The Moscow Zoo's panda pavilion opened to the public Thursday after Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin unveiled it one day ago.

Moscow Zoo's panda pavilion opens after unveiling by Xi, Putin

India will hold bilateral meetings with Russia and China on the sidelines of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/on-sidelines-of-sco-summit-xi-and-modi-may-discuss-us-trade-protectionism-in-bishkek-china-225844">Shanghai Cooperation Organisation</a> (SCO) summit at Bishkek this week, the Ministry of External Affairs stated during a press briefing on Monday.

The bilaterals will take place when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek to attend the meeting of Council of Heads of State (CHS) of SCO from June 13 to 14.&nbsp;

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Gitesh Sharma, Secretary (West), MEA: There will be a bilateral meeting between PM Modi and President Putin, and between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of SCO Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. <a href="https://t.co/t2GXfIwD3B">pic.twitter.com/t2GXfIwD3B</a>
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The MEA also revealed that India would be holding a meeting with host nation Kyrgyzstan on June 14

''There will be a bilateral meeting between PM Modi and President Putin, and between PM Modi and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-narendra-modi-to-meet-chinese-president-xi-jinping-on-sidelines-of-sco-summit-225651">Chinese President</a> Xi Jinping on the sidelines of SCO Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan,'' said Gitesh Sharma, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).&nbsp;

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Responding to a question regarding a probable India-Pakistan meeting, or even a bilateral between India and Iran, the Secretary (West), Gitesh Sarma, said that there is limited time available due to which "requests for other bilaterals will be processed as we go along."However, MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar firmly outlined that no meeting between India and Pakistan is being organised."

Questions regarding the agenda during the India-China bilateral were also put forth to the officials. While both the representatives abstained from revealing any part of the agenda, they said that "the current global scenario is uppermost in minds," in response to a question on the ongoing trade dispute between China and the United States being discussed during the bilateral.

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Raveesh Kumar, MEA: There is no meeting which is being organised between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan at SCO Summit. There is nothing more that we can add at this stage. <a href="https://t.co/xEwugFauhJ">pic.twitter.com/xEwugFauhJ</a>
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The SCO summit was described as a "friendly gathering," by Kumar who added that the meeting reflects consensus as the documents are previously negotiated.

"The leaders participating in the Summit are expected to focus their discussions on the global security situation, multilateral economic cooperation, people-to-people exchanges and also on topical issues of international and regional importance," an MEA statement outlined.

(With inputs from ANI)

India will hold bilateral meetings with Russia and China on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit at Bishkek this week, the Ministry of External Affairs stated during a press briefing on Monday.

India will hold bilateral meetings with Russia and China on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit at Bishkek this week, the Ministry of External Affairs stated during a press briefing on Monday. The bilaterals will take place when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek to attend the meeting of Council of Heads of State (CHS) of SCO from June 13 to 14. Gitesh Sharma, Secretary (West), MEA: There will be a bilateral meeting between PM Modi and President Putin, and between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of SCO Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. pic.twitter.com/t2GXfIwD3B — ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2019 × The MEA also revealed that India would be holding a meeting with host nation Kyrgyzstan on June 14 ''There will be a bilateral meeting between PM Modi and President Putin, and between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of SCO Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan,'' said Gitesh Sharma, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). × Responding to a question regarding a probable India-Pakistan meeting, or even a bilateral between India and Iran, the Secretary (West), Gitesh Sarma, said that there is limited time available due to which "requests for other bilaterals will be processed as we go along."However, MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar firmly outlined that no meeting between India and Pakistan is being organised." Questions regarding the agenda during the India-China bilateral were also put forth to the officials. While both the representatives abstained from revealing any part of the agenda, they said that "the current global scenario is uppermost in minds," in response to a question on the ongoing trade dispute between China and the United States being discussed during the bilateral. Raveesh Kumar, MEA: There is no meeting which is being organised between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan at SCO Summit. There is nothing more that we can add at this stage. pic.twitter.com/xEwugFauhJ — ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2019 × The SCO summit was described as a "friendly gathering," by Kumar who added that the meeting reflects consensus as the documents are previously negotiated. "The leaders participating in the Summit are expected to focus their discussions on the global security situation, multilateral economic cooperation, people-to-people exchanges and also on topical issues of international and regional importance," an MEA statement outlined. (With inputs from ANI)

PM Modi to hold bilateral talks with Putin, Xi on SCO Summit sidelines 

A highly anticipated late June meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping has some parallels with their Buenos Aires summit last December that postponed a tariff hike, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Saturday.

Mnuchin told Reuters in an interview that the US-China trade dispute was at a similar point in December 2018, when Trump and Xi met on the sidelines of a G20 summit, with a US tariff increase about to kick in on hundreds of billions of dollars in Chinese goods.

As this year's June 28-29 G20 summit in Osaka, Japan approaches, Trump is preparing to launch 25 per cent tariffs on virtually all Chinese imports so far untouched by the two countries' tariff war, a $300 billion list of consumer goods including cell phones, computers and clothing.

"As it relates to the higher tariffs, if you just recall where we were in Buenos Aires, they were going to go up," Mnuchin said. "They were scheduled to go up, and as a result of that meeting, the president agreed not to raise them while we were negotiating," Mnuchin said.

Asked whether he thought a similar outcome would result from the meeting in Osaka - Trump agreeing to forestall the tariffs while negotiations resume - Mnuchin said, "That's the president's decision."

Trump said on Thursday in France that he will decide whether to proceed with the tariffs after the meeting with Xi.

The Buenos Aires summit paved the way for five months of talks aimed at ending a festering trade war between the world's two largest economies.

But these talks broke down in early May, and no face-to-face meetings have been held since May 10, the day that Trump sharply increased tariffs on a $200 billion list of Chinese goods to 25 per cent - the increase that he delayed after the Buenos Aires meeting.

Since then, acrimonious rhetoric and trade threats between Beijing and Washington have steadily increased, especially after the United States imposed severe sanctions against Huawei Technologies Co, China's premier telecommunications equipment firm.

Mnuchin told Reuters that the Huawei sanctions were "completely separate" from the US-China trade dispute.

China central banker meeting

Earlier, Mnuchin said at a news briefing that the Osaka meeting, yet to be confirmed by the Chinese side, was where the "main progress" could be made towards reviving talks to end the US-China trade conflict.

Mnuchin downplayed expectations for a meeting expected on Sunday with People's Bank of China Governor Yi Gang on the sidelines of a G20 finance leaders meeting in Fukuoka, Japan.

The US Treasury chief said that while he would discuss trade issues with Yi, "this is not a negotiating meeting."

The Trump administration was comfortable with any outcome from the negotiations, Mnuchin said, adding that more tariffs would encourage companies to move their operations out of China.

"If we can get the right agreement, that's great. If we can't get the right agreement, we will proceed with tariffs," Mnuchin said.

Mnuchin said the United States and China were about 90 per cent of the way toward reaching "an historic agreement" before China backtracked on certain commitments. He said that if China wants to resume the negotiations on the basis of the texts prior to an early May breakdown of talks, the US side is ready to engage.

Mnuchin said that the United States wants free, fair and balanced trade with China, in part to close a gaping US trade deficit with China.

"If we can't have that, the end result will be that my expectation is that many companies will move their production out of China to other locations," due to tariffs, Mnuchin said.

Mnuchin also said that the Treasury was watching China's currency markets closely for signs of intervention, saying that the markets may have become accustomed to central bank support for the yuan.

If that support is suddenly withdrawn, "the market could view that as a desire to have the currency weaken," he said, declining to comment when asked whether he thought China was deliberately trying to weaken its currency.

A highly anticipated late June meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping has some parallels with their Buenos Aires summit last December that postponed a tariff hike, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Saturday.

A highly anticipated late June meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping has some parallels with their Buenos Aires summit last December that postponed a tariff hike, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Saturday. Mnuchin told Reuters in an interview that the US-China trade dispute was at a similar point in December 2018, when Trump and Xi met on the sidelines of a G20 summit, with a US tariff increase about to kick in on hundreds of billions of dollars in Chinese goods. As this year's June 28-29 G20 summit in Osaka, Japan approaches, Trump is preparing to launch 25 per cent tariffs on virtually all Chinese imports so far untouched by the two countries' tariff war, a $300 billion list of consumer goods including cell phones, computers and clothing. "As it relates to the higher tariffs, if you just recall where we were in Buenos Aires, they were going to go up," Mnuchin said. "They were scheduled to go up, and as a result of that meeting, the president agreed not to raise them while we were negotiating," Mnuchin said. Asked whether he thought a similar outcome would result from the meeting in Osaka - Trump agreeing to forestall the tariffs while negotiations resume - Mnuchin said, "That's the president's decision." Trump said on Thursday in France that he will decide whether to proceed with the tariffs after the meeting with Xi. The Buenos Aires summit paved the way for five months of talks aimed at ending a festering trade war between the world's two largest economies. But these talks broke down in early May, and no face-to-face meetings have been held since May 10, the day that Trump sharply increased tariffs on a $200 billion list of Chinese goods to 25 per cent - the increase that he delayed after the Buenos Aires meeting. Since then, acrimonious rhetoric and trade threats between Beijing and Washington have steadily increased, especially after the United States imposed severe sanctions against Huawei Technologies Co, China's premier telecommunications equipment firm. Mnuchin told Reuters that the Huawei sanctions were "completely separate" from the US-China trade dispute. China central banker meeting Earlier, Mnuchin said at a news briefing that the Osaka meeting, yet to be confirmed by the Chinese side, was where the "main progress" could be made towards reviving talks to end the US-China trade conflict. Mnuchin downplayed expectations for a meeting expected on Sunday with People's Bank of China Governor Yi Gang on the sidelines of a G20 finance leaders meeting in Fukuoka, Japan. The US Treasury chief said that while he would discuss trade issues with Yi, "this is not a negotiating meeting." The Trump administration was comfortable with any outcome from the negotiations, Mnuchin said, adding that more tariffs would encourage companies to move their operations out of China. "If we can get the right agreement, that's great. If we can't get the right agreement, we will proceed with tariffs," Mnuchin said. Mnuchin said the United States and China were about 90 per cent of the way toward reaching "an historic agreement" before China backtracked on certain commitments. He said that if China wants to resume the negotiations on the basis of the texts prior to an early May breakdown of talks, the US side is ready to engage. Mnuchin said that the United States wants free, fair and balanced trade with China, in part to close a gaping US trade deficit with China. "If we can't have that, the end result will be that my expectation is that many companies will move their production out of China to other locations," due to tariffs, Mnuchin said. Mnuchin also said that the Treasury was watching China's currency markets closely for signs of intervention, saying that the markets may have become accustomed to central bank support for the yuan. If that support is suddenly withdrawn, "the market could view that as a desire to have the currency weaken," he said, declining to comment when asked whether he thought China was deliberately trying to weaken its currency.

US Treasury's Mnuchin says Trump-Xi meeting has parallels to Buenos Aires summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit this week at Bishkek where he would also meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the first meeting between the two leaders after the BJP's massive victory in the general elections.

Xi will pay state visits to Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan from June 12 to 16, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang announced here on Sunday.

The SCO summit is due to be held on June 13-14 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The SCO is a China-led eight-member economic and security bloc with India and Pakistan being admitted to the grouping in 2017.

From June 12 to 14, President Xi will pay a state visit to Kyrgyzstan and attend SCO summit, Lu said in a statement.

Indian Ambassador to China Vikram Misri said last week that the two leaders would meet on the sidelines of the SCO summit.

Recalling last year's successful first-ever informal summit between Xi and Modi at Wuhan which was widely regarded a milestone in the bilateral ties, Misri said, "it is worth mentioning that last year, our leaders met four times on the sidelines of different multi-lateral meetings."

They are again meeting in Bishkek on the sidelines of the SCO Summit, he said.

The April 27-28 Wuhan summit between Modi and Xi was largely credited to have turned around the bilateral relations soured by the 73-day Doklam standoff, triggered by Chinese troops attempts to build a road close to the Indian border in an area also claimed by Bhutan in 2017.

After the Wuhan summit, both the countries stepped up efforts to improve relations on different spheres including the military-to-military ties.

In December last year, Prime Minister Modi met President Xi on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Argentina and discussed joint efforts to further enhance mutual trust and friendship between the two giant neighbours.

Last month, Xi extended his "heartfelt congratulations" to Prime Minister Modi for winning the general elections, in a rare gesture of greeting a foreign leader well before the official announcement of the results.

After the SCO summit, President Xi will travel to Tajikistan.

From June 14 to 16, the president will attend the fifth summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Dushanbe, the capital city of Tajikistan, Lu added.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit this week at Bishkek where he would also meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the first meeting between the two leaders after the BJP's massive victory in the general elections.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit this week at Bishkek where he would also meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the first meeting between the two leaders after the BJP's massive victory in the general elections. Xi will pay state visits to Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan from June 12 to 16, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang announced here on Sunday. The SCO summit is due to be held on June 13-14 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The SCO is a China-led eight-member economic and security bloc with India and Pakistan being admitted to the grouping in 2017. From June 12 to 14, President Xi will pay a state visit to Kyrgyzstan and attend SCO summit, Lu said in a statement. Indian Ambassador to China Vikram Misri said last week that the two leaders would meet on the sidelines of the SCO summit. Recalling last year's successful first-ever informal summit between Xi and Modi at Wuhan which was widely regarded a milestone in the bilateral ties, Misri said, "it is worth mentioning that last year, our leaders met four times on the sidelines of different multi-lateral meetings." They are again meeting in Bishkek on the sidelines of the SCO Summit, he said. The April 27-28 Wuhan summit between Modi and Xi was largely credited to have turned around the bilateral relations soured by the 73-day Doklam standoff, triggered by Chinese troops attempts to build a road close to the Indian border in an area also claimed by Bhutan in 2017. After the Wuhan summit, both the countries stepped up efforts to improve relations on different spheres including the military-to-military ties. In December last year, Prime Minister Modi met President Xi on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Argentina and discussed joint efforts to further enhance mutual trust and friendship between the two giant neighbours. Last month, Xi extended his "heartfelt congratulations" to Prime Minister Modi for winning the general elections, in a rare gesture of greeting a foreign leader well before the official announcement of the results. After the SCO summit, President Xi will travel to Tajikistan. From June 14 to 16, the president will attend the fifth summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Dushanbe, the capital city of Tajikistan, Lu added.

PM Narendra Modi to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on sidelines of SCO summit

US&nbsp;Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Saturday he would discuss trade issues with People's Bank of China Governor Yi Gang, but the main progress in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-us-tensions-very-negative-influence-on-global-economy-australia-pm-scott-morrison-225234">US-China trade dispute</a> would take place later this month at a meeting between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-criticises-nasa-moon-mission-after-promoting-it-earlier-225364">President Donald Trump</a> and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Mnuchin told reporters on the sidelines of the G20 finance leaders meeting in Japan that the Trump-Xi meeting was the "next important meeting" in the trade dispute.

The Treasury chief likened the meeting, unconfirmed by China, to a Trump-Xi meeting last December in Buenos Aires, which paved the way for five months of negotiations to try to resolve the issue.

Watch: US-China Trade War - Advantage For India?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-china-trade-war-advantage-for-india-223999/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Mnuchin said he did not have specific goals for his discussions on Sunday with Yi, a key member of China's trade negotiating team. He said the two finance leaders would discuss economic and finance issues as part of their normal G20 interactions and also discuss trade issues, but no announcement was expected.

"This is not a negotiating meeting," Mnuchin said.

Mnuchin said the United States and China were about 90 percent of the way toward reaching "an historic agreement" before China backtracked on certain commitments. He said that if China wants to resume the negotiations on the basis of the texts prior to an early May breakdown of talks, the US&nbsp;side is ready to engage.

"If we can get the right agreement, that's great. If we can't get the right agreement, we will proceed with tariffs," Mnuchin said.

The Trump administration is taking steps to impose 25% tariffs on the remaining $300 billion worth of Chinese imports so far untouched by the trade war between the world's two largest economies. These tariffs could be ready for activation around the end of June, when the Osaka G20 summit take place.

Mnuchin said that the United States wants free, fair and balanced trade with China, in part to close a gaping US&nbsp;trade deficit with China.

"If we can't have that, the end result will be that my expectation is that many companies will move their production out of China to other locations," due to tariffs, Mnuchin said.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Saturday he would discuss trade issues with People's Bank of China Governor Yi Gang, but the main progress in the US-China trade dispute would take place later this month at a meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Saturday he would discuss trade issues with People's Bank of China Governor Yi Gang, but the main progress in the US-China trade dispute would take place later this month at a meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Mnuchin told reporters on the sidelines of the G20 finance leaders meeting in Japan that the Trump-Xi meeting was the "next important meeting" in the trade dispute. The Treasury chief likened the meeting, unconfirmed by China, to a Trump-Xi meeting last December in Buenos Aires, which paved the way for five months of negotiations to try to resolve the issue. Watch: US-China Trade War - Advantage For India? Mnuchin said he did not have specific goals for his discussions on Sunday with Yi, a key member of China's trade negotiating team. He said the two finance leaders would discuss economic and finance issues as part of their normal G20 interactions and also discuss trade issues, but no announcement was expected. "This is not a negotiating meeting," Mnuchin said. Mnuchin said the United States and China were about 90 percent of the way toward reaching "an historic agreement" before China backtracked on certain commitments. He said that if China wants to resume the negotiations on the basis of the texts prior to an early May breakdown of talks, the US side is ready to engage. "If we can get the right agreement, that's great. If we can't get the right agreement, we will proceed with tariffs," Mnuchin said. The Trump administration is taking steps to impose 25% tariffs on the remaining $300 billion worth of Chinese imports so far untouched by the trade war between the world's two largest economies. These tariffs could be ready for activation around the end of June, when the Osaka G20 summit take place. Mnuchin said that the United States wants free, fair and balanced trade with China, in part to close a gaping US trade deficit with China. "If we can't have that, the end result will be that my expectation is that many companies will move their production out of China to other locations," due to tariffs, Mnuchin said.

Main progress on US-China trade to be at Trump-Xi summit: US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin

China's Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin hit back at US global economic dominance on Friday as they took the stage together at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-and-china-show-united-front-at-economic-forum-225258">Russia's showcase business forum</a>.

With China embroiled in a trade war with Washington and Russia under Western sanctions, Xi and Putin <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-us-push-for-dominance-is-a-recipe-for-trade-and-real-wars-225280">lashed out at "inequalities" in the global economic system</a> and vowed to pursue closer ties between their countries.

Putin, speaking in front of political and business leaders at the annual Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum, accused Washington of seeking to "extend its jurisdiction to the whole world".

Denouncing the "rhetoric of trade wars and sanctions", Putin called for rethinking the role of the US dollar in global trade and slammed US pressure against Chinese tech giant Huawei.&nbsp;

"They are attempting not just to squeeze but to unceremoniously push (Huawei) out of the global market," Putin said.

Xi said steps needed to be taken to "overcome inequalities" in the global economic system, adding: "The aspirations of nations toward a better life cannot be stopped."

Pointing to Russia as a key partner, he said China was looking to build "beneficial cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual respect" with friendly countries.

"China is ready to share technological inventions with all partners, in particular, 5G technology," Xi said.&nbsp;

Xi arrived in Moscow on Wednesday for a three-day visit with Putin and described the Russian leader as his "best friend" during a cosy meeting at the Kremlin.

The trip comes five years after Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula led to a serious rift with the West and a move towards Russia's neighbour to the east.

China meanwhile is locked in a trade war with the United States that has seen Washington impose sweeping duties and move to blacklist companies like Huawei.&nbsp;

Moscow and Beijing's economic ties have grown in recent years, though they remain heavily weighted in favour of China, which dwarfs Russia in economic and demographic terms.

Dozens of deals signed

Xi's visit has seen the signing of dozens of commercial contracts in e-commerce, telecoms, gas and other areas.

Other deals have been signed at the forum, including one on Friday between Russian and Chinese shipping companies to work together to develop Arctic sea routes.&nbsp;

While this is the Chinese leader's first appearance at the economic forum, where he heads a 1,000-strong delegation, he and Putin have met regularly in recent years.&nbsp;

Ahead of Xi's visit, Kremlin advisor Yury Ushakov described China as "Russia's most important economic partner".&nbsp;

The partnership is yielding increasing trade, which grew by 25 per cent in 2018 to hit a record $108 billion, he said.

But despite political tensions and repeated rounds of sanctions over Moscow's actions in Ukraine, the European Union remains by far the biggest foreign investor in Russia -- well ahead of China and the US.

"China is taking time to ramp up investments in Russia," said Charles Robertson, chief economist at Renaissance Capital. "It wants to feel secure about the long term, it doesn't want to rush into it."

He predicted China would make big investments over the next three to five years, possibly even sooner, as Russia plays an important role in projects along Beijing's New Silk Road.&nbsp;

Worry over investor arrest

The first day of the forum on Thursday saw Putin make a pitch for increased foreign investment as Russia looks to revive an economy hit by Western sanctions over Ukraine and the drop in oil prices.&nbsp;

After emerging from recession in 2017, the Russian economy ticked up by only 0.5 per cent in the first quarter of this year.&nbsp;

Putin, whose approval ratings have dropped to record lows, has vowed to boost growth through a series of "national projects" -- ranging from healthcare to infrastructure -- that will cost Russia $388 billion.

But foreign investors, already wary of Russia' volatile business climate, were further spooked by the arrest on fraud charges in February of US businessman Michael Calvey, the founder of one of the oldest private equity firms focusing on Russia.&nbsp;

He denies the charges, saying the arrest was the result of a shareholder dispute.

In a statement through his lawyers on Friday, Calvey regretted that he had been unable to attend this year's forum.&nbsp;

"He expressed regret that it will apparently not be possible for him to attend SPIEF for reasons that are beyond his control," the statement said, with Calvey also thanking the business community "for its remarkable solidarity and support".&nbsp;

China's Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin hit back at US global economic dominance on Friday as they took the stage together at Russia's showcase business forum.

China's Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin hit back at US global economic dominance on Friday as they took the stage together at Russia's showcase business forum. With China embroiled in a trade war with Washington and Russia under Western sanctions, Xi and Putin lashed out at "inequalities" in the global economic system and vowed to pursue closer ties between their countries. Putin, speaking in front of political and business leaders at the annual Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum, accused Washington of seeking to "extend its jurisdiction to the whole world". Denouncing the "rhetoric of trade wars and sanctions", Putin called for rethinking the role of the US dollar in global trade and slammed US pressure against Chinese tech giant Huawei. "They are attempting not just to squeeze but to unceremoniously push (Huawei) out of the global market," Putin said. Xi said steps needed to be taken to "overcome inequalities" in the global economic system, adding: "The aspirations of nations toward a better life cannot be stopped." Pointing to Russia as a key partner, he said China was looking to build "beneficial cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual respect" with friendly countries. "China is ready to share technological inventions with all partners, in particular, 5G technology," Xi said. Xi arrived in Moscow on Wednesday for a three-day visit with Putin and described the Russian leader as his "best friend" during a cosy meeting at the Kremlin. The trip comes five years after Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula led to a serious rift with the West and a move towards Russia's neighbour to the east. China meanwhile is locked in a trade war with the United States that has seen Washington impose sweeping duties and move to blacklist companies like Huawei. Moscow and Beijing's economic ties have grown in recent years, though they remain heavily weighted in favour of China, which dwarfs Russia in economic and demographic terms. Dozens of deals signed Xi's visit has seen the signing of dozens of commercial contracts in e-commerce, telecoms, gas and other areas. Other deals have been signed at the forum, including one on Friday between Russian and Chinese shipping companies to work together to develop Arctic sea routes. While this is the Chinese leader's first appearance at the economic forum, where he heads a 1,000-strong delegation, he and Putin have met regularly in recent years. Ahead of Xi's visit, Kremlin advisor Yury Ushakov described China as "Russia's most important economic partner". The partnership is yielding increasing trade, which grew by 25 per cent in 2018 to hit a record $108 billion, he said. But despite political tensions and repeated rounds of sanctions over Moscow's actions in Ukraine, the European Union remains by far the biggest foreign investor in Russia -- well ahead of China and the US. "China is taking time to ramp up investments in Russia," said Charles Robertson, chief economist at Renaissance Capital. "It wants to feel secure about the long term, it doesn't want to rush into it." He predicted China would make big investments over the next three to five years, possibly even sooner, as Russia plays an important role in projects along Beijing's New Silk Road. Worry over investor arrest The first day of the forum on Thursday saw Putin make a pitch for increased foreign investment as Russia looks to revive an economy hit by Western sanctions over Ukraine and the drop in oil prices. After emerging from recession in 2017, the Russian economy ticked up by only 0.5 per cent in the first quarter of this year. Putin, whose approval ratings have dropped to record lows, has vowed to boost growth through a series of "national projects" -- ranging from healthcare to infrastructure -- that will cost Russia $388 billion. But foreign investors, already wary of Russia' volatile business climate, were further spooked by the arrest on fraud charges in February of US businessman Michael Calvey, the founder of one of the oldest private equity firms focusing on Russia. He denies the charges, saying the arrest was the result of a shareholder dispute. In a statement through his lawyers on Friday, Calvey regretted that he had been unable to attend this year's forum. "He expressed regret that it will apparently not be possible for him to attend SPIEF for reasons that are beyond his control," the statement said, with Calvey also thanking the business community "for its remarkable solidarity and support".

Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping hit back at US dominance at Russia economic forum

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - June 07th, 2019

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday said that US efforts to foist its dominance on other countries was a recipe for trade and real wars.

Speaking at St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Putin complained about what he called unfair competition and protectionism.

The US approach fostered a battle without rules where everyone was pitted against one another, he added.

The Russian President&nbsp;denounced "unceremonious attempts at pushing Huawei from the international market."

"In some circles this is even being called the first technological war of the dawning digital era," Putin said.

Despite international concerns that it could present a security risk, Huawei on Wednesday signed an agreement with Russian telecoms company MTS to develop a 5G network in the country, on the sidelines of a meeting between Putin and Xi in Moscow.

The Chinese telecom giant has been in turmoil since May, when US President Donald Trump's administration banned US companies from selling high-tech equipment to Huawei over suspicions it is spying for Beijing.

Several companies have already distanced themselves from Huawei, including Google, whose Android system equips the vast majority of smartphones in the world.

Huawei's reported potential involvement in Britain's 5G network has proved politically sensitive and Theresa May's government insisted no decision has been made on the issue.

Putin said that the United States was trying to enforce its legal power across the world.

Putin also said 'role of dollar' should be revisited in global trade.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday said that US efforts to foist its dominance on other countries was a recipe for trade and real wars. Speaking at St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Putin complained about what he called unfair competition and protectionism.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday said that US efforts to foist its dominance on other countries was a recipe for trade and real wars. Speaking at St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Putin complained about what he called unfair competition and protectionism. The US approach fostered a battle without rules where everyone was pitted against one another, he added. The Russian President denounced "unceremonious attempts at pushing Huawei from the international market." "In some circles this is even being called the first technological war of the dawning digital era," Putin said. Despite international concerns that it could present a security risk, Huawei on Wednesday signed an agreement with Russian telecoms company MTS to develop a 5G network in the country, on the sidelines of a meeting between Putin and Xi in Moscow. The Chinese telecom giant has been in turmoil since May, when US President Donald Trump's administration banned US companies from selling high-tech equipment to Huawei over suspicions it is spying for Beijing. Several companies have already distanced themselves from Huawei, including Google, whose Android system equips the vast majority of smartphones in the world. Huawei's reported potential involvement in Britain's 5G network has proved politically sensitive and Theresa May's government insisted no decision has been made on the issue. Putin said that the United States was trying to enforce its legal power across the world. Putin also said 'role of dollar' should be revisited in global trade. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin says US push for dominance is recipe for trade and real wars; slams attempts to 'push' Huawei from global markets

Chinese President Xi Jinping appears Friday as a guest of honour at Russia's showcase economic forum, as the two neighbours present a united front in the face of shared troubles with the US.

Xi arrived in Moscow on Wednesday for a three-day visit with Vladimir Putin and described the Russian leader as his "best friend" during a cosy meeting at the Kremlin.

To end the trip, Xi and his host will appear at a plenary session of the annual Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum, which Moscow hopes will woo foreign investors despite an uncertain business climate.

Xi is set to present China's ideas on sustainable development and multilateral cooperation, Beijing said ahead of his appearance.&nbsp;

The 2019 forum "will illustrate very clearly just how bi-polar the world has become," said Chris Weafer, a senior partner at the Macro Advisory consulting firm.

"In the same week that President Trump will be having tea with the Queen in London, President Putin will be hosting President Xi in Saint Petersburg."&nbsp;

The trip comes five years after Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula led to a serious rift with the West and a move towards Russia's neighbour to the east.

China meanwhile is locked in a trade war with the United States that has seen Washington impose sweeping duties and move to blacklist companies like tech giant Huawei.&nbsp;

Moscow and Beijing's economic ties have grown in recent years, though they remain heavily weighted in favour of China, which dwarfs Russia in economic and demographic terms.

Dozens of deals signed

Xi's visit has already seen the signing of dozens of commercial contracts in e-commerce, telecoms, gas and other areas.

Other deals have been signed at the forum, including one on Friday between Russian and Chinese shipping companies to work together to develop Arctic sea routes.&nbsp;

While this is the Chinese leader's first appearance at the economic forum, where he heads a 1,000-strong delegation, he and Putin have met regularly in recent years.&nbsp;

Ahead of Xi's visit, Kremlin advisor Yury Ushakov described China as "Russia's most important economic partner".&nbsp;

The partnership is yielding increasing trade, which grew by 25 per cent in 2018 to hit a record $108 billion, he said.

At a panel Friday on Russia-China business ties, Russian tycoon Viktor Vekselberg, a target of US sanctions, called for the two countries to carry out more trade in their national currencies, bypassing the US dollar.&nbsp;

But despite political tensions and repeated rounds of sanctions over Moscow's actions in Ukraine, the European Union remains by far the biggest foreign investor in Russia -- well ahead of China and the US.

"China is taking time to ramp up investments in Russia," said Charles Robertson, chief economist at Renaissance Capital. "It wants to feel secure about the long term, it doesn't want to rush into it."

He predicted China would make big investments over the next three to five years, possibly even sooner, as Russia plays an important role in projects along Beijing's New Silk Road.&nbsp;

Worry over investor arrest

The first day of the forum on Thursday saw Putin make a pitch for increased foreign investment as Russia looks to revive an economy hit by Western sanctions over Ukraine and the drop in oil prices.&nbsp;

After emerging from recession in 2017, the Russian economy ticked up by only 0.5 percent in the first quarter of this year.&nbsp;

Putin, whose approval ratings have dropped to record lows, has vowed to boost growth through a series of "national projects" -- ranging from healthcare to infrastructure -- that will cost Russia $388 billion.

But foreign investors, already wary of Russia' volatile business climate, were further spooked by the arrest on fraud charges in February of US businessman Michael Calvey, the founder of one of the oldest private equity firms focusing on Russia.&nbsp;

He denies the charges, saying the arrest was the result of a shareholder dispute.

Speculation swirled at the forum over whether Calvey, who is under house arrest, would attend. On Friday his lawyer said authorities had not yet replied to a request from the businessman to travel to Saint Petersburg.

Chinese President Xi Jinping appears Friday as a guest of honour at Russia's showcase economic forum, as the two neighbours present a united front in the face of shared troubles with the US.

Chinese President Xi Jinping appears Friday as a guest of honour at Russia's showcase economic forum, as the two neighbours present a united front in the face of shared troubles with the US. Xi arrived in Moscow on Wednesday for a three-day visit with Vladimir Putin and described the Russian leader as his "best friend" during a cosy meeting at the Kremlin. To end the trip, Xi and his host will appear at a plenary session of the annual Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum, which Moscow hopes will woo foreign investors despite an uncertain business climate. Xi is set to present China's ideas on sustainable development and multilateral cooperation, Beijing said ahead of his appearance. The 2019 forum "will illustrate very clearly just how bi-polar the world has become," said Chris Weafer, a senior partner at the Macro Advisory consulting firm. "In the same week that President Trump will be having tea with the Queen in London, President Putin will be hosting President Xi in Saint Petersburg." The trip comes five years after Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula led to a serious rift with the West and a move towards Russia's neighbour to the east. China meanwhile is locked in a trade war with the United States that has seen Washington impose sweeping duties and move to blacklist companies like tech giant Huawei. Moscow and Beijing's economic ties have grown in recent years, though they remain heavily weighted in favour of China, which dwarfs Russia in economic and demographic terms. Dozens of deals signed Xi's visit has already seen the signing of dozens of commercial contracts in e-commerce, telecoms, gas and other areas. Other deals have been signed at the forum, including one on Friday between Russian and Chinese shipping companies to work together to develop Arctic sea routes. While this is the Chinese leader's first appearance at the economic forum, where he heads a 1,000-strong delegation, he and Putin have met regularly in recent years. Ahead of Xi's visit, Kremlin advisor Yury Ushakov described China as "Russia's most important economic partner". The partnership is yielding increasing trade, which grew by 25 per cent in 2018 to hit a record $108 billion, he said. At a panel Friday on Russia-China business ties, Russian tycoon Viktor Vekselberg, a target of US sanctions, called for the two countries to carry out more trade in their national currencies, bypassing the US dollar. But despite political tensions and repeated rounds of sanctions over Moscow's actions in Ukraine, the European Union remains by far the biggest foreign investor in Russia -- well ahead of China and the US. "China is taking time to ramp up investments in Russia," said Charles Robertson, chief economist at Renaissance Capital. "It wants to feel secure about the long term, it doesn't want to rush into it." He predicted China would make big investments over the next three to five years, possibly even sooner, as Russia plays an important role in projects along Beijing's New Silk Road. Worry over investor arrest The first day of the forum on Thursday saw Putin make a pitch for increased foreign investment as Russia looks to revive an economy hit by Western sanctions over Ukraine and the drop in oil prices. After emerging from recession in 2017, the Russian economy ticked up by only 0.5 percent in the first quarter of this year. Putin, whose approval ratings have dropped to record lows, has vowed to boost growth through a series of "national projects" -- ranging from healthcare to infrastructure -- that will cost Russia $388 billion. But foreign investors, already wary of Russia' volatile business climate, were further spooked by the arrest on fraud charges in February of US businessman Michael Calvey, the founder of one of the oldest private equity firms focusing on Russia. He denies the charges, saying the arrest was the result of a shareholder dispute. Speculation swirled at the forum over whether Calvey, who is under house arrest, would attend. On Friday his lawyer said authorities had not yet replied to a request from the businessman to travel to Saint Petersburg.

Russia and China show united front at economic forum

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - June 06th, 2019

China and Russia agreed on Wednesday to upgrade their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era. The decision was made at a meeting between visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin

China, Russia agree to upgrade relations for new era

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-gifts-putin-chinas-friendship-medal-143236">Chinese President Xi Jinping presented</a> two&nbsp;pandas to Moscow's zoo at a ceremony with Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, in a gesture the Russian president described as a sign of deepening trust and respect between the two powers.

Xi unveiled the&nbsp;pandas - Ru Yi and Ding Ding - after talks with Putin whom he called his "best friend" at the start of a three-day visit that will see him attend Russia's flagship economic forum in St Petersburg later this week.

The&nbsp;pandas, who could be seen chomping bamboo as Xi and Putin arrived, will be living in a specially built enclosure. Beijing has loaned them to Moscow for 15 years as part of a joint research project.

Xi's visit to Russia comes with Moscow's ties with the West at post-Cold War lows and with Beijing's relations with the United States strained over a trade war. Both powers are eager to show they are strengthening ties.

The leaders promised to deepen military-technical cooperation at talks in Moscow, while Russian and Chinese businesses signed an array of deals.

"Over the past six years, we have met almost 30 times ... Putin is my best friend and a good colleague," Xi said in comments published on the Kremlin's website.

Standing alongside Xi after the talks, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-xi-in-russia-to-boost-cooperation-amid-us-tensions-224674">Putin</a> thanked China for entrusting the&nbsp;pandas to Moscow.

"This is a gesture of particular respect and trust in Russia. When we talk about&nbsp;pandas, we always end up with a smile on our faces. We accept this gift with great respect and gratitude," Putin said.

"These animals are a national symbol for China, and we greatly value this gesture of friendship," he said.

The&nbsp;pandas were given to Russia at the end of April after Putin visited Beijing but were only unveiled to the public on Wednesday.

Chinese President Xi Jinping presented two pandas to Moscow's zoo at a ceremony with Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, in a gesture the Russian president described as a sign of deepening trust and respect between the two powers.

Chinese President Xi Jinping presented two pandas to Moscow's zoo at a ceremony with Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, in a gesture the Russian president described as a sign of deepening trust and respect between the two powers. Xi unveiled the pandas - Ru Yi and Ding Ding - after talks with Putin whom he called his "best friend" at the start of a three-day visit that will see him attend Russia's flagship economic forum in St Petersburg later this week. The pandas, who could be seen chomping bamboo as Xi and Putin arrived, will be living in a specially built enclosure. Beijing has loaned them to Moscow for 15 years as part of a joint research project. Xi's visit to Russia comes with Moscow's ties with the West at post-Cold War lows and with Beijing's relations with the United States strained over a trade war. Both powers are eager to show they are strengthening ties. The leaders promised to deepen military-technical cooperation at talks in Moscow, while Russian and Chinese businesses signed an array of deals. "Over the past six years, we have met almost 30 times ... Putin is my best friend and a good colleague," Xi said in comments published on the Kremlin's website. Standing alongside Xi after the talks, Putin thanked China for entrusting the pandas to Moscow. "This is a gesture of particular respect and trust in Russia. When we talk about pandas, we always end up with a smile on our faces. We accept this gift with great respect and gratitude," Putin said. "These animals are a national symbol for China, and we greatly value this gesture of friendship," he said. The pandas were given to Russia at the end of April after Putin visited Beijing but were only unveiled to the public on Wednesday.

China's panda diplomacy puts a smile on best friend Putin's face

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin praised their countries' ties during a meeting in the Kremlin on Wednesday, as Beijing and Moscow seek to shore up cooperation amid tensions with the US.&nbsp;

Putin said the visit was a "key event" in relations between the two neighbours.

"Our relationship will be better and better," said Xi, who was received with full honours when he arrived at Moscow's Vnukovo airport in the afternoon.

The trip comes five years after Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula led to a serious rift with its Western partners and subsequent turn toward its neighbour to the east.

"In recent years, thanks to your direct participation, the relationship between Russia and China has reached an unprecedentedly high level," the Russian president said.

Following the talks and a visit to the Bolshoi Theatre late Wednesday, Xi is set to travel to Russia's former imperial capital Saint Petersburg.&nbsp;

There he will attend an economic forum hosted by Putin on Thursday and Friday.

China and Russia "have strong political mutual trust, and support each other firmly on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns," Xi said during an interview with Russian media ahead of the visit.

Putin's foreign policy aide, Yury Ushakov, earlier said Xi and Putin would sign a new declaration on their "global partnership and strategic cooperation, which are entering a new era".

The Chinese delegation brought two pandas as gifts, bound for the Moscow Zoo. "The animal is a symbol of China and the gesture is very important to our partners," Ushakov said. 
T 
he partnership is yielding increasing trade, which has increased by 25 per cent in 2018 to hit a record $108 billion (96 billion euros), he added, calling China "Russia's most important economic partner".

Russia's 'pivot' paying off&nbsp;

Russia may have had unrealistic expectations from its pivot to the east following Western sanctions over Ukraine, said Alexander Gabuev, who heads the Asia programme at the Carnegie Moscow Center.

Nevertheless, China's share in Russian foreign trade has nearly doubled since then, he added.

"The pivot really is happening," he said.

"Despite all the difficulties, China became a significant creditor and rather significant investor" in Russia at a time when many other investors preferred to pack their bags.

Cooperation with China is seen by Moscow as "the lesser of two evils" to stimulate economic growth, Gabuev said -- the alternative being deep internal reforms and reconciliation with the West.

Politically, the two countries seem consistently aligned and often vote in unison as permanent members of the UN Security Council.

Presidential advisor Ushakov said "the positions of Russia and China are very close or coincide completely on most international issues," including the North Korean nuclear programme, the Venezuelan crisis and the Iran nuclear deal.

All these issues would be discussed during the leaders' meeting, he added.&nbsp;

The countries would also discuss their relationship with the "great Western powers, including the United States", he said.

Moscow's relations with Washington have been at a post-Cold War low for some time, and Beijing is locked in a trade war with the US.

After Washington criticised its rights record, Beijing issued a travel warning to Chinese nationals Tuesday about crime and police harassment in the United States.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin praised their countries' ties during a meeting in the Kremlin on Wednesday, as Beijing and Moscow seek to shore up cooperation amid tensions with the US.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin praised their countries' ties during a meeting in the Kremlin on Wednesday, as Beijing and Moscow seek to shore up cooperation amid tensions with the US. Putin said the visit was a "key event" in relations between the two neighbours. "Our relationship will be better and better," said Xi, who was received with full honours when he arrived at Moscow's Vnukovo airport in the afternoon. The trip comes five years after Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula led to a serious rift with its Western partners and subsequent turn toward its neighbour to the east. "In recent years, thanks to your direct participation, the relationship between Russia and China has reached an unprecedentedly high level," the Russian president said. Following the talks and a visit to the Bolshoi Theatre late Wednesday, Xi is set to travel to Russia's former imperial capital Saint Petersburg. There he will attend an economic forum hosted by Putin on Thursday and Friday. China and Russia "have strong political mutual trust, and support each other firmly on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns," Xi said during an interview with Russian media ahead of the visit. Putin's foreign policy aide, Yury Ushakov, earlier said Xi and Putin would sign a new declaration on their "global partnership and strategic cooperation, which are entering a new era". The Chinese delegation brought two pandas as gifts, bound for the Moscow Zoo. "The animal is a symbol of China and the gesture is very important to our partners," Ushakov said. T he partnership is yielding increasing trade, which has increased by 25 per cent in 2018 to hit a record $108 billion (96 billion euros), he added, calling China "Russia's most important economic partner". Russia's 'pivot' paying off Russia may have had unrealistic expectations from its pivot to the east following Western sanctions over Ukraine, said Alexander Gabuev, who heads the Asia programme at the Carnegie Moscow Center. Nevertheless, China's share in Russian foreign trade has nearly doubled since then, he added. "The pivot really is happening," he said. "Despite all the difficulties, China became a significant creditor and rather significant investor" in Russia at a time when many other investors preferred to pack their bags. Cooperation with China is seen by Moscow as "the lesser of two evils" to stimulate economic growth, Gabuev said -- the alternative being deep internal reforms and reconciliation with the West. Politically, the two countries seem consistently aligned and often vote in unison as permanent members of the UN Security Council. Presidential advisor Ushakov said "the positions of Russia and China are very close or coincide completely on most international issues," including the North Korean nuclear programme, the Venezuelan crisis and the Iran nuclear deal. All these issues would be discussed during the leaders' meeting, he added. The countries would also discuss their relationship with the "great Western powers, including the United States", he said. Moscow's relations with Washington have been at a post-Cold War low for some time, and Beijing is locked in a trade war with the US. After Washington criticised its rights record, Beijing issued a travel warning to Chinese nationals Tuesday about crime and police harassment in the United States.

China's Xi in Russia to boost cooperation amid US tensions

Chinese President Xi Jinping said the country's economy is stable, healthy and well placed to meet all <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-take-unprecedented-action-to-ensure-supply-of-rare-earths-critical-to-tech-military-us-224397">risks and challenges</a>, according to a transcript published by the Xinhua news agency.

Xi made the remarks to the TASS Russian News Agency and Rossiyskaya Gazeta newspaper on Tuesday ahead of his state visit to Russia where he will attend a major Russian investor forum in St Petersburg. The transcript of that interview was published by Xinhua on Wednesday.

Xi did not mention <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rare-earths-the-latest-weapon-in-the-us-china-trade-war-222578">China`s trade war with the United States</a>, which escalated last month after Washington and Beijing slapped new tit-for-tat tariffs on each other.&nbsp;

"Looking into the future, China`s economy bears the supporting conditions for stable, healthy and sustainable growth," he said.

Xi noted China had ample room to manoeuvre in the macroeconomic policy space and that the country`s economy got off to a good start in 2019 as key indicators were kept in a reasonable range.

China`s economy grew at a steady 6.4 per cent pace in the first quarter, defying expectations for a further slowdown, as industrial production jumped sharply and consumer demand showed signs of improvement.

However, it reported surprisingly weaker growth in retail sales and industrial output for April, putting pressure on Beijing to roll out more stimulus as the trade war with the United States escalates.&nbsp;

Chinese President Xi Jinping said the country's economy is stable, healthy and well placed to meet all risks and challenges, according to a transcript published by the Xinhua news agency.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said the country's economy is stable, healthy and well placed to meet all risks and challenges, according to a transcript published by the Xinhua news agency. Xi made the remarks to the TASS Russian News Agency and Rossiyskaya Gazeta newspaper on Tuesday ahead of his state visit to Russia where he will attend a major Russian investor forum in St Petersburg. The transcript of that interview was published by Xinhua on Wednesday. Xi did not mention China`s trade war with the United States, which escalated last month after Washington and Beijing slapped new tit-for-tat tariffs on each other. "Looking into the future, China`s economy bears the supporting conditions for stable, healthy and sustainable growth," he said. Xi noted China had ample room to manoeuvre in the macroeconomic policy space and that the country`s economy got off to a good start in 2019 as key indicators were kept in a reasonable range. China`s economy grew at a steady 6.4 per cent pace in the first quarter, defying expectations for a further slowdown, as industrial production jumped sharply and consumer demand showed signs of improvement. However, it reported surprisingly weaker growth in retail sales and industrial output for April, putting pressure on Beijing to roll out more stimulus as the trade war with the United States escalates.

Xi Jinping says China's economy positioned to meet all challenges: Report

Chinese Defence Minister indicated through his speech that China is now ready to improve relationship with India. Whereas Xi Jinping & Indian PM Modi both are working well to improve these relations.

China: Ready to improve relationship with India

When&nbsp;Papua&nbsp;New&nbsp;Guinea's lawmakers started to shift their weight in their parliamentary seats in preparation for a tense vote on a&nbsp;new&nbsp;prime minister on Thursday, James Marape looked uninterested, his head lowered, fingers tapping his phone.

The former finance minister later explained he was preparing notes for a speech, should numbers fall his way.

They did, and the notes turned into a&nbsp;powerful series of addresses which signalled a desire to reset how the archipelago conducts business and diplomacy amid a strategic battle between China and the United States for influence in the&nbsp;Pacific.

"We are still struggling to economically free ourselves," Marape told reporters moments after he was sworn in.

"The nation needs to know that this is a break free ... and the emergence of a&nbsp;new&nbsp;group of like-minded&nbsp;leaders," he said referring to himself and his supporters.

Marape became prime minister after receiving 101 votes to eight in parliament, a day after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/papua-new-guinea-prime-minister-quits-after-weeks-of-turmoil-221729">former&nbsp;leader&nbsp;Peter O'Neill resigned</a> having lost the support of the house following almost eight years in&nbsp;power.

The&nbsp;new&nbsp;leader&nbsp;told the chamber he wanted to make his country the richest black Christian nation on earth, then headed to Royal Port Moresby golf club for his regular Thursday round, according to the club's pro, Nelson Gabriel.

DEBT OF GRATITUDE

Formerly administered by US-ally Australia, PNG has in recent years turned increasingly to China for financing as Beijing becomes a bigger&nbsp;player in the region, something Marape is being asked by colleagues to change.

"I would request that we take a long hard look at all Chinese arrangements," one MP who shifted from opposition to support Marape's&nbsp;leadership bid told Reuters, requesting anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly on the issue.

PNG is rich in mineral resources and is close to both US&nbsp;military bases on the island of Guam and to Australia.

China forged a particularly strong relationship with O'Neill, who was the first&nbsp;Pacific&nbsp;leader&nbsp;to sign up to China's Belt and Road infrastructure-building programme and who met President Xi Jinping more than a dozen times during his time in&nbsp;power, the former&nbsp;leader's spokesman told Reuters.

In dollar terms, PNG has the biggest debt to China among its neighbours, representing about one-quarter of its total external debt.

Foreign diplomats are now scrambling to understand the&nbsp;new&nbsp;leader, and there is a belief among some PNG lawmakers and western diplomats that China has the most to lose by the change in&nbsp;leadership.

"We are trying to get some face time with him," a senior British diplomatic source told Reuters.

"I suspect China is too and will be looking to pitch him with promises, but Marape has protectionist sentiments. Chinese loans often come with requirements to use Chinese labour and companies - if Marape isn't willing to accept those terms, it could be an opportunity for the West."

A senior US&nbsp;government source said Marape's family has connections with the United States because his eldest son is enrolled at a North American university.

"Marape has always been a supporter of Western principles such as democracy," the US&nbsp;source said.

"As finance minister, he warned about unsustainable debt levels. We are comforted and buoyed by these statements."

China's embassy in Port Moresby did not respond to requests for comment. Analysts say Marape's former job as finance minister will make him a familiar and friendly face to Chinese diplomats.

"We will engage with the Chinese government and its people (and) so long as it is fair and friendly to us and in our terms, we're happy with that," Marape told Australian Broadcasting Corporation television.

SON OF A PREACHER

The 48-year-old son of a Seventh Day Adventist pastor, Marape hails from PNG's poor but gas-rich highlands.

He supported a 2009 landowner agreement that paved the way for Exxon's $19 billion PNG LNG project, according to local media reports at the time, but soon became a critic of the oil and gas giant after the anticipated tax-take came in lower than forecast.

On Thursday, he put some of the world's biggest resources companies including France's Total on notice over a perceived lack of wealth flowing from their projects back to communities.

Total's Chairman and CEO, Patrick Pouyanne, told journalists in Paris on Wednesday that O'Neill had defended the interest of his country during the negotiations.

While Marape has indicated he wants to diversify the country's interests and develop its tourism industry, he is not against resources development.

In his highlands electoral base, he has led disarmament initiatives to strip "gun-toting cowboys" of their weapons, who he has blamed for trying to interrupt gas operations.

Parliamentary colleagues are expecting him to shake things up.

"It is time for a transition, it is time for a&nbsp;new&nbsp;generation ... to move on and bring some of the change that our people have been crying for," Charles Abel, who served as O'Neill's deputy, told parliament after Marape's election.

When Papua New Guinea's lawmakers started to shift their weight in their parliamentary seats in preparation for a tense vote on a new prime minister on Thursday, James Marape looked uninterested, his head lowered, fingers tapping his phone.

When Papua New Guinea's lawmakers started to shift their weight in their parliamentary seats in preparation for a tense vote on a new prime minister on Thursday, James Marape looked uninterested, his head lowered, fingers tapping his phone. The former finance minister later explained he was preparing notes for a speech, should numbers fall his way. They did, and the notes turned into a powerful series of addresses which signalled a desire to reset how the archipelago conducts business and diplomacy amid a strategic battle between China and the United States for influence in the Pacific. "We are still struggling to economically free ourselves," Marape told reporters moments after he was sworn in. "The nation needs to know that this is a break free ... and the emergence of a new group of like-minded leaders," he said referring to himself and his supporters. Marape became prime minister after receiving 101 votes to eight in parliament, a day after former leader Peter O'Neill resigned having lost the support of the house following almost eight years in power. The new leader told the chamber he wanted to make his country the richest black Christian nation on earth, then headed to Royal Port Moresby golf club for his regular Thursday round, according to the club's pro, Nelson Gabriel. DEBT OF GRATITUDE Formerly administered by US-ally Australia, PNG has in recent years turned increasingly to China for financing as Beijing becomes a bigger player in the region, something Marape is being asked by colleagues to change. "I would request that we take a long hard look at all Chinese arrangements," one MP who shifted from opposition to support Marape's leadership bid told Reuters, requesting anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly on the issue. PNG is rich in mineral resources and is close to both US military bases on the island of Guam and to Australia. China forged a particularly strong relationship with O'Neill, who was the first Pacific leader to sign up to China's Belt and Road infrastructure-building programme and who met President Xi Jinping more than a dozen times during his time in power, the former leader's spokesman told Reuters. In dollar terms, PNG has the biggest debt to China among its neighbours, representing about one-quarter of its total external debt. Foreign diplomats are now scrambling to understand the new leader, and there is a belief among some PNG lawmakers and western diplomats that China has the most to lose by the change in leadership. "We are trying to get some face time with him," a senior British diplomatic source told Reuters. "I suspect China is too and will be looking to pitch him with promises, but Marape has protectionist sentiments. Chinese loans often come with requirements to use Chinese labour and companies - if Marape isn't willing to accept those terms, it could be an opportunity for the West." A senior US government source said Marape's family has connections with the United States because his eldest son is enrolled at a North American university. "Marape has always been a supporter of Western principles such as democracy," the US source said. "As finance minister, he warned about unsustainable debt levels. We are comforted and buoyed by these statements." China's embassy in Port Moresby did not respond to requests for comment. Analysts say Marape's former job as finance minister will make him a familiar and friendly face to Chinese diplomats. "We will engage with the Chinese government and its people (and) so long as it is fair and friendly to us and in our terms, we're happy with that," Marape told Australian Broadcasting Corporation television. SON OF A PREACHER The 48-year-old son of a Seventh Day Adventist pastor, Marape hails from PNG's poor but gas-rich highlands. He supported a 2009 landowner agreement that paved the way for Exxon's $19 billion PNG LNG project, according to local media reports at the time, but soon became a critic of the oil and gas giant after the anticipated tax-take came in lower than forecast. On Thursday, he put some of the world's biggest resources companies including France's Total on notice over a perceived lack of wealth flowing from their projects back to communities. Total's Chairman and CEO, Patrick Pouyanne, told journalists in Paris on Wednesday that O'Neill had defended the interest of his country during the negotiations. While Marape has indicated he wants to diversify the country's interests and develop its tourism industry, he is not against resources development. In his highlands electoral base, he has led disarmament initiatives to strip "gun-toting cowboys" of their weapons, who he has blamed for trying to interrupt gas operations. Parliamentary colleagues are expecting him to shake things up. "It is time for a transition, it is time for a new generation ... to move on and bring some of the change that our people have been crying for," Charles Abel, who served as O'Neill's deputy, told parliament after Marape's election.

New Papua New Guinea leader a wildcard in Pacific power play

China&nbsp;hopes&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;understands&nbsp;the&nbsp;consequences&nbsp;of&nbsp;siding&nbsp;with the United States and doing its bidding,&nbsp;China's foreign ministry said on Friday after US&nbsp;Vice President Mike Pence called for the release of two <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-formally-arrests-two-canadians-detained-for-months-on-national-security-grounds-219091">Canadians detained in&nbsp;China</a>.

Chinese authorities detained Canadian businessman Michael Spavor and former diplomat Michael Kovrig in December, shortly after&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;arrested&nbsp;China-based Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's Chief Financial Officer, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-cfo-house-arrest-contrasts-with-canadians-detained-in-china-220064">Meng Wanzhou</a>, on a US warrant.

She faces extradition to the United States on charges she conspired to defraud global banks about Huawei's relationship with a company operating in Iran. She and the company have denied the charges and&nbsp;China&nbsp;has called for her release.

Asked about Pence comments that US&nbsp;President Donald Trump would speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping about the detained Canadians at a G20 meeting in Japan in June, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang implied&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;was to blame for its problems in&nbsp;China.

"We hope that the Canadian side will come to understand the full&nbsp;consequences&nbsp;of pulling chestnuts from the fire on behalf of the United States, and not inflict more harm on themselves," Geng told reporters, without elaborating.

Pence, who has taken a hard line on&nbsp;China, discussed the detained Canadians with<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pence-trudeau-to-discuss-huawei-and-china-trade-issues-in-ottawa-official-222633"> Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Ottawa</a> on Thursday, where they also talked about Huawei andChina&nbsp;trade issues.

Kovrig and Spavor were formally charged with espionage this month.&nbsp;China&nbsp;has also cut off imports of key Canadian commodities in an effort to press it.

Canada&nbsp;has called the arrests arbitrary.

During his visit, Pence thanked&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;for standing up for the rule of law in detaining Meng.

While&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;says&nbsp;China&nbsp;has made no specific link between the detentions of the two men and Meng's arrest, experts and former diplomats say they have no doubt it is&nbsp;using their cases to pressure&nbsp;Canada.

China hopes Canada understands the consequences of siding with the United States and doing its bidding, China's foreign ministry said on Friday after US Vice President Mike Pence called for the release of two Canadians detained in China.

China hopes Canada understands the consequences of siding with the United States and doing its bidding, China's foreign ministry said on Friday after US Vice President Mike Pence called for the release of two Canadians detained in China. Chinese authorities detained Canadian businessman Michael Spavor and former diplomat Michael Kovrig in December, shortly after Canada arrested China-based Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's Chief Financial Officer, Meng Wanzhou, on a US warrant. She faces extradition to the United States on charges she conspired to defraud global banks about Huawei's relationship with a company operating in Iran. She and the company have denied the charges and China has called for her release. Asked about Pence comments that US President Donald Trump would speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping about the detained Canadians at a G20 meeting in Japan in June, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang implied Canada was to blame for its problems in China. "We hope that the Canadian side will come to understand the full consequences of pulling chestnuts from the fire on behalf of the United States, and not inflict more harm on themselves," Geng told reporters, without elaborating. Pence, who has taken a hard line on China, discussed the detained Canadians with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Ottawa on Thursday, where they also talked about Huawei andChina trade issues. Kovrig and Spavor were formally charged with espionage this month. China has also cut off imports of key Canadian commodities in an effort to press it. Canada has called the arrests arbitrary. During his visit, Pence thanked Canada for standing up for the rule of law in detaining Meng. While Canada says China has made no specific link between the detentions of the two men and Meng's arrest, experts and former diplomats say they have no doubt it is using their cases to pressure Canada.

Huawei case: We hope that Canada understands consequences of siding with US, says China

India proposes the next informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, India proposes that meeting be held on October 11 in Varanasi. Watch this video to know more.

PM Modi invites Xi Jinping to Varanasi

For a second time, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will miss her Indian counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-stakes-claim-to-form-the-government-swearing-in-likely-on-may-30-221611/amp">Narendra Modi's swearing-in</a> on May 30 as she will be on a three-nation foreign visit, officials here said Monday.

According to a government release here, Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Huq will attend the ceremony as the senior-most Cabinet member of the Bangladesh government.

Prime Minister Hasina will be on a tri-nation visit to Japan, Saudi Arabia and Finland beginning Tuesday, it said.

She could not attend the previous swearing-in ceremony of Modi in 2014 as she was abroad then too.

Last time, Parliament Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury attended Modi's swearing-in ceremony held on May 26.

Prime Minister Modi will be administered the oath of office for his second term along with his new council of ministers on May 30, the President's Office said Sunday in New Delhi.

Several global leaders including US President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan have congratulated Modi on his resounding victory.

Prime Minister Modi on Thursday led his Bharatiya Janata Party to a landmark victory for a second five-year term in office, winning 303 seats in the 543-member Lok Sabha.

Soon after Prime Minister Modi's victory, the two leaders pledged to continue to raise the relationship between the two countries to an "unprecedented new heights".

The Bangladesh Prime Minister was one of the first foreign leaders to congratulate Prime Minister Modi following his election victory, reflecting the "extraordinarily close and cordial ties" between India and Bangladesh, and the excellent rapport that the two leaders enjoy, the report said.

She also spoke to Modi on Thursday and said this "emphatic verdict is a reflection of the trust and confidence reposed on you by the people of the world's largest democracy."&nbsp;

For a second time, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will miss her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi's swearing-in on May 30 as she will be on a three-nation foreign visit, officials here said Monday.

For a second time, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will miss her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi's swearing-in on May 30 as she will be on a three-nation foreign visit, officials here said Monday. According to a government release here, Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Huq will attend the ceremony as the senior-most Cabinet member of the Bangladesh government. Prime Minister Hasina will be on a tri-nation visit to Japan, Saudi Arabia and Finland beginning Tuesday, it said. She could not attend the previous swearing-in ceremony of Modi in 2014 as she was abroad then too. Last time, Parliament Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury attended Modi's swearing-in ceremony held on May 26. Prime Minister Modi will be administered the oath of office for his second term along with his new council of ministers on May 30, the President's Office said Sunday in New Delhi. Several global leaders including US President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan have congratulated Modi on his resounding victory. Prime Minister Modi on Thursday led his Bharatiya Janata Party to a landmark victory for a second five-year term in office, winning 303 seats in the 543-member Lok Sabha. Soon after Prime Minister Modi's victory, the two leaders pledged to continue to raise the relationship between the two countries to an "unprecedented new heights". The Bangladesh Prime Minister was one of the first foreign leaders to congratulate Prime Minister Modi following his election victory, reflecting the "extraordinarily close and cordial ties" between India and Bangladesh, and the excellent rapport that the two leaders enjoy, the report said. She also spoke to Modi on Thursday and said this "emphatic verdict is a reflection of the trust and confidence reposed on you by the people of the world's largest democracy."

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina will not attend Modi's swearing-in ceremony for second time

China is digging in for a tough period of deteriorating ties with the United States, fanning the flames of patriotism with Korean War films, a viral song on the trade war, and editorials lambasting Washington.

The trade spat has turned into a war of words since President Donald Trump blacklisted Huawei last week over concerns the telecom giant's equipment could be used by Beijing for espionage.

The move, which bans US companies from providing technology Huawei needs, came as the two sides have yet to resume trade negotiations after they exchanged steep increases in tariffs.

A commentary on state-run Xinhua news agency Friday said China now had a "deeper understanding" of US "capriciousness" and was ready to fight with its "Long March" spirit.

It echoes President Xi Jinping's tough stance when he called on cadres earlier this week to brace themselves for a "new Long March" -- recalling the legendary strategic retreat by Communist revolutionaries in the 1930s who regrouped and went on to triumph in 1949.

Xi warned local officials of "complicated and long-term effects" of external influences.

The world's top two economies will "go through a long period of irrational conflict," said Zhang Yansheng, chief researcher at the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, at a government organised briefing Wednesday.

"And then during this process, step by step... come to understand each other, resist each other, and (finally) cooperate with each other."

'Selfish and arrogant'

Trump has left the door open for reconciliation with plans to meet President Xi on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Japan next month.

But Chinese state media have ramped up the rhetoric.

A Xinhua commentary Thursday called the US government "selfish and arrogant".

"The US is defying international rules, abandoning cooperation agreements and harping on America first, American privilege and American exceptionalism," it said.

Since Trump raised tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese goods in mid-May, the Communist Party mouthpiece People's Daily has been running a daily column tag-lined "an alarm bell", rejecting Trump's arguments that China's rise was leading to American losses.

Korean War films stoking anti-US sentiments from the 1950s were broadcast for six consecutive days on state television from May 16, reminding audiences of a time when the Cold War came to China's doorstep as it fought on North's side against US-led UN forces defending the South.

Meanwhile, a song penned by a former Chinese government official vowing to beat the US "out of its wits" on the trade war went viral this week, before it was pulled down from popular social media platforms WeChat and Weibo for violating their content rules.

The song is set to the tune of a well-known wartime anti-Japanese propaganda film, "Tunnel War".&nbsp;

"The Chinese nation is facing a dangerous threat now, similar to the difficult times addressed in the film," lyricist Zhao Liangtian told AFP.

"I want to use this song to awaken the masses. We need to unite as one to develop and to fight."

'Fake' patriotism

Chinese netizens have rallied around Huawei after Trump's threat to kneecap the company, which is widely seen as a move to thwart Beijing's hi-tech ambitions.

An interview last week with the telecom giant's founder, Ren Zhengfei, was one of the top trending topics on China's Twitter-like microblogging platform Weibo.

Hundreds of commentators said they wouldn't abandon the company, while a few called for boycotting iPhones.

But several others said the idea of smashing iPhones was "mere fake patriotism," after Ren himself said his family uses Apple products.

"US attempts to damage Huawei is only a delay tactic, it won't lead to a deadlock," said Shi Yinhong, director of the American studies centre at Renmin University.

But China's tech sector would have to brace itself for a long, painful period as it had relied heavily on American technologies, he said.

"The American door is closing," he said, "but China still doesn't have a plan B."&nbsp;

China is digging in for a tough period of deteriorating ties with the United States, fanning the flames of patriotism with Korean War films, a viral song on the trade war, and editorials lambasting Washington.

China is digging in for a tough period of deteriorating ties with the United States, fanning the flames of patriotism with Korean War films, a viral song on the trade war, and editorials lambasting Washington. The trade spat has turned into a war of words since President Donald Trump blacklisted Huawei last week over concerns the telecom giant's equipment could be used by Beijing for espionage. The move, which bans US companies from providing technology Huawei needs, came as the two sides have yet to resume trade negotiations after they exchanged steep increases in tariffs. A commentary on state-run Xinhua news agency Friday said China now had a "deeper understanding" of US "capriciousness" and was ready to fight with its "Long March" spirit. It echoes President Xi Jinping's tough stance when he called on cadres earlier this week to brace themselves for a "new Long March" -- recalling the legendary strategic retreat by Communist revolutionaries in the 1930s who regrouped and went on to triumph in 1949. Xi warned local officials of "complicated and long-term effects" of external influences. The world's top two economies will "go through a long period of irrational conflict," said Zhang Yansheng, chief researcher at the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, at a government organised briefing Wednesday. "And then during this process, step by step... come to understand each other, resist each other, and (finally) cooperate with each other." 'Selfish and arrogant' Trump has left the door open for reconciliation with plans to meet President Xi on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Japan next month. But Chinese state media have ramped up the rhetoric. A Xinhua commentary Thursday called the US government "selfish and arrogant". "The US is defying international rules, abandoning cooperation agreements and harping on America first, American privilege and American exceptionalism," it said. Since Trump raised tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese goods in mid-May, the Communist Party mouthpiece People's Daily has been running a daily column tag-lined "an alarm bell", rejecting Trump's arguments that China's rise was leading to American losses. Korean War films stoking anti-US sentiments from the 1950s were broadcast for six consecutive days on state television from May 16, reminding audiences of a time when the Cold War came to China's doorstep as it fought on North's side against US-led UN forces defending the South. Meanwhile, a song penned by a former Chinese government official vowing to beat the US "out of its wits" on the trade war went viral this week, before it was pulled down from popular social media platforms WeChat and Weibo for violating their content rules. The song is set to the tune of a well-known wartime anti-Japanese propaganda film, "Tunnel War". "The Chinese nation is facing a dangerous threat now, similar to the difficult times addressed in the film," lyricist Zhao Liangtian told AFP. "I want to use this song to awaken the masses. We need to unite as one to develop and to fight." 'Fake' patriotism Chinese netizens have rallied around Huawei after Trump's threat to kneecap the company, which is widely seen as a move to thwart Beijing's hi-tech ambitions. An interview last week with the telecom giant's founder, Ren Zhengfei, was one of the top trending topics on China's Twitter-like microblogging platform Weibo. Hundreds of commentators said they wouldn't abandon the company, while a few called for boycotting iPhones. But several others said the idea of smashing iPhones was "mere fake patriotism," after Ren himself said his family uses Apple products. "US attempts to damage Huawei is only a delay tactic, it won't lead to a deadlock," said Shi Yinhong, director of the American studies centre at Renmin University. But China's tech sector would have to brace itself for a long, painful period as it had relied heavily on American technologies, he said. "The American door is closing," he said, "but China still doesn't have a plan B."

China digs in for protracted trade fight with US

Acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan will meet China's defence minister at an Asia defence forum in Singapore, a senior US defence official said on Friday, at a time of strained relations between Beijing and Washington over trade and security.

Tensions between China and the United States have intensified in the past year, over an ongoing trade war and over the disputed South China Sea and US support for self-ruled Taiwan, which China claims as its own.

"We're doing a pull aside (meeting) with the Chinese counterpart at Shangri-La," said the official, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe will deliver a speech on June 2 at the Shangri-La Dialogue, the first time since 2011 that a Chinese defence minister will be at the forum, having in recent years sent lower-level officials.

"We've got a relationship with China that contains elements of both competition and cooperation," the senior US&nbsp;defence official said.

Shanahan's predecessor Jim Mattis met Wei in Singapore last year.

Separately on Friday, the Pentagon said US and Chinese officials met in Washington earlier this week.

"The dialogue emphasized a constructive, results-oriented military relationship with a focus on maintaining open and clear communication, especially in times of crisis," a Pentagon statement said. The two sides discussed topics that included the South China Sea and North Korea.

Acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan will meet China's defence minister at an Asia defence forum in Singapore, a senior US defence official said on Friday, at a time of strained relations between Beijing and Washington over trade and security.

Acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan will meet China's defence minister at an Asia defence forum in Singapore, a senior US defence official said on Friday, at a time of strained relations between Beijing and Washington over trade and security. Tensions between China and the United States have intensified in the past year, over an ongoing trade war and over the disputed South China Sea and US support for self-ruled Taiwan, which China claims as its own. "We're doing a pull aside (meeting) with the Chinese counterpart at Shangri-La," said the official, speaking on the condition of anonymity. Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe will deliver a speech on June 2 at the Shangri-La Dialogue, the first time since 2011 that a Chinese defence minister will be at the forum, having in recent years sent lower-level officials. "We've got a relationship with China that contains elements of both competition and cooperation," the senior US defence official said. Shanahan's predecessor Jim Mattis met Wei in Singapore last year. Separately on Friday, the Pentagon said US and Chinese officials met in Washington earlier this week. "The dialogue emphasized a constructive, results-oriented military relationship with a focus on maintaining open and clear communication, especially in times of crisis," a Pentagon statement said. The two sides discussed topics that included the South China Sea and North Korea.

Shanahan to meet Chinese counterpart in Singapore: US official

China's president has called for technological self-reliance in the escalating rivalry with America, but experts believe Beijing's late start on tech and relatively backward capabilities could make that a mission impossible.

China has no doubt made an amazing transformation, from a former basket case wracked by mass famine and political upheaval to a highly connected society marked by the growing use of renewable energy, a space programme, and bullet trains crisscrossing the country.

But a closer look reveals that while China is adept at assembling foreign technologies into commercially successful products at home, its ability to innovate remains deeply hampered, tech experts said.

Take semiconductors, the building blocks of global digital architecture.

China's government has poured money into an effort to develop its own semiconductors and chip designs but has not been able to close the gap with the US, Japanese and South Korean rivals.

"One way to look at (China's situation) is that someone may be able to make beautiful designs out of Legos, but they don't know how to make the Legos themselves," said Gabriel Chou, Asia chair for World Semiconductor Trade Statistics, a grouping of semiconductor-product companies.

"(China) is aggressively attacking the end-market, such as mobile phones or other consumer products. But semiconductors require many very fundamental science skills" that China struggles with, Chou added.

The risks are now clear following last week's move by Washington to ban Chinese telecom and smartphone giant Huawei's access to critical American chips and other technology.

The ban has thrown the company's future into doubt, causing a number of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-executive-facing-extradition-to-appear-in-canada-court-217056">Huawei</a> partners around the world to bail on the company and emphatically illustrating US tech clout.

&nbsp;Long March&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/get-ready-for-difficult-times-chinas-xi-warns-during-trade-war-220625">President Xi Jinping</a> this week telegraphed his alarm, calling for self-reliance in "key core technologies" while saying China faced a "Long March" against foreign challengers -- a reference to a now-legendary 1934-35 strategic retreat by Communist revolutionaries.

But a state-directed approach is a bad idea, said Paul Triolo, head of geotechnology at the Eurasia Group.

Triolo said the world's top tech companies got where they are because open competition with rivals forced them to develop better products and attract the best human capital.

And being plugged into the world tech ecosystem encouraged them to constantly tailor products to evolving market needs to stay ahead of the pack -- or die.

"It's incredibly hard to wean yourself off foreign suppliers in such a highly market-driven sector where you must be on the cutting edge, and that edge is constantly changing and moving outward," Triolo said.

The very idea of national self-reliance flies in the face of reality, he adds.

Different countries have excelled in different areas and focused on their core competencies to survive, leading to a complex and interconnected global supply chain.

"The US has a lot of dominance, but there are other big players too. China simply can't be an island and recreate a whole globalised technology ecosystem at home," Triolo said.

"To reduce dependence they will have to take a different paradigm from the rest of world and that's tough. It's not something money is going to solve over the short-term."

Software glitch&nbsp;

Software is another glaring weak spot.&nbsp;

As in the rest of the world, there is no viable alternative in China to Microsoft and Apple on personal computing systems -- or to Google's Android or Apple's iOS on mobile phones.

US companies also dominate the Chinese landscape for enterprise software.

The United States suspects Huawei has ties to China's military and fears the company's installation of telecom networks worldwide could put sensitive data at risk. Huawei denies the charges.

But Chinese software shortcomings leave Huawei vulnerable even on these global networks -- the company relies heavily on US software to power them, Triolo said.

"A database has to be really robust and no company in China can do that database software," he said.

China could nonetheless be a formidable player in next-generation technologies like artificial intelligence, driverless cars and automated manufacturing.

Xi's government has singled out such futuristic technologies for state development -- a programme partly responsible for triggering US pushback on tech.

"We believe China is in a commanding position to become a far more influential player in disruptive technologies globally," said Kenny Liew, a tech analyst with Fitch Solutions.

He adds that the US-China tech rivalry "will contribute positively to the global technological landscape."

China's president has called for technological self-reliance in the escalating rivalry with America, but experts believe Beijing's late start on tech and relatively backward capabilities could make that a mission impossible.

China's president has called for technological self-reliance in the escalating rivalry with America, but experts believe Beijing's late start on tech and relatively backward capabilities could make that a mission impossible. China has no doubt made an amazing transformation, from a former basket case wracked by mass famine and political upheaval to a highly connected society marked by the growing use of renewable energy, a space programme, and bullet trains crisscrossing the country. But a closer look reveals that while China is adept at assembling foreign technologies into commercially successful products at home, its ability to innovate remains deeply hampered, tech experts said. Take semiconductors, the building blocks of global digital architecture. China's government has poured money into an effort to develop its own semiconductors and chip designs but has not been able to close the gap with the US, Japanese and South Korean rivals. "One way to look at (China's situation) is that someone may be able to make beautiful designs out of Legos, but they don't know how to make the Legos themselves," said Gabriel Chou, Asia chair for World Semiconductor Trade Statistics, a grouping of semiconductor-product companies. "(China) is aggressively attacking the end-market, such as mobile phones or other consumer products. But semiconductors require many very fundamental science skills" that China struggles with, Chou added. The risks are now clear following last week's move by Washington to ban Chinese telecom and smartphone giant Huawei's access to critical American chips and other technology. The ban has thrown the company's future into doubt, causing a number of Huawei partners around the world to bail on the company and emphatically illustrating US tech clout. Long March President Xi Jinping this week telegraphed his alarm, calling for self-reliance in "key core technologies" while saying China faced a "Long March" against foreign challengers -- a reference to a now-legendary 1934-35 strategic retreat by Communist revolutionaries. But a state-directed approach is a bad idea, said Paul Triolo, head of geotechnology at the Eurasia Group. Triolo said the world's top tech companies got where they are because open competition with rivals forced them to develop better products and attract the best human capital. And being plugged into the world tech ecosystem encouraged them to constantly tailor products to evolving market needs to stay ahead of the pack -- or die. "It's incredibly hard to wean yourself off foreign suppliers in such a highly market-driven sector where you must be on the cutting edge, and that edge is constantly changing and moving outward," Triolo said. The very idea of national self-reliance flies in the face of reality, he adds. Different countries have excelled in different areas and focused on their core competencies to survive, leading to a complex and interconnected global supply chain. "The US has a lot of dominance, but there are other big players too. China simply can't be an island and recreate a whole globalised technology ecosystem at home," Triolo said. "To reduce dependence they will have to take a different paradigm from the rest of world and that's tough. It's not something money is going to solve over the short-term." Software glitch Software is another glaring weak spot. As in the rest of the world, there is no viable alternative in China to Microsoft and Apple on personal computing systems -- or to Google's Android or Apple's iOS on mobile phones. US companies also dominate the Chinese landscape for enterprise software. The United States suspects Huawei has ties to China's military and fears the company's installation of telecom networks worldwide could put sensitive data at risk. Huawei denies the charges. But Chinese software shortcomings leave Huawei vulnerable even on these global networks -- the company relies heavily on US software to power them, Triolo said. "A database has to be really robust and no company in China can do that database software," he said. China could nonetheless be a formidable player in next-generation technologies like artificial intelligence, driverless cars and automated manufacturing. Xi's government has singled out such futuristic technologies for state development -- a programme partly responsible for triggering US pushback on tech. "We believe China is in a commanding position to become a far more influential player in disruptive technologies globally," said Kenny Liew, a tech analyst with Fitch Solutions. He adds that the US-China tech rivalry "will contribute positively to the global technological landscape."

China's tech 'Long March' could be road to nowhere

Pacific Island countries that have diplomatic ties with Taiwan should maintain them in the face of "heavy-handed" attempts by China to reduce Taiwan`s overseas contacts, a top US&nbsp;official said on Friday.

US Acting Assistant Secretary for Southeast Asia W. Patrick Murphy also said the United States was keen to help Pacific countries protect their sovereignty, in a region where the United States and is allies are competing for influence with China.

"Our encouragement on countries that have relations with Taiwan is to maintain the status quo," Murphy told reporters in Canberra, on a three-day visit to Australia.

China claims self-ruled and democratic Taiwan as sacred Chinese territory and merely a province with no right to state-to-state ties.&nbsp;

Taiwan is one of a growing number of flashpoints in the US-China relationship, which include a trade war, US sanctions and China`s increasingly muscular military posture in the South China Sea.

"China is changing (the) status quo, and the Pacific is a good example where China is attempting to reduce Taiwan’s diplomatic relations in the region," Murphy said.&nbsp; "And that`s kind of heavy-handed."&nbsp;

"Countries should be able to make their own independent choices of their partners in diplomatic relations, and do so on the basis of domestic ingredients, not foreign influence."

China has offered to help developing countries including in the Pacific, and many see Chinese lending as the best bet to develop their economies. But critics say Chinese loans can lead countries into a "debt trap".

Murphy said the United States was very keen to help countries "protect their sovereignty and their independence, to have viable alternatives and options to meet their development needs, their infrastructure needs, and their nation-building needs".

Taiwan has formal ties with just 17 countries, almost all small, less developed nations in Central America and the Pacific, like Belize and Nauru.&nbsp;

Five countries have switched over to China since Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen took office in 2016. Others such as the Solomon Islands, where two-thirds of exports go to China, are weighing the merits of diplomatic relations with Taiwan.&nbsp;

Although Pacific Island states offer little economically to either China and Taiwan, their support is valued in global forums such as the United Nations and as China seeks to isolate Taiwan.

"Taiwan is a core issue for China, and it will not be backing down on that. The comments do little to provide a way forward for the US-China relationship to be repaired," said James Laurenceson, director of&nbsp;Australia-China Relations Institute at the University of Technology, Sydney.

This year,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/get-ready-for-difficult-times-chinas-xi-warns-during-trade-war-220625"> President Xi Jinping</a> renewed China`s longstanding threat to use force if necessary to bring Taiwan under its control.

Pacific Island countries that have diplomatic ties with Taiwan should maintain them in the face of "heavy-handed" attempts by China to reduce Taiwan`s overseas contacts, a top US official said on Friday.

Pacific Island countries that have diplomatic ties with Taiwan should maintain them in the face of "heavy-handed" attempts by China to reduce Taiwan`s overseas contacts, a top US official said on Friday. US Acting Assistant Secretary for Southeast Asia W. Patrick Murphy also said the United States was keen to help Pacific countries protect their sovereignty, in a region where the United States and is allies are competing for influence with China. "Our encouragement on countries that have relations with Taiwan is to maintain the status quo," Murphy told reporters in Canberra, on a three-day visit to Australia. China claims self-ruled and democratic Taiwan as sacred Chinese territory and merely a province with no right to state-to-state ties. Taiwan is one of a growing number of flashpoints in the US-China relationship, which include a trade war, US sanctions and China`s increasingly muscular military posture in the South China Sea. "China is changing (the) status quo, and the Pacific is a good example where China is attempting to reduce Taiwan’s diplomatic relations in the region," Murphy said. "And that`s kind of heavy-handed." "Countries should be able to make their own independent choices of their partners in diplomatic relations, and do so on the basis of domestic ingredients, not foreign influence." China has offered to help developing countries including in the Pacific, and many see Chinese lending as the best bet to develop their economies. But critics say Chinese loans can lead countries into a "debt trap". Murphy said the United States was very keen to help countries "protect their sovereignty and their independence, to have viable alternatives and options to meet their development needs, their infrastructure needs, and their nation-building needs". Taiwan has formal ties with just 17 countries, almost all small, less developed nations in Central America and the Pacific, like Belize and Nauru. Five countries have switched over to China since Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen took office in 2016. Others such as the Solomon Islands, where two-thirds of exports go to China, are weighing the merits of diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Although Pacific Island states offer little economically to either China and Taiwan, their support is valued in global forums such as the United Nations and as China seeks to isolate Taiwan. "Taiwan is a core issue for China, and it will not be backing down on that. The comments do little to provide a way forward for the US-China relationship to be repaired," said James Laurenceson, director of Australia-China Relations Institute at the University of Technology, Sydney. This year, President Xi Jinping renewed China`s longstanding threat to use force if necessary to bring Taiwan under its control.

US official urges Pacific Island nations to keep ties with Taiwan

After taking over as the prime minister in his second term, Narendra Modi's first visit will be a country in the neighbourhood but it will not be in Bhutan. The visit will take place in early June.

During Modi's first tenure as the prime minister, his first visit was to Bhutan in June 2014.&nbsp;

PM Modi will have seven foreign visits scheduled in the next seven months, Kyrgyzstan, Japan, France, Russia, Thailand, Brazil and a country in the neighbourhood.&nbsp;

The visits will see him interact with global leaders and see a consolidation of his foreign policy actions and gains from his first term.

June: Kyrgyzstan, Japan

Other than a visit to a South Asian country, June will see two more major visits. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or SCO summit from June 13 to 15 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan which will begin from June 28 to 29.

The SCO includes Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan as well as India and Pakistan. The SCO summit will be the first time PM Modi and his Pakistani counterpart &nbsp;Imran Khan will be under the same roof and the big question will be if they will meet.&nbsp;

There hasn't been any formal dialogue between India and Pakistan since years now. The last time India took initiative was on December 25 in 2015 when PM Modi landed in Lahore. But, days after India's initiative, Pathankot attack happened which resulted in the breakdown of Indo-Pak ties.&nbsp;

The SCO summit could also see the first meet between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping since the listing of Masood Azhar, chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed, a terrorist organisation.

In 2018, Modi-Xi met four times, starting with the famous informal summit in Wuhan, China. The Chinese president will be visiting India this year for the second informal summit.&nbsp;

G20 summit in Japan will also serve as the first major platform for PM Modi to meet global leaders including a likely meet with US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

In 2018, during the G20 meet in Argentina, PM Modi met Donald Trump as part of a trilateral, Japan, America and India (JAI), in which Japanese PM Shinzo Abe was also present.&nbsp;

Another trilateral, Russia, India, China (RIC) saw the participation of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping along with PM Modi.&nbsp;

Both the trilaterals&nbsp;are expected to meet this time as well.

August: France

This will be followed by participation of Indian PM at the G7 summit in Biarritz, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France from August 25 to 27.&nbsp;

India has been invited by France, which is the chair this time, to participate at the G7 summit. During his congratulatory call to PM Modi on Thursday, French President Macron reiterated his invitation to visit France in August for a bilateral meeting and also to attend the G7 Summit at Biarritz.

In 2005, India was present at the G7 summit with participation of the then Indian PM Manmohan Singh. &nbsp;The G7 group consists of US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Japan &amp; Italy.

September: Russia

In September, PM Modi is going to Russia to participate in the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in the far eastern city of Vladivostok from September 4 to 6.&nbsp;

PM Modi has spoken to Putin three times in 2019, the first time on January 1 and the second time on January 28 during which the latter extended the invitation for the EEF. On Thursday Putin called Modi third time to congratulate him for his landslide victory in country's 17 Lok Sabha polls. 
&nbsp; 
On January 1, a Russian government official readout the first phone conversation between Putin and Modi in which it was stated, "The President of Russia invited the Prime Minister of India to take part in the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in September 2019 as the main guest."

During PM Modi's second term he might also go for the United Nations General Assembly in New York that starts on September 17 and ends on September 30.&nbsp;

November: Thailand, Brazil

November will see PM Modi going to Bangkok for the East Asia Summit which takes place on third of that month followed by BRICS summit in Brazil from 11-13 November.

Four leaders, Japan's PM Shinzo Abe, Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel, Putin and &nbsp;Xi Jinping are scheduled to visit India.

After taking over as the prime minister in his second term, Narendra Modi's first visit will be a country in the neighbourhood but it will not be in Bhutan. The visit will take place in early June.

After taking over as the prime minister in his second term, Narendra Modi's first visit will be a country in the neighbourhood but it will not be in Bhutan. The visit will take place in early June. During Modi's first tenure as the prime minister, his first visit was to Bhutan in June 2014. PM Modi will have seven foreign visits scheduled in the next seven months, Kyrgyzstan, Japan, France, Russia, Thailand, Brazil and a country in the neighbourhood. The visits will see him interact with global leaders and see a consolidation of his foreign policy actions and gains from his first term. June: Kyrgyzstan, Japan Other than a visit to a South Asian country, June will see two more major visits. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or SCO summit from June 13 to 15 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan which will begin from June 28 to 29. The SCO includes Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan as well as India and Pakistan. The SCO summit will be the first time PM Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan will be under the same roof and the big question will be if they will meet. There hasn't been any formal dialogue between India and Pakistan since years now. The last time India took initiative was on December 25 in 2015 when PM Modi landed in Lahore. But, days after India's initiative, Pathankot attack happened which resulted in the breakdown of Indo-Pak ties. The SCO summit could also see the first meet between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping since the listing of Masood Azhar, chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed, a terrorist organisation. In 2018, Modi-Xi met four times, starting with the famous informal summit in Wuhan, China. The Chinese president will be visiting India this year for the second informal summit. G20 summit in Japan will also serve as the first major platform for PM Modi to meet global leaders including a likely meet with US President Donald Trump. In 2018, during the G20 meet in Argentina, PM Modi met Donald Trump as part of a trilateral, Japan, America and India (JAI), in which Japanese PM Shinzo Abe was also present. Another trilateral, Russia, India, China (RIC) saw the participation of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping along with PM Modi. Both the trilaterals are expected to meet this time as well. August: France This will be followed by participation of Indian PM at the G7 summit in Biarritz, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France from August 25 to 27. India has been invited by France, which is the chair this time, to participate at the G7 summit. During his congratulatory call to PM Modi on Thursday, French President Macron reiterated his invitation to visit France in August for a bilateral meeting and also to attend the G7 Summit at Biarritz. In 2005, India was present at the G7 summit with participation of the then Indian PM Manmohan Singh. The G7 group consists of US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Japan & Italy. September: Russia In September, PM Modi is going to Russia to participate in the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in the far eastern city of Vladivostok from September 4 to 6. PM Modi has spoken to Putin three times in 2019, the first time on January 1 and the second time on January 28 during which the latter extended the invitation for the EEF. On Thursday Putin called Modi third time to congratulate him for his landslide victory in country's 17 Lok Sabha polls. On January 1, a Russian government official readout the first phone conversation between Putin and Modi in which it was stated, "The President of Russia invited the Prime Minister of India to take part in the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in September 2019 as the main guest." During PM Modi's second term he might also go for the United Nations General Assembly in New York that starts on September 17 and ends on September 30. November: Thailand, Brazil November will see PM Modi going to Bangkok for the East Asia Summit which takes place on third of that month followed by BRICS summit in Brazil from 11-13 November. Four leaders, Japan's PM Shinzo Abe, Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel, Putin and Xi Jinping are scheduled to visit India.

Narendra Modi to visit a South Asian country in his first foreign tour in second term

With the general elections over and the new government all set to take the charge, a lot of incoming foreign visits are expected in months to come. Four important visits are already confirmed which include a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping both will be coming to India for the 2nd informal summit. In May last year, PM Modi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin for an informal summit in the resort town of Sochi in Russia.

In April 2018, PM Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping for the informal summit in Wuhan which came in the backdrop of Doklam crisis of 2017 which saw a standoff between the Indian and the Chinese armies in the Bhutanese territory claimed by Beijing.

Another important visit will be that of the German Chancellor who will be visiting India for the 5th Intergovernmental Consultation. Confirming the visit, the new German envoy, Walter J Lindner told WION, "Chancellor will come again to India, at the end of the year. We have not yet fixed the date, but it will be October and November."

Chancellor Merkel visited India in October 2015. PM Modi visited Germany four times during his first term.&nbsp;

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit is yet to be confirmed, New Delhi was ready to host the Isreali leader even before the dates of general elections were announced. The visit could not take place due to scheduling issues.

Asked when the visit will happen, Isreali envoy to India Ron Malka told WION, "hopefully in the near future, we will see, some kind of a visit, I am not sure when it will be, it is a matter of schedule. The PM wanted to come and will come."

Benjamin Netanyahu paid a visit to India in 2018 while Prime Minister Modi became the first Indian PM to visit Israel in July 2017.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will also be visiting India this year for the 14th India-Japan Annual Summit that alternates its location between India and Japan. Last year PM Modi visited Japan for the 13th Annual Summit during which Japan announced it will be joining New Delhi-led International Solar Alliance and signed a Currency Swap Agreement.&nbsp;

The annual summit has become an occasion for both sides to show special gestures as part of growing ties between the two countries. In a special gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was hosted by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for a private dinner at his ancestral home in Yamanashi in 2018. It was the first time when such a reception was extended to a foreign leader. In 2017, PM Abe visited PM Modi's home state Gujarat where he was given a special welcome.

With the general elections over and the new government all set to take the charge, a lot of incoming foreign visits are expected in months to come. Four important visits are already confirmed which include a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

With the general elections over and the new government all set to take the charge, a lot of incoming foreign visits are expected in months to come. Four important visits are already confirmed which include a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping both will be coming to India for the 2nd informal summit. In May last year, PM Modi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin for an informal summit in the resort town of Sochi in Russia. In April 2018, PM Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping for the informal summit in Wuhan which came in the backdrop of Doklam crisis of 2017 which saw a standoff between the Indian and the Chinese armies in the Bhutanese territory claimed by Beijing. Another important visit will be that of the German Chancellor who will be visiting India for the 5th Intergovernmental Consultation. Confirming the visit, the new German envoy, Walter J Lindner told WION, "Chancellor will come again to India, at the end of the year. We have not yet fixed the date, but it will be October and November." Chancellor Merkel visited India in October 2015. PM Modi visited Germany four times during his first term. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit is yet to be confirmed, New Delhi was ready to host the Isreali leader even before the dates of general elections were announced. The visit could not take place due to scheduling issues. Asked when the visit will happen, Isreali envoy to India Ron Malka told WION, "hopefully in the near future, we will see, some kind of a visit, I am not sure when it will be, it is a matter of schedule. The PM wanted to come and will come." Benjamin Netanyahu paid a visit to India in 2018 while Prime Minister Modi became the first Indian PM to visit Israel in July 2017. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will also be visiting India this year for the 14th India-Japan Annual Summit that alternates its location between India and Japan. Last year PM Modi visited Japan for the 13th Annual Summit during which Japan announced it will be joining New Delhi-led International Solar Alliance and signed a Currency Swap Agreement. The annual summit has become an occasion for both sides to show special gestures as part of growing ties between the two countries. In a special gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was hosted by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for a private dinner at his ancestral home in Yamanashi in 2018. It was the first time when such a reception was extended to a foreign leader. In 2017, PM Abe visited PM Modi's home state Gujarat where he was given a special welcome.

Putin, Xi Jinping, Merkel, Shinzo Abe and Netanyahu to visit India this year

China must prepare for difficult times as the international situation is increasingly complex, President Xi Jinping said in comments carried by state media on Wednesday, as the country faces increased tariffs in a bitter trade war with Washington.

The two countries are locked in tit-for-tat tariff increases on each other's imports, after talks broke down to resolve their dispute.

Acrimony has intensified since Washington last week blacklisted Chinese telecom equipment company Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, a potentially devastating blow for the company that has rattled technology supply chains and investors.

During a three-day trip this week to the southern province of Jiangxi, one of the cradles of China's Communist revolution, Xi urged people to learn the lessons of hardship of the past.

"Today, on the new Long March, we must overcome various major risks and challenges from home and abroad and win new victories for socialism with Chinese characteristics," state news agency Xinhua paraphrased Xi as saying.

"Our country is still in a period of important strategic opportunities for development, but the international situation is increasingly complicated," he added.

"We must be conscious of the long-term and complex nature of various unfavourable factors at home and abroad, and appropriately prepare for various difficult situations."

The report did not elaborate on those difficulties, and nor was there a direct mention of the trade war or of the United States.

Xi also talked about the importance of technology, and "emphasised that technology innovation is the lifeblood of companies".

"Only by having indigenous intellectual property and core technology can products possessing core competitiveness be produced, and only then can an invincible position be attained amid fierce competition."

China must master more core technologies and seize the "high ground" in industrial development, he added.

Xi visited a rare earths firm too, sparking speculation the sector could be the next front in the Sino-US trade war.

Xi learned in detail about China's rare earth resource situation, exploitation techniques, applications, and environmental protection measures, Xinhua said.

"Rare earths are important strategic resources, and are non-renewable resources."

China must prepare for difficult times as the international situation is increasingly complex, President Xi Jinping said in comments carried by state media on Wednesday, as the country faces increased tariffs in a bitter trade war with Washington.

China must prepare for difficult times as the international situation is increasingly complex, President Xi Jinping said in comments carried by state media on Wednesday, as the country faces increased tariffs in a bitter trade war with Washington. The two countries are locked in tit-for-tat tariff increases on each other's imports, after talks broke down to resolve their dispute. Acrimony has intensified since Washington last week blacklisted Chinese telecom equipment company Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, a potentially devastating blow for the company that has rattled technology supply chains and investors. During a three-day trip this week to the southern province of Jiangxi, one of the cradles of China's Communist revolution, Xi urged people to learn the lessons of hardship of the past. "Today, on the new Long March, we must overcome various major risks and challenges from home and abroad and win new victories for socialism with Chinese characteristics," state news agency Xinhua paraphrased Xi as saying. "Our country is still in a period of important strategic opportunities for development, but the international situation is increasingly complicated," he added. "We must be conscious of the long-term and complex nature of various unfavourable factors at home and abroad, and appropriately prepare for various difficult situations." The report did not elaborate on those difficulties, and nor was there a direct mention of the trade war or of the United States. Xi also talked about the importance of technology, and "emphasised that technology innovation is the lifeblood of companies". "Only by having indigenous intellectual property and core technology can products possessing core competitiveness be produced, and only then can an invincible position be attained amid fierce competition." China must master more core technologies and seize the "high ground" in industrial development, he added. Xi visited a rare earths firm too, sparking speculation the sector could be the next front in the Sino-US trade war. Xi learned in detail about China's rare earth resource situation, exploitation techniques, applications, and environmental protection measures, Xinhua said. "Rare earths are important strategic resources, and are non-renewable resources."

Get ready for difficult times, China's Xi warns during trade war

China held the second conference on the Belt Road Initiative (BRI) in Beijing on April 25-26, 2019, wherein 40 heads of states, delegates from 150 countries and 90 international organisations from different parts of the world participated.

These included the likes of Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Ueli Maurer of Switzerland, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad, UN General Secretary Antonio Guterres, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, Nepali President Bindiya Bhandari and state Counselor Aung San Su-Kyi of Myanmar.

With the presence of about 5,000 delegates, the second Belt Road Forum provided an opportunity for China to take stock of the BRI and plan the next course of action for the success of this global project.

Ever since the One Belt One Road (OBOR) Initiative (now known as the BRI) was launched in 2013, it has become the most ambitious project of the Chinese government to reshape the regional and global order.&nbsp;

While the BRI is generally viewed in terms of a plan to build infrastructure projects, its other elements include strengthening regional political cooperation, unimpeded trade, financial integration and people-to-people exchanges.&nbsp;

The BRI, covering 76 countries from Asia, Africa, and Europe, accounts for half the world’s population and a quarter of global GDP.&nbsp;

In fact, the Xi Jinping government has focussed on mobilising the country’s political, diplomatic, intellectual, economic, and financial resources to establish China as the unquestionable regional and global power.&nbsp;

While the BRI is expected to cost more than $11 trillion, President Xi Jinping has said that the total trade volume between China and Belt and Road participating countries exceeded $6 trillion from 2013 to 2018, while China has so far chalked up $80 billion in direct foreign investment in these countries. Xi also announced that projects worth $64 billion and 283 deliverables were signed at the forum.&nbsp;

But, it is equally true that apprehensions about the BRI as trap diplomacy by China have also increased, symbolised by cases of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the Hambantota Port and others.&nbsp;

In fact, Malaysia had put on hold the Chinese rail project until the original cost was cut by 30 per cent. &nbsp;

Realising this negative image, President Xi focussed on engaging with other countries, saying that the “Belt and Road Initiative is not only for China, but open to other nations’ participation.”&nbsp;

India, a major emerging economic and military power in Asia, has refused to join BRI on the ground that the CPEC violates its sovereignty because it passes through the part of the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir that belongs to India.&nbsp;

Unlike in the past, this time, the US also did not send its representative for this summit. In fact, New Delhi and Washington have a shared understanding of the possible strategic and security threats emerging from the BRI.&nbsp;

New Delhi and Washington have taken several measures to effectively challenge Xi Jinping’s pet project. In doing so, while India has focused on enhancing its engagement with Southeast Asian countries under the Act East Policy, it also sees a point in Trump’s Indo-Pacific strategy to maintain and promote peace and security in the region.&nbsp;

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo has announced that “Indo-Pacific Economic Vision” will increase the financial support that the US government provides to countries in the region through a proposed agency, the US International Development Finance Corporation (USIDFC).&nbsp;

The rival Quadrilateral Security Dialogue between the US, Japan, Australia and India last year is also attributed to the intention of these countries to check China’s rise.&nbsp;

At the same time, India is focused on working with Japan in developing an Asia-Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC), which will help create a “free and open Indo-Pacific region” by rediscovering ancient sea-routes and creating new sea corridors that will link the African continent with India and countries in South-Asia and South-East Asia.&nbsp;

It has to be seen whether the BRI 2.0 really promotes multilateralism in Asia and beyond or it further amplifies the concerns about China’s perceived efforts to dominate the regional global power structure.&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-india-keeps-off-bri-has-us-and-japan-in-the-loop-2751354">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

China held the second conference on the Belt Road Initiative (BRI) in Beijing on April 25-26, 2019, wherein 40 heads of states, delegates from 150 countries and 90 international organisations from different parts of the world participated.

China held the second conference on the Belt Road Initiative (BRI) in Beijing on April 25-26, 2019, wherein 40 heads of states, delegates from 150 countries and 90 international organisations from different parts of the world participated. These included the likes of Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Ueli Maurer of Switzerland, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad, UN General Secretary Antonio Guterres, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, Nepali President Bindiya Bhandari and state Counselor Aung San Su-Kyi of Myanmar. With the presence of about 5,000 delegates, the second Belt Road Forum provided an opportunity for China to take stock of the BRI and plan the next course of action for the success of this global project. Ever since the One Belt One Road (OBOR) Initiative (now known as the BRI) was launched in 2013, it has become the most ambitious project of the Chinese government to reshape the regional and global order. While the BRI is generally viewed in terms of a plan to build infrastructure projects, its other elements include strengthening regional political cooperation, unimpeded trade, financial integration and people-to-people exchanges. The BRI, covering 76 countries from Asia, Africa, and Europe, accounts for half the world’s population and a quarter of global GDP. In fact, the Xi Jinping government has focussed on mobilising the country’s political, diplomatic, intellectual, economic, and financial resources to establish China as the unquestionable regional and global power. While the BRI is expected to cost more than $11 trillion, President Xi Jinping has said that the total trade volume between China and Belt and Road participating countries exceeded $6 trillion from 2013 to 2018, while China has so far chalked up $80 billion in direct foreign investment in these countries. Xi also announced that projects worth $64 billion and 283 deliverables were signed at the forum. But, it is equally true that apprehensions about the BRI as trap diplomacy by China have also increased, symbolised by cases of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the Hambantota Port and others. In fact, Malaysia had put on hold the Chinese rail project until the original cost was cut by 30 per cent. Realising this negative image, President Xi focussed on engaging with other countries, saying that the “Belt and Road Initiative is not only for China, but open to other nations’ participation.” India, a major emerging economic and military power in Asia, has refused to join BRI on the ground that the CPEC violates its sovereignty because it passes through the part of the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir that belongs to India. Unlike in the past, this time, the US also did not send its representative for this summit. In fact, New Delhi and Washington have a shared understanding of the possible strategic and security threats emerging from the BRI. New Delhi and Washington have taken several measures to effectively challenge Xi Jinping’s pet project. In doing so, while India has focused on enhancing its engagement with Southeast Asian countries under the Act East Policy, it also sees a point in Trump’s Indo-Pacific strategy to maintain and promote peace and security in the region. US secretary of state Mike Pompeo has announced that “Indo-Pacific Economic Vision” will increase the financial support that the US government provides to countries in the region through a proposed agency, the US International Development Finance Corporation (USIDFC). The rival Quadrilateral Security Dialogue between the US, Japan, Australia and India last year is also attributed to the intention of these countries to check China’s rise. At the same time, India is focused on working with Japan in developing an Asia-Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC), which will help create a “free and open Indo-Pacific region” by rediscovering ancient sea-routes and creating new sea corridors that will link the African continent with India and countries in South-Asia and South-East Asia. It has to be seen whether the BRI 2.0 really promotes multilateralism in Asia and beyond or it further amplifies the concerns about China’s perceived efforts to dominate the regional global power structure. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

India keeps off BRI, has US and Japan in the loop

Huawei said on Monday it would continue to provide security updates and services for its smartphones and tablets after being <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-suspends-some-business-with-huawei-after-trump-blacklist-source-220001">barred from Google updates</a> to its Android operating system.

But it did not say what would happen with phones it would sell in the future, which are unlikely to have access to Google's popular services including Gmail, YouTube and Chrome unless a special licence is obtained.

"Huawei will continue to provide security updates and after-sales services to all existing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-will-not-bow-to-us-pressure-founder-and-ceo-ren-zhengfei-219916">Huawei</a> and Honor smartphone and tablet products, covering those that have been sold and that are still in stock globally," a Huawei spokesman said by email.

"We will continue to build a safe and sustainable software ecosystem, in order to provide the best experience for all users globally," said Huawei, which is the world's second-biggest smartphone maker after Samsung and aspires to the top position.

Huawei's devices in its home market do not have Google apps, but the move will hugely damage the brand's appeal to consumers outside China.

Watch: Google suspends business with Huawei; big blow to Chinese tech firm

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Almost half of the 208 million phones <a href="huawei">Huawei shipped in 2018 went to outside mainland China</a>, and Europe is the most important overseas market where its devices currently have 29% market share, according to technology research firm IDC.

Google said it would enact restrictions on Android updates to Huawei after US President Donald Trump on Thursday added the Chinese company to a trade blacklist, making it extremely difficult for it to do business with US counterparts.

"We are complying with the order and reviewing the implications," a Google spokesman said.

A source told Reuters,&nbsp;"Huawei will only be able to use the public version of Android and will not be able to get access to proprietary apps and services from Google."

Google, owned by Alphabet Inc, said its Google Play app store and the security protections from Google Play Protect would continue to function on existing Huawei devices.

Huawei said on Monday it would continue to provide security updates and services for its smartphones and tablets after being barred from Google updates to its Android operating system.

Huawei said on Monday it would continue to provide security updates and services for its smartphones and tablets after being barred from Google updates to its Android operating system. But it did not say what would happen with phones it would sell in the future, which are unlikely to have access to Google's popular services including Gmail, YouTube and Chrome unless a special licence is obtained. "Huawei will continue to provide security updates and after-sales services to all existing Huawei and Honor smartphone and tablet products, covering those that have been sold and that are still in stock globally," a Huawei spokesman said by email. "We will continue to build a safe and sustainable software ecosystem, in order to provide the best experience for all users globally," said Huawei, which is the world's second-biggest smartphone maker after Samsung and aspires to the top position. Huawei's devices in its home market do not have Google apps, but the move will hugely damage the brand's appeal to consumers outside China. Watch: Google suspends business with Huawei; big blow to Chinese tech firm × Almost half of the 208 million phones Huawei shipped in 2018 went to outside mainland China, and Europe is the most important overseas market where its devices currently have 29% market share, according to technology research firm IDC. Google said it would enact restrictions on Android updates to Huawei after US President Donald Trump on Thursday added the Chinese company to a trade blacklist, making it extremely difficult for it to do business with US counterparts. "We are complying with the order and reviewing the implications," a Google spokesman said. A source told Reuters, "Huawei will only be able to use the public version of Android and will not be able to get access to proprietary apps and services from Google." Google, owned by Alphabet Inc, said its Google Play app store and the security protections from Google Play Protect would continue to function on existing Huawei devices.

Huawei responds to Android ban; guarantees security support for smartphones

The same week <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/victory-awaits-in-china-trade-war-trump-tells-farmers-218859">US&nbsp;President Donald Trump</a> announced sweeping increases on tariffs against Chinese goods, Chinese buyers dropped orders for 3,247 metric tonnes of US pork - the biggest cancellation in more than a year, according to US Department of Agriculture data released on Thursday.

The cancellation came during the week ended May 9, a blow to the $6.5 billion export market for American pork, vital to the burgeoning US meat industry. 
Prior to the trade war, China and Hong Kong combined were the second largest export market for US pork.

For months, the US&nbsp;farm sector - which has been among the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-consumers-businesses-to-pay-for-tariffs-on-chinese-goods-expert-219096"> hardest hit by the trade war</a> between the world`s two largest economies - has been banking on China increasing its US&nbsp;pork purchases due to African swine fever (ASF).

But the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/top-facts-how-us-china-talks-differ-from-any-other-trade-deal-217563">trade war</a>, and China`s tariffs against US pork, is showing signs of slowing China`s willingness to load up on the meat, say industry analysts.

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Earlier this year, China cancelled sales of 53 metric tonnes in the week ended February&nbsp;28, sales of 999 metric tonnes in the week ended March 21, and 214 metric tonnes in the week ended April 18, according to USDA data.

Market analysts said the cancellation news on Thursday weighed on the lean hog futures market.

"It`s just disappointing that this trade war could drag on for months and that means more tariffs on pork," said Dennis Smith, commodity broker with Archer Financial Services. "This should not be happening. We should be selling a lot of pork to China, because of ASF."

African swine fever kills almost all pigs infected, though it is not harmful to people. The disease has spread rapidly across China, the world`s top pork producer. In neighbouring Vietnam, the government said it will mobilize its military and police forces to combat an outbreak.

USDA said on Thursday that it will soon begin testing sick and dead pigs for the hog virus that has killed herds across Asia in an effort to minimize devastation if the disease enters the United States.&nbsp;

The same week US President Donald Trump announced sweeping increases on tariffs against Chinese goods, Chinese buyers dropped orders for 3,247 metric tonnes of US pork - the biggest cancellation in more than a year, according to US Department of Agriculture data released on Thursday.

The same week US President Donald Trump announced sweeping increases on tariffs against Chinese goods, Chinese buyers dropped orders for 3,247 metric tonnes of US pork - the biggest cancellation in more than a year, according to US Department of Agriculture data released on Thursday. The cancellation came during the week ended May 9, a blow to the $6.5 billion export market for American pork, vital to the burgeoning US meat industry. Prior to the trade war, China and Hong Kong combined were the second largest export market for US pork. For months, the US farm sector - which has been among the hardest hit by the trade war between the world`s two largest economies - has been banking on China increasing its US pork purchases due to African swine fever (ASF). But the trade war, and China`s tariffs against US pork, is showing signs of slowing China`s willingness to load up on the meat, say industry analysts. × Earlier this year, China cancelled sales of 53 metric tonnes in the week ended February 28, sales of 999 metric tonnes in the week ended March 21, and 214 metric tonnes in the week ended April 18, according to USDA data. Market analysts said the cancellation news on Thursday weighed on the lean hog futures market. "It`s just disappointing that this trade war could drag on for months and that means more tariffs on pork," said Dennis Smith, commodity broker with Archer Financial Services. "This should not be happening. We should be selling a lot of pork to China, because of ASF." African swine fever kills almost all pigs infected, though it is not harmful to people. The disease has spread rapidly across China, the world`s top pork producer. In neighbouring Vietnam, the government said it will mobilize its military and police forces to combat an outbreak. USDA said on Thursday that it will soon begin testing sick and dead pigs for the hog virus that has killed herds across Asia in an effort to minimize devastation if the disease enters the United States.

China cancels US pork import order as US-China trade war drags on

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/there-is-no-clash-between-different-civilisations-says-president-xi-amid-us-china-trade-war-218993">There is no clash between different civilisations, says President Xi amid US-China trade war</a>

Chinese President Xi Jinping declared Wednesday there was "no clash" of civilisations and denounced racial supremacy as "stupid" amid tensions with the United States and concerns over Beijing's rising global power.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-gives-wing-commander-abhinandan-falcon-slayer-patch-for-striking-down-pak-f-16-218982">IAF gives Wing Commander Abhinandan 'falcon slayer' patch for striking down Pak F-16</a>

The Indian Air Force(IAF) has given the "Falcon slayer" patch to Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman after he reportedly shot down a Pakistani F-16 during an air duel on February 27th with the Pakistan Air Force(PAF) post the Balakot strikes a day earlier.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/would-be-abuse-of-french-legal-system-if-ex-interpol-chiefs-wife-wanted-political-asylum-in-france-china-218936">Would be abuse of French legal system if ex-Interpol chief's wife wanted political asylum in France: China</a>

China on Wednesday said France granting asylum to the wife of former Interpol chief Meng Hongwei - who has been charged in China with accepting bribes - would be an abuse of its own legal procedures.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-moon-mission-chandrayaan-2-will-have-13-payloads-isro-218948">Chandrayaan-2 will have 13 payloads, one passive experiment from NASA: ISRO</a>

India's second Moon mission that is planned for a July launch will have 13 payloads and one passive experiment from American space agency NASA, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-to-curb-live-streaming-amid-pressure-over-christchurch-call-218959">Facebook to curb live streaming amid pressure over 'Christchurch Call'</a>

Facebook announced Wednesday it would tighten access to its live streaming feature as New Zealand's premier Jacinda Ardern and French leader Emmanuel Macron prepared to launch the global "Christchurch Call" initiative to tackle the spread of extremism online.

There is no clash between different civilisations, says President Xi amid US-China trade war Chinese President Xi Jinping declared Wednesday there was "no clash" of civilisations and denounced racial supremacy as "stupid" amid tensions with the United States and concerns over Beijing's rising global power.

There is no clash between different civilisations, says President Xi amid US-China trade war Chinese President Xi Jinping declared Wednesday there was "no clash" of civilisations and denounced racial supremacy as "stupid" amid tensions with the United States and concerns over Beijing's rising global power. IAF gives Wing Commander Abhinandan 'falcon slayer' patch for striking down Pak F-16 The Indian Air Force(IAF) has given the "Falcon slayer" patch to Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman after he reportedly shot down a Pakistani F-16 during an air duel on February 27th with the Pakistan Air Force(PAF) post the Balakot strikes a day earlier. Would be abuse of French legal system if ex-Interpol chief's wife wanted political asylum in France: China China on Wednesday said France granting asylum to the wife of former Interpol chief Meng Hongwei - who has been charged in China with accepting bribes - would be an abuse of its own legal procedures. Chandrayaan-2 will have 13 payloads, one passive experiment from NASA: ISRO India's second Moon mission that is planned for a July launch will have 13 payloads and one passive experiment from American space agency NASA, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said Wednesday. Facebook to curb live streaming amid pressure over 'Christchurch Call' Facebook announced Wednesday it would tighten access to its live streaming feature as New Zealand's premier Jacinda Ardern and French leader Emmanuel Macron prepared to launch the global "Christchurch Call" initiative to tackle the spread of extremism online.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Chinese President Xi Jinping declares there is "no clash" of civilisations and denounces racial supremacy as "stupid" amid tensions with the United States and concerns over Beijing's rising global power.

Xi Jinping says 'no clash' of civilisations amid US trade war

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