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

Canada's National Council has joined hands with China to develop a vaccine against the deadly coronavirus. The trials will bring to Canadian soil Ad5-nCoV, a vaccine candidate under joint development by a Chinese company and the country’s military.

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

Canada strikes deal with China to make coronavirus vaccine

The state media is taking care of the PR. Every headline, every visual from China is aimed at "humanising" the leader and his policies.

China using propaganda to rebuild Xi Jinping's image

Chinese President Xi Jinping is touring different provinces. The move is being seen as an attempt by the Chinese administration to win public opinion. WION's Palki tells you more about China's attempts at an image makeover.

Gravitas: Xi Jinping's crisis of confidence

Washington's policy for 50 years has been designed to manage China's rise to great power status peacefully

Has the US-China cold war now begun?

China has extended its claim on the world's highest mountain peak Mount Everest. Watch this video to know more.

China extends its claim on the world's highest mountain peak Mt. Everest

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-accuses-china-and-russia-of-coordinating-to-spread-virus-conspiracies-297550" hreflang="en">US accuses China and Russia of coordinating to spread virus conspiracies</a>

<img alt="Russia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="755bd5de-bd46-4bb9-b953-56e91415620b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/https___cdn.cnn_.com_cnnnext_dam_assets_200312113720-putin-trump-xi-split.jpg" /> 
The US State Department has accused China and Russia&nbsp;of stepping up cooperation to spread false narratives over the coronavirus pandemic. <a href="wionews.com/world/us-accuses-china-and-russia-of-coordinating-to-spread-virus-conspiracies-297550">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-trumps-valet-pences-press-secretary-tests-positive-for-covid-19-297547" hreflang="en">After Trump's valet, Pence's press secretary tests positive for COVID-19</a>

<img alt="Mike Pence" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3334b7cf-72b4-4109-a3e0-31766d917bd1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/110346-untitled-design-9.jpg" /> 
US&nbsp;Vice-president Mike Pence’s press secretary has become the second White House staffer to test positive for coronavirus&nbsp;this week. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-trumps-valet-pences-press-secretary-tests-positive-for-covid-19-297547">Read&nbsp;more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-reports-one-day-record-of-751-coronavirus-deaths-297555" hreflang="en">Brazil reports one-day record of 751 coronavirus deaths</a>

<img alt="Brazil" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa7e85e7-17a1-4f45-bf40-39043e0fcbe2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/f1d13f5cd558af7b9eaef082c22314e0.jpg" /> 
Brazil said on Friday it had reached a new daily record for COVID-19 fatalities with 751 deaths. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-reports-one-day-record-of-751-coronavirus-deaths-297555">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-lawmakers-write-to-like-minded-countries-urge-support-for-taiwan-at-who-297553">US lawmakers write to 'like-minded' countries, urge support for Taiwan at WHO</a>

<img alt="Taiwan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="868cffb4-7924-4436-a593-36b40e4f926a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/134457-taiwanchina.jpeg" /> 
Citing the need for the broadest effort possible to fight the coronavirus pandemic, leaders of US congressional foreign affairs committees wrote to nearly 60 countries on Friday asking them to support Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-lawmakers-write-to-like-minded-countries-urge-support-for-taiwan-at-who-297553">Read more</a>

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US accuses China and Russia of coordinating to spread virus conspiracies The US State Department has accused China and Russia of stepping up cooperation to spread false narratives over the coronavirus pandemic.

US accuses China and Russia of coordinating to spread virus conspiracies The US State Department has accused China and Russia of stepping up cooperation to spread false narratives over the coronavirus pandemic. Read more After Trump's valet, Pence's press secretary tests positive for COVID-19 US Vice-president Mike Pence’s press secretary has become the second White House staffer to test positive for coronavirus this week. Read more Brazil reports one-day record of 751 coronavirus deaths Brazil said on Friday it had reached a new daily record for COVID-19 fatalities with 751 deaths. Read more US lawmakers write to 'like-minded' countries, urge support for Taiwan at WHO Citing the need for the broadest effort possible to fight the coronavirus pandemic, leaders of US congressional foreign affairs committees wrote to nearly 60 countries on Friday asking them to support Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization. Read more

Morning News Brief: US accuses China, Russia, Pence's aide tests positive, and more

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said on Friday he was “very torn” about whether to end the so-called Phase 1 US-China trade deal, just hours after top trade officials from both countries pledged to press ahead with implementing it despite coronavirus economic wreckage.

In an overnight phone call, US&nbsp;Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He set aside rapidly deteriorating US-China relations and discussed progress since the deal took effect in mid-February.

<img alt="Liu He" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2149e888-6a14-4643-b4e6-e0e7ef111ab5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/RTS2V0GD.jpg" /> 
China's Vice Premier Liu He gestures to the media between US&nbsp;Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer (L) and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin before the two countries' trade negotiations in Washington

The two Trump cabinet officials said in a joint statement that both sides “agreed that in spite of the current global health emergency, both countries fully expect to meet their obligations under the agreement in a timely manner.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-accuses-china-and-russia-of-coordinating-to-spread-virus-conspiracies-297550" hreflang="en">US accuses China and Russia of coordinating to spread virus conspiracies</a>

China’s Commerce Ministry said the two sides agreed to improve the atmosphere for implementation of the Phase 1 deal, which calls for Beijing to boost its purchases of American farm and manufactured goods, energy and services by $200 billion over two years compared to a 2017 baseline.

The deal brought a partial truce to an 18-month trade war between the world’s two largest economies that heaped US&nbsp;tariffs on some $370 billion worth of Chinese imports.

Trump, who has blamed China’s early handling of the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan in late 2019 for causing thousands of deaths and millions of job losses in the United States, has threatened to terminate the trade deal if China fails to meet its purchase commitments. He said on Wednesday that he will assess that effort within the next week.

China has rejected the Trump administration’s assertions that there was evidence the new coronavirus came from a Wuhan laboratory and scientists have said it appears to have developed in nature.

Early on Friday, just before the US. Labor Department announced that a staggering 20.5 million US&nbsp;jobs were lost in April, Trump told a news channel that he was “having a very hard time with China.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-fuels-historic-us-job-losses-eu-wants-borders-kept-shut-297548">Coronavirus fuels historic US job losses, EU wants borders kept shut</a>

While he was initially “very excited” about the trade deal’s signing in January, the pandemic since then had changed his views about it.

“Look, I feel differently than I did. I was the most - I was very tough with China,” Trump said.

Asked if he was “breaking up” the Phase 1 trade deal, Trump said: “I’m very - I’m very torn as to - I have not decided yet, if you want to know the truth.”

Trump and some members of his administration have threatened punitive action against Beijing, including possible tariffs and shifting supply chains away from China.

While China has made some purchases of US&nbsp;farm goods, some observers say these are running far behind the pace needed to meet the first-year goal of a $77 billion increase as China’s economy is just now beginning to recover from shutdowns imposed during the pandemic.

Beijing’s new plans to implement tougher protections for intellectual property as part of the trade deal have met with mixed reviews.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday he was “very torn” about whether to end the so-called Phase 1 US-China trade deal, just hours after top trade officials from both countries pledged to press ahead with implementing it despite coronavirus economic wreckage.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday he was “very torn” about whether to end the so-called Phase 1 US-China trade deal, just hours after top trade officials from both countries pledged to press ahead with implementing it despite coronavirus economic wreckage. In an overnight phone call, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He set aside rapidly deteriorating US-China relations and discussed progress since the deal took effect in mid-February. China's Vice Premier Liu He gestures to the media between US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer (L) and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin before the two countries' trade negotiations in Washington The two Trump cabinet officials said in a joint statement that both sides “agreed that in spite of the current global health emergency, both countries fully expect to meet their obligations under the agreement in a timely manner.” Also read: US accuses China and Russia of coordinating to spread virus conspiracies China’s Commerce Ministry said the two sides agreed to improve the atmosphere for implementation of the Phase 1 deal, which calls for Beijing to boost its purchases of American farm and manufactured goods, energy and services by $200 billion over two years compared to a 2017 baseline. The deal brought a partial truce to an 18-month trade war between the world’s two largest economies that heaped US tariffs on some $370 billion worth of Chinese imports. Trump, who has blamed China’s early handling of the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan in late 2019 for causing thousands of deaths and millions of job losses in the United States, has threatened to terminate the trade deal if China fails to meet its purchase commitments. He said on Wednesday that he will assess that effort within the next week. China has rejected the Trump administration’s assertions that there was evidence the new coronavirus came from a Wuhan laboratory and scientists have said it appears to have developed in nature. Early on Friday, just before the US. Labor Department announced that a staggering 20.5 million US jobs were lost in April, Trump told a news channel that he was “having a very hard time with China.” Also read: Coronavirus fuels historic US job losses, EU wants borders kept shut While he was initially “very excited” about the trade deal’s signing in January, the pandemic since then had changed his views about it. “Look, I feel differently than I did. I was the most - I was very tough with China,” Trump said. Asked if he was “breaking up” the Phase 1 trade deal, Trump said: “I’m very - I’m very torn as to - I have not decided yet, if you want to know the truth.” Trump and some members of his administration have threatened punitive action against Beijing, including possible tariffs and shifting supply chains away from China. While China has made some purchases of US farm goods, some observers say these are running far behind the pace needed to meet the first-year goal of a $77 billion increase as China’s economy is just now beginning to recover from shutdowns imposed during the pandemic. Beijing’s new plans to implement tougher protections for intellectual property as part of the trade deal have met with mixed reviews.

Trump 'torn' over US-China trade deal as officials push to fulfill its terms

China's President Xi Jinping was quoted as saying that coronavirus prevention and control still faced great uncertainty.

Xi's remarks came even as the cabinet plans more measures to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-battle-against-coronavirus-major-strategic-achievement-president-xi-jinping-295746">alleviate firms' tax burdens</a> and boost credit support.

In a separate cabinet meeting led by Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday, the government said it will support banks to issue more unsecured loans while extending loan and interest <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-lashes-out-at-pompeo-calls-his-coronavirus-origin-theory-insane-296778">payment forbearance</a> for firms who keep staff, state television reported.

China's President Xi Jinping was quoted as saying that coronavirus prevention and control still faced great uncertainty. Xi's remarks came even as the cabinet plans more measures to alleviate firms' tax burdens and boost credit support.

China's President Xi Jinping was quoted as saying that coronavirus prevention and control still faced great uncertainty. Xi's remarks came even as the cabinet plans more measures to alleviate firms' tax burdens and boost credit support. In a separate cabinet meeting led by Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday, the government said it will support banks to issue more unsecured loans while extending loan and interest payment forbearance for firms who keep staff, state television reported.

Coronavirus prevention and control still faces great uncertainty: President Xi

A Chinese state media website has put up 10 questions for the US government. What are they all about?

Gravitas: China escalates its information war against US

A Beijing-based trio of activists that published censored articles on China's handling of the coronavirus outbreak have gone&nbsp;missing.

Cai Wei, a woman surnamed Tang and Chen Mei&nbsp;were contributors to a crowd-sourced project called 'Terminus-2049'.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/journalist-jailed-for-15-years-as-chinese-government-intensifies-free-speech-clampdown-296111" hreflang="en">Journalist jailed for 15-yrs as Chinese govt intensifies free-speech clampdown</a>

This project began in 2018 and was collecting articles and stories that were being removed from social media and news portals.

This project existed on Git-Hub, the world's largest open-source website that is a haven for Chinese activists to circumvent the great firewall on censored content.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-starbucks-number-one-chinese-competitor-imploded-296169" hreflang="en">How Starbucks' number one Chinese competitor imploded?</a>

However, the terminus has now disappeared in China along with&nbsp;the activists running it. They have been missing since April 19.

According to reports, they were detained by Chinese police and are being held at an unknown location.

The charges against them are ''picking quarrels and provoking trouble''.

And the fault of these activists was that they were trying to highlight the reality about the misdiagnosis of patients in China about the deaths of patients after they were discharged.

Anyone who fails to adhere to the rules of the Chinese regime has been punished brutally in the past.

The most famous example is that of an interview with Ai Fen, the whistle-blower doctor at Wuhan Central Hospital.

Her interview was published in the March edition of the People's&nbsp;magazine China's but was removed within hours after it got published.

The Beijing-based trio&nbsp;discovered that interview and re-published it Git-Hub.&nbsp;It was because of this reason that they are being held captive.

These journalists might be released later after they have been re-educated and they have agreed to change their opinions.

This has been seen&nbsp;in the case of Li Zehua,&nbsp;a 25-year-old citizen journalist who disappeared for two months for reporting from Wuhan.

However, he has re-appeared a few days&nbsp;ago and is singing praises of his captors.

A Beijing-based trio of activists that published censored articles on China's handling of the coronavirus outbreak have gone missing. Cai Wei, a woman surnamed Tang and Chen Mei were contributors to a crowd-sourced project called 'Terminus-2049'.

A Beijing-based trio of activists that published censored articles on China's handling of the coronavirus outbreak have gone missing. Cai Wei, a woman surnamed Tang and Chen Mei were contributors to a crowd-sourced project called 'Terminus-2049'. Also read: Journalist jailed for 15-yrs as Chinese govt intensifies free-speech clampdown This project began in 2018 and was collecting articles and stories that were being removed from social media and news portals. This project existed on Git-Hub, the world's largest open-source website that is a haven for Chinese activists to circumvent the great firewall on censored content. Also read: How Starbucks' number one Chinese competitor imploded? However, the terminus has now disappeared in China along with the activists running it. They have been missing since April 19. According to reports, they were detained by Chinese police and are being held at an unknown location. The charges against them are ''picking quarrels and provoking trouble''. And the fault of these activists was that they were trying to highlight the reality about the misdiagnosis of patients in China about the deaths of patients after they were discharged. Anyone who fails to adhere to the rules of the Chinese regime has been punished brutally in the past. The most famous example is that of an interview with Ai Fen, the whistle-blower doctor at Wuhan Central Hospital. Her interview was published in the March edition of the People's magazine China's but was removed within hours after it got published. The Beijing-based trio discovered that interview and re-published it Git-Hub. It was because of this reason that they are being held captive. These journalists might be released later after they have been re-educated and they have agreed to change their opinions. This has been seen in the case of Li Zehua, a 25-year-old citizen journalist who disappeared for two months for reporting from Wuhan. However, he has re-appeared a few days ago and is singing praises of his captors.

Activists disappear after publishing articles on China's handling of coronavirus

In one of the harshest sentence in China, the government arrested a journalist on Thursday for "attacking" the ruling party. The journalist has been sentenced for 15-years.&nbsp;

The government arrested Chen Jien, a former journalist with Communist mouthpiece People's Daily, on the accusation of attacking the ruling party and "picking quarrels and provoking trouble, extortion, illegal business operations and bribery," a court in central Hunan province said in a statement posted online.

The court also accused Jien of posting "false" and "negative" information online "to hype relevant cases under the guise of providing legal advice."&nbsp;

It said Jien was part of an "evil force" along with his ex-wife and three other people that illegally accrued 7.3 million yuan ($1 million) from their activities.

Meanwhile, Human Rights Defenders watchdog has said Jien was convicted "apparently to punish him for his political speech on WeChat and other social media platforms", calling for his immediate and unconditional release.

The rights group also blamed government authorities of denying a fair trial to Jien.

Jien had been sacked from state media outlets including the China Youth Daily, Beijing Daily, and People's Daily and since then he was publishing online commentaries and investigative reports on social media.

The sentence handed down on Chen Jieren is one of the harshest moves yet against free speech by China's government under President Xi Jinping, who has muzzled the press and ordered Chinese media outlets to serve the ruling Communist Party's interests.

It comes as China faces international scrutiny over its handling of the coronavirus pandemic, including questions over whether authorities covered up crucial information that could have prevented it spreading globally.

The charge of "picking quarrels and provoking trouble" is a catch-all that Chinese authorities sometimes use against people who criticise the regime.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

In one of the harshest sentence in China, the government arrested a journalist on Thursday for "attacking" the ruling party. The journalist has been sentenced for 15-years.

In one of the harshest sentence in China, the government arrested a journalist on Thursday for "attacking" the ruling party. The journalist has been sentenced for 15-years. The government arrested Chen Jien, a former journalist with Communist mouthpiece People's Daily, on the accusation of attacking the ruling party and "picking quarrels and provoking trouble, extortion, illegal business operations and bribery," a court in central Hunan province said in a statement posted online. The court also accused Jien of posting "false" and "negative" information online "to hype relevant cases under the guise of providing legal advice." It said Jien was part of an "evil force" along with his ex-wife and three other people that illegally accrued 7.3 million yuan ($1 million) from their activities. Meanwhile, Human Rights Defenders watchdog has said Jien was convicted "apparently to punish him for his political speech on WeChat and other social media platforms", calling for his immediate and unconditional release. The rights group also blamed government authorities of denying a fair trial to Jien. Jien had been sacked from state media outlets including the China Youth Daily, Beijing Daily, and People's Daily and since then he was publishing online commentaries and investigative reports on social media. The sentence handed down on Chen Jieren is one of the harshest moves yet against free speech by China's government under President Xi Jinping, who has muzzled the press and ordered Chinese media outlets to serve the ruling Communist Party's interests. It comes as China faces international scrutiny over its handling of the coronavirus pandemic, including questions over whether authorities covered up crucial information that could have prevented it spreading globally. The charge of "picking quarrels and provoking trouble" is a catch-all that Chinese authorities sometimes use against people who criticise the regime. (With inputs from agencies)

Journalist jailed for 15-years as Chinese government intensifies free-speech clampdown

Chinese President Xi Jinping has termed China's battle against COVID-19 as a major strategic achievement, as the ruling Communist Party is all set to hold the postponed Parliament session on May 22 amid a steady decline in the coronavirus cases.

China's National Health Commission (NHC) on Thursday said the country reported only four new confirmed COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, taking the total number to 82,862, while no death due to the disease was registered. The virus has claimed 4,633 lives in the country.

China's arduous efforts to contain the coronavirus have brought a decisive outcome to the fight of defending Hubei and its capital city Wuhan, Xi told a high-powered Central Committee meeting of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) on Wednesday.

The nationwide battle against the epidemic has gained major strategic achievements, the state-run Xinhua news agency quoted Xi as saying.

Xi said Hubei, including Wuhan, should continue strengthening community-level epidemic prevention and control.

He asked officials to make efforts to contain the virus case at Heilongjiang Province bordering Russia, where a large number of Chinese returning from Russian cities were tested positive for coronavirus.

The meeting emphasised the need to accelerate work resumption and business reopening, help companies especially micro, small and medium-sized enterprises address difficulties, and promote the recovery of pillar industries such as auto manufacturing, electronic information, new materials and bio-medicine, the report said.

The meeting stressed accelerating farm production and expanding sales channels for agricultural products to boost income for farmers.

The Hubei province and its capital Wuhan -- where the COVID-19 first emerged in December last year -- were the epicentres of the deadly virus, which later turned into a pandemic, bringing the world to a standstill.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues its explosive growth overseas, Xi said, noting the mounting pressure to prevent imported infections and the growing complexity of stemming domestic epidemic resurgence.

Xi demanded no relaxation in epidemic control to safeguard the hard-earned achievements, the report said.

According to the NHC, all the four COVID-19 patients reported on Wednesday were imported cases.

The number of imported cases rose to 1,664, including 13 patients in severe condition, it said.

The CPC Central Committee meet was held amid mounting pressure for an international inquiry into the origin of coronavirus and the allegations that the deadly virus was originated from the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) before it spread across the world and wreaked havoc.

China has come under increasing global pressure over lack of transparency in its handling of the coronavirus pandemic, which has so far infected over 3,193,960 people and claimed more than 227,640 lives across the world.

State-run CGTN TV on Wednesday reported that American scientists are working with their Chinese counterparts to investigate the origin of the novel coronavirus, a prime demand of US President Donald Trump and several other countries.

The report said the China Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CCDCP) is facilitating the cooperation between Dr Ian Lipkin,

Director for Centre for Infection and Immunity of Columbia University, and Prof Lu Jinhai of Sun-Yat-Sen University of Guangzhou to conduct the probe.

"The two are working together to determine whether the virus emerged elsewhere in China before Wuhan in December" last year, the report said.

It is not yet clear whether the investigation has the official consent of the US government, it said.

Besides the US, the UK, Australia and Germany have also called for more transparency from Beijing on the COVID-19 origin.

China on Wednesday announced to hold the annual meeting of its Parliament --National People's Congress (NPC), which was postponed in March due to COVID-19, from May 22, signalling that the pandemic which paralysed the country for over three months is finally under control.

Official media said the meeting period of the NPC, which has over 3,000 deputies, could be shortened and held through video link.

However, no official announcement has been made so far.

The annual session of the national advisory body, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), is also expected to be held in Beijing on May 21, official media reported.

Dubbed as the annual political season, the NPC and CPPCC sessions -- which together have over 5,000 members, are held every year in early March during which the CPC unveils its national agenda for the year, including the annual budget and formulates new laws.

According to the National Health Commission, 77,610 coronavirus patients have been recovered so far.&nbsp;

Chinese President Xi Jinping has termed China's battle against COVID-19 as a major strategic achievement, as the ruling Communist Party is all set to hold the postponed Parliament session on May 22 amid a steady decline in the coronavirus cases.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has termed China's battle against COVID-19 as a major strategic achievement, as the ruling Communist Party is all set to hold the postponed Parliament session on May 22 amid a steady decline in the coronavirus cases. China's National Health Commission (NHC) on Thursday said the country reported only four new confirmed COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, taking the total number to 82,862, while no death due to the disease was registered. The virus has claimed 4,633 lives in the country. China's arduous efforts to contain the coronavirus have brought a decisive outcome to the fight of defending Hubei and its capital city Wuhan, Xi told a high-powered Central Committee meeting of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) on Wednesday. The nationwide battle against the epidemic has gained major strategic achievements, the state-run Xinhua news agency quoted Xi as saying. Xi said Hubei, including Wuhan, should continue strengthening community-level epidemic prevention and control. He asked officials to make efforts to contain the virus case at Heilongjiang Province bordering Russia, where a large number of Chinese returning from Russian cities were tested positive for coronavirus. The meeting emphasised the need to accelerate work resumption and business reopening, help companies especially micro, small and medium-sized enterprises address difficulties, and promote the recovery of pillar industries such as auto manufacturing, electronic information, new materials and bio-medicine, the report said. The meeting stressed accelerating farm production and expanding sales channels for agricultural products to boost income for farmers. The Hubei province and its capital Wuhan -- where the COVID-19 first emerged in December last year -- were the epicentres of the deadly virus, which later turned into a pandemic, bringing the world to a standstill. The COVID-19 pandemic continues its explosive growth overseas, Xi said, noting the mounting pressure to prevent imported infections and the growing complexity of stemming domestic epidemic resurgence. Xi demanded no relaxation in epidemic control to safeguard the hard-earned achievements, the report said. According to the NHC, all the four COVID-19 patients reported on Wednesday were imported cases. The number of imported cases rose to 1,664, including 13 patients in severe condition, it said. The CPC Central Committee meet was held amid mounting pressure for an international inquiry into the origin of coronavirus and the allegations that the deadly virus was originated from the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) before it spread across the world and wreaked havoc. China has come under increasing global pressure over lack of transparency in its handling of the coronavirus pandemic, which has so far infected over 3,193,960 people and claimed more than 227,640 lives across the world. State-run CGTN TV on Wednesday reported that American scientists are working with their Chinese counterparts to investigate the origin of the novel coronavirus, a prime demand of US President Donald Trump and several other countries. The report said the China Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CCDCP) is facilitating the cooperation between Dr Ian Lipkin, Director for Centre for Infection and Immunity of Columbia University, and Prof Lu Jinhai of Sun-Yat-Sen University of Guangzhou to conduct the probe. "The two are working together to determine whether the virus emerged elsewhere in China before Wuhan in December" last year, the report said. It is not yet clear whether the investigation has the official consent of the US government, it said. Besides the US, the UK, Australia and Germany have also called for more transparency from Beijing on the COVID-19 origin. China on Wednesday announced to hold the annual meeting of its Parliament --National People's Congress (NPC), which was postponed in March due to COVID-19, from May 22, signalling that the pandemic which paralysed the country for over three months is finally under control. Official media said the meeting period of the NPC, which has over 3,000 deputies, could be shortened and held through video link. However, no official announcement has been made so far. The annual session of the national advisory body, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), is also expected to be held in Beijing on May 21, official media reported. Dubbed as the annual political season, the NPC and CPPCC sessions -- which together have over 5,000 members, are held every year in early March during which the CPC unveils its national agenda for the year, including the annual budget and formulates new laws. According to the National Health Commission, 77,610 coronavirus patients have been recovered so far.

China's battle against coronavirus major strategic achievement: President Xi Jinping

While the Red Cross is considered as a humanitarian agency for the rest of the world, for China it is a tool in its kitty.

China's Red Cross has&nbsp;has been built, funded and directed by the Communist Party of China.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-prohibits-coronavirus-themed-zombie-video-game-295578" hreflang="en">China prohibits coronavirus-themed zombie video game</a>

Although it is a voluntary humanitarian organization whose aim is to protect human life.

In China, it has effectively become an arm of the&nbsp;Communist Party and does not cater to the needs of the people.

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According to a video shared from Wuhan last week, government officials were seen picking up N-95 masks from the warehouse of Red Cross.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FNZVNi-V0RM" width="560"></iframe>

However, the same warehouse turned down medics who wanted medical supplies.

The Red Cross in China hardly used the money donated to it during the coronavirus outbreak by&nbsp;several major companies like General Motors, luxury goods company Lvmh and Honda.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/184-countries-going-through-hell-trump-blames-china-for-coronavirus-spread-295459" hreflang="en">'184 countries going through hell': Trump blames China for coronavirus spread</a>

Out of the 56 million dollars donated to the organisation, it only used seven million dollars.

According to media reports, it was merely following the instructions of Red Tape,&nbsp;the highly bureaucratic setup that is closely tied to the Communist Party.

China's Red Cross is often referred to as&nbsp;''gongo'' or&nbsp;a government organised NGO.

It has acted as the mouthpiece of the Chinese Communist Party for several years now.

China's political top brass has often been invited to head it. The&nbsp;list of its honorary chairmen in the past includes Vice-President Wang Qishan and Xi Jinping's predecessors Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao.

But&nbsp;where the Communist Party goes scandals follow.&nbsp;

In 2008, the donations of the Red Cross tumbled due to a corruption scandal.

According to a report, 80 per cent of the 12 million dollars donated for the earthquake in Sichuan province, was&nbsp;funneled into coffers of the Chinese government and was recorded as an ''extra revenue''.

It was because of this controversy that people stopped donating and calling the organisation as China's Black Cross.

Little seems to have changed more than a decade later. Red Cross failed to utilise donations made to it for Wuhan.

It appears that critical supplies such as the facial masks also went to the government instead of the people.

Red Cross is still serving its master, the Communist Party of China.

While the Red Cross is considered as a humanitarian agency for the rest of the world, for China it is a tool in its kitty. China's Red Cross has has been built, funded and directed by the Communist Party of China.

While the Red Cross is considered as a humanitarian agency for the rest of the world, for China it is a tool in its kitty. China's Red Cross has has been built, funded and directed by the Communist Party of China. Also read: China prohibits coronavirus-themed zombie video game Although it is a voluntary humanitarian organization whose aim is to protect human life. In China, it has effectively become an arm of the Communist Party and does not cater to the needs of the people. Also read: China accuses Australia of 'petty tricks' in coronavirus dispute According to a video shared from Wuhan last week, government officials were seen picking up N-95 masks from the warehouse of Red Cross. However, the same warehouse turned down medics who wanted medical supplies. The Red Cross in China hardly used the money donated to it during the coronavirus outbreak by several major companies like General Motors, luxury goods company Lvmh and Honda. Also read: '184 countries going through hell': Trump blames China for coronavirus spread Out of the 56 million dollars donated to the organisation, it only used seven million dollars. According to media reports, it was merely following the instructions of Red Tape, the highly bureaucratic setup that is closely tied to the Communist Party. China's Red Cross is often referred to as ''gongo'' or a government organised NGO. It has acted as the mouthpiece of the Chinese Communist Party for several years now. China's political top brass has often been invited to head it. The list of its honorary chairmen in the past includes Vice-President Wang Qishan and Xi Jinping's predecessors Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao. But where the Communist Party goes scandals follow. In 2008, the donations of the Red Cross tumbled due to a corruption scandal. According to a report, 80 per cent of the 12 million dollars donated for the earthquake in Sichuan province, was funneled into coffers of the Chinese government and was recorded as an ''extra revenue''. It was because of this controversy that people stopped donating and calling the organisation as China's Black Cross. Little seems to have changed more than a decade later. Red Cross failed to utilise donations made to it for Wuhan. It appears that critical supplies such as the facial masks also went to the government instead of the people. Red Cross is still serving its master, the Communist Party of China.

Red Cross: From humanitarian agency to a tool in China's kitty

Two world leaders are at the centre of this Coronavirus outbreak - Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. Both leaders have been criticised for their response to the pandemic.

Gravitas: Coronavirus outbreak: The Story of Donald Trump & Xi Jinping

All COVID-19 patients in the worst-hit Chinese city of Wuhan have been discharged from hospitals by Sunday, according to a spokesman during a Sunday press conference. Mi Feng, spokesman for the National Health Commission (NHC), introduced the latest data at the press conference held in Beijing.

China claims zero COVID-19 cases in Wuhan, all patients discharged in Wuhan

China is fighting criticism from around the world and within, and it is continuing to resort to its typical method to fight the dissent by silencing the source of criticism! Be it a doctor fighting the outbreak on the frontlines or a student protesting in a university campus. The Chinese regime discredited the doctor who first warned of the coronavirus which has killed more than 190,000 people worldwide. While 2.7 million people have been infected.

How China's secrecy and delayed response to COVID-19 put lives at risk

A new study has claimed that more than 2,32,000 people may have been infected in the first wave of Coronavirus cases in Mainland China. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: Is China hiding 75% of its Coronavirus cases?

China is fighting criticism from around the world and within, and it is continuing to resort to its typical method to fight the dissent by silencing the source of criticism!

Be it a doctor fighting the outbreak on the frontlines or a student protesting in a university campus. The Chinese regime discredited the doctor who first warned of the coronavirus which has killed more than 190,000 people worldwide. While 2.7 million people have been infected.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-question-were-doomed-this-year-chinas-wet-markets-amid-pandemic-292801">&nbsp;'No question, we're doomed this year': China's wet markets amid pandemic</a>

Doctor Yu Xiangdong, a senior medical professional on the frontlines of fighting the coronavirus in Wuhan has become the Chinese regime's latest victim.

Dr Yu is well known for promoting modern medicine amongst the Chinese. He has nearly a million followers on social media on which he has been pointing out the flaws in the Chinese government's response to the pandemic.

Over the past few months, Dr Yu has been criticising the official practice of using antibiotics to treat the Wuhan virus, and has slammed the communist government-approved Chinese medicine treatment for COVID-19.

Now, his online commentary has enraged the Chinese state as the officials accused him of slandering disease prevention measures of the state and attacking Chinese traditional medicine.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worldwide-coronavirus-cases-pass-2-million-death-toll-rises-to-136908-292768">&nbsp;Worldwide coronavirus cases pass 2 million; death toll rises to 136,908</a>

The government demoted the Dr Yu from his current position as deputy director of the Wuhan hospital.&nbsp;

The government has also censored his social media posts. All his commentary on China's Twitter-like Weibo platform has suddenly vanished.

Dr Yu is not an exception. The Communist government has been silencing doctors.

In December, whistleblower doctor Li Wenliang hounded for altering authorities about the outbreak.

In February, he was accused of spreading false rumours and forced to retract his statements. Weeks later he died of the virus.

His death sparked massive outrage across the country, forcing the government officially honoured doctor Li as a martyr which is the highest recognition bestowed on a Chinese citizen.

Those who don't die are forced to change their tune. For example, journalist Li Zehua. She exposed the state's response, was detained for two months.

After release, Li resurfaced as a changed man singing praises of the government.

The long arm of Chinese censors reaches foreigners too.

A Queensland University student name Drew Pavlou from Australia is the latest target.

Drew was part of the pro-Hong Kong protests on campus in July last year. The protests continued for months and often turned violent during which in one of the incidents, Pavlou was assaulted by the pro-china protesters.

Now he facing inquiry on multiple charges of misconduct.

An online petition is surfacing on the internet in support of Pavlou. It has been signed by more than 20,000.

China is fighting criticism from around the world and within, and it is continuing to resort to its typical method to fight the dissent by silencing the source of criticism!

China is fighting criticism from around the world and within, and it is continuing to resort to its typical method to fight the dissent by silencing the source of criticism! Be it a doctor fighting the outbreak on the frontlines or a student protesting in a university campus. The Chinese regime discredited the doctor who first warned of the coronavirus which has killed more than 190,000 people worldwide. While 2.7 million people have been infected. Also read: 'No question, we're doomed this year': China's wet markets amid pandemic Doctor Yu Xiangdong, a senior medical professional on the frontlines of fighting the coronavirus in Wuhan has become the Chinese regime's latest victim. Dr Yu is well known for promoting modern medicine amongst the Chinese. He has nearly a million followers on social media on which he has been pointing out the flaws in the Chinese government's response to the pandemic. Over the past few months, Dr Yu has been criticising the official practice of using antibiotics to treat the Wuhan virus, and has slammed the communist government-approved Chinese medicine treatment for COVID-19. Now, his online commentary has enraged the Chinese state as the officials accused him of slandering disease prevention measures of the state and attacking Chinese traditional medicine. Also read: Worldwide coronavirus cases pass 2 million; death toll rises to 136,908 The government demoted the Dr Yu from his current position as deputy director of the Wuhan hospital. The government has also censored his social media posts. All his commentary on China's Twitter-like Weibo platform has suddenly vanished. Dr Yu is not an exception. The Communist government has been silencing doctors. In December, whistleblower doctor Li Wenliang hounded for altering authorities about the outbreak. In February, he was accused of spreading false rumours and forced to retract his statements. Weeks later he died of the virus. His death sparked massive outrage across the country, forcing the government officially honoured doctor Li as a martyr which is the highest recognition bestowed on a Chinese citizen. Those who don't die are forced to change their tune. For example, journalist Li Zehua. She exposed the state's response, was detained for two months. After release, Li resurfaced as a changed man singing praises of the government. The long arm of Chinese censors reaches foreigners too. A Queensland University student name Drew Pavlou from Australia is the latest target. Drew was part of the pro-Hong Kong protests on campus in July last year. The protests continued for months and often turned violent during which in one of the incidents, Pavlou was assaulted by the pro-china protesters. Now he facing inquiry on multiple charges of misconduct. An online petition is surfacing on the internet in support of Pavlou. It has been signed by more than 20,000.

Silence the source of criticism! - China's go to method to fight dissent

Chinese agents stoked panic in US in&nbsp;the early days of COVID-19 outbreak by spreading fake warnings, according to a report published in the&nbsp;New York Times.

The report was based on interviews with&nbsp;six American officials who denied to reveal their identity.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-coronavirus-timeline-shifts-three-weeks-earlier-in-wake-of-new-disclosure-294142" hreflang="en">US coronavirus timeline shifts three weeks earlier in wake of new disclosure</a>

The study&nbsp;states that&nbsp;operatives helped spread messages claiming Trump administration would deploy national guard to enforce nationwide quarantine.

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According to the US Department of Homeland Security, a common&nbsp;message&nbsp;circulated&nbsp;in the early phase&nbsp;of the pandemic was: ''they will announce this as soon as they have troops in place to help prevent looters and rioters. He said he got the call last night and was told to pack and be prepared for the call today with his dispatch orders.''

<img alt="US Department of Homeland Security" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="471214f7-76c2-4b00-8110-4278594fcfed" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/NPEK45S6VZAENIYE5JMK5LSPSQ_0.jpg" /> 
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Since the disinformation appeared as text messages on the mobile phones of several Americans, the Department&nbsp;issued an announcement on&nbsp;Twitter declaring that they were all&nbsp;''fake''.

However, China has denied broader claims that it is involved in misinformation campaigns.

The tactic was especially alarming to intelligence officials because&nbsp;several of them said they had not seen before.

The findings appear to represent an escalation by foreign powers like Russia and China in trying to capitalise on the panic surrounding the pandemic to sow confusion in the US, and intelligence agencies are taking a new look at how operatives may have exploited the situation.

Chinese agents stoked panic in US in the early days of COVID-19 outbreak by spreading fake warnings, according to a report published in the New York Times. The report was based on interviews with six American officials who denied to reveal their identity.

Chinese agents stoked panic in US in the early days of COVID-19 outbreak by spreading fake warnings, according to a report published in the New York Times. The report was based on interviews with six American officials who denied to reveal their identity. Also read: US coronavirus timeline shifts three weeks earlier in wake of new disclosure The study states that operatives helped spread messages claiming Trump administration would deploy national guard to enforce nationwide quarantine. Also read: China's asymptomatic cases increase to over 980 According to the US Department of Homeland Security, a common message circulated in the early phase of the pandemic was: ''they will announce this as soon as they have troops in place to help prevent looters and rioters. He said he got the call last night and was told to pack and be prepared for the call today with his dispatch orders.'' Also read: Two pet cats in US test positive for COVID-19 Since the disinformation appeared as text messages on the mobile phones of several Americans, the Department issued an announcement on Twitter declaring that they were all ''fake''. However, China has denied broader claims that it is involved in misinformation campaigns. The tactic was especially alarming to intelligence officials because several of them said they had not seen before. The findings appear to represent an escalation by foreign powers like Russia and China in trying to capitalise on the panic surrounding the pandemic to sow confusion in the US, and intelligence agencies are taking a new look at how operatives may have exploited the situation.

Chinese agents fuelled panic in US by spreading fake warnings, says report

China's northeast Heilongjiang province which borders Russia has become the new battleground against the coronavirus as authorities reported the highest number of new daily cases in nearly six weeks, driven by infected travellers from overseas.

China fears a rise in imported cases could spark a second wave of COVID-19 and push the country back into a state of near paralysis.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rising-unemployment-from-fight-against-coronavirus-threatens-chinas-poverty-targets-292087" hreflang="en">Rising unemployment from fight against coronavirus threatens China's poverty targets</a>

A total of 108 new coronavirus cases were reported in mainland China on Sunday, up from 99 a day earlier and marking the highest number of cases since 143 infections were reported on March 5.

The National Health Commission said 98 of the new cases were imported, a new record. A total of 49 Chinese nationals who entered Heilongjiang province from Russia tested positive.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/people-in-wuhan-line-up-outside-funeral-parlours-to-collect-remains-of-their-loved-ones-292077" hreflang="en">People in Wuhan line-up outside funeral parlours to collect remains of their loved ones</a>

"Our little town here, we thought it was the safest place," said a resident of the border city of Suifenhe, who only gave his surname as Zhu.

"Some Chinese citizens they want to come back, but it's not very sensible, what are you doing coming here for?"

Though the number of daily infections across China have dropped sharply from the height of the epidemic in February, China has seen the daily toll creep higher after hitting a trough on March 12 because of the rise in imported cases.

Chinese cities near the border with Russia are tightening border controls and imposing stricter quarantines in response to influx of infected patients from the country.

Suifenhe last week announced restrictions on movements and gatherings similar to those imposed in Wuhan city, where the coronavirus outbreak first emerged late last year, and extended the closure of its border with Russia.

The land route through the city had become one of few options available for Chinese nationals trying to get into China after Russia stopped all flights to the country.

Suifenhe and Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang, are now mandating 28 days of quarantine for all arrivals from abroad as well as nucleic acid and antibody tests.

Streets in Suifenhe were virtually empty on Sunday evening due to restrictions of movement. Residents said a lot of people had left the city as the number of infected people crossing the border from Russia rose.

"I don't need to worry," Zhao Wei, another Suifenhe resident, told Reuters. "If there's a local transmission, I would, but there's not a single one. They're all from the border, but they've all been sent to quarantine."

China's northeast Heilongjiang province which borders Russia has become the new battleground against the coronavirus as authorities reported the highest number of new daily cases in nearly six weeks, driven by infected travellers from overseas.

China's northeast Heilongjiang province which borders Russia has become the new battleground against the coronavirus as authorities reported the highest number of new daily cases in nearly six weeks, driven by infected travellers from overseas. China fears a rise in imported cases could spark a second wave of COVID-19 and push the country back into a state of near paralysis. Also read: Rising unemployment from fight against coronavirus threatens China's poverty targets A total of 108 new coronavirus cases were reported in mainland China on Sunday, up from 99 a day earlier and marking the highest number of cases since 143 infections were reported on March 5. The National Health Commission said 98 of the new cases were imported, a new record. A total of 49 Chinese nationals who entered Heilongjiang province from Russia tested positive. Also read: People in Wuhan line-up outside funeral parlours to collect remains of their loved ones "Our little town here, we thought it was the safest place," said a resident of the border city of Suifenhe, who only gave his surname as Zhu. "Some Chinese citizens they want to come back, but it's not very sensible, what are you doing coming here for?" Though the number of daily infections across China have dropped sharply from the height of the epidemic in February, China has seen the daily toll creep higher after hitting a trough on March 12 because of the rise in imported cases. Chinese cities near the border with Russia are tightening border controls and imposing stricter quarantines in response to influx of infected patients from the country. Suifenhe last week announced restrictions on movements and gatherings similar to those imposed in Wuhan city, where the coronavirus outbreak first emerged late last year, and extended the closure of its border with Russia. The land route through the city had become one of few options available for Chinese nationals trying to get into China after Russia stopped all flights to the country. Suifenhe and Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang, are now mandating 28 days of quarantine for all arrivals from abroad as well as nucleic acid and antibody tests. Streets in Suifenhe were virtually empty on Sunday evening due to restrictions of movement. Residents said a lot of people had left the city as the number of infected people crossing the border from Russia rose. "I don't need to worry," Zhao Wei, another Suifenhe resident, told Reuters. "If there's a local transmission, I would, but there's not a single one. They're all from the border, but they've all been sent to quarantine."

China's new coronavirus cases near six-week high, Russian border new battleground

China has kicked off a fresh wave of crackdown against critics. Ren Zhiqiang - a critic who called Xi Jinping a 'clown' over his response to the coronavirus is under investigation. WION's Palki Sharma brings you stories of 3 critics who showed the courage to speak out.

Gravitas:  A fresh wave of crackdown in China | Wuhan Coronavirus

A critic of the Chinese Communist party, who said President Xi Jinping was a “clown” over his handling of the coronavirus outbreak, is being investigated by the party's disciplinary committee.

Ren Zhiqiang, the influential Chinese tycoon, has been missing since March 12. He will be investigated for "serious violations of law and discipline," the Communist Party's disciplinary arm announced on Tuesday.

"Ren's fate will be determined by what I think is an intense struggle at the top of the Communist Party. If Xi Jinping prevails, we won't see Ren for a long time. If Xi's adversaries win, Ren will be China's next hero," foreign affairs expert Gordon Chang further told Fox News.

Ren had told friends that he "saw not an emperor standing there exhibiting his 'new clothes,' but a clown stripped naked who insisted he continue being emperor." He also said China's state-run news media should serve the people of China and not the Communist Party, something Xi strongly disagrees with.

Ren's comments highlight the growing discontent and frustration over Xi's authoritarian rule.

This is, however, not the first time when Ren faced Xi's ire. In 2016, Chinese Communist Party officials put Ren on a one-year probation after he criticised Xi's policies.

 
&nbsp;

A critic of the Chinese Communist party, who said President Xi Jinping was a “clown” over his handling of the coronavirus outbreak, is being investigated by the party's disciplinary committee.

A critic of the Chinese Communist party, who said President Xi Jinping was a “clown” over his handling of the coronavirus outbreak, is being investigated by the party's disciplinary committee. Ren Zhiqiang, the influential Chinese tycoon, has been missing since March 12. He will be investigated for "serious violations of law and discipline," the Communist Party's disciplinary arm announced on Tuesday. "Ren's fate will be determined by what I think is an intense struggle at the top of the Communist Party. If Xi Jinping prevails, we won't see Ren for a long time. If Xi's adversaries win, Ren will be China's next hero," foreign affairs expert Gordon Chang further told Fox News. Ren had told friends that he "saw not an emperor standing there exhibiting his 'new clothes,' but a clown stripped naked who insisted he continue being emperor." He also said China's state-run news media should serve the people of China and not the Communist Party, something Xi strongly disagrees with. Ren's comments highlight the growing discontent and frustration over Xi's authoritarian rule. This is, however, not the first time when Ren faced Xi's ire. In 2016, Chinese Communist Party officials put Ren on a one-year probation after he criticised Xi's policies.

China critic who called President Xi a 'clown' being investigated by Communist Party

The world is busy counting the dead and the country that exported this deadly virus is busy wiping evidence. First, a cover-up then clean-up. China is destroying evidence and silencing critics. It destroyed the first coronavirus test samples. Wiped the Wuhan wet markets clean and is now punishing critics at home.

China is still muzzling voices of those who ask questions especially those, who dare to speak against President Xi Jinping.

Three Chinese citizens who dared to speak out against the mighty communist party are now facing the wrath of the dragon.

&nbsp;The first one is a property tycoon Ren Zhi-Qiang. Ren wrote against President Xi and disappeared last month. He has resurfaced in the headlines now. The Chinese state says that ren is under investigation.

The second person in our story is Xu Zhi-Yong. Xu, a scholar and an activist, was arrested in February. Xu had demanded Xi's resignation after the coronavirus outbreak.

The third person on our list has proved to be more embarrassing for Beijing. The govt can dismiss criticism from regular citizens but what happens when one of your own speaks out. Fu &nbsp;Ying, a woman, is not just another Chinese citizen. Ying was vice foreign minister of China until 2013. She still holds a very senior post in the communist party as chairperson of the foreign affairs committee. Fu is unhappy with Beijing's combative diplomacy.

These are three individuals in a country of 140 crore people who have shown the courage to speak out. In a country where criticizing the government is a crime, they have done it.

Ren Zhi-Qiang is a former real estate executive and a longtime member of the communist party. Ren enjoys a large following on Chinese social media. After the coronavirus outbreak, he wrote an essay that went viral. The piece is a scathing criticism of the Chinese president. It called Xi a "Power-hungry clown" and hit out at the communist party for the censorship of the media.&nbsp;

Ren said that the curbs on free speech have exacerbated the epidemic. He is being punished for speaking his mind. Ren disappeared last month. Now china says he is under investigation. He is accused of "Serious violations of discipline and law". He violated the unspoken rule in china-- you cannot criticise xi Jinping.&nbsp;

China has always been harsh with critics but this level of brazenness when the whole world is watching it, only shows how nervous it is about the growing criticism at home and abroad. After Wuhan was locked down, xu, a prominent activist, began asking questions. He pointed out lapses and demanded Xi's resignation. He was promptly detained and has been missing since. This is the pattern for the critics at home.

Similarly, China has unleashed diplomats to deal with people questioning the government outside the country. They're trying to control the narrative by spreading misinformation. They send aid and buy silence.&nbsp;

This aggressive campaign has created divisions within the communist party.

Meanwhile, &nbsp;Fu Ying, the former vice foreign minister writing for the state mouthpiece People's Daily, she said: "Words need to be supported by high-quality content".

"We must put forth a true, three-dimensional, and comprehensive picture of China to the international society." These words are a clear reprimand to china's new age and combative diplomats. Better known as Twitter warriors on the internet. The message for China is clear

It can silence millions but will still be exposed by a few.

The world is busy counting the dead and the country that exported this deadly virus is busy wiping evidence. First, a cover-up then clean-up. China is destroying evidence and silencing critics.

The world is busy counting the dead and the country that exported this deadly virus is busy wiping evidence. First, a cover-up then clean-up. China is destroying evidence and silencing critics. It destroyed the first coronavirus test samples. Wiped the Wuhan wet markets clean and is now punishing critics at home. China is still muzzling voices of those who ask questions especially those, who dare to speak against President Xi Jinping. Three Chinese citizens who dared to speak out against the mighty communist party are now facing the wrath of the dragon. The first one is a property tycoon Ren Zhi-Qiang. Ren wrote against President Xi and disappeared last month. He has resurfaced in the headlines now. The Chinese state says that ren is under investigation. The second person in our story is Xu Zhi-Yong. Xu, a scholar and an activist, was arrested in February. Xu had demanded Xi's resignation after the coronavirus outbreak. The third person on our list has proved to be more embarrassing for Beijing. The govt can dismiss criticism from regular citizens but what happens when one of your own speaks out. Fu Ying, a woman, is not just another Chinese citizen. Ying was vice foreign minister of China until 2013. She still holds a very senior post in the communist party as chairperson of the foreign affairs committee. Fu is unhappy with Beijing's combative diplomacy. These are three individuals in a country of 140 crore people who have shown the courage to speak out. In a country where criticizing the government is a crime, they have done it. Ren Zhi-Qiang is a former real estate executive and a longtime member of the communist party. Ren enjoys a large following on Chinese social media. After the coronavirus outbreak, he wrote an essay that went viral. The piece is a scathing criticism of the Chinese president. It called Xi a "Power-hungry clown" and hit out at the communist party for the censorship of the media. Ren said that the curbs on free speech have exacerbated the epidemic. He is being punished for speaking his mind. Ren disappeared last month. Now china says he is under investigation. He is accused of "Serious violations of discipline and law". He violated the unspoken rule in china-- you cannot criticise xi Jinping. China has always been harsh with critics but this level of brazenness when the whole world is watching it, only shows how nervous it is about the growing criticism at home and abroad. After Wuhan was locked down, xu, a prominent activist, began asking questions. He pointed out lapses and demanded Xi's resignation. He was promptly detained and has been missing since. This is the pattern for the critics at home. Similarly, China has unleashed diplomats to deal with people questioning the government outside the country. They're trying to control the narrative by spreading misinformation. They send aid and buy silence. This aggressive campaign has created divisions within the communist party. Meanwhile, Fu Ying, the former vice foreign minister writing for the state mouthpiece People's Daily, she said: "Words need to be supported by high-quality content". "We must put forth a true, three-dimensional, and comprehensive picture of China to the international society." These words are a clear reprimand to china's new age and combative diplomats. Better known as Twitter warriors on the internet. The message for China is clear It can silence millions but will still be exposed by a few.

How China is muzzling voices that speak against President Xi Jinping

Everytime the world faces an emergency, there's an onslaught of conjecture and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/chinas-cover-up-will-coronavirus-pandemic-lead-to-changed-world-order-289890">conspiracy theories</a>.

Some emerge out of nowhere on the internet, others are hollered on prime-time debates. A good number of conspiracy theories continue to come our way from across the border - Pakistan.

The country has over 2000 active cases of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-scientists-find-antibodies-for-covid-19-290204">the coronavirus</a>, but instead of imposing a lockdown, the Imran Khan government seems to have unleashed conspiracy theorists to shift the blame away from&nbsp;China.&nbsp;

Abdullah Hussain Haroon, Pakistan's former Foreign Minister, says that the coronavirus was scientifically engineered by the governments of the United States and European nations.

The purpose, he says, was to halt <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/wion-edit-chinas-authoritarianism-vs-democracy-and-transparency-289530">fast-emerging China</a>.

Harooni is joined by Dr Atta ur-Rehman who says that the coronavirus got leaked from a lab in the United States.

He says there is also a possibility that a laboratory in the UK was involved. Dr Rahman is a scientist who serves as the co-chair at the UN Committee on science and technology.&nbsp;

There have been 31 deaths due to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-us-remarks-on-covid-19-data-information-290105">Wuhan coronavirus </a>in Pakistan. Instead of seeking some accountability from Beijing for the evolving crisis, the Pakistani establishment and UN-level dignitaries, are peddling conspiracy theories to defend China.

Meanwhile, Pakistani courts are quietly letting out terrorists as the world is busy fighting this pandemic.&nbsp;

The Sindh High Court in Pakistan has overturned the death sentence of the main accused in the 2002 Daniel Pearl murder case.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-court-gives-verdict-in-2002-daniel-pearl-kidnapping-and-murder-case-290072">Daniel Pearl</a> was a Wall Street Journal reporter researching on Islamist militants in Karachi and their links to the 9/11 attacks. He was kidnapped by extremists. A&nbsp;video showing his beheading was sent to the US consulate in Karachi.

Pakistan's judiciary has collapsed. The economy is functioning on international borrowing, the health-care system is not prepared for the coronavirus. It is among the worst-affected nations in South Asia, but Imran Khan is indulging in petty politics and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-outbreak-exposes-leadership-crisis-in-pakistan-289757">Islamabad is&nbsp;fuelling conspiracy</a> theories to back China.

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Everytime the world faces an emergency, there's an onslaught of conjecture and conspiracy theories. Some emerge out of nowhere on the internet, others are hollered on prime-time debates.

Everytime the world faces an emergency, there's an onslaught of conjecture and conspiracy theories. Some emerge out of nowhere on the internet, others are hollered on prime-time debates. A good number of conspiracy theories continue to come our way from across the border - Pakistan. The country has over 2000 active cases of the coronavirus, but instead of imposing a lockdown, the Imran Khan government seems to have unleashed conspiracy theorists to shift the blame away from China. Abdullah Hussain Haroon, Pakistan's former Foreign Minister, says that the coronavirus was scientifically engineered by the governments of the United States and European nations. The purpose, he says, was to halt fast-emerging China. Harooni is joined by Dr Atta ur-Rehman who says that the coronavirus got leaked from a lab in the United States. He says there is also a possibility that a laboratory in the UK was involved. Dr Rahman is a scientist who serves as the co-chair at the UN Committee on science and technology. There have been 31 deaths due to the Wuhan coronavirus in Pakistan. Instead of seeking some accountability from Beijing for the evolving crisis, the Pakistani establishment and UN-level dignitaries, are peddling conspiracy theories to defend China. Meanwhile, Pakistani courts are quietly letting out terrorists as the world is busy fighting this pandemic. The Sindh High Court in Pakistan has overturned the death sentence of the main accused in the 2002 Daniel Pearl murder case. Daniel Pearl was a Wall Street Journal reporter researching on Islamist militants in Karachi and their links to the 9/11 attacks. He was kidnapped by extremists. A video showing his beheading was sent to the US consulate in Karachi. Pakistan's judiciary has collapsed. The economy is functioning on international borrowing, the health-care system is not prepared for the coronavirus. It is among the worst-affected nations in South Asia, but Imran Khan is indulging in petty politics and Islamabad is fuelling conspiracy theories to back China.

Coronavirus outbreak: Pakistan backs Chinese propaganda

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