CIA director, who has spent much time studying Russian President Vladimir Putin, believes the 69-year-old has not changed his view that his troops can defeat Ukraine.

According to Burns, the Western intelligence agencies do not believe that Moscow is planning to use tactical nuclear weapons despite Putin's veiled threats of doing so.

(With inputs from agencies)

Watch WION's live TV here:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world's unending wars. Catch our special series World at War every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION. 
&nbsp;

William Burns, the director of the Central Intelligence Agency of the United States, has said that Ukraine's fierce resistance to Russia is affecting China's calculations on Taiwan.

William Burns, the director of the Central Intelligence Agency of the United States, has said that Ukraine's fierce resistance to Russia is affecting China's calculations on Taiwan. Beijing claims Taiwan as a part of its territory and Chinese President Xi Jinping has warned that it will use force for re-unification in case of resistance. Military experts have raised concerns that China might use Russia's invasion of Ukraine as an excuse to attack Taiwan. During an interview with the Financial Times, Burns said, "I think the Chinese leadership is looking very carefully at all this, at the costs and consequences of any effort to use force to gain control over Taiwan." "I don't for a minute think that this has eroded Xi's determination overtime to gain control over Taiwan." "But I think it's something that's affecting their calculation about how and when they go about doing that," he added. Also read | 'Don't try anything stupid against Taiwan': Hacker group Anonymous warns China Burns said he thinks Beijing has been surprised by the poor performance of Russian military forces and was unsettled by the fact that what Putin has done is to drive Europeans and Americans closer together. Burns, a former US ambassador to Russia, has pointed out that Russia is "doubling down" on the war. The CIA director, who has spent much time studying Russian President Vladimir Putin, believes the 69-year-old has not changed his view that his troops can defeat Ukraine. According to Burns, the Western intelligence agencies do not believe that Moscow is planning to use tactical nuclear weapons despite Putin's veiled threats of doing so. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world's unending wars. Catch our special series World at War every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.

CIA director says Ukraine's fierce resistance to Russia is affecting China's calculations on Taiwan

After facing enormous criticism over zero-Covid policy, Chinese President Xi Jinping has issued the strongest warning to people to keep a check on the growing trend, media reports said. &nbsp;

In recent days, China seems to have been regularly slammed within the nation and outside over the policy. Several pictures and clips of incidents of forceful measures being taken up by the authorities have also surfaced. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-makes-covid-pcr-tests-a-part-of-everyday-life-opens-permanent-testing-centres-476876" hreflang="en">China makes Covid PCR tests a part of everyday life, opens permanent testing centres</a>

Several residents of Shanghai had also called for help on social media recently. They had showed their anger over food shortages and lack of access to healthcare in the last five weeks, reported CNN. &nbsp;

In a meeting headed by the president on Thursday, the Communist Party's supreme Politburo Standing Committee vowed to "unswervingly adhere to the general policy of 'dynamic zero-Covid,' and resolutely fight against any words and acts that distort, doubt or deny our country's epidemic prevention policies." &nbsp;

Watch | Gravitas: Xi Jinping attacks zero covid 'doubters'

<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/gravitas-xi-jinping-attacks-zero-covid-doubters-476972/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Our prevention and control strategy is determined by the party's nature and mission, our policies can stand the test of history, our measures are scientific and effective. We have won the battle to defend Wuhan, and we will certainly be able to win the battle to defend Shanghai," the seven-member committee said as per Xinhua. &nbsp;&nbsp;

According to the state media, it is the first time Xi, who made an "important speech" at the meeting, has made public remarks about the policy since furore.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

After facing enormous criticism over zero-Covid policy, Chinese President Xi Jinping has issued the strongest warning to people to keep a check on the growing trend, media reports said.

After facing enormous criticism over zero-Covid policy, Chinese President Xi Jinping has issued the strongest warning to people to keep a check on the growing trend, media reports said. In recent days, China seems to have been regularly slammed within the nation and outside over the policy. Several pictures and clips of incidents of forceful measures being taken up by the authorities have also surfaced. Also Read: China makes Covid PCR tests a part of everyday life, opens permanent testing centres Several residents of Shanghai had also called for help on social media recently. They had showed their anger over food shortages and lack of access to healthcare in the last five weeks, reported CNN. In a meeting headed by the president on Thursday, the Communist Party's supreme Politburo Standing Committee vowed to "unswervingly adhere to the general policy of 'dynamic zero-Covid,' and resolutely fight against any words and acts that distort, doubt or deny our country's epidemic prevention policies." Watch | Gravitas: Xi Jinping attacks zero covid 'doubters' × "Our prevention and control strategy is determined by the party's nature and mission, our policies can stand the test of history, our measures are scientific and effective. We have won the battle to defend Wuhan, and we will certainly be able to win the battle to defend Shanghai," the seven-member committee said as per Xinhua. According to the state media, it is the first time Xi, who made an "important speech" at the meeting, has made public remarks about the policy since furore. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese President Xi Jinping issues strongest warning to silence uproar over zero-Covid policy

Chinese web users have become creative to dodge censorship about the coronavirus cases in the country.

They are referencing to Hollywood blockbusters and George Orwell's dystopian novel "1984" and quoting the national anthem to beat the firewall.

With Communist Party scrubbing outposts portraying the Chinese policies in a negative light, Chinese President Xi Jinping has warned against any criticism of the country's stringent zero-Covid policy.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-xi-jinping-attacks-zero-covid-doubters-476972/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He said the party will "resolutely fight against all words and deeds that distort, question or reject our nation's disease control policies".

Beijing has intensified its crackdown online after Shanghai residents started criticising the inadequate facilities and lack of necessities in the business hub.

Shanghai, which has a population of 25 million, has been under lockdown for weeks now as China struggles to tackle an outbreak.

It has become "too big of an issue to be able to completely censor," co-founder of censorship monitoring website GreatFire.org Charlie Smith told AFP.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-chinese-people-claim-quarantine-facilities-in-shanghai-have-insufficient-staff-shortage-of-food-468545">Watch | Shanghai residents claim quarantine facilities have insufficient staff, shortage of food</a>

Chinese netizens on Weibo, Beijing's Twitter-like platform, quoted the first line of China's national anthem, "Arise, those who refuse to be slaves" after a popular hashtag on the social media platform was deleted by censors.

They also used references of Orwell's fiction "1984" alongside a torrent of anti-lockdown fury to make tongue-in-cheek barbs about home confinement in China.

According to Yaqiu Wang, senior China researcher at Human Rights Watch, "It's harder for the government to walk back when it becomes an ideological issue that's attached to Xi Jinping personally."

(With inputs from agencies)

Watch WION's live TV here:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.

Chinese web users have become creative to dodge censorship about the coronavirus cases in the country. They are referencing to Hollywood blockbusters and George Orwell's dystopian novel "1984" and quoting the national anthem to beat the firewall.

Chinese web users have become creative to dodge censorship about the coronavirus cases in the country. They are referencing to Hollywood blockbusters and George Orwell's dystopian novel "1984" and quoting the national anthem to beat the firewall. With Communist Party scrubbing outposts portraying the Chinese policies in a negative light, Chinese President Xi Jinping has warned against any criticism of the country's stringent zero-Covid policy. He said the party will "resolutely fight against all words and deeds that distort, question or reject our nation's disease control policies". Beijing has intensified its crackdown online after Shanghai residents started criticising the inadequate facilities and lack of necessities in the business hub. Shanghai, which has a population of 25 million, has been under lockdown for weeks now as China struggles to tackle an outbreak. It has become "too big of an issue to be able to completely censor," co-founder of censorship monitoring website GreatFire.org Charlie Smith told AFP. Watch | Shanghai residents claim quarantine facilities have insufficient staff, shortage of food Chinese netizens on Weibo, Beijing's Twitter-like platform, quoted the first line of China's national anthem, "Arise, those who refuse to be slaves" after a popular hashtag on the social media platform was deleted by censors. They also used references of Orwell's fiction "1984" alongside a torrent of anti-lockdown fury to make tongue-in-cheek barbs about home confinement in China. According to Yaqiu Wang, senior China researcher at Human Rights Watch, "It's harder for the government to walk back when it becomes an ideological issue that's attached to Xi Jinping personally." (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.

From quoting national anthem to referencing Orwell's 1984: What Chinese netizens are doing to dodge censorship

An elderly man in Shanghai was mistakenly declared dead and wheeled to the morgue. He was saved by alert medics who felt something was wrong. How many such mishaps will it take for Xi Jinping to abandon 'zero-covid'? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Shanghai man mistakenly declared dead

China is going to meet with the country's Big Tech firms, the South China Morning Post reported, citing two sources briefed on the situation.

It added that the symposium has been set to assure business executives that regulators will no longer demand rectifications or impose surprise fines and will be held after the Labour Day holiday.

According to the Xinhua news agency, officials met with the Chinese Communist Party's decision-making body.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-decoding-chinas-crackdown-on-everything-438842/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It said that it was "necessary to promote the healthy development of the platform economy" and "complete its rectification".

The Politburo meeting was chaired by Chinese President Xi Jinping and after the meeting, officials said there was a need to "respond to market concerns in a timely manner".

The news has raised hopes that Beijing will stop its long-running, sweeping regulatory clampdown on the tech sector.

As a result, Shanghai and Hong Kong led a rally across Asian and European markets on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-education-to-bitcoin-chinas-season-of-regulatory-crackdown-401448">Also see |&nbsp;From education to bitcoin, China's season of regulatory crackdown</a>

Financial experts have warned officials will struggle to achieve a soft landing by controlling prices while still nurturing growth and the recovery in the US economy could be thrown off course.

Carol Schleif told Bloomberg Television, "The Fed's record on soft landings is not that strong."&nbsp;

"Markets are watching very, very carefully to see if we can thread that needle," Scheif added at the BMO Family Office.

Due to China's lockdowns, the sentiment of growth remains fragile as traders are operating under the shadows of war and soaring inflation.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

China is going to meet with the country's Big Tech firms, the South China Morning Post reported, citing two sources briefed on the situation. It added that the symposium has been set to assure business executives that regulators will no longer demand rectifications or impose surprise fines and will be held after the Labour Day holiday.

China is going to meet with the country's Big Tech firms, the South China Morning Post reported, citing two sources briefed on the situation. It added that the symposium has been set to assure business executives that regulators will no longer demand rectifications or impose surprise fines and will be held after the Labour Day holiday. According to the Xinhua news agency, officials met with the Chinese Communist Party's decision-making body. It said that it was "necessary to promote the healthy development of the platform economy" and "complete its rectification". The Politburo meeting was chaired by Chinese President Xi Jinping and after the meeting, officials said there was a need to "respond to market concerns in a timely manner". The news has raised hopes that Beijing will stop its long-running, sweeping regulatory clampdown on the tech sector. As a result, Shanghai and Hong Kong led a rally across Asian and European markets on Friday. Also see | From education to bitcoin, China's season of regulatory crackdown Financial experts have warned officials will struggle to achieve a soft landing by controlling prices while still nurturing growth and the recovery in the US economy could be thrown off course. Carol Schleif told Bloomberg Television, "The Fed's record on soft landings is not that strong." "Markets are watching very, very carefully to see if we can thread that needle," Scheif added at the BMO Family Office. Due to China's lockdowns, the sentiment of growth remains fragile as traders are operating under the shadows of war and soaring inflation. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

End of regulatory crackdown? China to hold symposium with the country's Big Tech firms

Images of pets beaten to death, and stories of the elderly being denied basic medical care are clouding the Chinese internet, even as netizens debate Beijing’s “dynamic zero-Covid” policy.

There is also an electoral buzz in Hong Kong as the current Chief Executive, Carrie Lam, has decided that she won’t seek a second term. Meanwhile, Taiwan is gearing up to welcome US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.&nbsp;Chinese Vignettes&nbsp;brings you all the stories making news in China. &nbsp;

China over the week

Rising COVID-19 Cases

China’s continuous and steady commitment to its zero-Covid policy is reaping no benefits, rather it is hurting its economy. On Sunday, Shanghai reported 24,944 COVID-19 cases, bringing the total in the current wave to more than 179,000.

More than 26 million people have been under lockdown in China’s financial hub Shanghai, as what began as an eight-day lockdown to be observed in two phases, has been extended indefinitely. The citizens are overwhelmed. Under the latest lockdown, Shanghai residents are not permitted to leave their homes for any reason other than to be tested for COVID-19, and are dependent on the officials for food and basic necessities. &nbsp;

While the Chinese authorities are trying their best to limit the blow of the Shanghai lockdown by giving tax rebate and other incentives and exemptions, the residents are feeling the strain. Moreover, the shutdown has also jolted the global financial markets who have already been on edge due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. &nbsp;

This stringent zero-Covid policy is also experiencing pushback from residents who are running out of food. The city officials who are responsible for providing the residents with the basic necessities have also admitted that they are facing “difficulties.”

Public anger is also triggered by other drastic measures such as the separation of children from their parents if they test positive for the virus. The authorities later responded by permitting the parents to accompany their wards. However, according to a&nbsp;Reuters&nbsp;report, there are complaints of children separated from their guardians who tested negative. &nbsp;

Additionally, mandatory quarantining in a government facility even for patients whose condition is mild or asymptomatic have caused angst, especially as the quarantine facilities are crowded and have sub-par conditions. &nbsp;

Chinese President Xi’s zero-Covid policy has also broken down those who once supported it, with some saying that Beijing’s cure is worse than the disease itself.

“In this country, it’s not the virus that scares us, but the chaotic anti-Covid measures that have caused risks to the well-being of the elderly, the children and companion animals. I now realize we can only rely on ourselves -- not the government -- to protect our own families,” said&nbsp;Bloomberg&nbsp;quoting a resident.

While another said that she no longer knows the city, the only thing which comes to her mind is to protect her dogs. This comes as Chinese social media is full of images and videos of authorities beating dogs to death. &nbsp;

Another video of an older man went viral on social media, who was heard saying “Really shame on you. Treat us like animals. In other countries, you can’t even treat a cat or a dog like this. There is no humanity left.” The video was later deleted.

On Monday, the centre sent thousands of medics from across the country including the military to carry out the testing and help the embattled local health workers in Shanghai.

The centre fears that the pushback by residents in China could inspire other cities currently under lockdown to fight these measures.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“There is the risk of a slow-burn discontent if lockdown measures spread across China. And if its virus strategy goes out of control and heavily affects its economy, this will not look good as Xi attempts a third term. At that point, Xi will have no choice but to ramp up his nationalism agenda,” reported&nbsp;Bloomberg&nbsp;quoting Chen Shih-Min, an associate political science professor at National Taiwan University.

Electoral buzz in Hong Kong

While the city of nearly 8 million is still batting Covid, it is also gearing up for elections this May. Earlier this week, Chief Executive of Hong Kong Carrie Lam announced that she will not be seeking a second term. Her current term, which ends on June 30, will conclude her 42-year career in government service. &nbsp;

There was also a buzz on social media after the announcement. Some said it was ‘great news”, others said “let’s celebrate!”. While some also pointed out that "Anyone is better than Carrie Lam because she brings bad luck." &nbsp;

The city’s current No. 2 John Lee Ka-chiu resigned from his post of chief secretary following Lam’s announcement, as he emerged as the ‘only’ contender for the post, as Beijing gave their ‘approval’. On Saturday, he announced his bid to run for the top job. &nbsp;

64-year-old John Lee began his career as a police officer, later he turned to politics, and has served as Secretary for Security, Under Secretary for Security, Deputy Commissioner of Police and Chief Secretary for Administration in the Hong Kong government.

‘He has secured enough nominations to run as the only hopeful in next month’s leadership race with Beijing’s blessing,’ said the&nbsp;South China Morning Post. And ‘he promised a ‘new chapter of “pragmatic” and “result-oriented” leadership’ for Hong Kong.’ And Lee hopes to start “a new chapter for Hong Kong together.”

&nbsp;According to reports, for his leadership campaign, Lee will be aided by an “all-encompassing” team. His 16-member campaign team is led by pro-Beijing heavyweight Tam Yiu-chung. The team consists of people from diverse backgrounds such as policy think tanks, finance, social welfare, education and law, as he tries to win public support.

“We hope to strive for community support for Lee and to raise people’s understanding of his policies by reaching out to the community,” said Tam speaking to the&nbsp;South China Morning Post. “But due to the constraints of the social-distancing rules, we’ll have to study how we can achieve that.”

Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan – a red line?

US house speaker Nancy Pelosi was reportedly due to visit Taiwan as part of her tour to Asia, a first by someone in more than two decades. However, China was not happy not it. &nbsp;

&nbsp;"If the speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives knowingly commits a sneaky visit to Taiwan, it will be a malicious provocation to China’s sovereignty, gross interference in its internal affairs and an extremely dangerous political signal to the outside world,” said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Even the Chinese embassy in the United States said, “In the past few days, Chinese Ambassador Qin Gang and the Chinese Embassy in the U.S. have lodged stern representations with the U.S. Congress and government on U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s reported visit to Taiwan, and stated China’s solemn position, urging the U.S. side to abide by the one-China principle and the stipulations in the three Sino-U.S. Joint Communiques, and to cancel Speaker Pelosi’s plan to visit Taiwan.”

However, after testing positive for Covid-19 she had to postpone it, said her deputy communications director in a tweet on Thursday, leaving many to wonder about when her trip is rescheduled.

On this, while wishing a quick recovery for Pelosi, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that she should "not postpone a visit, but cancel it immediately".

On Friday, Chinese state media trolled Pelosi, state broadcaster&nbsp;CCTV’s social media account started the hashtag “Cure your covid sickness first” that trended China’s Twitter equivalent&nbsp;Weibo.

Taiwan, on the other hand, not only wished her a ‘speedy recovery’ but also thanked the speaker for being a ‘good friend to Taiwan’. Tsai Ing-wen, President of Taiwan, “welcomed the show of U.S. support given Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has raised concern that China may follow through on its oft-repeated threat to take control of the democratic island by force,” reported&nbsp;Bloomberg.

&nbsp;

China in world reportage

Arms race with US &nbsp;

This week, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States – or the AUKUS, agreed to cooperate on hypersonic weapons and electronic warfare capabilities. &nbsp;

“We … committed today to commence new trilateral cooperation on hypersonics and counter-hypersonics, and electronic warfare capabilities, as well as to expand information sharing and to deepen cooperation on defence innovation,” said the leaders of the 3 countries – British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, US President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, in a joint statement on Tuesday.

Adding that they were delighted with the progress of the ‘programme for the conventionally armed submarines for Australia, and the allies would co-operate in other areas too,’ reported&nbsp;Aljazeera.

“These initiatives will add to our existing efforts to deepen cooperation on cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and additional undersea capabilities... As our work progresses on these and other critical defence and security capabilities, we will seek opportunities to engage allies and close partners,” they said

Meanwhile, according to reports, ‘the first U.S. hypersonic weapon has been a setback to more than a year under a new timeline which was to be delivered by Sept. 30. The lawmakers protested the delay, as Pentagon is lagging behind in a new technology that ‘Russia has already used in Ukraine and China has demonstrated in a space launch,’ reported&nbsp;Bloomberg.

Last month, while Russia debuted the missile in its attack on Ukraine, China hit a demonstration target on Earth with a weapon in orbit in July. &nbsp;

According to a&nbsp;Wall Street Journal&nbsp;report, Beijing has "accelerated" its nuclear weapons programme due to threats posed by the US. And according to another report, China has also delivered HQ-22 surface-to-air missile systems to Russian ally Serbia. Early Saturday, six Chinese Air Force Y-20 transport planes landed in Belgrade to deliver the ‘sophisticated Chinese anti-aircraft system.’

UN General Assembly votes to suspend Russia from Human Rights Council

On Thursday, China voted against suspending Russia from the Human Rights Council. The resolution came as, U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said that Russia should be removed from the council, following the reports of mass killings in Bucha, where the Ukrainian officials have accused the Russian troops of committing war crimes.

"Russia's participation on the Human Rights Council is a farce... And it is wrong, which is why we believe it is time the UN General Assembly vote to remove them," she said. &nbsp;

Voting against the resolution, China Ambassador Zhang Jun, at the UN General Assembly said, “China’s basic position on the Ukraine issue is consistent and unequivocal. We always believe that all countries’ sovereignty and territorial integrity should be respected, and that international disputes should be resolved peacefully in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.”

“Any action by the UN and the relevant parties should give priority to regional peace and stability and the universal security of all parties, and should play a positive role for de-escalation and diplomatic solutions. Regrettably, the draft resolution submitted to this emergency special session for vote has not undergone full consultations within the whole membership. Nor does it take full consideration the history and complexity of the current crisis. It does not highlight the importance of the principle of indivisible security, or the urgency of promoting political settlement and stepping up diplomatic efforts. These are not in line with China’s consistent positions. Therefore, we had no choice but to abstain in the voting,” he added. &nbsp;

(The author is an Assistant Researcher at WION TV) &nbsp;

Images of pets beaten to death, and stories of the elderly being denied basic medical care are clouding the Chinese internet, even as netizens debate Beijing’s “dynamic zero-Covid” policy.

Images of pets beaten to death, and stories of the elderly being denied basic medical care are clouding the Chinese internet, even as netizens debate Beijing’s “dynamic zero-Covid” policy. There is also an electoral buzz in Hong Kong as the current Chief Executive, Carrie Lam, has decided that she won’t seek a second term. Meanwhile, Taiwan is gearing up to welcome US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Chinese Vignettes brings you all the stories making news in China. China over the week Rising COVID-19 Cases China’s continuous and steady commitment to its zero-Covid policy is reaping no benefits, rather it is hurting its economy. On Sunday, Shanghai reported 24,944 COVID-19 cases, bringing the total in the current wave to more than 179,000. More than 26 million people have been under lockdown in China’s financial hub Shanghai, as what began as an eight-day lockdown to be observed in two phases, has been extended indefinitely. The citizens are overwhelmed. Under the latest lockdown, Shanghai residents are not permitted to leave their homes for any reason other than to be tested for COVID-19, and are dependent on the officials for food and basic necessities. While the Chinese authorities are trying their best to limit the blow of the Shanghai lockdown by giving tax rebate and other incentives and exemptions, the residents are feeling the strain. Moreover, the shutdown has also jolted the global financial markets who have already been on edge due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This stringent zero-Covid policy is also experiencing pushback from residents who are running out of food. The city officials who are responsible for providing the residents with the basic necessities have also admitted that they are facing “difficulties.” Public anger is also triggered by other drastic measures such as the separation of children from their parents if they test positive for the virus. The authorities later responded by permitting the parents to accompany their wards. However, according to a Reuters report, there are complaints of children separated from their guardians who tested negative. Additionally, mandatory quarantining in a government facility even for patients whose condition is mild or asymptomatic have caused angst, especially as the quarantine facilities are crowded and have sub-par conditions. Chinese President Xi’s zero-Covid policy has also broken down those who once supported it, with some saying that Beijing’s cure is worse than the disease itself. “In this country, it’s not the virus that scares us, but the chaotic anti-Covid measures that have caused risks to the well-being of the elderly, the children and companion animals. I now realize we can only rely on ourselves -- not the government -- to protect our own families,” said Bloomberg quoting a resident. While another said that she no longer knows the city, the only thing which comes to her mind is to protect her dogs. This comes as Chinese social media is full of images and videos of authorities beating dogs to death. Another video of an older man went viral on social media, who was heard saying “Really shame on you. Treat us like animals. In other countries, you can’t even treat a cat or a dog like this. There is no humanity left.” The video was later deleted. On Monday, the centre sent thousands of medics from across the country including the military to carry out the testing and help the embattled local health workers in Shanghai. The centre fears that the pushback by residents in China could inspire other cities currently under lockdown to fight these measures. “There is the risk of a slow-burn discontent if lockdown measures spread across China. And if its virus strategy goes out of control and heavily affects its economy, this will not look good as Xi attempts a third term. At that point, Xi will have no choice but to ramp up his nationalism agenda,” reported Bloomberg quoting Chen Shih-Min, an associate political science professor at National Taiwan University. Electoral buzz in Hong Kong While the city of nearly 8 million is still batting Covid, it is also gearing up for elections this May. Earlier this week, Chief Executive of Hong Kong Carrie Lam announced that she will not be seeking a second term. Her current term, which ends on June 30, will conclude her 42-year career in government service. There was also a buzz on social media after the announcement. Some said it was ‘great news”, others said “let’s celebrate!”. While some also pointed out that "Anyone is better than Carrie Lam because she brings bad luck." The city’s current No. 2 John Lee Ka-chiu resigned from his post of chief secretary following Lam’s announcement, as he emerged as the ‘only’ contender for the post, as Beijing gave their ‘approval’. On Saturday, he announced his bid to run for the top job. 64-year-old John Lee began his career as a police officer, later he turned to politics, and has served as Secretary for Security, Under Secretary for Security, Deputy Commissioner of Police and Chief Secretary for Administration in the Hong Kong government. ‘He has secured enough nominations to run as the only hopeful in next month’s leadership race with Beijing’s blessing,’ said the South China Morning Post. And ‘he promised a ‘new chapter of “pragmatic” and “result-oriented” leadership’ for Hong Kong.’ And Lee hopes to start “a new chapter for Hong Kong together.” According to reports, for his leadership campaign, Lee will be aided by an “all-encompassing” team. His 16-member campaign team is led by pro-Beijing heavyweight Tam Yiu-chung. The team consists of people from diverse backgrounds such as policy think tanks, finance, social welfare, education and law, as he tries to win public support. “We hope to strive for community support for Lee and to raise people’s understanding of his policies by reaching out to the community,” said Tam speaking to the South China Morning Post. “But due to the constraints of the social-distancing rules, we’ll have to study how we can achieve that.” Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan – a red line? US house speaker Nancy Pelosi was reportedly due to visit Taiwan as part of her tour to Asia, a first by someone in more than two decades. However, China was not happy not it. "If the speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives knowingly commits a sneaky visit to Taiwan, it will be a malicious provocation to China’s sovereignty, gross interference in its internal affairs and an extremely dangerous political signal to the outside world,” said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Even the Chinese embassy in the United States said, “In the past few days, Chinese Ambassador Qin Gang and the Chinese Embassy in the U.S. have lodged stern representations with the U.S. Congress and government on U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s reported visit to Taiwan, and stated China’s solemn position, urging the U.S. side to abide by the one-China principle and the stipulations in the three Sino-U.S. Joint Communiques, and to cancel Speaker Pelosi’s plan to visit Taiwan.” However, after testing positive for Covid-19 she had to postpone it, said her deputy communications director in a tweet on Thursday, leaving many to wonder about when her trip is rescheduled. On this, while wishing a quick recovery for Pelosi, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that she should "not postpone a visit, but cancel it immediately". On Friday, Chinese state media trolled Pelosi, state broadcaster CCTV’s social media account started the hashtag “Cure your covid sickness first” that trended China’s Twitter equivalent Weibo. Taiwan, on the other hand, not only wished her a ‘speedy recovery’ but also thanked the speaker for being a ‘good friend to Taiwan’. Tsai Ing-wen, President of Taiwan, “welcomed the show of U.S. support given Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has raised concern that China may follow through on its oft-repeated threat to take control of the democratic island by force,” reported Bloomberg. China in world reportage Arms race with US This week, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States – or the AUKUS, agreed to cooperate on hypersonic weapons and electronic warfare capabilities. “We … committed today to commence new trilateral cooperation on hypersonics and counter-hypersonics, and electronic warfare capabilities, as well as to expand information sharing and to deepen cooperation on defence innovation,” said the leaders of the 3 countries – British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, US President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, in a joint statement on Tuesday. Adding that they were delighted with the progress of the ‘programme for the conventionally armed submarines for Australia, and the allies would co-operate in other areas too,’ reported Aljazeera. “These initiatives will add to our existing efforts to deepen cooperation on cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and additional undersea capabilities... As our work progresses on these and other critical defence and security capabilities, we will seek opportunities to engage allies and close partners,” they said Meanwhile, according to reports, ‘the first U.S. hypersonic weapon has been a setback to more than a year under a new timeline which was to be delivered by Sept. 30. The lawmakers protested the delay, as Pentagon is lagging behind in a new technology that ‘Russia has already used in Ukraine and China has demonstrated in a space launch,’ reported Bloomberg. Last month, while Russia debuted the missile in its attack on Ukraine, China hit a demonstration target on Earth with a weapon in orbit in July. According to a Wall Street Journal report, Beijing has "accelerated" its nuclear weapons programme due to threats posed by the US. And according to another report, China has also delivered HQ-22 surface-to-air missile systems to Russian ally Serbia. Early Saturday, six Chinese Air Force Y-20 transport planes landed in Belgrade to deliver the ‘sophisticated Chinese anti-aircraft system.’ UN General Assembly votes to suspend Russia from Human Rights Council On Thursday, China voted against suspending Russia from the Human Rights Council. The resolution came as, U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said that Russia should be removed from the council, following the reports of mass killings in Bucha, where the Ukrainian officials have accused the Russian troops of committing war crimes. "Russia's participation on the Human Rights Council is a farce... And it is wrong, which is why we believe it is time the UN General Assembly vote to remove them," she said. Voting against the resolution, China Ambassador Zhang Jun, at the UN General Assembly said, “China’s basic position on the Ukraine issue is consistent and unequivocal. We always believe that all countries’ sovereignty and territorial integrity should be respected, and that international disputes should be resolved peacefully in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.” “Any action by the UN and the relevant parties should give priority to regional peace and stability and the universal security of all parties, and should play a positive role for de-escalation and diplomatic solutions. Regrettably, the draft resolution submitted to this emergency special session for vote has not undergone full consultations within the whole membership. Nor does it take full consideration the history and complexity of the current crisis. It does not highlight the importance of the principle of indivisible security, or the urgency of promoting political settlement and stepping up diplomatic efforts. These are not in line with China’s consistent positions. Therefore, we had no choice but to abstain in the voting,” he added. (The author is an Assistant Researcher at WION TV)

Chinese vignettes | Beijing’s unwavering commitment to its zero-Covid policy is only hurting China

The United States has authorised ''voluntary departure'' of non-essential personnel from Shanghai due to the tough coronavirus restrictions in the city.

The US State Department said in a statement that the families of all Americans have also been granted permission to leave.

The country has issued an advisory against travelling to Shanghai "due to Covid-19 related restrictions, including the risk of parents and children being separated."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-shanghai-covid-outbreak-china-deploys-drones-to-silence-protesters-469487/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the Biden administration is closely monitoring a coronavirus lockdown in Shanghai that could cause delays to air cargo.

Other Chinese cities tightened curbs as Shanghai on Friday announced a record 21,000 new COVID-19 cases.

The second-largest Chinese city, which is the country's financial hub, has locked down its population of 26 million people amid the rising cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/study-says-people-inoculated-with-booster-dose-recover-more-than-three-days-earlier-from-omicron-than-delta-469245" hreflang="en">Study says people inoculated with booster dose recover more than three days earlier from Omicron than Delta</a>

After residents complained about the harsh lockdown conditions leading to shortages of food and basic necessities, three local officials in Shanghai have been sacked over a slack response to the coronavirus&nbsp;outbreak.

Total cases in the outbreak that began last month in Shanghai have soared past the 100,000 mark, making it one of China’s most serious since the virus was first detected in the central city of Wuhan in late 2019.

In Shanghai, the Chinese government implemented a highly controversial policy of separating coronavirus-positive children from parents who tested negative, but then had to relax it following criticism.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-shanghai-social-media-unpicks-chinas-covid-lockdown-story-469102" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Shanghai social media unpicks China's Covid lockdown story</a>

The Communist Party leadership in Beijing is working to squelch complaints, especially online, in hopes of preventing the lockdown and accompanying dissatisfaction from becoming a political issue ahead of a key party congress later this year.

China’s COVID-19 policy has “once again withstood the test, contributing useful experience for the world to fight against the virus and host major international events,” Chinese President Xi Jinping said in an address at a ceremony Friday honoring Chinese Games participants.

In a further endorsement of the government’s approach, Xi credited China’s “closed loop” management with keeping the infection rate to just 0.45 per cent of those involved in this year’s Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States has authorised ''voluntary departure'' of non-essential personnel from Shanghai due to the tough coronavirus restrictions in the city. The US State Department said in a statement that the families of all Americans have also been granted permission to leave.

The United States has authorised ''voluntary departure'' of non-essential personnel from Shanghai due to the tough coronavirus restrictions in the city. The US State Department said in a statement that the families of all Americans have also been granted permission to leave. The country has issued an advisory against travelling to Shanghai "due to Covid-19 related restrictions, including the risk of parents and children being separated." White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the Biden administration is closely monitoring a coronavirus lockdown in Shanghai that could cause delays to air cargo. Other Chinese cities tightened curbs as Shanghai on Friday announced a record 21,000 new COVID-19 cases. The second-largest Chinese city, which is the country's financial hub, has locked down its population of 26 million people amid the rising cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. Also read | Study says people inoculated with booster dose recover more than three days earlier from Omicron than Delta After residents complained about the harsh lockdown conditions leading to shortages of food and basic necessities, three local officials in Shanghai have been sacked over a slack response to the coronavirus outbreak. Total cases in the outbreak that began last month in Shanghai have soared past the 100,000 mark, making it one of China’s most serious since the virus was first detected in the central city of Wuhan in late 2019. In Shanghai, the Chinese government implemented a highly controversial policy of separating coronavirus-positive children from parents who tested negative, but then had to relax it following criticism. Also read | COVID-19: Shanghai social media unpicks China's Covid lockdown story The Communist Party leadership in Beijing is working to squelch complaints, especially online, in hopes of preventing the lockdown and accompanying dissatisfaction from becoming a political issue ahead of a key party congress later this year. China’s COVID-19 policy has “once again withstood the test, contributing useful experience for the world to fight against the virus and host major international events,” Chinese President Xi Jinping said in an address at a ceremony Friday honoring Chinese Games participants. In a further endorsement of the government’s approach, Xi credited China’s “closed loop” management with keeping the infection rate to just 0.45 per cent of those involved in this year’s Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games. (With inputs from agencies)

US authorises 'voluntary departure' of non-essential personnel from Shanghai

United States has threatened China with sanctions if it decided to provide “material support” to Russia.

In a veiled warning to Xi Jinping, US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman on Wednesday said that a range of sanctions announced by the West and its allies should serve as an example of what is expected to come should China sides with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"It gives President Xi, I think, a pretty good understanding of what might come his way should he, in fact, support Putin in any material fashion," Sherman told a House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, according to news agency Reuters.

She further said that Beijing should take note of the coordinated Western response over Ukraine if it holds aspirations of invading democratically governed island of Taiwan by force.

"We hope that the PRC (People's Republic of China) understands that any such action would see a response from the international community, not just from the United States," she added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-president-volodymyr-zelensky-says-russia-hiding-thousands-killed-in-mariupol-468954">Ukrainian President Zelensky says Russia hiding 'thousands' killed in Mariupol</a>

US has been repeatedly warning China of consequences if it sides with Russia in Ukraine war.

In March, US President Joe Biden warned Xi during a video call against providing any material support to help Russia counter Western sanctions or to provide military assistance.

Biden later said that China knows its economic future is tied to the West, not Russia

China has so far refused to condemn the war and criticised the West for imposing sanctions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volodymyr-zelensky-impact-of-war-on-ukraines-comedian-president-and-an-unlikely-wartime-leader-468665">How Ukraine war took toll on comedian-turned unlikely war president Volodymyr Zelensky</a>

China’s relations with Russia have come under even closer scrutiny since the two countries declared a “no limits” partnership in early February.

Western intelligence reports claimed that China knew in advance of Putin’s plans to invade Ukraine, and had reportedly urged the Russian president to delay the war until the Beijing Winter Olympics ends.

However, China has denied making any such request, and trashed the report as “baseless allegations.”

Watch |&nbsp;US sanctions Putin's adult children amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-us-sanctions-putins-adult-children-amid-the-ongoing-russian-invasion-of-ukraine-468932/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

United States has threatened China with sanctions if it decided to provide “material support” to Russia. In a veiled warning to Xi Jinping, US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman on Wednesday said that a range of sanctions announced by the West and its allies should serve as an example of what is expected to come should China sides with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

United States has threatened China with sanctions if it decided to provide “material support” to Russia. In a veiled warning to Xi Jinping, US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman on Wednesday said that a range of sanctions announced by the West and its allies should serve as an example of what is expected to come should China sides with Russian President Vladimir Putin. "It gives President Xi, I think, a pretty good understanding of what might come his way should he, in fact, support Putin in any material fashion," Sherman told a House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, according to news agency Reuters. She further said that Beijing should take note of the coordinated Western response over Ukraine if it holds aspirations of invading democratically governed island of Taiwan by force. "We hope that the PRC (People's Republic of China) understands that any such action would see a response from the international community, not just from the United States," she added. Also read | Ukrainian President Zelensky says Russia hiding 'thousands' killed in Mariupol US has been repeatedly warning China of consequences if it sides with Russia in Ukraine war. In March, US President Joe Biden warned Xi during a video call against providing any material support to help Russia counter Western sanctions or to provide military assistance. Biden later said that China knows its economic future is tied to the West, not Russia China has so far refused to condemn the war and criticised the West for imposing sanctions. Also read | How Ukraine war took toll on comedian-turned unlikely war president Volodymyr Zelensky China’s relations with Russia have come under even closer scrutiny since the two countries declared a “no limits” partnership in early February. Western intelligence reports claimed that China knew in advance of Putin’s plans to invade Ukraine, and had reportedly urged the Russian president to delay the war until the Beijing Winter Olympics ends. However, China has denied making any such request, and trashed the report as “baseless allegations.” Watch | US sanctions Putin's adult children amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine war: US threatens Beijing with sanctions if it provides ‘material support’ to Moscow

A leading energy analyst has said that Russian gas sales to China ''will not make up for the loss of European markets.''

Tatiana Mitrova, a research fellow at the Centre on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University said that, ''China’s real value is as a source of necessary goods after the West imposed sweeping sanctions on Moscow following the attack on its neighbour.''

''Russia is exporting about 170 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas to the European markets every year and the prices for the two buyers are dramatically different.''

“They are definitely not able to offset the whole exports which are now going to the West.”

“You remember this ‘oil for products’ programme in Iran? It’s rather moving in this direction, not about trading, but just about providing the inflow of the most necessary goods and products,” Mitrova said on the sidelines of the Doha Forum in Qatar.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-us-warns-against-conflict-on-nato-soil-amid-the-ongoing-russian-invasion-of-ukraine-465890/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Washington has raised concerns about Beijing helping Moscow in the midst of the bloody but stalled invasion.

"We have not seen... the provision of military equipment by China to Russia. But of course, this is something we are monitoring closely," US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said.

Since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the bloody assault on Ukraine, Western capitals have frozen Moscow out of the global financial system, tipping its currency into freefall and pushing the country to the verge of default.

But China, a longtime Russian ally, has refused to follow suit, throwing Moscow a potential economic lifeline to match the diplomatic cover it has provided by refusing to condemn the invasion.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-could-russian-president-vladimir-putin-be-prosecuted-for-war-crimes-in-ukraine-465719">How could Russian President Vladimir Putin be prosecuted for war crimes in Ukraine?</a>

China is the only friend that might help Russia blunt the impact of economic sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine, but President Xi Jinping’s government is giving no sign it might be willing to risk its own access to US and European markets by doing too much.

Even if Beijing wanted to, its ability to support President Vladimir Putin by importing more Russian gas and other goods is limited.

Relations with Moscow have warmed since Xi took power in 2012, motivated by shared resentment of Washington, but their interests can conflict. Putin is uneasy about the growing Chinese economic presence in Central Asia and Russia’s Far East.

“China-Russia relations are at the highest level in history, but the two countries are not an alliance,” said Li Xin, an international relations expert at the Shanghai University of Political Science and Law.

In response to the invasion, Washington, Britain, the 27-nation European Union and other Western allies have announced or promised sanctions against Russian banks, officials, business leaders and companies, as well as export controls aimed at starving Russia’s industries and military of high-tech products.

Xi’s government might support Putin within those limits,&nbsp;and Chinese companies might use the situation to pursue better deals — but will balk at openly violating sanctions and being targeted for penalties, experts said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-oligarchs-welcome-in-turkey-says-foreign-minister-mevlut-cavusoglu-465935" hreflang="en">Russian oligarchs welcome in Turkey, says Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu</a>

“China doesn’t want to get so involved that it ends up suffering as a result of its support for Russia,” said Mark Williams, chief Asia economist for Capital Economics.

Chinese trade with Russia rose to $146.9 billion last year, but that is less than one-tenth of China’s total $1.6 trillion in trade with the United States and EU.

“It all hinges on whether they’re willing to risk their access to Western markets to help Russia, and I don’t think they are,” said Williams. “It’s just not that big a market.”

China, the world’s second-largest economy, is the only major government not to have condemned the invasion.

“The degree of Chinese support Russia receives is likely to prove a crucial factor in how well it can weather the long-term consequences,” wrote Kevin Rudd, a former Australian prime minister and president of the Asia Society, on the Asia Society website.

&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A leading energy analyst has said that Russian gas sales to China ''will not make up for the loss of European markets.'' Tatiana Mitrova, a research fellow at the Centre on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University said that, ''China’s real value is as a source of necessary goods after the West imposed sweeping sanctions on Moscow following the attack on its neighbour.

A leading energy analyst has said that Russian gas sales to China ''will not make up for the loss of European markets.'' Tatiana Mitrova, a research fellow at the Centre on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University said that, ''China’s real value is as a source of necessary goods after the West imposed sweeping sanctions on Moscow following the attack on its neighbour.'' ''Russia is exporting about 170 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas to the European markets every year and the prices for the two buyers are dramatically different.'' “They are definitely not able to offset the whole exports which are now going to the West.” “You remember this ‘oil for products’ programme in Iran? It’s rather moving in this direction, not about trading, but just about providing the inflow of the most necessary goods and products,” Mitrova said on the sidelines of the Doha Forum in Qatar. Washington has raised concerns about Beijing helping Moscow in the midst of the bloody but stalled invasion. "We have not seen... the provision of military equipment by China to Russia. But of course, this is something we are monitoring closely," US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said. Since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the bloody assault on Ukraine, Western capitals have frozen Moscow out of the global financial system, tipping its currency into freefall and pushing the country to the verge of default. But China, a longtime Russian ally, has refused to follow suit, throwing Moscow a potential economic lifeline to match the diplomatic cover it has provided by refusing to condemn the invasion. Also see | How could Russian President Vladimir Putin be prosecuted for war crimes in Ukraine? China is the only friend that might help Russia blunt the impact of economic sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine, but President Xi Jinping’s government is giving no sign it might be willing to risk its own access to US and European markets by doing too much. Even if Beijing wanted to, its ability to support President Vladimir Putin by importing more Russian gas and other goods is limited. Relations with Moscow have warmed since Xi took power in 2012, motivated by shared resentment of Washington, but their interests can conflict. Putin is uneasy about the growing Chinese economic presence in Central Asia and Russia’s Far East. “China-Russia relations are at the highest level in history, but the two countries are not an alliance,” said Li Xin, an international relations expert at the Shanghai University of Political Science and Law. In response to the invasion, Washington, Britain, the 27-nation European Union and other Western allies have announced or promised sanctions against Russian banks, officials, business leaders and companies, as well as export controls aimed at starving Russia’s industries and military of high-tech products. Xi’s government might support Putin within those limits, and Chinese companies might use the situation to pursue better deals — but will balk at openly violating sanctions and being targeted for penalties, experts said. Also read | Russian oligarchs welcome in Turkey, says Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu “China doesn’t want to get so involved that it ends up suffering as a result of its support for Russia,” said Mark Williams, chief Asia economist for Capital Economics. Chinese trade with Russia rose to $146.9 billion last year, but that is less than one-tenth of China’s total $1.6 trillion in trade with the United States and EU. “It all hinges on whether they’re willing to risk their access to Western markets to help Russia, and I don’t think they are,” said Williams. “It’s just not that big a market.” China, the world’s second-largest economy, is the only major government not to have condemned the invasion. “The degree of Chinese support Russia receives is likely to prove a crucial factor in how well it can weather the long-term consequences,” wrote Kevin Rudd, a former Australian prime minister and president of the Asia Society, on the Asia Society website. (With inputs from agencies)

Leading energy analyst says Russian gas sales to China 'will not make up for loss of European markets'

All 132 people aboard the plane that crashed into a mountainside in southern China&nbsp;are confirmed dead, state broadcaster CCTV reported.

"All 123 passengers and nine crew members of flight MU5735 of China Eastern airlines have been killed on board on March 21," CCTV said, citing the deputy director-general of the civil aviation administration, Hu Zhenjiang.

Chinese emergency workers have found an emergency location transmitter from the plane that had been close to where the second black box, the flight data recorder, had been installed, Zhu Tao, director of the Aviation Safety Office of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, told reporters.

The team is also seeking the data module from the flight data recorder itself.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-moment-chinese-boeing-nosedived-464424/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The other black box, the cockpit voice recorder, was found on Wednesday and has been sent to Beijing for examination by experts.

Flight MU5735 was travelling from the southwestern city of Kunming to Guangzhou on the coast on Monday when the Boeing 737-800 plummeted from cruising altitude to crash in a heavily forested area of Guangxi region.

According to data from flight-tracking website FlightRadar24.com, the flight was traveling 455 knots (523 mph, 842 kph) at around 29,000 feet when it entered a steep and fast dive around 2:20 p.m. local time. The plane plunged to 7,400 feet before briefly regaining about 1,200 feel in altitude, then dove again. The plane stopped transmitting data 96 seconds after starting to fall.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rescue-team-find-human-remains-at-the-chinese-plane-crash-site-465135">Also read |&nbsp;Rescue teams find human remains at the Chinese plane crash site</a>

Local villagers were first to arrive at the forested area where the plane went down and sparked a blaze big enough to be seen on NASA satellite images. Hundreds of rescue workers were swiftly dispatched from Guangxi and neighboring Guangdong province.

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for an “all-out effort” by the rescue operation, as well as for an investigation into the crash and to ensure complete civil aviation safety.

The last fatal crash of a Chinese airliner occurred in August 2010, when an Embraer ERJ 190-100 operated by Henan Airlines hit the ground short of the runway in the northeastern city of Yichun and caught fire. It carried 96 people and 44 of them died. Investigators blamed pilot error.

Chicago-based Boeing Co. said it was in contact with the US safety board “and our technical experts are prepared to assist with the investigation led by the Civil Aviation Administration of China.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

All 132 people aboard the plane that crashed into a mountainside in southern China are confirmed dead, state broadcaster CCTV reported. "All 123 passengers and nine crew members of flight MU5735 of China Eastern airlines have been killed on board on March 21," CCTV said, citing the deputy director-general of the civil aviation administration, Hu Zhenjiang.

All 132 people aboard the plane that crashed into a mountainside in southern China are confirmed dead, state broadcaster CCTV reported. "All 123 passengers and nine crew members of flight MU5735 of China Eastern airlines have been killed on board on March 21," CCTV said, citing the deputy director-general of the civil aviation administration, Hu Zhenjiang. Chinese emergency workers have found an emergency location transmitter from the plane that had been close to where the second black box, the flight data recorder, had been installed, Zhu Tao, director of the Aviation Safety Office of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, told reporters. The team is also seeking the data module from the flight data recorder itself. The other black box, the cockpit voice recorder, was found on Wednesday and has been sent to Beijing for examination by experts. Flight MU5735 was travelling from the southwestern city of Kunming to Guangzhou on the coast on Monday when the Boeing 737-800 plummeted from cruising altitude to crash in a heavily forested area of Guangxi region. According to data from flight-tracking website FlightRadar24.com, the flight was traveling 455 knots (523 mph, 842 kph) at around 29,000 feet when it entered a steep and fast dive around 2:20 p.m. local time. The plane plunged to 7,400 feet before briefly regaining about 1,200 feel in altitude, then dove again. The plane stopped transmitting data 96 seconds after starting to fall. Also read | Rescue teams find human remains at the Chinese plane crash site Local villagers were first to arrive at the forested area where the plane went down and sparked a blaze big enough to be seen on NASA satellite images. Hundreds of rescue workers were swiftly dispatched from Guangxi and neighboring Guangdong province. Chinese President Xi Jinping called for an “all-out effort” by the rescue operation, as well as for an investigation into the crash and to ensure complete civil aviation safety. The last fatal crash of a Chinese airliner occurred in August 2010, when an Embraer ERJ 190-100 operated by Henan Airlines hit the ground short of the runway in the northeastern city of Yichun and caught fire. It carried 96 people and 44 of them died. Investigators blamed pilot error. Chicago-based Boeing Co. said it was in contact with the US safety board “and our technical experts are prepared to assist with the investigation led by the Civil Aviation Administration of China.” (With inputs from agencies)

China's civil aviation authority confirms death of all 132 people aboard flight MU5735

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, US President Joe Biden has warned Chinese President Xi Jinping of a global backlash if it aids Russia. However, China says that it is not arming Russia.

Biden warns Xi of a global backlash if it aids Russia amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine

“May our country enjoy prosperity and our people live in peace and harmony!”, said Xi Jinping in his 2022 new year address. Three months into the year, it has been anything but that. 2022 was supposed to be a perfect year for Xi as he is expected to step into a third term at the end of his 10-year tenure this year. Instead, he is dealing with a dual crisis – China’s largest outbreak of Covid-19 at home, and overseas, fear of possible Western sanction or its repercussion of sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

CHINA OVER THE WEEK

Rise in Covid Cases

China is witnessing a major surge in Covid cases since the Wuhan outbreak in 2020. According to data reported, the daily rise in cases in China, world’s most populous country, had mostly remained in double digits. However, things have changed drastically in the last month. Now, the daily count is over a thousand, and on Saturday, the country reported its first two Covid-related deaths in more than a year.

As the cases rise in China, so do the curbs and restrictions.&nbsp;

China which is following a strict ‘zero-Covid’ policy has kept most of its citizens under heavy lockdown. Last week, Shenzhen – a city of 17.5 million is China's southern tech powerhouse, went into a six-day lockdown on Sunday after massive surge in Covid-19 cases. The restrictions have also widened to other cities and provinces like Jilin, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Some restrictions, however, have now been partially eased, after President Xi stressed the need to "minimise the impact" of Covid-induced lockdowns on the nation's economy. In Shenzhen and other major cities and provinces work has resumed, factory operations, as well as public transport.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hong Kong, which is still considering a lockdown, is suffering immensely. The government in Hong Kong is struggling to contain the city’s worst Covid outbreak ever. The highly transmissible&nbsp;Omicron variant is tearing through densely populated Hong Kong.&nbsp;Tens of thousands of cases are being reported each day, and deaths, too, have surged.

Officially, the city of Hong Kong has only just reported more than a million cases since the outbreak began in December, 96 per cent have come since February 9.&nbsp;&nbsp;But researchers at the University of Hong Kong estimate that almost half of the population, about 3.6 million, have contracted the virus in this outbreak, and the total will be more than 4.5 million cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Just in a few weeks, the city has gone from 'zero-Covid' to having the world's highest death rate. &nbsp;

That's not all, Hong Kong is also witnessing an exodus. Covid and the strict measures to contain the virus, is driving out many of its residents. The city has witnessed more than 70,000 departures last month, and more than 50,000 in first half of March, according to data from the Immigration Department.&nbsp;&nbsp;

China-US-Russia-Ukraine

While China is dealing with a large outbreak of Covid-19 at home, overseas, it is dealing with the Russia-Ukraine conflict. As the war enters its fourth week, there is no ending in sight, at least in the near future.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Almost every day, world leaders are discussing ways to end the conflict. Chinese officials have been particularly busy this week. Earlier this week, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan met Chinese foreign policy head Yang Jiechi in Rome. For seven hours, Yang and Sullivan discussed a range of tensions the two countries had, however, focused extensively on Ukraine. &nbsp;

According to US officials, Washington warned that Beijing that is could face serious consequences if it&nbsp;‘significant consequences’&nbsp;backs Moscow in the war. Their meeting came at a time when multiple US media reports alleged that Russia had asked China for military equipment. However, China and Russia were quick to dismiss the allegations, calling them untrue. &nbsp;

White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki indicated that if Beijing was to help Moscow, US would initiate punitive measure, which would be further carried out in coordination with allies. She said, “It’s less about changing their mind (about the nature of their relationship with Russia) and more about making clear with them what the consequences would be should they take additional actions to support this invasion.” &nbsp;

According to a Chinese read-out of the meeting, Yang warned the United States not to 'mischaracterize' Beijing’s stand on the war, which has been much debated in the West amid China’s refusal so far to condemn the invasion.

“Yang Jiechi stressed that China firmly opposes any words or deeds that spread false information, distort or smear China’s position,” said the South China Morning Post quoting a state media report.

Later, Kyiv Independent also reported that China had requested talks between Europe and Russia to "set up a balanced, effective and sustainable European security framework." &nbsp;

However, what came as a surprise was a phone call, on Friday, between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden. This was the first time the two leaders have spoken on the phone since the beginning of the conflict.

The surprise bilateral phone call was announced as Russia Foreign Minister Sergeĭ Lavrov, reportedly, was halfway to Beijing when his planed made a u-turn back to Moscow. &nbsp;

According to the White House, in the two-hour call, Biden raised concerns of China possibly aiding Russia, and reiterated “the implications and consequences” China would face if it “provides material support to Russia”.

Beijing’s account of the call said that Xi criticised the harsh economic punishment US and its allies have imposed on Russia in response to the invasion. &nbsp;

“Sweeping and indiscriminate sanctions would only make the people suffer. If further escalated, they could trigger serious crises in global economy and trade, finance, energy, food, and industrial and supply chains, crippling the already languishing world economy and causing irrevocable losses,” the ministry quoted President Xi as saying.

Further, Xi asked Biden for a “cool-headed and rational” approach, and stressed that “the Ukraine crisis is not something we want to see.” Instead, “The pressing priority is to keep the dialogue and negotiation going, avoid civilian casualties, prevent a humanitarian crisis, and cease hostilities as soon as possible.” And for this to happen, the two nations, “must shoulder our share of international responsibilities and work for world peace and tranquillity.”

On the path of diplomacy, China which, earlier this month, showed interest to extend a hand of friendship to India after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s press conference on the side-lines of annual Chinese Parliament session. The Foreign Minister, himself, is likely to visit India this month, according to multiple reports. &nbsp;

If the proposed visit does go ahead, it will be the first by a senior Chinese leader to India since the two nations have been locked in a dragging standoff in eastern Ladakh in May 2020. The two leaders will also get an opportunity to exchange views on the crisis in Ukraine.

Last year, in July, Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi held a bilateral on the side-lines of another SCO meeting in Tajikistan’s capital Dushanbe to discuss the border row. And again, they met in Dushanbe in September.

Meanwhile, according to Taiwan News, two Chinese nationals have been caught for allegedly trying to smuggle two infants from Ukraine to Romania. On Monday, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine discovered that the two Chinese nationals did not have any identifying documents for the two infants, and were immediately arrested. &nbsp;

CHINA IN WORLD REPORTAGE

The world’s largest crude exporter, Saudi Arabia, is in talks with Beijing to price its Chinese oil sales in Yuan instead of US Dollars. &nbsp;The two nations which have been in talks off and on for six years over yuan-priced contracts have accelerated the negotiations. China purchases more than 25 per cent of the oil Saudi Arabia exports, and if the oil is to be priced in yuan, the sales will boost the standing of the Chinese currency. &nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp;According to&nbsp;Wall Street Journal, Saudi Arabia has also extended an invitation to Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit Riyadh. The kingdom which has grown increasingly unhappy with the Washington, is looking to deepen its ties Beijing.

This comes amid reports that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto leader of Saudi Arabia, had declined U.S. requests to speak to Mr. Biden. &nbsp;

“There was some expectation of a phone call, but it didn’t happen,” said a U.S. official of the planned discussion between the Saudi Prince Mohammed and Mr. Biden. “It was part of turning on the spigot [of Saudi oil],” reported the&nbsp;Wall Street Journal.

While the two nations are looking to deepen their ties, some Asian and Oceanian nations have ramped up its purchase of military equipment as they become ‘increasingly wary of China’s growing regional ambition’, said the&nbsp;South China Morning Post.

The report published by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute on Monday showed that the top 6 out of 10 arm importers in the last five years were nations situated in Asia and Oceania. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, in some sports related reportage, Guanyu Zhou, became China’s first full-time Formula One driver. At just 22, Zhou suited up to race for the team Alfa Romeo on Sunday in Bahrain.

“May our country enjoy prosperity and our people live in peace and harmony!”, said Xi Jinping in his 2022 new year address. Three months into the year, it has been anything but that.

“May our country enjoy prosperity and our people live in peace and harmony!”, said Xi Jinping in his 2022 new year address. Three months into the year, it has been anything but that. 2022 was supposed to be a perfect year for Xi as he is expected to step into a third term at the end of his 10-year tenure this year. Instead, he is dealing with a dual crisis – China’s largest outbreak of Covid-19 at home, and overseas, fear of possible Western sanction or its repercussion of sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. CHINA OVER THE WEEK Rise in Covid Cases China is witnessing a major surge in Covid cases since the Wuhan outbreak in 2020. According to data reported, the daily rise in cases in China, world’s most populous country, had mostly remained in double digits. However, things have changed drastically in the last month. Now, the daily count is over a thousand, and on Saturday, the country reported its first two Covid-related deaths in more than a year. As the cases rise in China, so do the curbs and restrictions. China which is following a strict ‘zero-Covid’ policy has kept most of its citizens under heavy lockdown. Last week, Shenzhen – a city of 17.5 million is China's southern tech powerhouse, went into a six-day lockdown on Sunday after massive surge in Covid-19 cases. The restrictions have also widened to other cities and provinces like Jilin, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Some restrictions, however, have now been partially eased, after President Xi stressed the need to "minimise the impact" of Covid-induced lockdowns on the nation's economy. In Shenzhen and other major cities and provinces work has resumed, factory operations, as well as public transport. Hong Kong, which is still considering a lockdown, is suffering immensely. The government in Hong Kong is struggling to contain the city’s worst Covid outbreak ever. The highly transmissible Omicron variant is tearing through densely populated Hong Kong. Tens of thousands of cases are being reported each day, and deaths, too, have surged. Officially, the city of Hong Kong has only just reported more than a million cases since the outbreak began in December, 96 per cent have come since February 9. But researchers at the University of Hong Kong estimate that almost half of the population, about 3.6 million, have contracted the virus in this outbreak, and the total will be more than 4.5 million cases. Just in a few weeks, the city has gone from 'zero-Covid' to having the world's highest death rate. That's not all, Hong Kong is also witnessing an exodus. Covid and the strict measures to contain the virus, is driving out many of its residents. The city has witnessed more than 70,000 departures last month, and more than 50,000 in first half of March, according to data from the Immigration Department. China-US-Russia-Ukraine While China is dealing with a large outbreak of Covid-19 at home, overseas, it is dealing with the Russia-Ukraine conflict. As the war enters its fourth week, there is no ending in sight, at least in the near future. Almost every day, world leaders are discussing ways to end the conflict. Chinese officials have been particularly busy this week. Earlier this week, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan met Chinese foreign policy head Yang Jiechi in Rome. For seven hours, Yang and Sullivan discussed a range of tensions the two countries had, however, focused extensively on Ukraine. According to US officials, Washington warned that Beijing that is could face serious consequences if it ‘significant consequences’ backs Moscow in the war. Their meeting came at a time when multiple US media reports alleged that Russia had asked China for military equipment. However, China and Russia were quick to dismiss the allegations, calling them untrue. White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki indicated that if Beijing was to help Moscow, US would initiate punitive measure, which would be further carried out in coordination with allies. She said, “It’s less about changing their mind (about the nature of their relationship with Russia) and more about making clear with them what the consequences would be should they take additional actions to support this invasion.” According to a Chinese read-out of the meeting, Yang warned the United States not to 'mischaracterize' Beijing’s stand on the war, which has been much debated in the West amid China’s refusal so far to condemn the invasion. “Yang Jiechi stressed that China firmly opposes any words or deeds that spread false information, distort or smear China’s position,” said the South China Morning Post quoting a state media report. Later, Kyiv Independent also reported that China had requested talks between Europe and Russia to "set up a balanced, effective and sustainable European security framework." However, what came as a surprise was a phone call, on Friday, between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden. This was the first time the two leaders have spoken on the phone since the beginning of the conflict. The surprise bilateral phone call was announced as Russia Foreign Minister Sergeĭ Lavrov, reportedly, was halfway to Beijing when his planed made a u-turn back to Moscow. According to the White House, in the two-hour call, Biden raised concerns of China possibly aiding Russia, and reiterated “the implications and consequences” China would face if it “provides material support to Russia”. Beijing’s account of the call said that Xi criticised the harsh economic punishment US and its allies have imposed on Russia in response to the invasion. “Sweeping and indiscriminate sanctions would only make the people suffer. If further escalated, they could trigger serious crises in global economy and trade, finance, energy, food, and industrial and supply chains, crippling the already languishing world economy and causing irrevocable losses,” the ministry quoted President Xi as saying. Further, Xi asked Biden for a “cool-headed and rational” approach, and stressed that “the Ukraine crisis is not something we want to see.” Instead, “The pressing priority is to keep the dialogue and negotiation going, avoid civilian casualties, prevent a humanitarian crisis, and cease hostilities as soon as possible.” And for this to happen, the two nations, “must shoulder our share of international responsibilities and work for world peace and tranquillity.” On the path of diplomacy, China which, earlier this month, showed interest to extend a hand of friendship to India after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s press conference on the side-lines of annual Chinese Parliament session. The Foreign Minister, himself, is likely to visit India this month, according to multiple reports. If the proposed visit does go ahead, it will be the first by a senior Chinese leader to India since the two nations have been locked in a dragging standoff in eastern Ladakh in May 2020. The two leaders will also get an opportunity to exchange views on the crisis in Ukraine. Last year, in July, Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi held a bilateral on the side-lines of another SCO meeting in Tajikistan’s capital Dushanbe to discuss the border row. And again, they met in Dushanbe in September. Meanwhile, according to Taiwan News, two Chinese nationals have been caught for allegedly trying to smuggle two infants from Ukraine to Romania. On Monday, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine discovered that the two Chinese nationals did not have any identifying documents for the two infants, and were immediately arrested. CHINA IN WORLD REPORTAGE The world’s largest crude exporter, Saudi Arabia, is in talks with Beijing to price its Chinese oil sales in Yuan instead of US Dollars. The two nations which have been in talks off and on for six years over yuan-priced contracts have accelerated the negotiations. China purchases more than 25 per cent of the oil Saudi Arabia exports, and if the oil is to be priced in yuan, the sales will boost the standing of the Chinese currency. According to Wall Street Journal, Saudi Arabia has also extended an invitation to Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit Riyadh. The kingdom which has grown increasingly unhappy with the Washington, is looking to deepen its ties Beijing. This comes amid reports that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto leader of Saudi Arabia, had declined U.S. requests to speak to Mr. Biden. “There was some expectation of a phone call, but it didn’t happen,” said a U.S. official of the planned discussion between the Saudi Prince Mohammed and Mr. Biden. “It was part of turning on the spigot [of Saudi oil],” reported the Wall Street Journal. While the two nations are looking to deepen their ties, some Asian and Oceanian nations have ramped up its purchase of military equipment as they become ‘increasingly wary of China’s growing regional ambition’, said the South China Morning Post. The report published by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute on Monday showed that the top 6 out of 10 arm importers in the last five years were nations situated in Asia and Oceania. Meanwhile, in some sports related reportage, Guanyu Zhou, became China’s first full-time Formula One driver. At just 22, Zhou suited up to race for the team Alfa Romeo on Sunday in Bahrain.

Chinese vignettes | China's two battles: To avoid Western sanctions & surging COVID-19 cases

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