In Pakistan, a number of Islamic Journals are questioning Imran Khan's silence on the persecution of Uighurs. The Pak govt has been forced to make some 'recommendations' to China on treating minorities. What does China feel about Pakistan's assessments? WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you a report.

Gravitas: China rejects Pak's advice on Uighur Muslims

Chinese President Xi Jinping said Saturday that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Nepal&nbsp;relations and is willing to work with his&nbsp;Nepali counterpart, Bidhya Devi Bhandari, to push for continued advancement of the bilateral relationship.

In an exchange of congratulatory messages with Bhandari on the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Xi also said he is ready to work with Bhandari to bring greater benefits to the two peoples and make positive contributions to regional stability and development.

He pointed out that the friendship between China and&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;has a long history and remained ever new over time, saying that since the establishment of diplomatic relations 65 years ago, the two countries have always respected each other, treated each other as equals, enhanced political mutual trust and deepened mutually beneficial cooperation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/allies-or-puppets-nepals-movement-around-border-raises-questions-about-its-friendship-with-china-307183">Allies or puppets? Nepal's movement around border raises questions about its friendship with China</a>

Noting that he and Bhandari exchanged visits last year and elevated the bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership of cooperation featuring ever-lasting friendship for development and prosperity, Xi said the two sides have sticked together through thick and thin and stood shoulder to shoulder in the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak, and have written a new chapter of friendship between China and&nbsp;Nepal.

In her congratulatory message, Bhandari said that the&nbsp;Nepal-China friendship has a long history and a solid foundation.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/is-nepal-falling-into-chinas-debt-trap-302858">Is Nepal falling into China's debt trap?</a>

The Chinese President said that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Nepal relations and is willing to work with his Nepali counterpart Bhandari to push for the continued advancement of the bilateral relationship.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, bilateral relations have developed and deepened significantly, she said, adding that&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;welcomes the China-proposed vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind and actively participates in the cooperation on the co-building of the Belt and Road.

Expressing&nbsp;Nepal's appreciation of China's effective measures to contain the COVID-19 epidemic and a sincere gratitude for China's invaluable support to&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;in its epidemic battle, Bhandari said&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;is ready to work with China to fully implement the broad consensus reached by the two heads of state so as to benefit the two countries and peoples.

On the same day, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and&nbsp;Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli also exchanged congratulatory messages.

Li said in his message that since this year, China and&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;have joined hands to fight the COVID-19 epidemic, and further enhanced their mutual trust and friendship.

China is willing to work with&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;to strengthen all-round cooperation in various fields and high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road, and constantly lift bilateral relations to new levels.

Oli, in his congratulatory message, said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties, bilateral relations have seen a sustained, stable and sound development.

Nepal&nbsp;appreciates China's support for its fight against COVID-19, and looks forward to working closely with China to realize economic recovery and push for greater development of bilateral relations, he said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said Saturday that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Nepal relations and is willing to work with his Nepali counterpart, Bidhya Devi Bhandari, to push for continued advancement of the bilateral relationship.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said Saturday that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Nepal relations and is willing to work with his Nepali counterpart, Bidhya Devi Bhandari, to push for continued advancement of the bilateral relationship. In an exchange of congratulatory messages with Bhandari on the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Xi also said he is ready to work with Bhandari to bring greater benefits to the two peoples and make positive contributions to regional stability and development. He pointed out that the friendship between China and Nepal has a long history and remained ever new over time, saying that since the establishment of diplomatic relations 65 years ago, the two countries have always respected each other, treated each other as equals, enhanced political mutual trust and deepened mutually beneficial cooperation. Also read: Allies or puppets? Nepal's movement around border raises questions about its friendship with China Noting that he and Bhandari exchanged visits last year and elevated the bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership of cooperation featuring ever-lasting friendship for development and prosperity, Xi said the two sides have sticked together through thick and thin and stood shoulder to shoulder in the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak, and have written a new chapter of friendship between China and Nepal. In her congratulatory message, Bhandari said that the Nepal-China friendship has a long history and a solid foundation. Also read: Is Nepal falling into China's debt trap? The Chinese President said that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Nepal relations and is willing to work with his Nepali counterpart Bhandari to push for the continued advancement of the bilateral relationship. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, bilateral relations have developed and deepened significantly, she said, adding that Nepal welcomes the China-proposed vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind and actively participates in the cooperation on the co-building of the Belt and Road. Expressing Nepal's appreciation of China's effective measures to contain the COVID-19 epidemic and a sincere gratitude for China's invaluable support to Nepal in its epidemic battle, Bhandari said Nepal is ready to work with China to fully implement the broad consensus reached by the two heads of state so as to benefit the two countries and peoples. On the same day, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli also exchanged congratulatory messages. Li said in his message that since this year, China and Nepal have joined hands to fight the COVID-19 epidemic, and further enhanced their mutual trust and friendship. China is willing to work with Nepal to strengthen all-round cooperation in various fields and high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road, and constantly lift bilateral relations to new levels. Oli, in his congratulatory message, said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties, bilateral relations have seen a sustained, stable and sound development. Nepal appreciates China's support for its fight against COVID-19, and looks forward to working closely with China to realize economic recovery and push for greater development of bilateral relations, he said.

Want to push for continued advancement of China-Nepal ties: Xi Jinping

With more than 276 diplomatic posts, China is the world's largest diplomatic power.&nbsp;

US and China have an equal number of embassies, but, Beijing has more consulates than Washington.&nbsp;

China has 169 embassies, 96 consulates, eight permanent missions and three other missions.&nbsp;

Have you ever wondered why does China need so many diplomatic posts?&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-dismisses-accusations-of-hacking-attempt-on-us-vaccine-developer-moderna-317257">China dismisses accusations of hacking attempt on US vaccine developer Moderna</a>

Any diplomatic mission represents a nation's interest in a foreign land.&nbsp;

In the case of China, Chinese missions are fronts to snoop, influence and exert control.&nbsp;

Chinese embassies and consulates run surveillance operations, which are also used to track down Uighurs.&nbsp;

Let's understand how these missions operate.&nbsp;

Chinese missions abroad gather information about missing Uighurs and then try to secure their custody through extradition and diplomacy.&nbsp;

Consular officials reject any passport renewal requests from Uighurs. The Uighurs are forced to return to China for new papers.

Once they reach China, they are sent into mass internment camps.

Also, the presence of Chinese students abroad comes in handy. Chinese embassies and consulates keep a close tab on them.

When required, political directives are sent to mobilise supporters. This has happened frequently in America.&nbsp;

In 2015, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Washington where hundreds of Chinese students gave him a warm welcome.

Later, it turned out that the Chinese embassy had paid them 200 USD each to gather.&nbsp;

The purpose behind this mass-paid support is to show how large groups support the Communist Party leadership and crowd out any protest.&nbsp;

The main job is to campaign for political influence.&nbsp;

Now let's take a look at how China tries to influence a nation's politics.&nbsp;

A video conference between Nepal's ruling Communist Party and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Reportedly, the purpose of this conference was to "learn from China's ruling party".

But actually, this is how Beijing exports its communist ideology abroad.&nbsp;

In the last three months, we have seen how China's Ambassador to Nepal Hou Yanqi engages with senior Nepali leaders by playing peacemaker to feuding members of Nepal's ruling party.&nbsp;

The country has made similar attempts to influence Africa too.

Beijing has engaged with African political parties and leaders, developed party-to-party relations by offering training, created an exchange program for journalists to influence the press.

All this combined with the chequebook diplomacy makes China harder to ignore these regions.&nbsp;

The CCP has a special department called the United Front Work Department (UFWD).

This is the political influence arm of the Communist Party, whose job is to reach out and maintain ties with key Chinese interest groups.&nbsp;

Chinese diplomats posted abroad often assist in these operations.&nbsp;

They preside over the ceremonies and banquets held by organisations linked to the UPWD.

One such organisation is the National Association for China's peaceful reunification, which has branches in more than 30 American cities and issues statements of support for China's foreign policy moves.&nbsp;

In return, Chinese diplomats encourage their participation in America's domestic politics.&nbsp;

In hindsight, Chinese missions do more than just spying.

They are an extension of the CCP and its influence operations abroad.&nbsp;

With more than 276 diplomatic posts, China is the world's largest diplomatic power. US and China have an equal number of embassies, but, Beijing has more consulates than Washington.

With more than 276 diplomatic posts, China is the world's largest diplomatic power. US and China have an equal number of embassies, but, Beijing has more consulates than Washington. China has 169 embassies, 96 consulates, eight permanent missions and three other missions. Have you ever wondered why does China need so many diplomatic posts? Also read | China dismisses accusations of hacking attempt on US vaccine developer Moderna Any diplomatic mission represents a nation's interest in a foreign land. In the case of China, Chinese missions are fronts to snoop, influence and exert control. Chinese embassies and consulates run surveillance operations, which are also used to track down Uighurs. Let's understand how these missions operate. Chinese missions abroad gather information about missing Uighurs and then try to secure their custody through extradition and diplomacy. Consular officials reject any passport renewal requests from Uighurs. The Uighurs are forced to return to China for new papers. Once they reach China, they are sent into mass internment camps. Also, the presence of Chinese students abroad comes in handy. Chinese embassies and consulates keep a close tab on them. When required, political directives are sent to mobilise supporters. This has happened frequently in America. In 2015, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Washington where hundreds of Chinese students gave him a warm welcome. Later, it turned out that the Chinese embassy had paid them 200 USD each to gather. The purpose behind this mass-paid support is to show how large groups support the Communist Party leadership and crowd out any protest. The main job is to campaign for political influence. Now let's take a look at how China tries to influence a nation's politics. A video conference between Nepal's ruling Communist Party and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Reportedly, the purpose of this conference was to "learn from China's ruling party". But actually, this is how Beijing exports its communist ideology abroad. In the last three months, we have seen how China's Ambassador to Nepal Hou Yanqi engages with senior Nepali leaders by playing peacemaker to feuding members of Nepal's ruling party. The country has made similar attempts to influence Africa too. Beijing has engaged with African political parties and leaders, developed party-to-party relations by offering training, created an exchange program for journalists to influence the press. All this combined with the chequebook diplomacy makes China harder to ignore these regions. The CCP has a special department called the United Front Work Department (UFWD). This is the political influence arm of the Communist Party, whose job is to reach out and maintain ties with key Chinese interest groups. Chinese diplomats posted abroad often assist in these operations. They preside over the ceremonies and banquets held by organisations linked to the UPWD. One such organisation is the National Association for China's peaceful reunification, which has branches in more than 30 American cities and issues statements of support for China's foreign policy moves. In return, Chinese diplomats encourage their participation in America's domestic politics. In hindsight, Chinese missions do more than just spying. They are an extension of the CCP and its influence operations abroad.

How world's largest diplomatic power exerts its influence and control

An unexpected partnership is emerging between Germany & China. The US govt has decided to withdraw 12,00 troops from Germany. Reports say that Berlin could be at the frontline of the US-China cold war. WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Germany | Next in China's trap?

Two Chinese Generals have slammed the Chinese leadership for its aggressive foreign policy. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how why two PLA hawks have issued a warning to Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Gravitas: A warning to Xi Jinping from China's hawkish generals

Germany is at&nbsp;frontline of&nbsp;the US-China cold war between US and&nbsp;China&nbsp;according to a new report by a leading British think tank.

Reports suggest&nbsp;that Beijing is focusing on expanding its own influence in Germany, posing a series of political and economic-based hazards emanating from China.

Looks like it has chosen its side in the battle raging between the United States and China.

The relationship between Washington and Berlin has worsened since Trump became the US President.

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Germany's ambassador to the UK reportedly said that ''Shortcomings in Germany's relationship with the US meant that working with the Trump administration is not easy''.

The report comes as the White House formally announced that it will pull out thousands of troops from Germany.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-move-to-withdraw-troops-from-germany-can-cost-billions-and-take-years-316871https://www.wionews.com/world/us-move-to-withdraw-troops-from-germany-can-cost-billions-and-take-years-316871">US move to withdraw troops from Germany can cost billions and take years</a>

Experts believe that US took the ''strategic decision'' after sensing a&nbsp;growing camaraderie between Germany and China.

US is also shifting its&nbsp;special operations command from&nbsp;Stuttgart, Germany to&nbsp;Belgium as a rebuke of one of its closest military ally and&nbsp;trading partner.

Earlier, it was reported&nbsp;suggest&nbsp;that Beijing is focusing on expanding its own influence in Germany, posing a series of political and economic-based hazards emanating from China.

The Kremlin is waging a campaign of political interference, while Beijing sees Germany as its main target for economic expansion,&nbsp;as per UK think tank the Royal United Services Institute

Germany is at frontline of the US-China cold war between US and China according to a new report by a leading British think tank. Reports suggest that Beijing is focusing on expanding its own influence in Germany, posing a series of political and economic-based hazards emanating from China.

Germany is at frontline of the US-China cold war between US and China according to a new report by a leading British think tank. Reports suggest that Beijing is focusing on expanding its own influence in Germany, posing a series of political and economic-based hazards emanating from China. Looks like it has chosen its side in the battle raging between the United States and China. The relationship between Washington and Berlin has worsened since Trump became the US President. × Germany's ambassador to the UK reportedly said that ''Shortcomings in Germany's relationship with the US meant that working with the Trump administration is not easy''. The report comes as the White House formally announced that it will pull out thousands of troops from Germany. Also read: US move to withdraw troops from Germany can cost billions and take years Experts believe that US took the ''strategic decision'' after sensing a growing camaraderie between Germany and China. US is also shifting its special operations command from Stuttgart, Germany to Belgium as a rebuke of one of its closest military ally and trading partner. Earlier, it was reported suggest that Beijing is focusing on expanding its own influence in Germany, posing a series of political and economic-based hazards emanating from China. The Kremlin is waging a campaign of political interference, while Beijing sees Germany as its main target for economic expansion, as per UK think tank the Royal United Services Institute

Now, Germany on frontline of new US-China cold war

It seems all is not well in China as President Xi Jinping is facing a challenge from two People's Liberation Army (PLA) hawks.&nbsp;

They have written about their disappointment with Xi's aggressive foreign policy.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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The two generals are calling for policy re-evaluation and warned against "serious mistakes".

One of these voices in retired Major General Qiao Liang, a hawkish voice in China.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/how-china-is-safeguarding-its-interests-in-sri-lanka-317074">How China is safeguarding its interests in Sri Lanka</a>

Qiao has written a book called "Unrestricted Warfare", which had suggestions on how China could become a global superpower.&nbsp;

The book also talks about exporting a virus, creating a pandemic.&nbsp;

Once again Qiao has written and his latest message is to President Xi that: don't treat the pandemic as an opportunity to take back Taiwan by force.&nbsp;

"China's ultimate goal is not the reunification of Taiwan, but to achieve the dream of national rejuvenation so that all 1.4 billion Chinese can have a good life. Could it be achieved by taking Taiwan back? Of course, not," he said in an interview on Monday.&nbsp;

What he spoke afterwards is equally interesting.&nbsp;

Even Qiao agreed on what we were saying for weeks that in case of a war, China will not be able to mobilise its troops.&nbsp;

"If Beijing wants to take Taiwan back by force, it will need to mobilise all its resources and power to do this...You shouldn't put all your eggs in one basket. It's too costly," he said.&nbsp;

Qiao is a retired major general and knows PLA's capacity.&nbsp;

He also posted a message on WeChat, where he said a move by the PLA to take Taiwan by force may trigger the US to declare war against Beijing.&nbsp;

He said China maritime links at the South China Sea may be cut-off, adding sanctions from other Western countries could hit Beijing's economic development.&nbsp;

Another prominent hawk, Dai Xi, a PLA General, also warns China on similar lines.&nbsp;

In a recently-written article, called: Four unexpected things and ten new understandings about the United States, Dai advises Beijing to take stock of its relative weakness vis-a-vis Washington.&nbsp;

"Remember, the 30 billion in tariffs imposed on you will bring an effect of 60 billion, 90 billion, or more. This is where imperial America is truly powerful. We must be rational, instead of angry and fight wisely," Dai wrote.&nbsp;

The PLA general claims that China's confrontation with the US has won it no friends.&nbsp;

This is a correct argument as several countries across continents are uniting against China.&nbsp;

Even China's chequebook diplomacy has failed in buying supporters.&nbsp;

Even Dai hints at this in a more subtle way.

"China has provided assistance to so many countries...benefiting them in so many ways...but at this critical moment, none of them has taken any unification action with China," he further wrote.&nbsp;

The point is, China's most prominent hawks know that their country is headed towards a downhill, and they are not just discussing this behind closed doors, but also writing about it in as many words possible.&nbsp;

Dai substantiates this point, writing "not a single country has stood out expressing sympathy and support for China".&nbsp;

Of course, the article is written in Mandarin, but the essence of it has not been lost in the translation. &nbsp;

What will happen if these Chinese hawks decide to put their words into action as they are still in a position to shape the opinion of the army.&nbsp;

If that happens, Xi's political survival will not be going to be easy.&nbsp;

It seems all is not well in China as President Xi Jinping is facing a challenge from two People's Liberation Army (PLA) hawks. They have written about their disappointment with Xi's aggressive foreign policy.

It seems all is not well in China as President Xi Jinping is facing a challenge from two People's Liberation Army (PLA) hawks. They have written about their disappointment with Xi's aggressive foreign policy. Watch | The two generals are calling for policy re-evaluation and warned against "serious mistakes". One of these voices in retired Major General Qiao Liang, a hawkish voice in China. Also read | How China is safeguarding its interests in Sri Lanka Qiao has written a book called "Unrestricted Warfare", which had suggestions on how China could become a global superpower. The book also talks about exporting a virus, creating a pandemic. Once again Qiao has written and his latest message is to President Xi that: don't treat the pandemic as an opportunity to take back Taiwan by force. "China's ultimate goal is not the reunification of Taiwan, but to achieve the dream of national rejuvenation so that all 1.4 billion Chinese can have a good life. Could it be achieved by taking Taiwan back? Of course, not," he said in an interview on Monday. What he spoke afterwards is equally interesting. Even Qiao agreed on what we were saying for weeks that in case of a war, China will not be able to mobilise its troops. "If Beijing wants to take Taiwan back by force, it will need to mobilise all its resources and power to do this...You shouldn't put all your eggs in one basket. It's too costly," he said. Qiao is a retired major general and knows PLA's capacity. He also posted a message on WeChat, where he said a move by the PLA to take Taiwan by force may trigger the US to declare war against Beijing. He said China maritime links at the South China Sea may be cut-off, adding sanctions from other Western countries could hit Beijing's economic development. Another prominent hawk, Dai Xi, a PLA General, also warns China on similar lines. In a recently-written article, called: Four unexpected things and ten new understandings about the United States, Dai advises Beijing to take stock of its relative weakness vis-a-vis Washington. "Remember, the 30 billion in tariffs imposed on you will bring an effect of 60 billion, 90 billion, or more. This is where imperial America is truly powerful. We must be rational, instead of angry and fight wisely," Dai wrote. The PLA general claims that China's confrontation with the US has won it no friends. This is a correct argument as several countries across continents are uniting against China. Even China's chequebook diplomacy has failed in buying supporters. Even Dai hints at this in a more subtle way. "China has provided assistance to so many countries...benefiting them in so many ways...but at this critical moment, none of them has taken any unification action with China," he further wrote. The point is, China's most prominent hawks know that their country is headed towards a downhill, and they are not just discussing this behind closed doors, but also writing about it in as many words possible. Dai substantiates this point, writing "not a single country has stood out expressing sympathy and support for China". Of course, the article is written in Mandarin, but the essence of it has not been lost in the translation. What will happen if these Chinese hawks decide to put their words into action as they are still in a position to shape the opinion of the army. If that happens, Xi's political survival will not be going to be easy.

Prominent Chinese hawks warn Xi Jinping to avoid 'serious mistakes'

A prominent Chinese legal scholar who was detained and then fired after criticising President Xi Jinping hopes to clear his name by overturning a prostitution charge brought against him by police, his lawyer said on Wednesday.

Xu Zhangrun, a former constitutional law professor at the prestigious Tsinghua University, was detained by police in Beijing in early July for nearly a week after being accused of soliciting prostitution while in the southwestern city of Chengdu last December.

Xu engaged rights lawyers Mo Shaoping and his partner Shang Baojun on Tuesday night in an effort to overturn the charge, Mo told Reuters.

"Professor Xu engaged us because he rejects the trumped up prostitution charges meant to smear his name," said Mo.

According to Mo, as evidence of his offence, police from Chengdu's Qingyang district presented a woman who said she had intercourse with Xu. Xu contends that he had never seen her before, Mo said.

Xu and his lawyers are still deciding the exact course of action to take, Mo said. His options are to lodge an appeal to the Chengdu city-level police or sue the district police, Mo said.

Neither Xu nor the Chengdu district police could be immediately reached for comment.

While Xu was being detained, Beijing's Tsinghua University fired him for violating its ethical code. It cited the prostitution case as well as various articles Xu had published since July 2018, in a notice seen by Reuters.

Xu, 57, came to prominence in July 2018 for denouncing the removal of the two-term limit for China's leader.

At the peak of China's coronavirus outbreak in February, Xu wrote an article calling for freedom of speech. In May, he wrote an article accusing Xi of trying to bring the Cultural Revolution back to China.

Under Xi, China has clamped down on dissent and tightened censorship.

A prominent Chinese legal scholar who was detained and then fired after criticising President Xi Jinping hopes to clear his name by overturning a prostitution charge brought against him by police, his lawyer said on Wednesday.

A prominent Chinese legal scholar who was detained and then fired after criticising President Xi Jinping hopes to clear his name by overturning a prostitution charge brought against him by police, his lawyer said on Wednesday. Xu Zhangrun, a former constitutional law professor at the prestigious Tsinghua University, was detained by police in Beijing in early July for nearly a week after being accused of soliciting prostitution while in the southwestern city of Chengdu last December. Xu engaged rights lawyers Mo Shaoping and his partner Shang Baojun on Tuesday night in an effort to overturn the charge, Mo told Reuters. "Professor Xu engaged us because he rejects the trumped up prostitution charges meant to smear his name," said Mo. According to Mo, as evidence of his offence, police from Chengdu's Qingyang district presented a woman who said she had intercourse with Xu. Xu contends that he had never seen her before, Mo said. Xu and his lawyers are still deciding the exact course of action to take, Mo said. His options are to lodge an appeal to the Chengdu city-level police or sue the district police, Mo said. Neither Xu nor the Chengdu district police could be immediately reached for comment. While Xu was being detained, Beijing's Tsinghua University fired him for violating its ethical code. It cited the prostitution case as well as various articles Xu had published since July 2018, in a notice seen by Reuters. Xu, 57, came to prominence in July 2018 for denouncing the removal of the two-term limit for China's leader. At the peak of China's coronavirus outbreak in February, Xu wrote an article calling for freedom of speech. In May, he wrote an article accusing Xi of trying to bring the Cultural Revolution back to China. Under Xi, China has clamped down on dissent and tightened censorship.

Professor who criticised XI Jinping to fight prostitution charges: Lawyer

It is now well recognized all over the world China has made spectacular progress in the industrial and technological front in the last few decades. Certainly, there are many admirers of China in the world, who are impressed that China has changed its image from being a developing country to a developed country in a short span of time.&nbsp;

Obviously, this is a tribute to the native intelligence of Chinese people, their determined and hard-working capability and above all, an unbending desire to improve earnings and profit. So far so good.

The minus factor&nbsp;

While China has contributed significantly to the industrial and economic prospects of the world, one can not admire the greedy ambitions of China to become the world superpower, with least regard for fairness in dealing with other countries and it’s lack of scruples as well as its view that it can adopt any means to achieve its objectives of emerging as a superpower. The concept that the means should justify end is not in China’s dictum.

Definite game plan

China’s expansionist greed is being implemented with a definite game plan. China is making no effort to conceal it.&nbsp;

China aggressively entered Tibet in 1950s, massacred innocent Tibetan protestors and has been occupying Tibet for several decades now. The unfortunate fact is that China’s aggression in Tibet was not challenged by other countries in the world and Tibet became the first victim of China’s greed for world dominance.&nbsp;

India was the second victim of China’s greed, when China started a war with India in 1962, defeated the ill-equipped Indian army and occupied large Indian territory, which it continues to occupy till today. Further, China is laying claim for the Arunachal province in India.

The next victim of China’s greed is Japan, where China is laying claim for Senkaku Island.&nbsp;

There are other countries like the Philippines, Vietnam who are yet other victims of China’s greed, as China is laying claim on the South China Sea, questioning the legitimate claims of countries like the Philippines, Vietnam and others.

Economic exploitation of weak countries&nbsp;

Apart from such aggressive military interventions, as part of its game plan to implement its expansionist greed approach, China is steadily bringing several weak countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh under its control by extending debt for implementing projects, clearly knowing that these weak countries will never be able to repay their debt to China. &nbsp;

The debt-ridden countries are being forced to surrender projects related to the territory to China in lieu of the debt such as Hambantota port in Sri Lanka, Gwadar port in Pakistan and several others.

The One Belt One Road &nbsp;(OBOR) &nbsp;initiative is another clever strategy by China to subjugate the weak countries in Asia, Africa and elsewhere to China’s economic domination and it has already made substantial inroads in these countries, that have succumbed to OBOR temptation and have unwittingly got themselves in OBOR trap.

Cause for concern :

Even as China has been recording steady growth in multiple directions, the fact is that it has shown aggressive behaviour in expanding its territories and implementing its schemes to dominate the world. This is justifiably causing concern all over the world.

The present view of the most section of the world community about China is not much different from the view of the world community about Hitler during the second world war. Many people in the world felt in the 1940s that eliminating Hitler was a precondition for the prevalence of peace in the world.&nbsp;

Potential threat to world peace&nbsp;

While China believes that it has enough economic and military strength to gradually advance its expansionist ambition and it would not be effectively challenged in advancing its plans, several countries in the world are now realizing that China can be a potential threat to world peace.

There is a gradual realisation amongst several countries that some coordinated action amongst them is required to checkmate China in the present juncture.&nbsp;

All the concerned countries do understand that unlike in the case of World War II, when Hitler was defeated by a military war, this cannot be so in the present conditions in tackling China.

Vulnerable to trade pressure&nbsp;

Obviously, the number of concerned countries seem to be veering to the view that China has to be confronted on the trade front to make it behave.&nbsp;

While China has built huge capacities in industries and in the production of goods and services, the fact is that such capacities are much more than what China needs now in the immediate future. Obviously, China has become an export-dependent economy and any adverse impact on the export trade of China would cause unbearable pain for the Chinese economy.

Suppression of freedom&nbsp;

Apart from the expansionist greed of China that causes worldwide concern, the suppression of liberty and freedom in China and human rights violation is disturbing the world conscience to some extent.&nbsp;

China seems to be creating an impression that suppression of freedom and growth of the economy should go in parallel, which is unacceptable from an ethical and civilization viewpoint.

Is it right to target a particular country?

It is certainly not right to target a particular country but when that country has faith in aggressive methods, has territorial ambitions and expansionist greed, the world is left with no alternative other than striving to defeat such approach of the country.

The confrontation is not with the Chinese people per se but with the present Chinese government, which is totalitarian in outlook and methods and is not a credible representative of the Chinese people.

It is sad that the present Chinese government has become a pain in the neck of the world and the Chinese government does not seem to mind this.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

It is now well recognized all over the world China has made spectacular progress in the industrial and technological front in the last few decades. Certainly, there are many admirers of China in the world, who are impressed that China has changed its image from being a developing country to a developed country in a short span of time.

It is now well recognized all over the world China has made spectacular progress in the industrial and technological front in the last few decades. Certainly, there are many admirers of China in the world, who are impressed that China has changed its image from being a developing country to a developed country in a short span of time. Obviously, this is a tribute to the native intelligence of Chinese people, their determined and hard-working capability and above all, an unbending desire to improve earnings and profit. So far so good. The minus factor While China has contributed significantly to the industrial and economic prospects of the world, one can not admire the greedy ambitions of China to become the world superpower, with least regard for fairness in dealing with other countries and it’s lack of scruples as well as its view that it can adopt any means to achieve its objectives of emerging as a superpower. The concept that the means should justify end is not in China’s dictum. Definite game plan China’s expansionist greed is being implemented with a definite game plan. China is making no effort to conceal it. China aggressively entered Tibet in 1950s, massacred innocent Tibetan protestors and has been occupying Tibet for several decades now. The unfortunate fact is that China’s aggression in Tibet was not challenged by other countries in the world and Tibet became the first victim of China’s greed for world dominance. India was the second victim of China’s greed, when China started a war with India in 1962, defeated the ill-equipped Indian army and occupied large Indian territory, which it continues to occupy till today. Further, China is laying claim for the Arunachal province in India. The next victim of China’s greed is Japan, where China is laying claim for Senkaku Island. There are other countries like the Philippines, Vietnam who are yet other victims of China’s greed, as China is laying claim on the South China Sea, questioning the legitimate claims of countries like the Philippines, Vietnam and others. Economic exploitation of weak countries Apart from such aggressive military interventions, as part of its game plan to implement its expansionist greed approach, China is steadily bringing several weak countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh under its control by extending debt for implementing projects, clearly knowing that these weak countries will never be able to repay their debt to China. The debt-ridden countries are being forced to surrender projects related to the territory to China in lieu of the debt such as Hambantota port in Sri Lanka, Gwadar port in Pakistan and several others. The One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative is another clever strategy by China to subjugate the weak countries in Asia, Africa and elsewhere to China’s economic domination and it has already made substantial inroads in these countries, that have succumbed to OBOR temptation and have unwittingly got themselves in OBOR trap. Cause for concern : Even as China has been recording steady growth in multiple directions, the fact is that it has shown aggressive behaviour in expanding its territories and implementing its schemes to dominate the world. This is justifiably causing concern all over the world. The present view of the most section of the world community about China is not much different from the view of the world community about Hitler during the second world war. Many people in the world felt in the 1940s that eliminating Hitler was a precondition for the prevalence of peace in the world. Potential threat to world peace While China believes that it has enough economic and military strength to gradually advance its expansionist ambition and it would not be effectively challenged in advancing its plans, several countries in the world are now realizing that China can be a potential threat to world peace. There is a gradual realisation amongst several countries that some coordinated action amongst them is required to checkmate China in the present juncture. All the concerned countries do understand that unlike in the case of World War II, when Hitler was defeated by a military war, this cannot be so in the present conditions in tackling China. Vulnerable to trade pressure Obviously, the number of concerned countries seem to be veering to the view that China has to be confronted on the trade front to make it behave. While China has built huge capacities in industries and in the production of goods and services, the fact is that such capacities are much more than what China needs now in the immediate future. Obviously, China has become an export-dependent economy and any adverse impact on the export trade of China would cause unbearable pain for the Chinese economy. Suppression of freedom Apart from the expansionist greed of China that causes worldwide concern, the suppression of liberty and freedom in China and human rights violation is disturbing the world conscience to some extent. China seems to be creating an impression that suppression of freedom and growth of the economy should go in parallel, which is unacceptable from an ethical and civilization viewpoint. Is it right to target a particular country? It is certainly not right to target a particular country but when that country has faith in aggressive methods, has territorial ambitions and expansionist greed, the world is left with no alternative other than striving to defeat such approach of the country. The confrontation is not with the Chinese people per se but with the present Chinese government, which is totalitarian in outlook and methods and is not a credible representative of the Chinese people. It is sad that the present Chinese government has become a pain in the neck of the world and the Chinese government does not seem to mind this. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Expansionist greed of Chinese government: A pain in the neck for the world

A suspended engineering professor of the University of Arkansas called Simon&nbsp;Saw-Teong&nbsp;Ang has been&nbsp;indicted over China links and is facing&nbsp;44 counts of fraud said the US Department of Justice.

The indictment said&nbsp;Ang&nbsp;was secretly part of the Xi-backed Thousand Talents program, which Washington says China uses to collect research from abroad.

The FBI affidavit says authorities discovered Ang's alleged ties to Chinese interests after a university employee attempted to identify the owner of a hard drive that was placed in lost-and-found at a campus library.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-arrests-nasa-researcher-for-not-disclosing-alleged-ties-with-china-298420">FBI arrests NASA researcher for not 'disclosing' alleged ties with China</a>

While reviewing the contents of the hard drive, which were later turned over to the FBI, the affidavit says, the employee discovered an email exchange between Ang and a visiting researcher from Xidian University in Xi'an, China.

In the September 2018 email discussion, Ang wrote that things were becoming difficult for him because of the current political climate, according to the affidavit.

According to the FBI, those associated with China's Thousand Talents program are individuals who work or study outside of China in high-priority research fields. While not traditional spies, investigators say they are nevertheless collecting research information sought by Chinese authorities.

Earlier this week,&nbsp;Li Xiaojiang, a former professor at Emory University in Atlanta, admitted tax fraud in a case focused on his hidden earnings from China, also as a participant in the Thousand Talents program.

Senator Marco Rubio, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said such cases combined with the coronavirus are forcing China to change its tactics.

"Beijing has shifted its recruitment efforts for the Thousand Talents Program online, and it has increased efforts to hack US medical research institutes for COVID-19 information," he said.

A suspended engineering professor of the University of Arkansas called Simon Saw-Teong Ang has been indicted over China links and is facing 44 counts of fraud said the US Department of Justice.

A suspended engineering professor of the University of Arkansas called Simon Saw-Teong Ang has been indicted over China links and is facing 44 counts of fraud said the US Department of Justice. The indictment said Ang was secretly part of the Xi-backed Thousand Talents program, which Washington says China uses to collect research from abroad. The FBI affidavit says authorities discovered Ang's alleged ties to Chinese interests after a university employee attempted to identify the owner of a hard drive that was placed in lost-and-found at a campus library. Also read: FBI arrests NASA researcher for not 'disclosing' alleged ties with China While reviewing the contents of the hard drive, which were later turned over to the FBI, the affidavit says, the employee discovered an email exchange between Ang and a visiting researcher from Xidian University in Xi'an, China. In the September 2018 email discussion, Ang wrote that things were becoming difficult for him because of the current political climate, according to the affidavit. According to the FBI, those associated with China's Thousand Talents program are individuals who work or study outside of China in high-priority research fields. While not traditional spies, investigators say they are nevertheless collecting research information sought by Chinese authorities. Earlier this week, Li Xiaojiang, a former professor at Emory University in Atlanta, admitted tax fraud in a case focused on his hidden earnings from China, also as a participant in the Thousand Talents program. Senator Marco Rubio, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said such cases combined with the coronavirus are forcing China to change its tactics. "Beijing has shifted its recruitment efforts for the Thousand Talents Program online, and it has increased efforts to hack US medical research institutes for COVID-19 information," he said.

US professor Simon Ang indicted over China links, faces 44 counts of fraud

After the Chinese consulate in Houston was ordered to shut down, China has now shut & taken full control of the U.S. Consulate in Chengdu. Do the Consulate shutdowns signal a new phase of the US-China conflict? WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Consulate shutdowns, New phase of US-China conflict?

China's version of Greta Thunberg, Howey Ou, has payed the&nbsp;price for attempting to bring to light the reality of climate change.

''My high school refuses to allow me to re-enroll out of fears that my activism will generate trouble with the authorities,'' Ou said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I was banned from school in China for my climate activism. 
China must take its responsibility to act on cc and ensure children have the right to live without fear.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LetChinaStrikeForClimate?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LetChinaStrikeForClimate</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FaceTheClimateEmergency?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FaceTheClimateEmergency</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FridaysForFutureChina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FridaysForFutureChina</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HoweyOu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HoweyOu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aiww?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@aiww</a> <a href="https://t.co/LEYRLAE3K9">https://t.co/LEYRLAE3K9</a> <a href="https://t.co/1mtjdhbVFo">pic.twitter.com/1mtjdhbVFo</a>
— Howey Ou (@howey_ou) <a href="https://twitter.com/howey_ou/status/1285193984537575424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Howey Ou has&nbsp;been barred from returning to Guangxi Normal University’s high school in Guilin after she missed a few classes to protest against a local government's office for the cause.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/educational-authorities-in-china-attempting-to-stifle-first-young-climate-activists-voice-314606">Educational authorities in China attempting to stifle first young climate activist's voice</a>

She told the Guardian that her parents have been called in by educational authorities asking them to prevent her from continuing her activism, and to avoid talking to international media.

She further claimed&nbsp;that her school’s principal Li Linbo has instructed her to ditch the activism if she wanted to resume her education in May.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/curb-climate-change-protect-environment-to-prevent-more-outbreaks-united-nations-311242" hreflang="en">Curb climate change, protect environment to prevent more outbreaks: United Nations</a>

To clip the activist’s wings, authorities forced a psychological test on her, which found that she was “stubborn”.

Her father, Ou Jun told The Guardian how he worries about her future, and whether her beliefs could “derail” it, all the while supporting her right to her beliefs and activism.

As part of its efforts to limit climate change caused by carbon emissions, China has pledged to peak its emissions on or before 2030, as part of the Paris Agreement.&nbsp;Xi Jinping also claims to have recanted his policies around “ecological civilisation”.

Ou has no plans to stop, and has started an initiative called Plant For Survival, encouraging young likeminded folks like herself in China to plant trees. In fact, between November 2019 and January 2020, the group is responsible for planting 300 trees around Guilin.

The 17-year-old is the first youngster in China to publicly take up the cause of climate change, and has hence become a target for authorities.

China's version of Greta Thunberg, Howey Ou, has payed the price for attempting to bring to light the reality of climate change. ''My high school refuses to allow me to re-enroll out of fears that my activism will generate trouble with the authorities,'' Ou said.

China's version of Greta Thunberg, Howey Ou, has payed the price for attempting to bring to light the reality of climate change. ''My high school refuses to allow me to re-enroll out of fears that my activism will generate trouble with the authorities,'' Ou said. I was banned from school in China for my climate activism. China must take its responsibility to act on cc and ensure children have the right to live without fear.#LetChinaStrikeForClimate #FaceTheClimateEmergency #FridaysForFutureChina #HoweyOu @aiww https://t.co/LEYRLAE3K9 pic.twitter.com/1mtjdhbVFo — Howey Ou (@howey_ou) July 20, 2020 × Howey Ou has been barred from returning to Guangxi Normal University’s high school in Guilin after she missed a few classes to protest against a local government's office for the cause. Also read: Educational authorities in China attempting to stifle first young climate activist's voice She told the Guardian that her parents have been called in by educational authorities asking them to prevent her from continuing her activism, and to avoid talking to international media. She further claimed that her school’s principal Li Linbo has instructed her to ditch the activism if she wanted to resume her education in May. Also read: Curb climate change, protect environment to prevent more outbreaks: United Nations To clip the activist’s wings, authorities forced a psychological test on her, which found that she was “stubborn”. Her father, Ou Jun told The Guardian how he worries about her future, and whether her beliefs could “derail” it, all the while supporting her right to her beliefs and activism. As part of its efforts to limit climate change caused by carbon emissions, China has pledged to peak its emissions on or before 2030, as part of the Paris Agreement. Xi Jinping also claims to have recanted his policies around “ecological civilisation”. Ou has no plans to stop, and has started an initiative called Plant For Survival, encouraging young likeminded folks like herself in China to plant trees. In fact, between November 2019 and January 2020, the group is responsible for planting 300 trees around Guilin. The 17-year-old is the first youngster in China to publicly take up the cause of climate change, and has hence become a target for authorities.

Howey Ou, China's Greta Thunberg, pays price for climate activism

The American flag was lowered at the United States consulate in Chengdu on Monday, days after Beijing ordered it to close in retaliation for the shuttering of the Chinese consulate in Houston.

China orders U.S Chengdu consulate shut | American flag lowered at consulate | US-China

The American flag at the US consulate in Chengdu has officially been lowered after the Chinese government ordered to shut down the diplomatic mission. Watch report.

China: Chengdu mission closure necessary, US flag at Chengdu consulate lowered

China accuses United States of cold war rhetoric

A report by Australian Journalist Anthony Klan says that China and Pakistan have a secret agreement to conduct tests on biological agents. Allegedly, several research projects involve testing pathogens similar to the anthrax. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: China-Pakistan 'secret deal' to build bioweapons

At a time when China is battling an hostile international environment - Chinese President Xi Jinping is on a campaign trail. The Chinese President faces no political challenge. But, he still needs to maintain his position as China's paramount leader. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why.

Gravitas: Communist Party Propaganda push: Xi Jinping's inspection of Chinese provinces

Chinese President Xi Jiping has been criss-crossing his country to reassure people even though he doesn't have to fight an election because in China even the suggestion of public discontent is seen as a challenge to the party's rule.

In the last two months, Beijing has triggered a deadly border standoff with India, forced a draconian national security law on Hong Kong and entered into a war of words with the western world but pictures beamed around the world by China’s state media have been designed to mislead.

It’s almost as if the international crises don’t exist in China. Xi Jinping is on an inspection tour of Chinese provinces and wherever he goes, the Chinese president is welcomed with wide smiles and a round of applause while Xi Jinping faces no immediate political challenge, he is still preparing for a leadership contest.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-communist-party-propaganda-push-xi-jinpings-inspection-of-chinese-provinces-315812/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Public sentiment matters to&nbsp;the Communist Party - it matters even more to&nbsp;Xi Jinping. His personal popularity cements his grip on the Communist Party. The Chinese president stayed away from the public eye during the initial months of the Wuhan virus outbreak but&nbsp;now Xi Jinping has been travelling around the country and he carries only one message - the message of Communist ideology.

On a visit to Changchun, he told the party workers why the Communist party must be strengthened at the grassroots.

"The foundation for the construction of China's governance system rests in the grassroots without a solid foundation, the Earth shakes and the mountains move. So how to build a solid foundation? It depends on the residential community management and governance. Community construction can only be strengthened, not weakened. then what's the key to community construction? the answer is strengthening the CPC leadership," the Chinese president said.

Xi Jinping has stuck to his message at the PLA aviation university. He told trainers and teachers about the need to “adhere to the correct political orientation”. The removal of term limits has paved the way for Xi Jinping to rule for life but to maintain control he needs to protect his image of a mass leader and any discontent against the Communist Party would be a direct challenge to Xi.

Therefore, the president meets the masses, and the party cracks down on dissent. Ren Zhiqiang an influential party critic has been shown the door. The former property tycoon had called Xi Jinping a clown, he reportedly went missing in March.

Now, the Communist party says Ren is guilty of severe violation of discipline and law. China is a classic case of a benevolent dictatorship. An authoritarian leader with extraordinary powers allowed to exercise his will while the masses live under an illusion.

The Communist Party’s meticulous control over China is expanding with Xi Jinping the dictator in charge.

Chinese President Xi Jiping has been criss-crossing his country to reassure people even though he doesn't have to fight an election because in China even the suggestion of public discontent is seen as a challenge to the party's rule.

Chinese President Xi Jiping has been criss-crossing his country to reassure people even though he doesn't have to fight an election because in China even the suggestion of public discontent is seen as a challenge to the party's rule. In the last two months, Beijing has triggered a deadly border standoff with India, forced a draconian national security law on Hong Kong and entered into a war of words with the western world but pictures beamed around the world by China’s state media have been designed to mislead. It’s almost as if the international crises don’t exist in China. Xi Jinping is on an inspection tour of Chinese provinces and wherever he goes, the Chinese president is welcomed with wide smiles and a round of applause while Xi Jinping faces no immediate political challenge, he is still preparing for a leadership contest. Public sentiment matters to the Communist Party - it matters even more to Xi Jinping. His personal popularity cements his grip on the Communist Party. The Chinese president stayed away from the public eye during the initial months of the Wuhan virus outbreak but now Xi Jinping has been travelling around the country and he carries only one message - the message of Communist ideology. On a visit to Changchun, he told the party workers why the Communist party must be strengthened at the grassroots. "The foundation for the construction of China's governance system rests in the grassroots without a solid foundation, the Earth shakes and the mountains move. So how to build a solid foundation? It depends on the residential community management and governance. Community construction can only be strengthened, not weakened. then what's the key to community construction? the answer is strengthening the CPC leadership," the Chinese president said. Xi Jinping has stuck to his message at the PLA aviation university. He told trainers and teachers about the need to “adhere to the correct political orientation”. The removal of term limits has paved the way for Xi Jinping to rule for life but to maintain control he needs to protect his image of a mass leader and any discontent against the Communist Party would be a direct challenge to Xi. Therefore, the president meets the masses, and the party cracks down on dissent. Ren Zhiqiang an influential party critic has been shown the door. The former property tycoon had called Xi Jinping a clown, he reportedly went missing in March. Now, the Communist party says Ren is guilty of severe violation of discipline and law. China is a classic case of a benevolent dictatorship. An authoritarian leader with extraordinary powers allowed to exercise his will while the masses live under an illusion. The Communist Party’s meticulous control over China is expanding with Xi Jinping the dictator in charge.

Xi Jinping takes domestic tour to boost popularity amid pandemic

Ren Zhiqiang, the former chairman of a state-owned real estate company who publically criticised President Xi Jinping's handling of the coronavirus pandemic, has been expelled from the ruling Communist Party. He will be prosecuted on corruption charges, the party announced on Friday.

Ren disappeared from public view in March after publishing an essay online that accused Xi of mishandling the outbreak that began in December in the central city of Wuhan. He is accused of corruption, embezzlement, taking bribes and abusing his position at a state-owned company.

Xi, who became ruling party leader in 2012, has suppressed criticism, tightened censorship and cracked down on unofficial organisations that have tried to take on the government.

Criticism of the party's response to the coronavirus focussed on its early efforts to conceal information and on propaganda portraying Xi and other leaders as rescuing the China from the disease.

Ren Zhiqiang, the former chairman of a state-owned real estate company who publically criticised President Xi Jinping's handling of the coronavirus pandemic, has been expelled from the ruling Communist Party.

Ren Zhiqiang, the former chairman of a state-owned real estate company who publically criticised President Xi Jinping's handling of the coronavirus pandemic, has been expelled from the ruling Communist Party. He will be prosecuted on corruption charges, the party announced on Friday. Ren disappeared from public view in March after publishing an essay online that accused Xi of mishandling the outbreak that began in December in the central city of Wuhan. He is accused of corruption, embezzlement, taking bribes and abusing his position at a state-owned company. Xi, who became ruling party leader in 2012, has suppressed criticism, tightened censorship and cracked down on unofficial organisations that have tried to take on the government. Criticism of the party's response to the coronavirus focussed on its early efforts to conceal information and on propaganda portraying Xi and other leaders as rescuing the China from the disease.

Critic of Xi Jinping expelled from party on graft charges

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday inspected the Aviation University of the Air Force in Changchun City, capital of northeast China's Jilin Province.

Chinese President Xi Jinping inspects PLA aviation university

Ren Zhiqiang, the former chairman of state-controlled property developer Huayuan Real Estate Group, has been ousted from China's ruling Communist Party, a notice from the Beijing district government showed Thursday.

Ren Zhiqiang who criticised Xi Jinping over virus handling ousted from party

Accuse, evict, repeat: How it has become a commonly used tactic by US

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign affairs is holding a press conference on US-China relations. Beijing calls the closure of a 'political provocation'. China will be closing the US consulate in Wuhan.

China's relations with US head South: TikTok banned from US govt devices

On WION Global Summit: Decoding China, WION's Palki decodes the Chinese President Xi Jinping with Gautam Bambawale, Bruno Macaes and Derek Grossman

WION Global Summit: Decoding China | How is Xi Jinping driving China's quest for global domination?

Slamming China's aggression over India, the US House of Representatives has unanimously passed an amendment to the National Defence Authorization Act. The amendment states that India and China should work against de-escalating the situation along the LAC. Watch report.

US lower house stands against China: Anti-US amendment passed against China

Xu Zhangrun, a professor in China's prestigious Tsinghua University, has been sacked from the post of law professor for speaking against President Xi Jinping's policies.&nbsp;

Xu Zhangrun is one of the few Chinese academics who took on Xi Jinping. A week back, the Chinese police detained Xu Zhangrun only to release him six days later.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xu-zhangrun-chinese-professor-who-took-on-president-xi-jinping-313533">Xu Zhangrun: Chinese professor who took on President Xi Jinping</a>

“The coronavirus epidemic has revealed the rotten core of Chinese governance, I can all too easily predict that I will be subjected to new punishments, indeed, this may well even be the last thing I write,” Zhangrun had said as he dared to speak out against Xi Jinping in China which is a crime in the eyes of the Chinese state.

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Xu Zhangrun, an outspoken Chinese law professor of the Tsinghua University, has been formally notified of his removal on Saturday.

Xu Zhangrun gained prominence in 2018 as a critique of Xi Jinping. He blamed the Chinese president of stifling debate. Chinese authorities issued warnings against Xu and he was suspended from the university but he continued to document the growing disquiet within China.

The Tsinghua University, whose famous alumni include President Xi, has been listed as China's number one university by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

The notification, dated on Wednesday, was sent to Xu by courier, the report said quoting a friend who requested anonymity for fear of retribution.

The Tsinghua University, where 57-year-old Xu worked for 20 years, said it took the decision after a meeting on July 10.

Xu, a prominent legal scholar, is one of the very few academics to have publicly challenged the Communist Party of China (CPC) leadership in recent years in a number of essays published online in China and overseas.

"We have verified that Xu Zhangrun has published many essays since July 2018 and it is a serious violation of the '10 standards of professional conduct for teachers in tertiary institutes in the new era'," the notification read.

The guidelines, issued by the Ministry of Education in 2018, said teachers would be fired or punished if they said or did anything that undermines the authority of the CPC or violated the directions and policies of the party.

Earlier this month, Xu was taken away by Chengdu police from his Beijing home. His wife was later informed that he was arrested for soliciting prostitutes while travelling to the capital of Sichuan province, a claim dismissed by Xu's friends as an attempt to discredit him.

Xu was released last Sunday and he returned home after six days of detention.

In July 2108, Xu published his first criticism of the CPC leadership, which included one of the few public statements opposing the removal of presidential term limits, which allows Xi Jinping to stay in the post after 2023.

Xi, 67, who is also the head of the CPC and the military, is currently in his second term.

All of Xi's predecessors, except party founder Mao Zedong abided by the two-five-year term norm aimed at preventing the perpetuation of one leader rule of the CPC and the country.

The five-year term norm was removed in 2018 by the National People's Congress (NPC), China's Parliament, paving the way for a possible lifelong tenure for Xi at the helm.

Xu was suspended from teaching by Tsinghua in 2019, but he continued to write essays critical of the party leadership.

In February and May, Xu published two lengthy articles, openly criticising the CPC leadership for mishandling the coronavirus.

Using satire and a mixture of modern and classical Chinese, Xu lamented how the country was isolated and how the public were gagged by fear and big data surveillance, the Post report said. 
He also published a number of shorter essays criticizing the Chinese government in recent months.

The university told Xu that if he wanted to appeal against the sacking, he would have to go to the Ministry of Education and the Beijing Education Commission.

(With inputs from PTI)

Xu Zhangrun, a professor in China's prestigious Tsinghua University, has been sacked from the post of law professor for speaking against President Xi Jinping's policies.

Xu Zhangrun, a professor in China's prestigious Tsinghua University, has been sacked from the post of law professor for speaking against President Xi Jinping's policies. Xu Zhangrun is one of the few Chinese academics who took on Xi Jinping. A week back, the Chinese police detained Xu Zhangrun only to release him six days later. Xu Zhangrun: Chinese professor who took on President Xi Jinping “The coronavirus epidemic has revealed the rotten core of Chinese governance, I can all too easily predict that I will be subjected to new punishments, indeed, this may well even be the last thing I write,” Zhangrun had said as he dared to speak out against Xi Jinping in China which is a crime in the eyes of the Chinese state. Xu Zhangrun, an outspoken Chinese law professor of the Tsinghua University, has been formally notified of his removal on Saturday. Xu Zhangrun gained prominence in 2018 as a critique of Xi Jinping. He blamed the Chinese president of stifling debate. Chinese authorities issued warnings against Xu and he was suspended from the university but he continued to document the growing disquiet within China. The Tsinghua University, whose famous alumni include President Xi, has been listed as China's number one university by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. The notification, dated on Wednesday, was sent to Xu by courier, the report said quoting a friend who requested anonymity for fear of retribution. The Tsinghua University, where 57-year-old Xu worked for 20 years, said it took the decision after a meeting on July 10. Xu, a prominent legal scholar, is one of the very few academics to have publicly challenged the Communist Party of China (CPC) leadership in recent years in a number of essays published online in China and overseas. "We have verified that Xu Zhangrun has published many essays since July 2018 and it is a serious violation of the '10 standards of professional conduct for teachers in tertiary institutes in the new era'," the notification read. The guidelines, issued by the Ministry of Education in 2018, said teachers would be fired or punished if they said or did anything that undermines the authority of the CPC or violated the directions and policies of the party. Earlier this month, Xu was taken away by Chengdu police from his Beijing home. His wife was later informed that he was arrested for soliciting prostitutes while travelling to the capital of Sichuan province, a claim dismissed by Xu's friends as an attempt to discredit him. Xu was released last Sunday and he returned home after six days of detention. In July 2108, Xu published his first criticism of the CPC leadership, which included one of the few public statements opposing the removal of presidential term limits, which allows Xi Jinping to stay in the post after 2023. Xi, 67, who is also the head of the CPC and the military, is currently in his second term. All of Xi's predecessors, except party founder Mao Zedong abided by the two-five-year term norm aimed at preventing the perpetuation of one leader rule of the CPC and the country. The five-year term norm was removed in 2018 by the National People's Congress (NPC), China's Parliament, paving the way for a possible lifelong tenure for Xi at the helm. Xu was suspended from teaching by Tsinghua in 2019, but he continued to write essays critical of the party leadership. In February and May, Xu published two lengthy articles, openly criticising the CPC leadership for mishandling the coronavirus. Using satire and a mixture of modern and classical Chinese, Xu lamented how the country was isolated and how the public were gagged by fear and big data surveillance, the Post report said. He also published a number of shorter essays criticizing the Chinese government in recent months. The university told Xu that if he wanted to appeal against the sacking, he would have to go to the Ministry of Education and the Beijing Education Commission. (With inputs from PTI)

Chinese professor Xu Zhangrun, who took on President Xi Jinping, sacked

China’s very own “Greta Thunberg” is facing state threats in the face of attempting to bring to light the reality of climate change.

Owing to her Thunberg inspired “Fridays For Future” climate strikes, Ou Hongyi may be barred from taking school exams, and college exams later on.

First-of-her-kind

The 17-year-old is the first youngster in China to publicly take up the cause of climate change, and has hence become a target for authorities.

In fact, Ou claims that she has been asked to stop her Thunberg style activism by the Guangxi Normal University’s high school in Guilin, where the teenager had been studying until 2018.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/italys-presena-glacier-covered-with-white-tarps-to-decelerate-melting-caused-by-climate-change-307771" hreflang="en">Italy's Presena glacier covered with white tarps to decelerate melting caused by climate change</a>

Sometimes going by the English name Howey, Ou was told that she was “not suitable” for an international education programme at the university. Instead of caving in, she took it upon herself to prepare for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the SATs

Ou told the Guardian that her parents have been called in by educational authorities asking them to prevent her from continuing her activism, and to avoid talking to international media.

She further claimed&nbsp;that her school’s principal Li Linbo has instructed her to ditch the activism if she wanted to resume her education in May.

"Stubborn"

To clip the activist’s wings, authorities forced a psychological test on her, which found that she was “stubborn”.

Her father, Ou Jun told The Guardian how he worries about her future, and whether her beliefs could “derail” it, all the while supporting her right to her beliefs and activism.

As part of its efforts to limit climate change caused by carbon emissions, China has pledged to peak its emissions on or before 2030, as part of the Paris Agreement.&nbsp;Xi Jinping also claims to have recanted his policies around “ecological civilisation”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/curb-climate-change-protect-environment-to-prevent-more-outbreaks-united-nations-311242" hreflang="en">Curb climate change, protect environment to prevent more outbreaks: United Nations</a>

Ou has no plans to stop, and has started an initiative called Plant For Survival, encouraging young likeminded folks like herself in China to plant trees. In fact, between November 2019 and January 2020, the group is responsible for planting 300 trees around Guilin.

However, Ou has no intention of stopping. The teenager intends to tread on the path of climate activism until more people know.

China’s very own “Greta Thunberg” is facing state threats in the face of attempting to bring to light the reality of climate change. Owing to her Thunberg inspired “Fridays For Future” climate strikes, Ou Hongyi may be barred from taking school exams, and college exams later on.

China’s very own “Greta Thunberg” is facing state threats in the face of attempting to bring to light the reality of climate change. Owing to her Thunberg inspired “Fridays For Future” climate strikes, Ou Hongyi may be barred from taking school exams, and college exams later on. First-of-her-kind The 17-year-old is the first youngster in China to publicly take up the cause of climate change, and has hence become a target for authorities. In fact, Ou claims that she has been asked to stop her Thunberg style activism by the Guangxi Normal University’s high school in Guilin, where the teenager had been studying until 2018. Also read: Italy's Presena glacier covered with white tarps to decelerate melting caused by climate change Sometimes going by the English name Howey, Ou was told that she was “not suitable” for an international education programme at the university. Instead of caving in, she took it upon herself to prepare for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the SATs Ou told the Guardian that her parents have been called in by educational authorities asking them to prevent her from continuing her activism, and to avoid talking to international media. She further claimed that her school’s principal Li Linbo has instructed her to ditch the activism if she wanted to resume her education in May. "Stubborn" To clip the activist’s wings, authorities forced a psychological test on her, which found that she was “stubborn”. Her father, Ou Jun told The Guardian how he worries about her future, and whether her beliefs could “derail” it, all the while supporting her right to her beliefs and activism. As part of its efforts to limit climate change caused by carbon emissions, China has pledged to peak its emissions on or before 2030, as part of the Paris Agreement. Xi Jinping also claims to have recanted his policies around “ecological civilisation”. Also read: Curb climate change, protect environment to prevent more outbreaks: United Nations Ou has no plans to stop, and has started an initiative called Plant For Survival, encouraging young likeminded folks like herself in China to plant trees. In fact, between November 2019 and January 2020, the group is responsible for planting 300 trees around Guilin. However, Ou has no intention of stopping. The teenager intends to tread on the path of climate activism until more people know.

Educational authorities in China attempting to stifle first young climate activist's voice

In 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping went to the United States for a state visit. Since then, cartoon character Winnie the Pooh has become a vehicle to mock Xi Jinping. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why China censors Winnie the Pooh.

Gravitas: Why China's censors banned Winnie the Pooh

A photo tweeted by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has a hidden message for Xi Jinping. The photograph features Pompeo's dog with a toy Winnie the Pooh. Why are the Chinese wary of this cartoon character? WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay has the details.

Gravitas: Mike Pompeo mocks Xi Jinping with Winnie the Pooh

China claims it has averted a recession. Its GDP numbers for Q2 show a growth of 3.2%. But retail sales and fixed asset investments are down. Rumours are fueling bank runs in China. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: China's new GDP numbers: What Beijing is trying to hide

A secret conclave to grill Xi Jinping? Senior members of the Communist Party meet in Beidaihe for a secret conclave every year. A report claims that Chinese President is not looking forward to this year's meeting. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why.

Gravitas: A secret conclave to grill Xi Jinping?

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