China says its unemployment rate in urban areas stands at 6%. But, the ground realities tell a different tale. Can China's numbers on unemployment be trusted? WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: China's biggest challenge: Unemployment

Beijing will witness the biggest political event in China. The annual meeting of the Chinese parliament will be a major test for Xi Jinping. The Coronavirus crisis has triggered many challenges for the Chinese President. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you about the 4 chinks in Xi's armour.

Gravitas: Xi Jinping faces his biggest test

A bill has passed in the US Senate, that could force state owned Chinese companies to delist from American stock exchanges. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you how the US is escalating its fight with China.

Gravitas: Will the US force Chinese companies to delist from its exchanges?

China's plans to tighten its grip over Hong Kong with a new law has been met with anger from pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more about the controversial Hong Kong security law.

Gravitas: China's new law for Hong Kong triggers outrage

China's biggest political gathering is currently underway in Beijing. More than 3000 delegates across China are taking part in the annual Congress meeting. Hong Kong security bill is being tabled in the meet. Watch report.

Chinese government tables Hong Kong security bill at annual Congress

China's annual meeting of the Communist Party which is the biggest political event began today at a time when President Xi Jinping is facing the biggest political crisis of his career.

Two years ago during the annual meeting of the Communist Party, Xi Jinping was in the spotlight when the Communist Party of China abolished term limits on the presidency - it made Xi Jinping president for life.

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The removal of term limits strengthened Xi Jinping's hand which was the boldest move of his political career. A move&nbsp;that gave him a tighter grip on the Communist Party and his country.

He was being compared to Mao Zedong, China's founding father, however, in the last two years a lot has changed. Xi Jinping is back at the same venue, he is still the supreme leader of China but the halo has faded.

Today, he is a man in the dock. He is being held responsible for a global pandemic and is a leader under siege. He will be addressing his country's most powerful political gathering to fix his reputation.

The event kicked off today. It is popularly called two sessions which are two separate affairs but, both events are held together. On Thursday was round one. It is called the Chinese people's political consultative conference which is a meeting of China's top political advisory committee.

Xi Jinping was of course present surrounded by party loyalists in masks but he wasn't wearing one. It was a gathering to discuss and give proposals to the government. The main event starts on Friday - the National People's Congress(NPC).

The NPC is where laws are made. The two sessions are highly choreographed events. The Communist Party decides what needs to be done and sets the agenda for the year even as other party members just approve it - no questions asked.

However, this year, more pomp and propaganda are expected because the two sessions were delayed due to the coronavirus outbreak. Therefore, the event, is a chance for China to show the world that it has tamed the beast. It's as if the extravaganza will overshadow the international criticism and at the center of the entire affair stands Xi Jinping, all eyes will be on the Chinese president.

Xi is currently weak on four counts - jobs, debt, global scrutiny and fraying global ties. First, the Chinese economy which isn't looking good with growth derailed and millions out of jobs. Second, China can't recover loans, it has loaned billions of dollars to smaller countries which they can't pay back.

Xi Jinping's ambitious Belt and Road juggernaut has come to a grinding halt. China's banks are on the brink of implosion. Third, the global pressure is mounting as&nbsp;questions over China's handling of the outbreak have been growing louder even as international investigation looms.&nbsp;

And finally, the diplomatic fires. The complete collapse in the relationship with the United States and Australia.

The many disputes triggered by "wolf warriors" or the confrontational diplomats of China. Xi Jinping is not expected to take address any of these issues, let alone take questions but, they remain as the elephant in the room.

Under normal circumstances, this occasion would have been a reason to celebrate for President Xi, it would have marked the halfway point of his second term with no clear challenge to his leadership, he would have been paving the road for a third term in 2023.

The Chinese press would have celebrated his leadership but none of it&nbsp;is happening. The Chinese President is now fighting a fire.

China's annual meeting of the Communist Party which is the biggest political event began today at a time when President Xi Jinping is facing the biggest political crisis of his career.

China's annual meeting of the Communist Party which is the biggest political event began today at a time when President Xi Jinping is facing the biggest political crisis of his career. Two years ago during the annual meeting of the Communist Party, Xi Jinping was in the spotlight when the Communist Party of China abolished term limits on the presidency - it made Xi Jinping president for life. The removal of term limits strengthened Xi Jinping's hand which was the boldest move of his political career. A move that gave him a tighter grip on the Communist Party and his country. He was being compared to Mao Zedong, China's founding father, however, in the last two years a lot has changed. Xi Jinping is back at the same venue, he is still the supreme leader of China but the halo has faded. Today, he is a man in the dock. He is being held responsible for a global pandemic and is a leader under siege. He will be addressing his country's most powerful political gathering to fix his reputation. The event kicked off today. It is popularly called two sessions which are two separate affairs but, both events are held together. On Thursday was round one. It is called the Chinese people's political consultative conference which is a meeting of China's top political advisory committee. Xi Jinping was of course present surrounded by party loyalists in masks but he wasn't wearing one. It was a gathering to discuss and give proposals to the government. The main event starts on Friday - the National People's Congress(NPC). The NPC is where laws are made. The two sessions are highly choreographed events. The Communist Party decides what needs to be done and sets the agenda for the year even as other party members just approve it - no questions asked. However, this year, more pomp and propaganda are expected because the two sessions were delayed due to the coronavirus outbreak. Therefore, the event, is a chance for China to show the world that it has tamed the beast. It's as if the extravaganza will overshadow the international criticism and at the center of the entire affair stands Xi Jinping, all eyes will be on the Chinese president. Xi is currently weak on four counts - jobs, debt, global scrutiny and fraying global ties. First, the Chinese economy which isn't looking good with growth derailed and millions out of jobs. Second, China can't recover loans, it has loaned billions of dollars to smaller countries which they can't pay back. Xi Jinping's ambitious Belt and Road juggernaut has come to a grinding halt. China's banks are on the brink of implosion. Third, the global pressure is mounting as questions over China's handling of the outbreak have been growing louder even as international investigation looms. And finally, the diplomatic fires. The complete collapse in the relationship with the United States and Australia. The many disputes triggered by "wolf warriors" or the confrontational diplomats of China. Xi Jinping is not expected to take address any of these issues, let alone take questions but, they remain as the elephant in the room. Under normal circumstances, this occasion would have been a reason to celebrate for President Xi, it would have marked the halfway point of his second term with no clear challenge to his leadership, he would have been paving the road for a third term in 2023. The Chinese press would have celebrated his leadership but none of it is happening. The Chinese President is now fighting a fire.

President Xi in spotlight as China's annual party meet begins

China's biggest political gathering is currently underway in Beijing. More than 3000 delegates across China are taking part in the annual Congress meeting. Watch report.

China's annual Congress underway: New security laws will amplify in Hong Kong

China's parliament began its annual session on Friday and session began with a moment of silence for COVID-19 victims.

China's annual Congress session began with a moment of silence for COVID-19 victims

Tensions between China and Hong Kong have reached a new high. Beijing is attempting what can only be described as unilaterally to impose a new set of security laws in Hong Kong. Watch report.

China's Congress to rubber stamp new law for Hong Kong: Scuffle in HK assembly

Its a vindication of WION's reportage. A Chinese official has admitted to destroying early coronavirus samples. WION's Palki tells you more.

Big admission from China: Virus samples were destroyed | Gravitas

The whole world is dealing with COVID-19 pandemic and governments in some nations are being cautious about how to ease the lockdown restrictions. The situation is total reverse in China which is all set to host its annual Congress on May 22. Watch report.

WION Dispatch: Xi Jinping likely to declare victory over COVID-19 pandemic

China cannot be trusted. The dragon scams all -&nbsp;friends or foe. The&nbsp;realisation recently dawned upon China's all-weather ally - Pakistan.

Chinese businessmen scammed Pakistan of $630 dollars. At the centre of the scam was the China-Pakistan economic corridor(CPEC).

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When China said CPEC,&nbsp;Islamabad didn't know that the 'c' at the end stood for conning. A&nbsp;committee looking into the losses in Pakistan's power sector has dug out a $625 scam.

The money trail leads all the way to China and it involves two Chinese power producers Huaneng Shandong Ruyi energy(HSR) and Port Qasim Electric Power Company Limited.

Both companies are connected to CPEC power projects. The allegations against them are of violation of standard procedure and malpractices. Both Chinese plants showed excess set-up costs for extra profits. They were earning annual profits of up to 50 to 70 per cent. The cost was borne by the consumers of Pakistan.

In Karachi, residents are paying up to 17.69 Pakistan rupee per unit of electricity. These skyrocketing costs compelled PM Imran Khan to order a probe.

A 278-page report unearthed the&nbsp;Chinese electricity scam. The Dragon is stealing power in Pakistan and the&nbsp;shock should compel Islamabad into checking its bill with China.

But Imran Khan can do nothing, the CPEC has close links with Pakistan's military. Retired Pakistani Lt. General Asim Saleem Bajwa chairs the CPEC authority, also Imran Khan will not dare to take on the Chinese firms.

Bajwa is also the Prime Minister's assistant on information and broadcasting which means he will ensure that Imran Khan does not address the scam in public. It will be hushed up. Like a lot of other things in Pakistan.

China cannot be trusted. The dragon scams all - friends or foe. The realisation recently dawned upon China's all-weather ally - Pakistan. Chinese businessmen scammed Pakistan of $630 dollars.

China cannot be trusted. The dragon scams all - friends or foe. The realisation recently dawned upon China's all-weather ally - Pakistan. Chinese businessmen scammed Pakistan of $630 dollars. At the centre of the scam was the China-Pakistan economic corridor(CPEC). When China said CPEC, Islamabad didn't know that the 'c' at the end stood for conning. A committee looking into the losses in Pakistan's power sector has dug out a $625 scam. The money trail leads all the way to China and it involves two Chinese power producers Huaneng Shandong Ruyi energy(HSR) and Port Qasim Electric Power Company Limited. Both companies are connected to CPEC power projects. The allegations against them are of violation of standard procedure and malpractices. Both Chinese plants showed excess set-up costs for extra profits. They were earning annual profits of up to 50 to 70 per cent. The cost was borne by the consumers of Pakistan. In Karachi, residents are paying up to 17.69 Pakistan rupee per unit of electricity. These skyrocketing costs compelled PM Imran Khan to order a probe. A 278-page report unearthed the Chinese electricity scam. The Dragon is stealing power in Pakistan and the shock should compel Islamabad into checking its bill with China. But Imran Khan can do nothing, the CPEC has close links with Pakistan's military. Retired Pakistani Lt. General Asim Saleem Bajwa chairs the CPEC authority, also Imran Khan will not dare to take on the Chinese firms. Bajwa is also the Prime Minister's assistant on information and broadcasting which means he will ensure that Imran Khan does not address the scam in public. It will be hushed up. Like a lot of other things in Pakistan.

Now, Pakistan digs up $680 million scam linked to China's CPEC

China's annual Congress: President Xi Jinping to declare victory over COVID-19

Chinese President Xi Jinping called Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and offered a team of coronavirus experts as COVID-19 cases and the death toll from the disease continues to surge in Bangladesh. China. However, this was not just a courtesy call by Xi but was a part of Beijing's larger diplomatic strategy. Watch report.

China wants sister cities in Bangladesh: Xi Jinping offers to send COVID-19 expert team

China recorded five new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, down from six a day earlier, the National Health Commission reported on Wednesday.

Four of the new cases were local transmissions and asymptomatic cases in Jilin Province and one was an imported case involving a traveller from overseas, the commission said in a statement, compared with three imported cases reported the previous day.

Asymptomatic cases pose a problem as the patients are tested COVID-19 positive but develop no symptoms such as fever, cough or sore throat. However, they pose a risk of spreading the disease to others.

Jilin city is under lockdown after clusters of infections were reported last week.

By Tuesday, Jilin province had reported a total of 133 confirmed locally transmitted cases, including two deaths and 106 who had been discharged from hospital after recovery.

There are still 25 patients receiving treatment in hospital, with three in severe condition, all in the city of Jilin, and 1,181 people in close contact with the locally transmitted cases under medical observation, the local health commission said.

The total number of Covid-19 infections in China to date now stands at 82,965, while the death toll remains&nbsp;unchanged at 4,634.

China recorded five new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, down from six a day earlier, the National Health Commission reported on Wednesday. Four of the new cases were local transmissions and asymptomatic cases in Jilin Province and one was an imported case involving a traveller from overseas, the commission said in a statement, compared with three imported cases reported the previous day.

China recorded five new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, down from six a day earlier, the National Health Commission reported on Wednesday. Four of the new cases were local transmissions and asymptomatic cases in Jilin Province and one was an imported case involving a traveller from overseas, the commission said in a statement, compared with three imported cases reported the previous day. Asymptomatic cases pose a problem as the patients are tested COVID-19 positive but develop no symptoms such as fever, cough or sore throat. However, they pose a risk of spreading the disease to others. Jilin city is under lockdown after clusters of infections were reported last week. By Tuesday, Jilin province had reported a total of 133 confirmed locally transmitted cases, including two deaths and 106 who had been discharged from hospital after recovery. There are still 25 patients receiving treatment in hospital, with three in severe condition, all in the city of Jilin, and 1,181 people in close contact with the locally transmitted cases under medical observation, the local health commission said. The total number of Covid-19 infections in China to date now stands at 82,965, while the death toll remains unchanged at 4,634.

China records 5 new COVID-19 cases, including 4 asymptomatic cases

Day after president Xi Jinping's speech at the world health assembly, US President Donald Trump lashes out against World Health Organisation and China. To know more watch the video.

Trump says WHO is a puppet of China

China is ready to take a series of countermeasures against the&nbsp;plan of the United States to block shipments of semiconductors to Chinese telecom firm Huawei, including putting US&nbsp;companies on an "unreliable entity list".

It will launch&nbsp;investigations and imposing restrictions on us companies such as Apple, and halting purchase of Boeing airplanes, according to&nbsp;Chinese state media.

The potential move, the second time within two days that China has released a message of hitting back against the US, also the very first time government source noted to target specific US&nbsp;companies, is a result of a spat between the two countries regarding the origin of the deadly coronavirus.

Both US and China are&nbsp;mulling punitive countermeasures against each other&nbsp;over COVID-19 lawsuits due to the abuse of litigation.

China's latest moves indicate a toe-to-toe strategy between the world's two largest economies, from political to economic ends, being in full play, experts said.

The Trump administration on Friday moved to block shipments of semiconductors to Huawei from global chipmakers.

The US&nbsp;commerce department said it was amending an export rule and the entity list to "strategically target Huawei's acquisition of semiconductors that are the direct product of certain US software and technology," according to a statement on its website.

''China will take forceful countermeasures to protect its own legitimate rights," if the US&nbsp;moves forward with the plan to change its rules and bar essential suppliers of chips, including Taiwan-based TSMC, from selling chips to Huawei, the source told the Chinese state media's channel Global Times.

China is ready to take a series of countermeasures against the plan of the United States to block shipments of semiconductors to Chinese telecom firm Huawei, including putting US companies on an "unreliable entity list".

China is ready to take a series of countermeasures against the plan of the United States to block shipments of semiconductors to Chinese telecom firm Huawei, including putting US companies on an "unreliable entity list". It will launch investigations and imposing restrictions on us companies such as Apple, and halting purchase of Boeing airplanes, according to Chinese state media. The potential move, the second time within two days that China has released a message of hitting back against the US, also the very first time government source noted to target specific US companies, is a result of a spat between the two countries regarding the origin of the deadly coronavirus. Both US and China are mulling punitive countermeasures against each other over COVID-19 lawsuits due to the abuse of litigation. China's latest moves indicate a toe-to-toe strategy between the world's two largest economies, from political to economic ends, being in full play, experts said. The Trump administration on Friday moved to block shipments of semiconductors to Huawei from global chipmakers. The US commerce department said it was amending an export rule and the entity list to "strategically target Huawei's acquisition of semiconductors that are the direct product of certain US software and technology," according to a statement on its website. ''China will take forceful countermeasures to protect its own legitimate rights," if the US moves forward with the plan to change its rules and bar essential suppliers of chips, including Taiwan-based TSMC, from selling chips to Huawei, the source told the Chinese state media's channel Global Times.

China all set to make its biggest counterattack against US

Pro-democracy lawmakers opposes the National Anthem Bill in Hong Kong. Protesters calls this bill 'illegal' and scuffle started. Watch this video to get more details.

Your Story: Pro-democracy lawmakers opposes the National Anthem Bill in Hong Kong

Scuffle over took place over controversial anthem bill in Hong Kong. Pro-democracy law-makers states the bill as 'illegal'. Watch this video to know more.

Scuffle over controversial anthem bill in Hong Kong

Come May 22, India will assume the lead position at the first meeting of the WHO executive board at World Health Assembly conference. Being the first global congregation of WHO after the outbreak of COVID-19, this event has for obvious reasons garnered great significance. For India, along with curating a global response to the pandemic, what has become a bigger policy question is whether or not to include Taiwan in the executive body.&nbsp;

The relentless pursuance of US and Australia in the matter has put India under the spot. Its decision, hence, will determine the ability of the “anti-China” lobby to achieve anything beyond bold press statements. It is among the first attempts of a collective global response to stop the Chinese juggernaut, it has become all the more important.

For Xi personally, if there’s any perceived cult deficit between himself and Mao, the outcome may either plug it or put a permanent dent on his carefully cultivated legacy. Aspects shadowing Xi’s political future forms the focus of this article.

Despite Xi’s strong anti-corruption drive, efforts to modernise the army and further integrate China into the global supply chain, his Presidency has been less than convincing given a host of issues that have propped up since his ascent to the top post.

China’s continuous dip in the economic growth rate since 2013 is a telling story. In 2019, even before the pandemic hit the Chinese economy, the country’s GDP grew at 6.1 per cent, the slowest rate of economic growth since 1990. Last year, it recorded its lowest industrial output since 2002. The COVID-19 has accelerated this decline and the unemployment rate, consequently, has seen a steady increase.

The official figures put unemployment rates at 6.2 per cent but private research reports cite a far higher number. One such report put the real jobless rate at 20.5 per cent with 70 million unemployed, while another suggested that the pandemic may have pushed 205 million Chinese workers into uncertain employment.&nbsp;

Chinese social media provides an insight into growing resentment among the Chinese against the party leadership. On Douyin, China’s version of Tiktok, The Internationale - a left-wing anthem known for workers’ movement has become widely used background music, highlighting growing displeasure in the worker class.

The Belt and Road Initiative, Xi’s flagship program, has run into various troubles within the first decade. As of the second quarter of 2018, China’s non-performing assets in the BRI had reached $101.8 billion, and reports suggest at least $ 200 billion of lendings that are not on paper. Some of the investments have turned out to be outright foolish with seemingly no plan for recovery of the invested money. Take for instance the rail network spanning tens of thousands of kilometres connecting China to far European cities.&nbsp;

Xi has incentivised the local governments to create bubbles of ever-flourishing railway demand while in reality most of these trains run empty to Europe and back. The neglect of economics is such that even cities on the east, having easy access to ports have joined the Eurasian rail network. With diplomatic relations with Europe at their worst, an increasing number of nations reconsidering their involvement in BRI, failure stories in pivotal areas, and ever-growing debt on Chinese central banks, Xi’s ‘legacy’ initiative has set itself for eventual death.&nbsp;

To add to the economic nightmare Xi has found himself in, corporations from across the world are trying to shift their bases outside of China. Reports have emerged that Indian state of Uttar Pradesh is in touch with at least 100 US companies looking to move out of China. German footwear company Von Wellx has already shifted entire production from China to India. China’s contemporaries, like India, have embarked on a reforms spree, while few federal governments, like Japan, have announced assistance packages to companies leaving China.&nbsp;

Domestically, the Chinese companies are either laying off employees or new recruitments have tanked post the outbreak of the pandemic. In the first quarter of 2020, the recruitment postings across all industries fell 22.6 &nbsp;per cent compared with the same period last year. A survey found that 5.4 per cent of tech firms experienced job cuts while 12.9 per cent have reduced contractors, interns and part-time employees. The situation further buttresses angst breeding in the common populace against Xi’s handling of the pandemic. 
 
The pandemic has thus cast an unmissable doubt in the attractiveness of China as an investment destination.&nbsp;

When such headwinds against the Chinese juggernaut are coming with seemingly no end, India has found itself with a brilliant opportunity to make a statement. India must shed its habit of doing balancing acts and bite the bullet by including Taiwan in the WHO body.

For Xi’s opponents, his failure to stop, or worse, creating an environment that allows the world to hand a major blow to the “One-China” principle will become the talking point. His political position as such has no immediate threat since the 2018 CCP Congress amended the constitution to remove term limits on Presidency, but the cult that is cultivated in the form of “Xi Jinping thought”, the “Papa Xi” image will surely take a hit.

Eroding social harmony between local governments as seen during clashes that took place during the opening of provincial borders between Hubei and Jiujiang, simmering secessionist voices as seen during the Hong Kong clashes, rising tensions in the South China Sea with US flying bomber aircraft over the disputed region, and to top it all, the unique soft corner that Taiwanese rights have found with world leaders, have all put an ageing Xi in a vulnerable position.&nbsp;

Taiwan's inclusion will forever subdue Xi’s supremacy within CCP and for the world, it may be the beginning of a new world order with India’s place right at the centre. Given China’s own indulgence in matters relating to Kashmir, be it blocking resolutions at the UN or disregarding India’s sovereignty in Gilgit- Baltistan, it remains to be seen if India has developed the appetite to craft what would be a defining moment in this fight against the Chinese hegemony.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

Come May 22, India will assume the lead position at the first meeting of the WHO executive board at World Health Assembly conference. Being the first global congregation of WHO after the outbreak of COVID-19, this event has for obvious reasons garnered great significance.

Come May 22, India will assume the lead position at the first meeting of the WHO executive board at World Health Assembly conference. Being the first global congregation of WHO after the outbreak of COVID-19, this event has for obvious reasons garnered great significance. For India, along with curating a global response to the pandemic, what has become a bigger policy question is whether or not to include Taiwan in the executive body. The relentless pursuance of US and Australia in the matter has put India under the spot. Its decision, hence, will determine the ability of the “anti-China” lobby to achieve anything beyond bold press statements. It is among the first attempts of a collective global response to stop the Chinese juggernaut, it has become all the more important. For Xi personally, if there’s any perceived cult deficit between himself and Mao, the outcome may either plug it or put a permanent dent on his carefully cultivated legacy. Aspects shadowing Xi’s political future forms the focus of this article. Despite Xi’s strong anti-corruption drive, efforts to modernise the army and further integrate China into the global supply chain, his Presidency has been less than convincing given a host of issues that have propped up since his ascent to the top post. China’s continuous dip in the economic growth rate since 2013 is a telling story. In 2019, even before the pandemic hit the Chinese economy, the country’s GDP grew at 6.1 per cent, the slowest rate of economic growth since 1990. Last year, it recorded its lowest industrial output since 2002. The COVID-19 has accelerated this decline and the unemployment rate, consequently, has seen a steady increase. The official figures put unemployment rates at 6.2 per cent but private research reports cite a far higher number. One such report put the real jobless rate at 20.5 per cent with 70 million unemployed, while another suggested that the pandemic may have pushed 205 million Chinese workers into uncertain employment. Chinese social media provides an insight into growing resentment among the Chinese against the party leadership. On Douyin, China’s version of Tiktok, The Internationale - a left-wing anthem known for workers’ movement has become widely used background music, highlighting growing displeasure in the worker class. The Belt and Road Initiative, Xi’s flagship program, has run into various troubles within the first decade. As of the second quarter of 2018, China’s non-performing assets in the BRI had reached $101.8 billion, and reports suggest at least $ 200 billion of lendings that are not on paper. Some of the investments have turned out to be outright foolish with seemingly no plan for recovery of the invested money. Take for instance the rail network spanning tens of thousands of kilometres connecting China to far European cities. Xi has incentivised the local governments to create bubbles of ever-flourishing railway demand while in reality most of these trains run empty to Europe and back. The neglect of economics is such that even cities on the east, having easy access to ports have joined the Eurasian rail network. With diplomatic relations with Europe at their worst, an increasing number of nations reconsidering their involvement in BRI, failure stories in pivotal areas, and ever-growing debt on Chinese central banks, Xi’s ‘legacy’ initiative has set itself for eventual death. To add to the economic nightmare Xi has found himself in, corporations from across the world are trying to shift their bases outside of China. Reports have emerged that Indian state of Uttar Pradesh is in touch with at least 100 US companies looking to move out of China. German footwear company Von Wellx has already shifted entire production from China to India. China’s contemporaries, like India, have embarked on a reforms spree, while few federal governments, like Japan, have announced assistance packages to companies leaving China. Domestically, the Chinese companies are either laying off employees or new recruitments have tanked post the outbreak of the pandemic. In the first quarter of 2020, the recruitment postings across all industries fell 22.6 per cent compared with the same period last year. A survey found that 5.4 per cent of tech firms experienced job cuts while 12.9 per cent have reduced contractors, interns and part-time employees. The situation further buttresses angst breeding in the common populace against Xi’s handling of the pandemic. The pandemic has thus cast an unmissable doubt in the attractiveness of China as an investment destination. When such headwinds against the Chinese juggernaut are coming with seemingly no end, India has found itself with a brilliant opportunity to make a statement. India must shed its habit of doing balancing acts and bite the bullet by including Taiwan in the WHO body. For Xi’s opponents, his failure to stop, or worse, creating an environment that allows the world to hand a major blow to the “One-China” principle will become the talking point. His political position as such has no immediate threat since the 2018 CCP Congress amended the constitution to remove term limits on Presidency, but the cult that is cultivated in the form of “Xi Jinping thought”, the “Papa Xi” image will surely take a hit. Eroding social harmony between local governments as seen during clashes that took place during the opening of provincial borders between Hubei and Jiujiang, simmering secessionist voices as seen during the Hong Kong clashes, rising tensions in the South China Sea with US flying bomber aircraft over the disputed region, and to top it all, the unique soft corner that Taiwanese rights have found with world leaders, have all put an ageing Xi in a vulnerable position. Taiwan's inclusion will forever subdue Xi’s supremacy within CCP and for the world, it may be the beginning of a new world order with India’s place right at the centre. Given China’s own indulgence in matters relating to Kashmir, be it blocking resolutions at the UN or disregarding India’s sovereignty in Gilgit- Baltistan, it remains to be seen if India has developed the appetite to craft what would be a defining moment in this fight against the Chinese hegemony. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

India’s Taiwan gamble and Xi Jinping's legacy

Beijing and Moscow are threatening counter lawsuits against those countries which are enquiring too much about&nbsp;China.

According to Beijing's official mouthpiece, The Global Times, China and Russia will start by initiating an investigation into US-owned bio-labs.

Chinese President Xi Jinping wants the Trump administration to come clean on the existence of bio-labs on US&nbsp;soil.

Whereas, Russia wants the US&nbsp;to clarify the presence of overseas bio-labs along its borders. It&nbsp;is concerned about the functioning of US&nbsp;labs in its neighbouring countries such as Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Georgia.

Russian intelligence doubts&nbsp;that the Trump&nbsp;government could be hiding biological weapons in these countries, a claim which now has the support of the Chinese foreign ministry.

China, with Russia by its side,&nbsp;is considering punitive counter-measures against anybody who files a lawsuit against it in the United States.

At least four US&nbsp;Congress members including Josh Hawley and Tom Cotton will be put on China's sanctions list.

Republicans who have been questioning China will face severe consequences as well.

China will cut off business and trade with Republican states accusing it&nbsp;of any wrongdoing.&nbsp;The direct impact of such a drastic measure will be felt by US&nbsp;companies with long term investments in China.

China is calling this a response to America's abuse of litigation, a response which could have a direct impact on US&nbsp;presidential polls.

Beijing and Moscow are threatening counter lawsuits against those countries which are enquiring too much about China. According to Beijing's official mouthpiece, The Global Times, China and Russia will start by initiating an investigation into US-owned bio-labs.

Beijing and Moscow are threatening counter lawsuits against those countries which are enquiring too much about China. According to Beijing's official mouthpiece, The Global Times, China and Russia will start by initiating an investigation into US-owned bio-labs. Chinese President Xi Jinping wants the Trump administration to come clean on the existence of bio-labs on US soil. Whereas, Russia wants the US to clarify the presence of overseas bio-labs along its borders. It is concerned about the functioning of US labs in its neighbouring countries such as Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Georgia. Russian intelligence doubts that the Trump government could be hiding biological weapons in these countries, a claim which now has the support of the Chinese foreign ministry. China, with Russia by its side, is considering punitive counter-measures against anybody who files a lawsuit against it in the United States. At least four US Congress members including Josh Hawley and Tom Cotton will be put on China's sanctions list. Republicans who have been questioning China will face severe consequences as well. China will cut off business and trade with Republican states accusing it of any wrongdoing. The direct impact of such a drastic measure will be felt by US companies with long term investments in China. China is calling this a response to America's abuse of litigation, a response which could have a direct impact on US presidential polls.

COVID-19: China, Russia threaten countries with counter lawsuits

The United States is developing&nbsp;a ''super duper missile''&nbsp;to outpace military rivals including China and Russia, according to US President Donald Trump.

Unveiling the flag for&nbsp;his new&nbsp;space&nbsp;force&nbsp;in the Oval Office&nbsp;on Friday, Trump touted that the US&nbsp;is ''right now building incredible military equipment,''&nbsp;including a missile that&nbsp;is ''17 times faster'' than his adversaries.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed his country has already developed and fielded a hypersonic nuclear missile ahead of the US&nbsp;The Pentagon has been working on the technology.

According to Russian state media, Putin has said his Avangard missiles can ''travel at up to 20 times the speed of sound, like a 'meteorite'&nbsp;or a 'fireball'.''

Later Friday, Jonathan Rath Hoffman, a Pentagon spokesman, tweeted that “the Department of Defense is working on developing a range of hypersonic missiles to counter our adversaries.”

''Not a single country possesses hypersonic weapons, let alone continental-range hypersonic weapons,''&nbsp;Putin told military chiefs in December.

Last December, Trump signed into law a measure to create the Space Force, saying the US&nbsp;needed to expand its military presence in space. The Air Force previously oversaw offensive and defensive operations in space.

The United States is developing a ''super duper missile'' to outpace military rivals including China and Russia, according to US President Donald Trump. Unveiling the flag for his new space force in the Oval Office on Friday, Trump touted that the US is ''right now building incredible military equipment,'' including a missile that is ''17 times faster'' than his adversaries.

The United States is developing a ''super duper missile'' to outpace military rivals including China and Russia, according to US President Donald Trump. Unveiling the flag for his new space force in the Oval Office on Friday, Trump touted that the US is ''right now building incredible military equipment,'' including a missile that is ''17 times faster'' than his adversaries. Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed his country has already developed and fielded a hypersonic nuclear missile ahead of the US The Pentagon has been working on the technology. According to Russian state media, Putin has said his Avangard missiles can ''travel at up to 20 times the speed of sound, like a 'meteorite' or a 'fireball'.'' Later Friday, Jonathan Rath Hoffman, a Pentagon spokesman, tweeted that “the Department of Defense is working on developing a range of hypersonic missiles to counter our adversaries.” ''Not a single country possesses hypersonic weapons, let alone continental-range hypersonic weapons,'' Putin told military chiefs in December. Last December, Trump signed into law a measure to create the Space Force, saying the US needed to expand its military presence in space. The Air Force previously oversaw offensive and defensive operations in space.

US to defeat China and Russia with 'super duper missile'

China retaliates with higher tariff on Australian goods as Australia said that it will hold inquiry even if it hurts the trade with China. Australia has asked for the inquiry into Coronavirus origin.

Australia asks for inquiry into Coronavirus origin

A Chinese company has won a contract to build a dam in Gilgit-Baltistan. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you how India can respond to the repeated violations of India's territorial integrity by China.

Gravitas: China violates India's territorial integrity

Leading countries have now voiced their support for Taiwan's participation at the WHO, despite China's objections. India will now lead the WHO executive board. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why New Delhi must back Taiwan's participation as an observer at the WHO.

Gravitas: Why India must join the world in supporting Taiwan

What is the story behind the Taiwan-China divide? How Taiwan has grown despite China's aggression? WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you the story of Taiwan.

Gravitas: The story of Taiwan

A video has emerged, that shows dead bodies of Indonesian sailors being dumped into sea. Indonesia has asked the Chinese government to clarify. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you the details.

Gravitas: Indonesia calls out China

FBI arrested a NASA researcher who allegedly failed to disclose his ties to Chinese entities. According to the US Justice Department, this happened during the course of securing funding for a NASA research project.

FBI arrests NASA researcher for not 'disclosing' ties with China

Just when the world thought that the coronavirus has left China, reports of the emergence of a new local coronavirus cluster in the north eastern Chinese city of Jilin province.

China staring at ‘second wave’ of Covid-19

From a verbal threat to an official warning, the US has alleged China of launching cyber attacks to steal its Covid-19 vaccine research.

Is China stealing US vaccine research?

Canada's National Council has joined hands with China&nbsp;to develop a vaccine against the deadly coronavirus.

The trials will bring to Canadian soil Ad5-nCoV, a vaccine candidate under joint development by a Chinese company and the country’s military.

Backed by a state that has urgently sought a vaccine of global importance, Ad5-nCoV&nbsp;has been among the most rapidly developed of numerous candidates around the world.

Canada&nbsp;struck an agreement to support its development on its soil by manufacturing doses that can be administered in human tests and for emergency pandemic use.

''We are going to get to evaluate it for safety and efficacy in canada, as is being done already in china, and canada will now be part of the front-runner story,” said Roman Szumski, vice-president of life sciences for the NRC.

If the tests succeed, the vaccine candidate could seek health Canada’s approval for emergency use as early as per Szumski.

It is already undergoing concurrent first- and second-phase human trials in China.

The agreement between the two countries comes at a times when opinion of China has hit&nbsp;a new low in Canada amid coronavirus and Huawei case.

There are also growing concerns in canada whether to allow Huawei in its 5G&nbsp;infrastructure or not. A&nbsp;report revealed in February claimed how Canadian military warned Trudeau regarding&nbsp;dangers of Huawei to the Canadian security.

More than 1 lakh Canadians have signed a petition to ban the company in ther country. 
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Canada's National Council has joined hands with China to develop a vaccine against the deadly coronavirus. The trials will bring to Canadian soil Ad5-nCoV, a vaccine candidate under joint development by a Chinese company and the country’s military.

Canada's National Council has joined hands with China to develop a vaccine against the deadly coronavirus. The trials will bring to Canadian soil Ad5-nCoV, a vaccine candidate under joint development by a Chinese company and the country’s military. Backed by a state that has urgently sought a vaccine of global importance, Ad5-nCoV has been among the most rapidly developed of numerous candidates around the world. Canada struck an agreement to support its development on its soil by manufacturing doses that can be administered in human tests and for emergency pandemic use. ''We are going to get to evaluate it for safety and efficacy in canada, as is being done already in china, and canada will now be part of the front-runner story,” said Roman Szumski, vice-president of life sciences for the NRC. If the tests succeed, the vaccine candidate could seek health Canada’s approval for emergency use as early as per Szumski. It is already undergoing concurrent first- and second-phase human trials in China. The agreement between the two countries comes at a times when opinion of China has hit a new low in Canada amid coronavirus and Huawei case. There are also growing concerns in canada whether to allow Huawei in its 5G infrastructure or not. A report revealed in February claimed how Canadian military warned Trudeau regarding dangers of Huawei to the Canadian security. More than 1 lakh Canadians have signed a petition to ban the company in ther country.

Canada strikes deal with China to make coronavirus vaccine

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