China and the United States are rekindling trade talks ahead of a meeting next week between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, cheering financial markets on hopes that an escalating trade war between the two countries would abate. Trump said on Tuesday that teams from the two sides would begin preparations for the leaders to sit down at the G20 summit in Osaka. China, which previously declined to say whether the two leaders would meet, confirmed the get-together.

“Had a very good telephone conversation with President Xi of China. We will be having an extended meeting next week at the G-20 in Japan. Our respective teams will begin talks prior to our meeting,” Trump said in a post on Twitter. The world’s two largest economies are in the middle of a costly trade dispute that has pressured financial markets and damaged the world economy. Talks to reach a broad deal broke down last month after U.S. officials accused China of backing away from previously agreed commitments. Interaction between the two sides since then has been limited, and Trump has threatened, repeatedly, to slap more tariffs on Chinese products in an escalation that businesses in both countries want to avoid.

In a speech Tuesday night formally launching his 2020 re-election campaign, Trump said he had taken “historic action to confront China’s chronic trading abuses.” “It should have been done a long time ago, but the days of stealing American jobs and American companies, American ideas and wealth – those days are over,” Trump told the packed rally in Orlando, Florida. White House officials declined to go into detail about the preparations or expected outcomes of the talks in Japan, but both sides reiterated long-held positions: U.S. officials called for structural changes in the Chinese economy and in how Beijing treats U.S. businesses; China called for dialogue instead of expensive tariffs.

“The key is to show consideration to each other’s legitimate concerns,” Xi said, according to Chinese state media. “We also hope that the United States treats Chinese companies fairly. I agree that the economic and trade teams of the two countries will maintain communication on how to resolve differences.” Washington has already imposed 25% tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese goods, ranging from semiconductors to furniture, that is imported to the United States. Trump has threatened to put tariffs on another $325 billion of goods, covering nearly all the remaining Chinese imports into the United States, including consumer products such as cellphones, computers and clothing.

Trump had made no secret that, despite his threat to escalate the dispute, he wanted to meet with Xi while they are both in Japan. China’s confirmation of the meeting avoids the possibility of a snub to Washington that could have triggered another round of tariffs. Trump praised his relationship with Xi and spoke optimistically about getting a deal. “I think we have a chance. I know that China wants to make a deal. They don’t like the tariffs, and a lot of companies are leaving China in order to avoid the tariffs,” he told reporters at the White House.

“I think the meeting might very well go well, and frankly our people are starting to deal as of tomorrow. The teams are starting to deal. So we’ll see. China would like to make a deal. We’d like to make a deal, but it has to be a good deal for everybody.” Trump’s tweet offered fresh fuel to a rally on Wall Street as investors bet renewed talks could diffuse the trade war. The S&amp;P 500 gained nearly 1%, while the Nasdaq and Dow Jones Industrial Average both gained around 1.4%. All closed at their highest levels since early May when Trump knocked global stock markets by ratcheting up tariff rates on $200 billion of imported Chinese goods.

“This is a very positive development,” said Clete Willems, a former trade negotiator with Trump’s team. “Leader level engagement at last year’s G20 was critical to jumpstarting the talks,” he said, citing last year’s meeting between Xi and Trump at the G20 in Argentina. “It will be essential to managing the current political dynamic and getting the talks back on track once again.” White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow declined to give details on how the two countries would prepare for the Xi-Trump meeting and said the United States would continue to press for China to change its practices on intellectual property theft and requirements that U.S. companies share their technology to do business in China.

“Our position will continue to be (that) we want structural changes. We want structural changes on all the items … theft of IP, forced transfers of technology, cyber hacking. Of course trade barriers. We’ve got to have something that’s enforceable,” he told reporters at the White House. The two sides were close to a deal in May that addressed many of those concerns. But China sought to soften the legal requirements in the text of the deal, and the United States balked.

According to Chinese state media, Xi told Trump that the China-U.S. relations had encountered difficulties. “If China and the United States cooperate, both benefit. If they fight, both get hurt,” state media paraphrased Xi as saying. Beijing wants the United States to lift its tariffs, but U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, who has spearheaded negotiations, said on Tuesday that talks alone were not enough. “I don’t know if it will get them to stop cheating, tariffs alone. I think you don’t have any other option,” Lighthizer told a congressional hearing. “I know one thing that won’t work and that is talking to them. Because we’ve done that for 20 years.”

China and the United States are rekindling trade talks ahead of a meeting next week between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, cheering financial markets on hopes that an escalating trade war between the two countries would abate.

China and the United States are rekindling trade talks ahead of a meeting next week between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, cheering financial markets on hopes that an escalating trade war between the two countries would abate. Trump said on Tuesday that teams from the two sides would begin preparations for the leaders to sit down at the G20 summit in Osaka. China, which previously declined to say whether the two leaders would meet, confirmed the get-together. “Had a very good telephone conversation with President Xi of China. We will be having an extended meeting next week at the G-20 in Japan. Our respective teams will begin talks prior to our meeting,” Trump said in a post on Twitter. The world’s two largest economies are in the middle of a costly trade dispute that has pressured financial markets and damaged the world economy. Talks to reach a broad deal broke down last month after U.S. officials accused China of backing away from previously agreed commitments. Interaction between the two sides since then has been limited, and Trump has threatened, repeatedly, to slap more tariffs on Chinese products in an escalation that businesses in both countries want to avoid. In a speech Tuesday night formally launching his 2020 re-election campaign, Trump said he had taken “historic action to confront China’s chronic trading abuses.” “It should have been done a long time ago, but the days of stealing American jobs and American companies, American ideas and wealth – those days are over,” Trump told the packed rally in Orlando, Florida. White House officials declined to go into detail about the preparations or expected outcomes of the talks in Japan, but both sides reiterated long-held positions: U.S. officials called for structural changes in the Chinese economy and in how Beijing treats U.S. businesses; China called for dialogue instead of expensive tariffs. “The key is to show consideration to each other’s legitimate concerns,” Xi said, according to Chinese state media. “We also hope that the United States treats Chinese companies fairly. I agree that the economic and trade teams of the two countries will maintain communication on how to resolve differences.” Washington has already imposed 25% tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese goods, ranging from semiconductors to furniture, that is imported to the United States. Trump has threatened to put tariffs on another $325 billion of goods, covering nearly all the remaining Chinese imports into the United States, including consumer products such as cellphones, computers and clothing. Trump had made no secret that, despite his threat to escalate the dispute, he wanted to meet with Xi while they are both in Japan. China’s confirmation of the meeting avoids the possibility of a snub to Washington that could have triggered another round of tariffs. Trump praised his relationship with Xi and spoke optimistically about getting a deal. “I think we have a chance. I know that China wants to make a deal. They don’t like the tariffs, and a lot of companies are leaving China in order to avoid the tariffs,” he told reporters at the White House. “I think the meeting might very well go well, and frankly our people are starting to deal as of tomorrow. The teams are starting to deal. So we’ll see. China would like to make a deal. We’d like to make a deal, but it has to be a good deal for everybody.” Trump’s tweet offered fresh fuel to a rally on Wall Street as investors bet renewed talks could diffuse the trade war. The S&P 500 gained nearly 1%, while the Nasdaq and Dow Jones Industrial Average both gained around 1.4%. All closed at their highest levels since early May when Trump knocked global stock markets by ratcheting up tariff rates on $200 billion of imported Chinese goods. “This is a very positive development,” said Clete Willems, a former trade negotiator with Trump’s team. “Leader level engagement at last year’s G20 was critical to jumpstarting the talks,” he said, citing last year’s meeting between Xi and Trump at the G20 in Argentina. “It will be essential to managing the current political dynamic and getting the talks back on track once again.” White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow declined to give details on how the two countries would prepare for the Xi-Trump meeting and said the United States would continue to press for China to change its practices on intellectual property theft and requirements that U.S. companies share their technology to do business in China. “Our position will continue to be (that) we want structural changes. We want structural changes on all the items … theft of IP, forced transfers of technology, cyber hacking. Of course trade barriers. We’ve got to have something that’s enforceable,” he told reporters at the White House. The two sides were close to a deal in May that addressed many of those concerns. But China sought to soften the legal requirements in the text of the deal, and the United States balked. According to Chinese state media, Xi told Trump that the China-U.S. relations had encountered difficulties. “If China and the United States cooperate, both benefit. If they fight, both get hurt,” state media paraphrased Xi as saying. Beijing wants the United States to lift its tariffs, but U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, who has spearheaded negotiations, said on Tuesday that talks alone were not enough. “I don’t know if it will get them to stop cheating, tariffs alone. I think you don’t have any other option,” Lighthizer told a congressional hearing. “I know one thing that won’t work and that is talking to them. Because we’ve done that for 20 years.”

US, China rekindle trade talks ahead of Donald Trump-Xi Jinping G20 meeting

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cash-strapped-pakistan-inks-3-loan-deals-worth-918-million-with-world-bank-228323">Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> said Tuesday that close cooperation between Pakistan and China was a factor of peace and stability in the region.

He was talking to General Han Weiguo, Commander People's Liberation Army (PLA) Ground Forces, who called on him.

His office said in a statement that the Prime Minister underlined the importance of mutual support by China and Pakistan to each other on their respective issues of core interest.&nbsp;

He also underlined that close Pakistan-China cooperation was a factor of peace and stability in the region and expressed appreciation for China's support for Pakistan's role on international and regional issues, according to the statement.

Khan recalled his wide-ranging exchange of views with President Xi Jinping in their two recent meetings in Beijing in April 2019 and Bishkek in June 2019.

He underscored that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor CPEC was a flagship project of President Xi's visionary Belt and Road Initiative, adding that Pakistan looked forward to also deepening cooperation in socio-economic development between the two countries in Phase-II of CPEC.

General Han also underscored the importance of the time-tested Pakistan-China All Weather Strategic Cooperation Partnership and reaffirmed China's resolve to deepen bilateral cooperation in all fields and further fortify the China-Pakistan relationship, according to the statement.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Imran Khan said Tuesday that close cooperation between Pakistan and China was a factor of peace and stability in the region. He was talking to General Han Weiguo, Commander People's Liberation Army (PLA) Ground Forces, who called on him.

Prime Minister Imran Khan said Tuesday that close cooperation between Pakistan and China was a factor of peace and stability in the region. He was talking to General Han Weiguo, Commander People's Liberation Army (PLA) Ground Forces, who called on him. His office said in a statement that the Prime Minister underlined the importance of mutual support by China and Pakistan to each other on their respective issues of core interest. He also underlined that close Pakistan-China cooperation was a factor of peace and stability in the region and expressed appreciation for China's support for Pakistan's role on international and regional issues, according to the statement. Khan recalled his wide-ranging exchange of views with President Xi Jinping in their two recent meetings in Beijing in April 2019 and Bishkek in June 2019. He underscored that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor CPEC was a flagship project of President Xi's visionary Belt and Road Initiative, adding that Pakistan looked forward to also deepening cooperation in socio-economic development between the two countries in Phase-II of CPEC. General Han also underscored the importance of the time-tested Pakistan-China All Weather Strategic Cooperation Partnership and reaffirmed China's resolve to deepen bilateral cooperation in all fields and further fortify the China-Pakistan relationship, according to the statement.

Pakistan, China cooperation factor of peace and stability in region: Imran Khan

China's global Belt and Road Initiative could boost economies and reduce poverty rates in dozens of developing countries, but risks environmental damage, debt and corruption if improvements aren't made, the World Bank said Wednesday.

President Xi Jinping's signature foreign policy aims to reinvent the ancient Silk Road to connect Asia to Europe and Africa through massive investments in maritime, road and rail projects, with hundreds of billions of dollars in financing from Chinese banks.

Critics, however, say the six-year-old BRI is a plan to boost Beijing's global influence, riddled with opaque deals favouring Chinese companies, and will saddle nations with debt and environmental damage.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-considered-nominating-daughter-ivanka-for-head-of-world-bank-209867">The World Bank</a>'s "Belt and Road Economics" report said the project has "the potential to substantially improve trade, foreign investment, and living conditions", but only if China and corridor countries make policy reforms to improve transparency, expand trade and mitigate against environmental and corruption risks.&nbsp;

While trade will "increase sharply, if unevenly" for economies along the routes, the "potential gains come with considerable risks", according to Ceyla Pazarbasioglu, a World Bank vice president.

The report estimated that the BRI would boost trade by 2.8 to 9.7 per cent for participating countries and between 1.7 and 6.2 per cent for the world.

However, the study found that around a quarter of those economies already have high debt levels and for some them, "medium-term vulnerabilities could increase".

The report said large infrastructure projects are "inherently risky," as they can create corruption and failures in public procurement.

This has caused the US, India and some European nations to look at the project with suspicion.

Greater transparency&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/world-bank-slashes-global-growth-forecast-amid-deepening-us-china-trade-conflict-224398">The World Bank </a>study found Chinese firms account for the majority of BRI contracts, although "limited data" was available. According to one estimate, it said more than 60 per cent of Chinese-funded BRI project&nbsp;is allocated to Chinese companies.&nbsp;

"Little is known about the processes for selecting firms," the World Bank report said.&nbsp;

"Moving toward international good practices such as open and transparent public procurement would increase the likelihood that BRI projects are allocated to the firms best placed to implement them."

"Belt and Road Economics" recommended the BRI made information regarding planning, fiscal costs, budgeting and procurement more available to the public to improve the effectiveness of individual infrastructure investments and national development strategies.&nbsp;

"Greater transparency is essential to encourage community involvement and build public trust in investment decisions," the report said.

President Xi has already tried to bat away concerns, telling a gathering of 37 world leaders in Beijing in April: "Everything should be done transparently and we should have zero tolerance for corruption."

He told journalists at the same forum: "We are committed to supporting open, clean and green development and rejecting protectionism."

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said on Wednesday in response to the World Bank report that China would study "earnestly" its opinions and suggestions.

He added China would "continue to adhere to the principles of joint discussion, construction, sharing and openness, tolerance, and transparency".

China's global Belt and Road Initiative could boost economies and reduce poverty rates in dozens of developing countries, but risks environmental damage, debt and corruption if improvements aren't made, the World Bank said Wednesday.

China's global Belt and Road Initiative could boost economies and reduce poverty rates in dozens of developing countries, but risks environmental damage, debt and corruption if improvements aren't made, the World Bank said Wednesday. President Xi Jinping's signature foreign policy aims to reinvent the ancient Silk Road to connect Asia to Europe and Africa through massive investments in maritime, road and rail projects, with hundreds of billions of dollars in financing from Chinese banks. Critics, however, say the six-year-old BRI is a plan to boost Beijing's global influence, riddled with opaque deals favouring Chinese companies, and will saddle nations with debt and environmental damage. The World Bank's "Belt and Road Economics" report said the project has "the potential to substantially improve trade, foreign investment, and living conditions", but only if China and corridor countries make policy reforms to improve transparency, expand trade and mitigate against environmental and corruption risks. While trade will "increase sharply, if unevenly" for economies along the routes, the "potential gains come with considerable risks", according to Ceyla Pazarbasioglu, a World Bank vice president. The report estimated that the BRI would boost trade by 2.8 to 9.7 per cent for participating countries and between 1.7 and 6.2 per cent for the world. However, the study found that around a quarter of those economies already have high debt levels and for some them, "medium-term vulnerabilities could increase". The report said large infrastructure projects are "inherently risky," as they can create corruption and failures in public procurement. This has caused the US, India and some European nations to look at the project with suspicion. Greater transparency The World Bank study found Chinese firms account for the majority of BRI contracts, although "limited data" was available. According to one estimate, it said more than 60 per cent of Chinese-funded BRI project is allocated to Chinese companies. "Little is known about the processes for selecting firms," the World Bank report said. "Moving toward international good practices such as open and transparent public procurement would increase the likelihood that BRI projects are allocated to the firms best placed to implement them." "Belt and Road Economics" recommended the BRI made information regarding planning, fiscal costs, budgeting and procurement more available to the public to improve the effectiveness of individual infrastructure investments and national development strategies. "Greater transparency is essential to encourage community involvement and build public trust in investment decisions," the report said. President Xi has already tried to bat away concerns, telling a gathering of 37 world leaders in Beijing in April: "Everything should be done transparently and we should have zero tolerance for corruption." He told journalists at the same forum: "We are committed to supporting open, clean and green development and rejecting protectionism." Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said on Wednesday in response to the World Bank report that China would study "earnestly" its opinions and suggestions. He added China would "continue to adhere to the principles of joint discussion, construction, sharing and openness, tolerance, and transparency".

Reforms and transparency needed for Belt and Road success: World Bank

Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping have decided to meet, in the sidelines of the G20 summit in Osaka. Watch this video to know more.

Trump-Xi to meet at Osaka

Chinese President Xi Jinping celebrated his 66th birthday Saturday alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin, who surprised him with ice cream, the Kremlin said in a statement. The two leaders met in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, where they were attending the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA).

Chinese President Xi Jinping Gets A Special Gift From Putin

President Xi Jinping of China plans to make his first state visit to North Korea this week, a surprise move that could rattle his relationship with President Trump, who has twice met the North’s leader, Kim Jong-un, and made his nuclear diplomacy with Mr. Kim a signature foreign policy project.

Xi Jinping Will Make First Visit to North Korea Ahead of Meeting With Trump

For Hong Kong resident Yung Xiu Kwan, 67, a proposed extradition law that would allow people in the former British colony to be sent to mainland China for a trial was the final straw.

Yung is packing her bags and leaving the Chinese-ruled city to set up a new life in proudly democratic Taiwan, fed up with what she sees as Beijing's ever-encroaching grip over the city that has led to an erosion of civil liberties.

"Without freedom and democracy, it's like being put in jail, like living in a concentration camp ... without freedom, (I) would rather die," said Yung, as she waved a Taiwan flag at a massive protest in Hong Kong on Sunday.

"Taiwan can offer that because Taiwan has democratic elections and a constitution that safeguards democracy."

Hong Kong has been governed under a "one country, two systems" formula since its return from British to Chinese rule in 1997, allowing it certain freedoms, including an independent judiciary. Courts in mainland China are controlled by the Communist Party.

Yung is joining thousands of people who have left for Taiwan in recent years, citing fears of Chinese erosion of one country, two systems, a concept Beijing hopes it can introduce one day in Taiwan.

Beijing has never renounced the use of force to take over neighbouring, self-ruled Taiwan, which it regards as a recalcitrant, breakaway province.

While Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam indefinitely suspended the extradition bill, protest organisers said about two million people still took to the streets on Sunday to call for a full withdrawal and to demand Lam step down.

Some Hong Kong tycoons have started moving personal wealth offshore amid concerns over the legislation.

Beacon of democracy

The Hong Kong protests, which saw police use rubber bullets and tear gas, were the most violent to rock the city in decades and marked the biggest challenge the financial hub has posed to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012.

Taiwan, overwhelmingly opposed to a "one country, two systems" formula for itself, has voiced support for Hong Kong. It has remained defiant amid escalating Chinese pressure, with many resolutely rejecting Beijing's call for "reunification".

The extradition bill is the latest in a string of issues that have troubled ties between Hong Kong and Beijing, with Hong Kong people increasingly upset by an inflow of Chinese immigrants and sky-high property prices partly pushed by mainland investors.

Many accuse China of extensive meddling, including obstruction of democratic reforms, interference with elections and of being behind the disappearance of five Hong Kong-based booksellers, starting in 2015, who specialised in works critical of Chinese leaders.

Chan, 30, who declined to give his full name, said the rapid pace of Beijing's encroachment on Hong Kong's civil liberties had taken him by surprise.

"It's like there's a burglar in my house and I'm the one who's forced to leave because I couldn't defeat him," said Chan, who moved to Taiwan in 2016 and is planning to arrange for his parents to retire there.

The number of people granted Taiwan residency from Hong Kong and neighbouring Macau, a former Portuguese-run enclave also given special autonomy under Chinese rule, had more than doubled to 1,267 in 2018 from a decade ago, official data shows.

The trend spiked in the two years following massive protests calling for full democracy in 2014 that paralysed parts of Hong Kong for months. And it shows no signs of abating. There were around 400 such immigrants to Taiwan in the first four months of 2019, a 40% jump from a year ago.

"I'm moving to Taiwan with my wife next year," said Melvin Chu, a Hong Kong resident in his late 20s who joined Sunday's rally, citing worries over political freedoms.

"Things are getting worse in Hong Kong. We are worried for the next generation."

Some Hong Kong youth are so desperate to leave they have opted to join Taiwan's compulsory military service for men under 36 in a bid to get residency, which comes at a price tag of HK$1.5 million ($191,600).

Taiwan politicians have wasted no time in showing their support for Hong Kong amid a heated presidential race in which candidates' policies towards China are closely examined.

Seeking a second term, President Tsai Ing-wen has repeatedly urged the Hong Kong government to respect the people's will, while sounding the alarm over Beijing's "trap" to absorb Taiwan.

Foxconn chairman Terry Gou, seeking an opposition party's presidential nomination, promised to "open his arms" to Hong Kong immigrants looking to find "a new home for democracy and freedom" if he became Taiwan's next president.

"It's a democratic beacon for Hong Kong," Cheng Chung-man, a 32-year-old who works for a lawmaker in Hong Kong's Legislative Council, told Reuters of Taiwan at Sunday's rally.

"It gives Hong Kong people hope."

For Hong Kong resident Yung Xiu Kwan, 67, a proposed extradition law that would allow people in the former British colony to be sent to mainland China for a trial was the final straw.

For Hong Kong resident Yung Xiu Kwan, 67, a proposed extradition law that would allow people in the former British colony to be sent to mainland China for a trial was the final straw. Yung is packing her bags and leaving the Chinese-ruled city to set up a new life in proudly democratic Taiwan, fed up with what she sees as Beijing's ever-encroaching grip over the city that has led to an erosion of civil liberties. "Without freedom and democracy, it's like being put in jail, like living in a concentration camp ... without freedom, (I) would rather die," said Yung, as she waved a Taiwan flag at a massive protest in Hong Kong on Sunday. "Taiwan can offer that because Taiwan has democratic elections and a constitution that safeguards democracy." Hong Kong has been governed under a "one country, two systems" formula since its return from British to Chinese rule in 1997, allowing it certain freedoms, including an independent judiciary. Courts in mainland China are controlled by the Communist Party. Yung is joining thousands of people who have left for Taiwan in recent years, citing fears of Chinese erosion of one country, two systems, a concept Beijing hopes it can introduce one day in Taiwan. Beijing has never renounced the use of force to take over neighbouring, self-ruled Taiwan, which it regards as a recalcitrant, breakaway province. While Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam indefinitely suspended the extradition bill, protest organisers said about two million people still took to the streets on Sunday to call for a full withdrawal and to demand Lam step down. Some Hong Kong tycoons have started moving personal wealth offshore amid concerns over the legislation. Beacon of democracy The Hong Kong protests, which saw police use rubber bullets and tear gas, were the most violent to rock the city in decades and marked the biggest challenge the financial hub has posed to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012. Taiwan, overwhelmingly opposed to a "one country, two systems" formula for itself, has voiced support for Hong Kong. It has remained defiant amid escalating Chinese pressure, with many resolutely rejecting Beijing's call for "reunification". The extradition bill is the latest in a string of issues that have troubled ties between Hong Kong and Beijing, with Hong Kong people increasingly upset by an inflow of Chinese immigrants and sky-high property prices partly pushed by mainland investors. Many accuse China of extensive meddling, including obstruction of democratic reforms, interference with elections and of being behind the disappearance of five Hong Kong-based booksellers, starting in 2015, who specialised in works critical of Chinese leaders. Chan, 30, who declined to give his full name, said the rapid pace of Beijing's encroachment on Hong Kong's civil liberties had taken him by surprise. "It's like there's a burglar in my house and I'm the one who's forced to leave because I couldn't defeat him," said Chan, who moved to Taiwan in 2016 and is planning to arrange for his parents to retire there. The number of people granted Taiwan residency from Hong Kong and neighbouring Macau, a former Portuguese-run enclave also given special autonomy under Chinese rule, had more than doubled to 1,267 in 2018 from a decade ago, official data shows. The trend spiked in the two years following massive protests calling for full democracy in 2014 that paralysed parts of Hong Kong for months. And it shows no signs of abating. There were around 400 such immigrants to Taiwan in the first four months of 2019, a 40% jump from a year ago. "I'm moving to Taiwan with my wife next year," said Melvin Chu, a Hong Kong resident in his late 20s who joined Sunday's rally, citing worries over political freedoms. "Things are getting worse in Hong Kong. We are worried for the next generation." Some Hong Kong youth are so desperate to leave they have opted to join Taiwan's compulsory military service for men under 36 in a bid to get residency, which comes at a price tag of HK$1.5 million ($191,600). Taiwan politicians have wasted no time in showing their support for Hong Kong amid a heated presidential race in which candidates' policies towards China are closely examined. Seeking a second term, President Tsai Ing-wen has repeatedly urged the Hong Kong government to respect the people's will, while sounding the alarm over Beijing's "trap" to absorb Taiwan. Foxconn chairman Terry Gou, seeking an opposition party's presidential nomination, promised to "open his arms" to Hong Kong immigrants looking to find "a new home for democracy and freedom" if he became Taiwan's next president. "It's a democratic beacon for Hong Kong," Cheng Chung-man, a 32-year-old who works for a lawmaker in Hong Kong's Legislative Council, told Reuters of Taiwan at Sunday's rally. "It gives Hong Kong people hope."

Many in Hong Kong, fearful of China's grasp, flee to Taiwan

Japanese police Monday arrested a man suspected of stabbing a police officer in the chest and stealing his gun near Osaka, just days before world leaders fly into the city for a G20 summit.

The 33-year-old suspect, who denies the charges, was in possession of an ID document showing he was mentally disabled, an Osaka regional police detective told AFP.

The police officer, 22, is still in a coma, the detective added. His gun was found later with one bullet missing.

The incident, a rare case of violent crime in Japan, hit national headlines due to the proximity of the attack to the G20, which will be held in the western city on June 28 and 29.

"We have not yet studied what impact this will have on the G20 security plan," Takahisa Ishida, chief of the Osaka police, told local media.

US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping will be among the leaders jetting in for the summit, with tens of thousands of aides in tow.&nbsp;

More than 25,000 police officers will reportedly be mobilised to provide security in Osaka during the summit meetings.

"We will do our best on security measures ahead of the G20 next week," top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga told reporters Monday when asked about the incident.

A recent meeting of G20 finance ministers in the western city of Fukuoka was held under extremely high security, with areas around the meeting in total lockdown.

Japanese police Monday arrested a man suspected of stabbing a police officer in the chest and stealing his gun near Osaka, just days before world leaders fly into the city for a G20 summit.

Japanese police Monday arrested a man suspected of stabbing a police officer in the chest and stealing his gun near Osaka, just days before world leaders fly into the city for a G20 summit. The 33-year-old suspect, who denies the charges, was in possession of an ID document showing he was mentally disabled, an Osaka regional police detective told AFP. The police officer, 22, is still in a coma, the detective added. His gun was found later with one bullet missing. The incident, a rare case of violent crime in Japan, hit national headlines due to the proximity of the attack to the G20, which will be held in the western city on June 28 and 29. "We have not yet studied what impact this will have on the G20 security plan," Takahisa Ishida, chief of the Osaka police, told local media. US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping will be among the leaders jetting in for the summit, with tens of thousands of aides in tow. More than 25,000 police officers will reportedly be mobilised to provide security in Osaka during the summit meetings. "We will do our best on security measures ahead of the G20 next week," top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga told reporters Monday when asked about the incident. A recent meeting of G20 finance ministers in the western city of Fukuoka was held under extremely high security, with areas around the meeting in total lockdown.

Police officer stabbed ahead of G20 summit in Japan

Washington is planning <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-slap-huge-new-tariffs-on-china-if-president-xi-doesnt-show-up-trump-ahead-of-g20-meeting-226081">another tidal wave of tariffs on Chinese imports</a> that represent a worst-case scenario for markets and major industries on both sides of the Pacific.

And on Monday, seven days of public hearings are due to begin as major businesses issue their loudest warnings yet about layoffs, lost business and America's waning industrial predominance.

Some industries, such as steel and aluminum producers, have benefitted from President Donald Trump's trade policies and strongly support tariffs.

But the lion's share so far are pleading with his administration to spare the imports they depend on -- if not to step back from the brink of an unprecedented all-out trade conflict that economists say would prove dire for global growth.

Should they take effect, the newest $300 billion round of tariffs -- which follow last month's sudden crackup in trade negotiations with Beijing -- would mean stinging duties cover just about all of the more than half trillion dollars in goods that Americans buy from China every year.

Major trade bodies share Trump's principle grievances with Beijing, accusing it of rampant industrial espionage and massive state intervention in markets.

But in a letter to Trump on Thursday, hundreds of US companies large and small, including retail giants Target and Walmart, warned Trump the new tariff round could cost two million jobs and cut US GDP growth by a full percentage point.

Watch:&nbsp;India imposes retaliatory tariffs on 28 US goods

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-imposes-retaliatory-tariffs-on-28-us-goods-227482/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

So far, Trump has imposed tariffs on more than $250 billion in Chinese goods but this has spared most consumer items from major price increases.

Still, William Reinsch, a trade policy expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told AFP the new tariffs were likely to pinch ordinary consumers far more.&nbsp;

"Unlike the previous times, I think there'll be a sharp negative reaction from the public," he said.&nbsp;

"If these things go into effect in July, what you're going to see is fairly immediate price increases on a whole bunch of things right at the point where people are gearing up to shop for the fall season, for winter clothes and for Christmas."

Trump has pinned hopes for resolving the impasse on a planned meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping later this month at the Group of 20 summit in Japan.

America makes no tea

Should Xi fail to attend, Trump told CNBC this week, he could impose the new tariffs "immediately" -- although the period for public comment on the tariffs extends beyond the conclusion of the summit.

At the hearings, more than 300 people are scheduled to testify. And the US Trade Representative's office has collected more than 1,200 written comments and requests to appear in person.

"We are not able to quickly or simply shift all manufacturing to other sourcing countries, resulting in price increases for the average US consumer," wrote Patrice Louvet, CEO of Ralph Lauren Corporation. "This ultimately undermines American competitiveness."

Oilfield services giant Halliburton warned of job cuts and decreased US oil-and-gas exploration if duties rise to 25 per cent on barite, a key mineral used in drilling fluids for which China has the world's largest reserves.

Smaller businesses also came forward.&nbsp;

"We would like it to be known that the retail segment of the economy is preparing for a big hit and pray that the present administration consults God," said an anonymous retailer in western Kentucky that imports outdoor seating and artificial Christmas trees, among other items, but supported Trump's trade policies overall.

Lu Yu, vice president of the China Chamber of Commerce of Food Stuffs, Native Produce and Animal Byproducts, said putting tariffs on Chinese tea made no sense.

"The USA is not a tea producing country," she wrote.

"The tea industry of the USA does not need to be protected by tariffs and there is not any tea grower or group that would be protected."

Trump's departing chief economist Kevin Hassett told CNBC on Friday the possible Trump-Xi meeting at the G20 summit could yield rapid improvements.

"I think the hope is that at the G20 meeting the two presidents can get together to start to get closer to where we were a few months ago where we really, really close to having a deal," he said.

But Trump's commerce secretary, Wilbur Ross, told the Wall Street Journal on Sunday he thinks "the most that will come out of the G-20 might be an agreement to actively resume talks."

"At the presidential level they're not going to talk about the details of how do you enforce a trade agreement," Ross said.

And the spectre of such a massive hit to consumers' wallets holds political peril for Trump.&nbsp;

Polling last month by Monmouth and Quinnipiac universities showed majorities disapproved of Trump's trade policies and expected his tariffs to raise prices.

Reinsch of CSIS said Trump was left with a dilemma, as Beijing was not likely to meet his toughest demands.

"The president has a choice: accept a weaker agreement or continue the war," he said, adding that either outcome would leave him vulnerable to attacks from Democrats.&nbsp;

"I don't see a clean way out of this."

Washington is planning another tidal wave of tariffs on Chinese imports that represent a worst-case scenario for markets and major industries on both sides of the Pacific.

Washington is planning another tidal wave of tariffs on Chinese imports that represent a worst-case scenario for markets and major industries on both sides of the Pacific. And on Monday, seven days of public hearings are due to begin as major businesses issue their loudest warnings yet about layoffs, lost business and America's waning industrial predominance. Some industries, such as steel and aluminum producers, have benefitted from President Donald Trump's trade policies and strongly support tariffs. But the lion's share so far are pleading with his administration to spare the imports they depend on -- if not to step back from the brink of an unprecedented all-out trade conflict that economists say would prove dire for global growth. Should they take effect, the newest $300 billion round of tariffs -- which follow last month's sudden crackup in trade negotiations with Beijing -- would mean stinging duties cover just about all of the more than half trillion dollars in goods that Americans buy from China every year. Major trade bodies share Trump's principle grievances with Beijing, accusing it of rampant industrial espionage and massive state intervention in markets. But in a letter to Trump on Thursday, hundreds of US companies large and small, including retail giants Target and Walmart, warned Trump the new tariff round could cost two million jobs and cut US GDP growth by a full percentage point. Watch: India imposes retaliatory tariffs on 28 US goods So far, Trump has imposed tariffs on more than $250 billion in Chinese goods but this has spared most consumer items from major price increases. Still, William Reinsch, a trade policy expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told AFP the new tariffs were likely to pinch ordinary consumers far more. "Unlike the previous times, I think there'll be a sharp negative reaction from the public," he said. "If these things go into effect in July, what you're going to see is fairly immediate price increases on a whole bunch of things right at the point where people are gearing up to shop for the fall season, for winter clothes and for Christmas." Trump has pinned hopes for resolving the impasse on a planned meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping later this month at the Group of 20 summit in Japan. America makes no tea Should Xi fail to attend, Trump told CNBC this week, he could impose the new tariffs "immediately" -- although the period for public comment on the tariffs extends beyond the conclusion of the summit. At the hearings, more than 300 people are scheduled to testify. And the US Trade Representative's office has collected more than 1,200 written comments and requests to appear in person. "We are not able to quickly or simply shift all manufacturing to other sourcing countries, resulting in price increases for the average US consumer," wrote Patrice Louvet, CEO of Ralph Lauren Corporation. "This ultimately undermines American competitiveness." Oilfield services giant Halliburton warned of job cuts and decreased US oil-and-gas exploration if duties rise to 25 per cent on barite, a key mineral used in drilling fluids for which China has the world's largest reserves. Smaller businesses also came forward. "We would like it to be known that the retail segment of the economy is preparing for a big hit and pray that the present administration consults God," said an anonymous retailer in western Kentucky that imports outdoor seating and artificial Christmas trees, among other items, but supported Trump's trade policies overall. Lu Yu, vice president of the China Chamber of Commerce of Food Stuffs, Native Produce and Animal Byproducts, said putting tariffs on Chinese tea made no sense. "The USA is not a tea producing country," she wrote. "The tea industry of the USA does not need to be protected by tariffs and there is not any tea grower or group that would be protected." Trump's departing chief economist Kevin Hassett told CNBC on Friday the possible Trump-Xi meeting at the G20 summit could yield rapid improvements. "I think the hope is that at the G20 meeting the two presidents can get together to start to get closer to where we were a few months ago where we really, really close to having a deal," he said. But Trump's commerce secretary, Wilbur Ross, told the Wall Street Journal on Sunday he thinks "the most that will come out of the G-20 might be an agreement to actively resume talks." "At the presidential level they're not going to talk about the details of how do you enforce a trade agreement," Ross said. And the spectre of such a massive hit to consumers' wallets holds political peril for Trump. Polling last month by Monmouth and Quinnipiac universities showed majorities disapproved of Trump's trade policies and expected his tariffs to raise prices. Reinsch of CSIS said Trump was left with a dilemma, as Beijing was not likely to meet his toughest demands. "The president has a choice: accept a weaker agreement or continue the war," he said, adding that either outcome would leave him vulnerable to attacks from Democrats. "I don't see a clean way out of this."

US planning more tariffs on Chinese goods, represent worst scenario for both countries

China’s President Xi Jinping will travel to North Korea on Thursday for a two-day state visit, state media said, in what would be the first such visit by a Chinese leader in more than a decade.

Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit North Korea this week

Xi Jinping will make the first trip to North Korea by a Chinese president in 14 years this week, state media said Monday, as Beijing tightens relations with Pyongyang amid tensions with the United States.

Xi will visit Pyongyang on Thursday and Friday at the invitation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-he-received-a-beautiful-letter-from-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-226360">North Korean leader Kim Jong-un</a>, said Chinese broadcaster CCTV.

The timing is likely to raise eyebrows at the White House as it comes one week before the G20 summit in Japan, where US President Donald Trump expects to meet with Xi to discuss their trade war.

China and North Korea have worked to improve relations in the past year after they deteriorated as Beijing backed a series of UN sanctions against Pyongyang over its nuclear activities.

The North's leader Kim Jong-un travelled to China -- his country's sole major ally -- four times in the past year to meet Xi.

But Xi had yet to reciprocate until now. It will be the first trip there by a Chinese president since Hu Jintao went in 2005.&nbsp;

With Beijing and Washington at loggerheads over trade, China is keen to remind Trump of its influence in Pyongyang, with whom his nuclear negotiations -- a point of pride for the US president, who faces an election next year -- are also at a deadlock.

"The signal would be that China remains a critical stakeholder," said Jingdong Yuan, a professor specialising in Asia-Pacific security and Chinese foreign policy at the University of Sydney.

"You cannot ignore China and China can play a very important role," he told AFP. Xi could thus use the trip as a "bargaining chip" in the US-China trade war, he added.

According to an informed source in Pyongyang, Beijing was keen to arrange a visit to North Korea ahead of any encounter between Xi and Trump at the G20 summit -- with trip logistics finalised only last month.

In recent days, hundreds of soldiers and workers have been sprucing up the Friendship Tower in Pyongyang, pruning bushes and replanting flowerbeds on the approaches to the monument, which commemorates the millions of Chinese troops Mao Zedong sent to save the forces of Kim's grandfather Kim Il Sung from defeat during the Korean War.

A detachment of soldiers in white jackets was also seen outside the Liberation War Museum -- which includes a section on the Chinese contribution -- potentially indicating that it may be on Xi's itinerary.

'Four to zero'

It will be Xi's first trip to North Korea since taking power in 2012, though he visited the country as vice president in 2008.

"China and the DPRK are friendly neighbours," CCTV said, adding that Xi and Kim have reached a "series of important consensus" in past meetings and that a new chapter of bilateral relations had begun.

In contrast, Kim Jong-un has gone to China multiple times over the past year -- an unbalanced exchange that has not gone unnoticed in Pyongyang.

According to diplomatic sources in the North Korean capital, after Kim's many trips to meet Xi, there were increasingly strong feelings in Pyongyang that the Chinese leader should reciprocate for reasons of saving face.

"From a North Korean perspective, it's time for Chairman Xi to visit," said John Delury, an expert on US-China relations and Korean Peninsula affairs at Yonsei University in Seoul.

"They do keep score and it's like four to zero," he recently told AFP. "So far, Xi has approached China-North Korea relations very much as a function of US-China relations and kind of calculated in terms of that."

The visit also comes as negotiations between Trump and Kim have soured after the second summit in February broke up without a deal, failing to agree on what Pyongyang would be willing to give up in exchange for sanctions relief.

Since then, Kim has accused Washington of acting in "bad faith" and given it until the end of the year to change its approach.

Still, the nuclear situation is "under control for now", said Delury.&nbsp;

"That creates a space, a window where Xi could make a visit without expecting like a missile test the day he leaves or something like that," he said.

Xi Jinping will make the first trip to North Korea by a Chinese president in 14 years this week, state media said Monday, as Beijing tightens relations with Pyongyang amid tensions with the United States.

Xi Jinping will make the first trip to North Korea by a Chinese president in 14 years this week, state media said Monday, as Beijing tightens relations with Pyongyang amid tensions with the United States. Xi will visit Pyongyang on Thursday and Friday at the invitation of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, said Chinese broadcaster CCTV. The timing is likely to raise eyebrows at the White House as it comes one week before the G20 summit in Japan, where US President Donald Trump expects to meet with Xi to discuss their trade war. China and North Korea have worked to improve relations in the past year after they deteriorated as Beijing backed a series of UN sanctions against Pyongyang over its nuclear activities. The North's leader Kim Jong-un travelled to China -- his country's sole major ally -- four times in the past year to meet Xi. But Xi had yet to reciprocate until now. It will be the first trip there by a Chinese president since Hu Jintao went in 2005. With Beijing and Washington at loggerheads over trade, China is keen to remind Trump of its influence in Pyongyang, with whom his nuclear negotiations -- a point of pride for the US president, who faces an election next year -- are also at a deadlock. "The signal would be that China remains a critical stakeholder," said Jingdong Yuan, a professor specialising in Asia-Pacific security and Chinese foreign policy at the University of Sydney. "You cannot ignore China and China can play a very important role," he told AFP. Xi could thus use the trip as a "bargaining chip" in the US-China trade war, he added. According to an informed source in Pyongyang, Beijing was keen to arrange a visit to North Korea ahead of any encounter between Xi and Trump at the G20 summit -- with trip logistics finalised only last month. In recent days, hundreds of soldiers and workers have been sprucing up the Friendship Tower in Pyongyang, pruning bushes and replanting flowerbeds on the approaches to the monument, which commemorates the millions of Chinese troops Mao Zedong sent to save the forces of Kim's grandfather Kim Il Sung from defeat during the Korean War. A detachment of soldiers in white jackets was also seen outside the Liberation War Museum -- which includes a section on the Chinese contribution -- potentially indicating that it may be on Xi's itinerary. 'Four to zero' It will be Xi's first trip to North Korea since taking power in 2012, though he visited the country as vice president in 2008. "China and the DPRK are friendly neighbours," CCTV said, adding that Xi and Kim have reached a "series of important consensus" in past meetings and that a new chapter of bilateral relations had begun. In contrast, Kim Jong-un has gone to China multiple times over the past year -- an unbalanced exchange that has not gone unnoticed in Pyongyang. According to diplomatic sources in the North Korean capital, after Kim's many trips to meet Xi, there were increasingly strong feelings in Pyongyang that the Chinese leader should reciprocate for reasons of saving face. "From a North Korean perspective, it's time for Chairman Xi to visit," said John Delury, an expert on US-China relations and Korean Peninsula affairs at Yonsei University in Seoul. "They do keep score and it's like four to zero," he recently told AFP. "So far, Xi has approached China-North Korea relations very much as a function of US-China relations and kind of calculated in terms of that." The visit also comes as negotiations between Trump and Kim have soured after the second summit in February broke up without a deal, failing to agree on what Pyongyang would be willing to give up in exchange for sanctions relief. Since then, Kim has accused Washington of acting in "bad faith" and given it until the end of the year to change its approach. Still, the nuclear situation is "under control for now", said Delury. "That creates a space, a window where Xi could make a visit without expecting like a missile test the day he leaves or something like that," he said.

China's Xi Jinping to visit North Korea this week ahead of G20

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 15th, 2019

When India joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and was admitted as a full-fledged member along with Pakistan in June 2017 at Astana, Kazakhstan little did people in India know about the dynamics of this group. Even less was appreciated about the commonalities that the constituents had in terms of interests.&nbsp;

SCO is the largest regional organisation in the world in terms of geographical coverage and population, covering three-fifths of the Eurasian continent and nearly half of the human population. It is essentially a forum for cooperation in economic and security domains while also promoting cooperation in political affairs, trade, scientific, cultural and educational spheres as well as in energy, transportation, tourism, and environmental protection.&nbsp;

The annual summit meeting is a very apt platform for discussion between heads of governments and states particularly on issues of geopolitical concern. India’s presence as a full-fledged member contributes to the multilateral nature of India’s engagements. The major advantage is that on a structured platform it shares space with China with whom it desires an equitable and mutually respectful relationship but the existing trust deficit prevents this from manifesting fully into anything transformational. Yet India’s admission into SCO is itself an indicator of China’s similar desire. With Russia, India enjoys a traditionally strong relationship which has its hiccups due to the Russian perception about India moving on, with multilateralism weathering the historically trusted and mutually beneficial relationship. The Central Asian states desire cooperation and consultation with India but scope in economic terms has been greatly restricted due to the obstacles laid by Pakistan. Pakistan’s presence, in the long run, may prove to be mutually beneficial if and when some traction is gained in terms of the trust. The utility of SCO as a vehicle for improving relationships and setting aside differences was borne out by the way in which India and China utilised the Qingdao meeting in June 2018 to build upon the achievements of the bilateral Modi-Xi summit at Wuhan. In fact, Wuhan and Qingdao became synonymously linked to the new spirit of Sino-Indian cooperation after setting aside the Doklam standoff. Now at Bishkek, PM Modi’s first deliberations have taken place with President Xi Jinping of China with a full review of Sino-Indian relations since November 2018 and have led to a conclusive decision regarding the Chinese President’s visit to India later this year. Despite India’s reluctance to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its absence for the second time at the BRI summit, the two nations have followed a policy of engagement. With greater understanding and now the decision at Biskek to address border issues on priority perhaps ways will also eventually be found to address India’s major concern about BRI which dwells upon the development of infrastructure in territories claimed by India and not currently under its control.

While social and economic protocols and issues undoubtedly form the bedrock of such a grouping the current meeting in Bishkek, comes at a time when the world is once again witnessing international turbulence. The US-China trade war promises to upset many economic understandings. The US-Iran standoff and the threat to the stability of energy supply most adversely affect India and China. The US is attempting to break India’s dependence on Russia for advanced military equipment by offering F-35 aircraft in return for India pulling out of the S-400 deal with Russia; there have been quiet threats about the imposition of Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) against India. While acts of global terror have reduced, notwithstanding the recent suicide bombings in Sri Lanka, the world is yet worried about violent radical extremism and India is particularly concerned about the threats it faces from Pakistan and potentially from others. Global terror is a subject that falls in SCO’s ambit and it is a good opportunity for India to highlight its own case.

The issue which observers in India are focused upon is India-Pakistan relations and how these will manifest at Bishkek. For some months now PM Imran Khan has been making overtures in the hope of a positive Indian response. The SCO meeting gave further hope that there would be an opportunity to break the ice through a Modi-Khan meeting on the sidelines. However, PM Modi chose to adopt a cool approach right from the outset. His decision not to overfly Pakistan airspace was designed to send the message that India will not engage in any peace process as long as Pakistan continued to use terror for attaining its strategic objectives. Actually, Pakistan’s attempt to engage with India continues to appear insincere. Four months after Pulwama attacks, Pakistan is under international scrutiny and much pressure to demonstrate its willingness to forego the use of radical and violent proxies. With its economy in doldrums, Pakistan is keen to showcase a new avatar.&nbsp;

India has the right to safeguard its interests even though the indicators in Jammu &amp; Kashmir do reveal lower levels of strife and violence. Premature decisions in earlier years forced retraction; lessons from there demand prudence in being involved with any further engagement with Pakistan. A forum such as SCO is an ideal one where the projection of India’s morally stronger narrative will help with more international pressure being built upon Pakistan. Russia and China are important players in this regard.&nbsp;

Lastly, while SCO projects India in engagement with two of the major detractors of US interests, India has to remain steadfast with its multilateralism which under the circumstances is the only way forward. It will face more US pressure to retract from further development of these relationships but in geopolitics age, old adages continue to play and binaries are never the norm.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-india-s-assertion-at-bishkek-2760912">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

When India joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and was admitted as a full-fledged member along with Pakistan in June 2017 at Astana, Kazakhstan little did people in India know about the dynamics of this group.

When India joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and was admitted as a full-fledged member along with Pakistan in June 2017 at Astana, Kazakhstan little did people in India know about the dynamics of this group. Even less was appreciated about the commonalities that the constituents had in terms of interests. SCO is the largest regional organisation in the world in terms of geographical coverage and population, covering three-fifths of the Eurasian continent and nearly half of the human population. It is essentially a forum for cooperation in economic and security domains while also promoting cooperation in political affairs, trade, scientific, cultural and educational spheres as well as in energy, transportation, tourism, and environmental protection. The annual summit meeting is a very apt platform for discussion between heads of governments and states particularly on issues of geopolitical concern. India’s presence as a full-fledged member contributes to the multilateral nature of India’s engagements. The major advantage is that on a structured platform it shares space with China with whom it desires an equitable and mutually respectful relationship but the existing trust deficit prevents this from manifesting fully into anything transformational. Yet India’s admission into SCO is itself an indicator of China’s similar desire. With Russia, India enjoys a traditionally strong relationship which has its hiccups due to the Russian perception about India moving on, with multilateralism weathering the historically trusted and mutually beneficial relationship. The Central Asian states desire cooperation and consultation with India but scope in economic terms has been greatly restricted due to the obstacles laid by Pakistan. Pakistan’s presence, in the long run, may prove to be mutually beneficial if and when some traction is gained in terms of the trust. The utility of SCO as a vehicle for improving relationships and setting aside differences was borne out by the way in which India and China utilised the Qingdao meeting in June 2018 to build upon the achievements of the bilateral Modi-Xi summit at Wuhan. In fact, Wuhan and Qingdao became synonymously linked to the new spirit of Sino-Indian cooperation after setting aside the Doklam standoff. Now at Bishkek, PM Modi’s first deliberations have taken place with President Xi Jinping of China with a full review of Sino-Indian relations since November 2018 and have led to a conclusive decision regarding the Chinese President’s visit to India later this year. Despite India’s reluctance to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its absence for the second time at the BRI summit, the two nations have followed a policy of engagement. With greater understanding and now the decision at Biskek to address border issues on priority perhaps ways will also eventually be found to address India’s major concern about BRI which dwells upon the development of infrastructure in territories claimed by India and not currently under its control. While social and economic protocols and issues undoubtedly form the bedrock of such a grouping the current meeting in Bishkek, comes at a time when the world is once again witnessing international turbulence. The US-China trade war promises to upset many economic understandings. The US-Iran standoff and the threat to the stability of energy supply most adversely affect India and China. The US is attempting to break India’s dependence on Russia for advanced military equipment by offering F-35 aircraft in return for India pulling out of the S-400 deal with Russia; there have been quiet threats about the imposition of Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) against India. While acts of global terror have reduced, notwithstanding the recent suicide bombings in Sri Lanka, the world is yet worried about violent radical extremism and India is particularly concerned about the threats it faces from Pakistan and potentially from others. Global terror is a subject that falls in SCO’s ambit and it is a good opportunity for India to highlight its own case. The issue which observers in India are focused upon is India-Pakistan relations and how these will manifest at Bishkek. For some months now PM Imran Khan has been making overtures in the hope of a positive Indian response. The SCO meeting gave further hope that there would be an opportunity to break the ice through a Modi-Khan meeting on the sidelines. However, PM Modi chose to adopt a cool approach right from the outset. His decision not to overfly Pakistan airspace was designed to send the message that India will not engage in any peace process as long as Pakistan continued to use terror for attaining its strategic objectives. Actually, Pakistan’s attempt to engage with India continues to appear insincere. Four months after Pulwama attacks, Pakistan is under international scrutiny and much pressure to demonstrate its willingness to forego the use of radical and violent proxies. With its economy in doldrums, Pakistan is keen to showcase a new avatar. India has the right to safeguard its interests even though the indicators in Jammu & Kashmir do reveal lower levels of strife and violence. Premature decisions in earlier years forced retraction; lessons from there demand prudence in being involved with any further engagement with Pakistan. A forum such as SCO is an ideal one where the projection of India’s morally stronger narrative will help with more international pressure being built upon Pakistan. Russia and China are important players in this regard. Lastly, while SCO projects India in engagement with two of the major detractors of US interests, India has to remain steadfast with its multilateralism which under the circumstances is the only way forward. It will face more US pressure to retract from further development of these relationships but in geopolitics age, old adages continue to play and binaries are never the norm. (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’s assertion at Bishkek

Chinese President Xi Jinping celebrated his 66th birthday on Saturday with Russian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-xi-jinping-hit-back-at-us-dominance-at-russia-economic-forum-225330">Vladimir Putin</a>, who Xi considers a close friend and who gave Xi ice cream as a present, Chinese state media reported.

The discussion of senior leaders' private lives is extremely rare in China, and the exact birth dates of most of them are not revealed publicly, as they are considered a state secret.

State television showed pictures of Xi and Putin holding up champagne glasses to toast Xi's birthday at the hotel he is staying at in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, where they are both attending a regional summit.

<img alt="Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0142aed6-0cf7-4546-8a06-c8b868e20e7e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_9.jpg" />

(Picture source: AFP)

While Putin gave Xi Russian ice cream - the flavour was not mentioned - Xi gave Putin back some Chinese tea, the report said.

Xi thanked Putin and said that in China, Putin was extremely popular, it added.

Pictures on Chinese state television's website showed the two men inspecting a white cake decorated with red and blue confectionary flowers with the words written on it, in somewhat shaky red-coloured Chinese characters, "good fortune double six".

It was not immediately clear if Xi ate any of the cake.

Watch: Putin and Xi meet pandas and visit Bolshoi

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&nbsp;

Chinese President Xi Jinping celebrated his 66th birthday on Saturday with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who Xi considers a close friend and who gave Xi ice cream as a present, Chinese state media reported.

Chinese President Xi Jinping celebrated his 66th birthday on Saturday with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who Xi considers a close friend and who gave Xi ice cream as a present, Chinese state media reported. The discussion of senior leaders' private lives is extremely rare in China, and the exact birth dates of most of them are not revealed publicly, as they are considered a state secret. State television showed pictures of Xi and Putin holding up champagne glasses to toast Xi's birthday at the hotel he is staying at in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, where they are both attending a regional summit. (Picture source: AFP) While Putin gave Xi Russian ice cream - the flavour was not mentioned - Xi gave Putin back some Chinese tea, the report said. Xi thanked Putin and said that in China, Putin was extremely popular, it added. Pictures on Chinese state television's website showed the two men inspecting a white cake decorated with red and blue confectionary flowers with the words written on it, in somewhat shaky red-coloured Chinese characters, "good fortune double six". It was not immediately clear if Xi ate any of the cake. Watch: Putin and Xi meet pandas and visit Bolshoi ×

Russia's Vladimir Putin gives China's Xi Jinping ice cream on his 66th birthday

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - June 14th, 2019

Chinese President Xi Jinping Friday offered Beijing's support for Pakistan and India to improve their strained relations during his meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan here, China's state-run media reported.

Xi's remarks come a day after his meeting with Narendra Modi on Thursday during which the Prime Minister made it amply clear that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-modi-imran-pull-aside-at-sco-as-new-delhi-strongly-raises-terror-227148">dialogue with Pakistan is not possible</a> without Islamabad giving up terrorism. 
 
During their meeting on the sidelines of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pak-among-few-countries-to-have-successfully-turned-the-tide-against-terrorism-pm-imran-khan-at-sco-summit-227069">Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit</a>, Xi told Khan that China "supports Pakistan and India in improving their relations", state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Watch: PM Modi's tough stand against terror, no meet with Imran Khan

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Prime Minister Modi raised the issue of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan during his talks with President Xi and said India expects "concrete action" by Islamabad to create an atmosphere "free of terror" for the resumption of dialogue.

Modi did not meet Khan on the sidelines of the SCO summit, spurning Pakistan Prime Minister's suggestion for a bilateral meeting in Bishkek.

India has not been engaging with Pakistan since an attack on the Air Force base at Pathankot in January of 2016 by a Pakistan-based terror group, maintaining that talks and terror cannot go together.

Early this year, tensions flared up between India and Pakistan after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM) killed 40 CRPF personnel in Kashmir's Pulwama district.

Post-Pulwama attack, China made efforts to de-escalate tensions between India and Pakistan. President XI rushed Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou to Islamabad to discuss the Indo-Pak tensions.

During his talks with Khan, Xi also offered China's support for Pakistan in counterterrorism efforts.

China is willing to help Pakistan within its capabilities, Xi said, adding that China supports Pakistan in implementing its national counter-terrorism plan to the end and is ready to help the country strengthen its counter-terrorism capacity.

Stressing that the two sides should well maintain, consolidate, and develop their all-weather partnership and all-dimensional cooperation, Xi said that China and Pakistan should carry out in-depth communication on issues of common concern, so as to make joint efforts to safeguard regional and international security and stability.

The two sides should expand and enrich the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with a new focus on areas including industrial parks, agriculture and social welfare, Xi said, referring to the multi-billion dollar project which is part of his ambitious Belt and Road Initiative.

President Xi also called on the two countries to take the upgrade of the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement as an opportunity to vigorously expand bilateral trade.

He also urged the two countries to foster a closer community with a shared future against complicated regional and international situations.

Xi noted that it has been his third meeting with the Pakistani prime minister in the past eight months.

This, he said, fully demonstrates the high level of the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.

He called on the two countries to carry out closer coordination and cooperation.

Pakistan, Khan said, is committed to deepening its strategic relationship with China, and will firmly advance the construction of the CPEC.

He added that his country will take effective measures to ensure security for the project.

Chinese President Xi Jinping Friday offered Beijing's support for Pakistan and India to improve their strained relations during his meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan here, China's state-run media reported.

Chinese President Xi Jinping Friday offered Beijing's support for Pakistan and India to improve their strained relations during his meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan here, China's state-run media reported. Xi's remarks come a day after his meeting with Narendra Modi on Thursday during which the Prime Minister made it amply clear that dialogue with Pakistan is not possible without Islamabad giving up terrorism. During their meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit, Xi told Khan that China "supports Pakistan and India in improving their relations", state-run Xinhua news agency reported. Watch: PM Modi's tough stand against terror, no meet with Imran Khan × Prime Minister Modi raised the issue of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan during his talks with President Xi and said India expects "concrete action" by Islamabad to create an atmosphere "free of terror" for the resumption of dialogue. Modi did not meet Khan on the sidelines of the SCO summit, spurning Pakistan Prime Minister's suggestion for a bilateral meeting in Bishkek. India has not been engaging with Pakistan since an attack on the Air Force base at Pathankot in January of 2016 by a Pakistan-based terror group, maintaining that talks and terror cannot go together. Early this year, tensions flared up between India and Pakistan after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM) killed 40 CRPF personnel in Kashmir's Pulwama district. Post-Pulwama attack, China made efforts to de-escalate tensions between India and Pakistan. President XI rushed Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou to Islamabad to discuss the Indo-Pak tensions. During his talks with Khan, Xi also offered China's support for Pakistan in counterterrorism efforts. China is willing to help Pakistan within its capabilities, Xi said, adding that China supports Pakistan in implementing its national counter-terrorism plan to the end and is ready to help the country strengthen its counter-terrorism capacity. Stressing that the two sides should well maintain, consolidate, and develop their all-weather partnership and all-dimensional cooperation, Xi said that China and Pakistan should carry out in-depth communication on issues of common concern, so as to make joint efforts to safeguard regional and international security and stability. The two sides should expand and enrich the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with a new focus on areas including industrial parks, agriculture and social welfare, Xi said, referring to the multi-billion dollar project which is part of his ambitious Belt and Road Initiative. President Xi also called on the two countries to take the upgrade of the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement as an opportunity to vigorously expand bilateral trade. He also urged the two countries to foster a closer community with a shared future against complicated regional and international situations. Xi noted that it has been his third meeting with the Pakistani prime minister in the past eight months. This, he said, fully demonstrates the high level of the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership. He called on the two countries to carry out closer coordination and cooperation. Pakistan, Khan said, is committed to deepening its strategic relationship with China, and will firmly advance the construction of the CPEC. He added that his country will take effective measures to ensure security for the project.

In meeting with Imran Khan, Xi offers support for improvement of Indo-Pak ties

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale on Thursday briefed media on the bilateral meeting that took place between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wuhan-provided-stability-and-momentum-to-india-china-ties-pm-modi-to-xi-226895">PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Bishkek</a>, Kyrgyzstan on the sidelines of 19th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.&nbsp;

The foreign secretary informed that India reiterated its position on Pakistan.&nbsp;"We have a consistent position on Pakistan and look for a peaceful resolution," Gokhale said.&nbsp;

Gokhale said that the prime minister informed president Jinping that all efforts with Pakistan "have been derailed".&nbsp;

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PM Modi on Pak to Chinese Prez: we have made efforts and these have been derailed. Pak needs to create an atmosphere free of terrorism and did not see anything of this sort happening. <a href="https://t.co/CCvkNYlALd">https://t.co/CCvkNYlALd</a>
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Gokhale noted that the prime minister, during his talks with the Chinese President, said, "Pakistan needs to create an atmosphere free of terrorism, India expects Pakistan to take concrete action".&nbsp;

Watch: PM Modi meets Xi Jinping for first bilateral meeting

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PM noted what had improved between the two sides is strategic communication and in that context, we have been able to resolve long pending issues like the opening of Bank of China branch in India and the issue related to the listing of Masood Azhar, Gokhale stated.&nbsp;

Gokhale informed that Jinping has confirmed a visit to India later this year and that PM Modi has proposed to hold 70 significant events - 35 each in China and India - next year to mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of India-China bilateral ties.&nbsp;

"External Affairs Ministers of both the countries have been tasked to discuss and develop the course of the same,"&nbsp;Gokhale added.&nbsp;

He informed that both the leaders held a brief discussion on the boundary dispute and maintained that special representatives of India and China will meet on the issue and carry out a solution that would be "fair and mutually acceptable".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are slated to meet again at the G20 Summit, the BRICS Summit and during an informal summit that is slated to take place later in the year. &nbsp;

On Friday, PM Modi will participate at the SCO meet in the morning and will have a bilateral meeting with Iran's President Hassan Rouhani and Kyrgyzstan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov. He will also have many pull-aside meeting with leaders of several countries but none with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is expected.&nbsp;

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale on Thursday briefed media on the bilateral meeting that took place between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on the sidelines of 19th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale on Thursday briefed media on the bilateral meeting that took place between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on the sidelines of 19th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. The foreign secretary informed that India reiterated its position on Pakistan. "We have a consistent position on Pakistan and look for a peaceful resolution," Gokhale said. Gokhale said that the prime minister informed president Jinping that all efforts with Pakistan "have been derailed". PM Modi on Pak to Chinese Prez: we have made efforts and these have been derailed. Pak needs to create an atmosphere free of terrorism and did not see anything of this sort happening. https://t.co/CCvkNYlALd — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) June 13, 2019 × Gokhale noted that the prime minister, during his talks with the Chinese President, said, "Pakistan needs to create an atmosphere free of terrorism, India expects Pakistan to take concrete action". Watch: PM Modi meets Xi Jinping for first bilateral meeting PM noted what had improved between the two sides is strategic communication and in that context, we have been able to resolve long pending issues like the opening of Bank of China branch in India and the issue related to the listing of Masood Azhar, Gokhale stated. Gokhale informed that Jinping has confirmed a visit to India later this year and that PM Modi has proposed to hold 70 significant events - 35 each in China and India - next year to mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of India-China bilateral ties. "External Affairs Ministers of both the countries have been tasked to discuss and develop the course of the same," Gokhale added. He informed that both the leaders held a brief discussion on the boundary dispute and maintained that special representatives of India and China will meet on the issue and carry out a solution that would be "fair and mutually acceptable". Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are slated to meet again at the G20 Summit, the BRICS Summit and during an informal summit that is slated to take place later in the year. On Friday, PM Modi will participate at the SCO meet in the morning and will have a bilateral meeting with Iran's President Hassan Rouhani and Kyrgyzstan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov. He will also have many pull-aside meeting with leaders of several countries but none with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is expected.

In bilateral meeting, PM Modi and Xi Jinping discuss Pakistan, terror and boundary dispute

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday told Chinese President Xi Jinping that the relationship between the two countries has strengthened.

PM Modi and Xi held a bilateral talks on the sidelines of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-holds-bilateral-talks-with-chinese-president-xi-jinping-on-sco-sidelines-226851">SCO summit</a> in Kyrgyzstan. This was the first meeting between the two leaders after Modi's re-election following the stunning victory of the BJP in the general elections in India last month.

The meeting began with President Xi congratulating Prime Minister Modi over his election victory.

"After the election results in India, I got your message, and today again you wish me on the victory, I am very grateful to you for this," Modi replied.

PM Modi also mentioned about Wuhan informal summit and said there has been "improvement in strategic communication" between the two countries after the summit.&nbsp;

"After our meeting in Wuhan, we have seen a new momentum and stability in our relations. There has been a rapid progress in the strategic communication between the two sides, leading to be more sensitive towards each other's concerns and interests. And there has been new areas for further cooperation since then," Modi told Xi.

Watch: MEA briefing on Modi-Xi meeting

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The 2018 Wuhan summit between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi was largely credited to have turned around the bilateral relations soured by the 73-day Doklam stand-off, triggered by Chinese troops attempts to build a road close to 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.

Modi also wished Chinese President Xi Jinping happy birthday during the meeting. The Chinese leader celebrates his 66th birthday on June 15.

This was the first meeting of Modi with the Chinese leader in 2019. This also was the first meeting of Modi and Xi after the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist.&nbsp;

The two leaders have met more than 10 times in the last five years, out of which four meetings happened in 2018, starting with informal Wuhan summit in April followed by bilateral meetings on the sidelines of SCO, BRICS and G20. The Chinese president will be coming to India later this year for the second informal summit.

On Friday, PM will participate at the SCO meet in the morning and will have a bilateral meeting with Iran's President Hassan Rouhani and&nbsp;Kyrgyzstan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov. He will also have many pull-aside meeting with leaders of several countries but no pull aside with Pakistan Prime Minister&nbsp;Imran Khan is expected.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday told Chinese President Xi Jinping that the relationship between the two countries has strengthened. PM Modi and Xi held a bilateral talks on the sidelines of SCO summit in Kyrgyzstan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday told Chinese President Xi Jinping that the relationship between the two countries has strengthened. PM Modi and Xi held a bilateral talks on the sidelines of SCO summit in Kyrgyzstan. This was the first meeting between the two leaders after Modi's re-election following the stunning victory of the BJP in the general elections in India last month. The meeting began with President Xi congratulating Prime Minister Modi over his election victory. "After the election results in India, I got your message, and today again you wish me on the victory, I am very grateful to you for this," Modi replied. PM Modi also mentioned about Wuhan informal summit and said there has been "improvement in strategic communication" between the two countries after the summit. "After our meeting in Wuhan, we have seen a new momentum and stability in our relations. There has been a rapid progress in the strategic communication between the two sides, leading to be more sensitive towards each other's concerns and interests. And there has been new areas for further cooperation since then," Modi told Xi. Watch: MEA briefing on Modi-Xi meeting The 2018 Wuhan summit between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi was largely credited to have turned around the bilateral relations soured by the 73-day Doklam stand-off, triggered by Chinese troops attempts to build a road close to 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. Modi also wished Chinese President Xi Jinping happy birthday during the meeting. The Chinese leader celebrates his 66th birthday on June 15. This was the first meeting of Modi with the Chinese leader in 2019. This also was the first meeting of Modi and Xi after the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist. The two leaders have met more than 10 times in the last five years, out of which four meetings happened in 2018, starting with informal Wuhan summit in April followed by bilateral meetings on the sidelines of SCO, BRICS and G20. The Chinese president will be coming to India later this year for the second informal summit. On Friday, PM will participate at the SCO meet in the morning and will have a bilateral meeting with Iran's President Hassan Rouhani and Kyrgyzstan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov. He will also have many pull-aside meeting with leaders of several countries but no pull aside with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is expected.

Wuhan provided 'stability and momentum' to India-China ties: PM Modi to Xi Jinping

India-China to mark 70th anniversary of ties next year.35 events each to be held in India and China in 2020. PM Modi also said that he want Pakistan to take concrete action. Watch this video to know more.

19th SCO Summit: New momentum in India-China ties

PM Modi meets China's Xi Jinping for the first bilateral meeting.Post SCO, India-Kyrgystan will hold bilateral talks. PM Modi will also join world leaders for informal dinner. Watch this video to know more.

19th SCO Summit: PM Modi meets Xi Jinping for first bilateral meeting

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived at Kyrgyz capital for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, is holding a first bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.&nbsp;

This is the first time that the two leaders are meeting post-Masood Azhar's listing at the UNSC as an international terrorist.&nbsp;

The focus of the meeting is on Xi's upcoming visit to India.&nbsp;

President Xi is expected to visit Varanasi later this year for the second informal meeting between the two leaders.&nbsp;

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PM Modi meets Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. This is first bilateral in Bishkek, &amp; also first meet with Chinese President after listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorists at the United Nation <a href="https://t.co/fDWzxpwRvw">pic.twitter.com/fDWzxpwRvw</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1139129338714918913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Modi and President Xi met at Wuhan last year for their first informal meeting.&nbsp;

Modi will also hold a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani and Kyrgyzstan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov on the sidelines of the summit.

This is the first multilateral summit PM Modi will be attending after his re-election.

The SCO represents 42 per cent of the world’s population, 22 per cent of its land area and 20 per cent of its GDP and New Delhi sees it as a platform to engage with central Asian countries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived at Kyrgyz capital for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, is holding a first bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived at Kyrgyz capital for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, is holding a first bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This is the first time that the two leaders are meeting post-Masood Azhar's listing at the UNSC as an international terrorist. The focus of the meeting is on Xi's upcoming visit to India. President Xi is expected to visit Varanasi later this year for the second informal meeting between the two leaders. PM Modi meets Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. This is first bilateral in Bishkek, & also first meet with Chinese President after listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorists at the United Nation pic.twitter.com/fDWzxpwRvw — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) June 13, 2019 × Modi and President Xi met at Wuhan last year for their first informal meeting. Modi will also hold a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani and Kyrgyzstan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov on the sidelines of the summit. This is the first multilateral summit PM Modi will be attending after his re-election. The SCO represents 42 per cent of the world’s population, 22 per cent of its land area and 20 per cent of its GDP and New Delhi sees it as a platform to engage with central Asian countries.

PM Modi holds bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on SCO sidelines

PM Modi will be in Kyrgyzstan on a two-day visit starting Thursday during which he will be participating in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-sco-summit-member-countries-say-india-has-important-role-to-play-226250">19th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit</a> and hold a number of bilateral meetings. This is the first multilateral summit that PM Modi will be attending after the recently concluded general elections.

In a pre-departure statement ahead of the SCO summit, PM said, "We attach special importance to SCO in promoting multilateral, political, security, economic and people-to-people interaction in the region".

Explaining further, "India has actively participated in various SCO dialogue mechanisms since its full membership of SCO two years ago. We have extended full cooperation to the Chairmanship of the Kyrgyz Republic over the past year."

PM Modi will not be using <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-not-to-fly-over-pak-airspace-for-sco-summit-226462">Pakistan's airspace for his Kyrgyzstan visit</a>, instead, he will flying over Oman, Iran and Central Asian countries to reach the country.

Air India has confirmed that the route does not cross Pakistan's airspace in any way. India had explored two options for the route to be taken by PM's aircraft to Bishkek.&nbsp;

The prime minister will be reaching Kyrgyzstan by midday on Thursday and is set to have a packed day. His first engagement will be inaugurating India-Kyrgyz textile exhibition along with Kyrgystan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov on the theme of "Colors and Weaves of India and Central Asia”.&nbsp;

Watch: PM Modi's tough stand against terror, no meet with Imran Khan

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The first day will also see him meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This will be his first meeting with the Chinese President this year and first since the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist by the United Nations. Later this year, Jinping will be visiting India for the second informal summit.&nbsp;

Last year PM Modi and Chinese President met four times starting with the Wuhan informal summit followed by a meeting on the sidelines of the SCO summit in China, the BRICS summit in South Africa and the G20 summit in Argentina.&nbsp;

The second day of PM's Kyrgyzstan trip will have two components - his participation at the SCO summit and his engagement with the Kyrgyz counterpart.&nbsp;

India is expected to raise a number of issues, from terror to trade to connectivity and ties with central Asia at the summit. New Delhi became an SCO member in 2017 and this is the second time PM Modi is participating in the summit.

"Prime Minister, when he participates, when he makes his intervention, he will reflect the Indian concerns and priorities with respect to the SCO process," Secretary West, Gitesh Sarma said in a media briefing ahead of the summit.

The organization represents &nbsp;42 per cent of the world’s population, 22 per cent of its land area and 20 per cent of its GDP and New Delhi sees it as a platform to engage with Central Asian countries.&nbsp;

"We live in a globalised world. The distances are much shorter and multilateralism of this order is the new order of the world relationship," Alok A Dimri, Indian envoy to Kyrgyzstan, told WION in Bishkek.

In the afternoon of June 14, the prime minister will participate in India Kyrgyz Business Forum followed by his bilateral meet with Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov. Remember, India had invited the Kyrgyz president for the oathtaking ceremony of PM Modi on May 30 at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Reacting on the invite, Kyrgyz Envoy Asein Isaev had told WION, "It was a big surprise. We were very excited by this invitation. Our president immediately answered, and immediately arrived. He was in Kazakhstan and after that, he had to go to Saudi Arabia. He only had half a day but he decided to directly come here".

This is the second visit of PM Modi to the central Asian country. In his first term, he had visited all the central Asian countries.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs has clarified that there will be no structured formal talks between PM Modi and Pakistan's PM Imran Khan on the sidelines of the SCO summit but a pull aside is something that is keeping everyone on tenterhooks with huge media presence from both India and Pakistan in Bishkek.

PM Modi will be in Kyrgyzstan on a two-day visit starting Thursday during which he will be participating in the 19th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit and hold a number of bilateral meetings.

PM Modi will be in Kyrgyzstan on a two-day visit starting Thursday during which he will be participating in the 19th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit and hold a number of bilateral meetings. This is the first multilateral summit that PM Modi will be attending after the recently concluded general elections. In a pre-departure statement ahead of the SCO summit, PM said, "We attach special importance to SCO in promoting multilateral, political, security, economic and people-to-people interaction in the region". Explaining further, "India has actively participated in various SCO dialogue mechanisms since its full membership of SCO two years ago. We have extended full cooperation to the Chairmanship of the Kyrgyz Republic over the past year." PM Modi will not be using Pakistan's airspace for his Kyrgyzstan visit, instead, he will flying over Oman, Iran and Central Asian countries to reach the country. Air India has confirmed that the route does not cross Pakistan's airspace in any way. India had explored two options for the route to be taken by PM's aircraft to Bishkek. The prime minister will be reaching Kyrgyzstan by midday on Thursday and is set to have a packed day. His first engagement will be inaugurating India-Kyrgyz textile exhibition along with Kyrgystan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov on the theme of "Colors and Weaves of India and Central Asia”. Watch: PM Modi's tough stand against terror, no meet with Imran Khan × The first day will also see him meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This will be his first meeting with the Chinese President this year and first since the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist by the United Nations. Later this year, Jinping will be visiting India for the second informal summit. Last year PM Modi and Chinese President met four times starting with the Wuhan informal summit followed by a meeting on the sidelines of the SCO summit in China, the BRICS summit in South Africa and the G20 summit in Argentina. The second day of PM's Kyrgyzstan trip will have two components - his participation at the SCO summit and his engagement with the Kyrgyz counterpart. India is expected to raise a number of issues, from terror to trade to connectivity and ties with central Asia at the summit. New Delhi became an SCO member in 2017 and this is the second time PM Modi is participating in the summit. "Prime Minister, when he participates, when he makes his intervention, he will reflect the Indian concerns and priorities with respect to the SCO process," Secretary West, Gitesh Sarma said in a media briefing ahead of the summit. The organization represents 42 per cent of the world’s population, 22 per cent of its land area and 20 per cent of its GDP and New Delhi sees it as a platform to engage with Central Asian countries. "We live in a globalised world. The distances are much shorter and multilateralism of this order is the new order of the world relationship," Alok A Dimri, Indian envoy to Kyrgyzstan, told WION in Bishkek. In the afternoon of June 14, the prime minister will participate in India Kyrgyz Business Forum followed by his bilateral meet with Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov. Remember, India had invited the Kyrgyz president for the oathtaking ceremony of PM Modi on May 30 at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. Reacting on the invite, Kyrgyz Envoy Asein Isaev had told WION, "It was a big surprise. We were very excited by this invitation. Our president immediately answered, and immediately arrived. He was in Kazakhstan and after that, he had to go to Saudi Arabia. He only had half a day but he decided to directly come here". This is the second visit of PM Modi to the central Asian country. In his first term, he had visited all the central Asian countries. Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs has clarified that there will be no structured formal talks between PM Modi and Pakistan's PM Imran Khan on the sidelines of the SCO summit but a pull aside is something that is keeping everyone on tenterhooks with huge media presence from both India and Pakistan in Bishkek.

PM Modi's two-day visit to Kyrgyzstan begins from Thursday; will meet Xi, Putin 

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - June 12th, 2019

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/probable-crash-point-shows-an-32-aircraft-probably-couldnt-get-past-hill-crashed-due-to-blockage-of-view-226544">AN-32 aircraft probably couldn't get past hill, crashed due to blockage of view</a>

Images captured of the probable crash point of missing Indian Air Force's AN-32 aircraft show that the aircraft was quite close to clearing a hill. The aircraft may have failed flying past the hill probably due to the blockage of view due to clouds, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modis-two-day-visit-to-kyrgyzstan-begins-from-thursday-will-meet-xi-putin-226559">PM Modi's two-day visit to Kyrgyzstan begins from Thursday; will meet Xi, Putin&nbsp;</a>

PM Modi will be in Kyrgyzstan on a two-day visit starting Thursday during which he will be participating in the 19th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit and hold a number of bilateral meetings. This is the first multilateral summit that PM Modi will be attending after the recently concluded general elections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandryaan-2-will-explore-region-of-moon-where-no-mission-has-ever-set-foot-isro-chairman-k-sivan-226520">Chandryaan-2 will explore region of moon where no mission has ever set foot: ISRO chairman K Sivan</a>

India's second mission to the moon, Chandrayaan-II, will be launched on July 15 at 2.51 am, ISRO chairman K Sivan said here on Wednesday.

"In future, the nation will depend more on planetary missions. After Chandrayaan I mission, we are now entering into Chandrayaan II mission. We had slipped many times but now it will be launched on July 15 at 2.51 am," he told a press conference.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-terrorists-attack-police-party-in-anantnag-three-crpf-personnel-one-terrorist-killed-226570">Jammu and Kashmir: Terrorists attack police party in Anantnag; three CRPF personnel, one terrorist killed</a>

A terrorist attack took place at a police party at KP road in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Three CRPF were killed as terrorists and security forces exchanged heavy firing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hamza-shehbaz-remanded-into-14-day-national-accountability-bureau-custody-226500">Hamza Shahbaz remanded into 14-day National Accountability Bureau custody</a>

&nbsp;An accountability court Wednesday remanded Opposition leader in Pakistan's Punjab Assembly Hamza Shahbaz to 14-day physical custody, a day after the country's anti-graft body arrested him in cases related to money laundering and corruption.

AN-32 aircraft probably couldn't get past hill, crashed due to blockage of view Images captured of the probable crash point of missing Indian Air Force's AN-32 aircraft show that the aircraft was quite close to clearing a hill.

AN-32 aircraft probably couldn't get past hill, crashed due to blockage of view Images captured of the probable crash point of missing Indian Air Force's AN-32 aircraft show that the aircraft was quite close to clearing a hill. The aircraft may have failed flying past the hill probably due to the blockage of view due to clouds, news agency ANI reported. PM Modi's two-day visit to Kyrgyzstan begins from Thursday; will meet Xi, Putin PM Modi will be in Kyrgyzstan on a two-day visit starting Thursday during which he will be participating in the 19th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit and hold a number of bilateral meetings. This is the first multilateral summit that PM Modi will be attending after the recently concluded general elections. Chandryaan-2 will explore region of moon where no mission has ever set foot: ISRO chairman K Sivan India's second mission to the moon, Chandrayaan-II, will be launched on July 15 at 2.51 am, ISRO chairman K Sivan said here on Wednesday. "In future, the nation will depend more on planetary missions. After Chandrayaan I mission, we are now entering into Chandrayaan II mission. We had slipped many times but now it will be launched on July 15 at 2.51 am," he told a press conference. Jammu and Kashmir: Terrorists attack police party in Anantnag; three CRPF personnel, one terrorist killed A terrorist attack took place at a police party at KP road in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag on Wednesday. Three CRPF were killed as terrorists and security forces exchanged heavy firing. Hamza Shahbaz remanded into 14-day National Accountability Bureau custody An accountability court Wednesday remanded Opposition leader in Pakistan's Punjab Assembly Hamza Shahbaz to 14-day physical custody, a day after the country's anti-graft body arrested him in cases related to money laundering and corruption.

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