Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe makes a rare trip to China this week hoping improved relations will lead to new economic partnerships, as the two countries come under US pressure on trade.

The visit is the first by a Japanese premier since 2011 and is part of a years-long process of repairing ties in the wake of a disastrous falling-out in 2012, when Tokyo "nationalised" disputed islands claimed by Beijing.

The incident prompted anti-Japanese riots in China, and kicked off a frosty spell that has only gradually and recently begun to thaw.

Since an awkward 2014 encounter between Abe and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of a summit, there have been ministerial visits by both sides and a softening of rhetoric.

But Abe's trip will be a test of how far the two countries have come, and the need for progress is all the more urgent as US President Donald Trump levies tariffs and rattles sabres on trade with both China and Japan.

"The trade war with the US seems like it's helping bring them together a bit," said Kristin Vekasi, assistant professor of political science at the University of Maine, and an expert on Japan-China ties.

"In that sense, they're actually on the same side... and if Japan leans away from the US because of decreased economic opportunities, there's a potential for closer ties with China," she told AFP.

- Complementary economies - 
The two leaders are likely to focus on a range of potential deals, including joint investments in infrastructure in regional nations including Indonesia and the Philippines.

Abe has signalled some interest in China's massive "Belt and Road Initiative", which funds major infrastructure work, but experts said a concrete deal on Japanese participation was unlikely for now.

Both sides are keen to improve economic cooperation, with Japanese business eager for increased access to China's massive market, and Beijing interested in Japanese technology and corporate knowhow.

"Japan and China have really nicely complementary economies, and they can benefit hugely from having closer trade and investment ties," said Vekasi.

"They'll try and bring home some economic tangibles. That's generally where they've been able to successfully cooperate in the past."

The two leaders may find less common ground outside of the economic realm, with tensions lingering over territorial issues.

Just days before Abe's trip, Tokyo lodged an official complaint after Chinese ships cruised around the disputed islands that Tokyo calls the Senkaku and Beijing labels the Diaoyu islands.

And in September, Japan carried out its first submarine drills in the disputed South China Sea.

Japan does not border the South China Sea but has expressed concern about Chinese military activity there.

Panda diplomacy? 
Abe and Xi are likely to simply avoid those thornier issues, said Kazuyuki Suwa, a professor of political science at the University of Shizuoka.

"Neither side will make any compromises... They will say what they need to say, and won't likely agree to go beyond that," he told AFP.

"The relationship is a mixture of cooperation and confrontation, and that will stay the same."

Much of the meeting will be about optics, with both men looking for the symbolic boost that the summit will provide.

Abe will also be hoping to extract a pledge that China will make good on plans for Xi to pay a reciprocal visit to Japan next year.

If he succeeds, "that itself should be called one of the major achievements of this trip," Suwa said.

And there may be other diplomatic tools at the ready as well.

When Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang visited Japan earlier this year, he announced a gift of a pair of rare wild crested ibises, which arrived this month.

Japanese media have reported Abe is hoping that his visit will produce a bigger bonanza in the form of some panda diplomacy, with zoos in Sendai and Kobe apparently angling for new additions. 
&nbsp;

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe makes a rare trip to China this week hoping improved relations will lead to new economic partnerships, as the two countries come under US pressure on trade.

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe makes a rare trip to China this week hoping improved relations will lead to new economic partnerships, as the two countries come under US pressure on trade. The visit is the first by a Japanese premier since 2011 and is part of a years-long process of repairing ties in the wake of a disastrous falling-out in 2012, when Tokyo "nationalised" disputed islands claimed by Beijing. The incident prompted anti-Japanese riots in China, and kicked off a frosty spell that has only gradually and recently begun to thaw. Since an awkward 2014 encounter between Abe and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of a summit, there have been ministerial visits by both sides and a softening of rhetoric. But Abe's trip will be a test of how far the two countries have come, and the need for progress is all the more urgent as US President Donald Trump levies tariffs and rattles sabres on trade with both China and Japan. "The trade war with the US seems like it's helping bring them together a bit," said Kristin Vekasi, assistant professor of political science at the University of Maine, and an expert on Japan-China ties. "In that sense, they're actually on the same side... and if Japan leans away from the US because of decreased economic opportunities, there's a potential for closer ties with China," she told AFP. - Complementary economies - The two leaders are likely to focus on a range of potential deals, including joint investments in infrastructure in regional nations including Indonesia and the Philippines. Abe has signalled some interest in China's massive "Belt and Road Initiative", which funds major infrastructure work, but experts said a concrete deal on Japanese participation was unlikely for now. Both sides are keen to improve economic cooperation, with Japanese business eager for increased access to China's massive market, and Beijing interested in Japanese technology and corporate knowhow. "Japan and China have really nicely complementary economies, and they can benefit hugely from having closer trade and investment ties," said Vekasi. "They'll try and bring home some economic tangibles. That's generally where they've been able to successfully cooperate in the past." The two leaders may find less common ground outside of the economic realm, with tensions lingering over territorial issues. Just days before Abe's trip, Tokyo lodged an official complaint after Chinese ships cruised around the disputed islands that Tokyo calls the Senkaku and Beijing labels the Diaoyu islands. And in September, Japan carried out its first submarine drills in the disputed South China Sea. Japan does not border the South China Sea but has expressed concern about Chinese military activity there. Panda diplomacy? Abe and Xi are likely to simply avoid those thornier issues, said Kazuyuki Suwa, a professor of political science at the University of Shizuoka. "Neither side will make any compromises... They will say what they need to say, and won't likely agree to go beyond that," he told AFP. "The relationship is a mixture of cooperation and confrontation, and that will stay the same." Much of the meeting will be about optics, with both men looking for the symbolic boost that the summit will provide. Abe will also be hoping to extract a pledge that China will make good on plans for Xi to pay a reciprocal visit to Japan next year. If he succeeds, "that itself should be called one of the major achievements of this trip," Suwa said. And there may be other diplomatic tools at the ready as well. When Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang visited Japan earlier this year, he announced a gift of a pair of rare wild crested ibises, which arrived this month. Japanese media have reported Abe is hoping that his visit will produce a bigger bonanza in the form of some panda diplomacy, with zoos in Sendai and Kobe apparently angling for new additions.

Under pressure on trade from US, Japan PM to make first visit to China in 7 years

China on Tuesday said its first internal security cooperation agreement with India will provide an institutional guarantee to combat trans-border crimes, but did not indicate any change in its stance on blocking India's efforts to list Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN.

The agreement was inked during the first India-China high-level meeting on bilateral security cooperation which was co-chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Zhao Kezhi, State Councilor and Minister of Public Security, China, in New Delhi.&nbsp;

"This cooperation treaty is very important in terms of advancing law enforcement and security cooperation so that the two countries enjoy the sound development of bilateral relations," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing answering a question on the pact and the talks between the two ministers.

Referring to the April informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Hua said, "We believe this cooperation on security and law enforcement will help us to combat crimes as it will provide more institutional and systematic guarantee on this".

"We will continue to step up our cooperation in combating separatist forces, telecom fraud the drug crimes and other trans-border crimes. We will explore more areas for security and law enforcement cooperation and ensure the security of our personnel that carrying projects in each other's countries," she said.

On India's request for China's support to declare Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Azhar as global terrorist by the UN, Hua said she has to check the specific details of the talks between the two ministers.

"As per to India's request for the listing of Masood (Azhar) we already stated our positon for many times," she said.

"On the counter-terrorism issue, China has always actively participated in international anti-terrorist operations. We have always made our decisions and judgements on the merits of the matter itself," she said.

"We will continue to step up the security cooperation to uphold the regional peace and stability with parties," she said.

A veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has repeatedly blocked India's bid at the United Nations to list Azhar as a global terrorist.

On reports that India has requested China to not to give shelter to hard-line United Liberation Front Of Assam (ULFA) leader Paresh Baruah, Hua said, "I shall stress that the Chinese government has always adhered to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. This remains unchanged."

China on Tuesday said its first internal security cooperation agreement with India will provide an institutional guarantee to combat trans-border crimes, but did not indicate any change in its stance on blocking India's efforts to list Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN.

China on Tuesday said its first internal security cooperation agreement with India will provide an institutional guarantee to combat trans-border crimes, but did not indicate any change in its stance on blocking India's efforts to list Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN. The agreement was inked during the first India-China high-level meeting on bilateral security cooperation which was co-chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Zhao Kezhi, State Councilor and Minister of Public Security, China, in New Delhi. "This cooperation treaty is very important in terms of advancing law enforcement and security cooperation so that the two countries enjoy the sound development of bilateral relations," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing answering a question on the pact and the talks between the two ministers. Referring to the April informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Hua said, "We believe this cooperation on security and law enforcement will help us to combat crimes as it will provide more institutional and systematic guarantee on this". "We will continue to step up our cooperation in combating separatist forces, telecom fraud the drug crimes and other trans-border crimes. We will explore more areas for security and law enforcement cooperation and ensure the security of our personnel that carrying projects in each other's countries," she said. On India's request for China's support to declare Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Azhar as global terrorist by the UN, Hua said she has to check the specific details of the talks between the two ministers. "As per to India's request for the listing of Masood (Azhar) we already stated our positon for many times," she said. "On the counter-terrorism issue, China has always actively participated in international anti-terrorist operations. We have always made our decisions and judgements on the merits of the matter itself," she said. "We will continue to step up the security cooperation to uphold the regional peace and stability with parties," she said. A veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has repeatedly blocked India's bid at the United Nations to list Azhar as a global terrorist. On reports that India has requested China to not to give shelter to hard-line United Liberation Front Of Assam (ULFA) leader Paresh Baruah, Hua said, "I shall stress that the Chinese government has always adhered to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. This remains unchanged."

Security pact with India provides institutional guarantee to combat trans- border crimes: China

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan would tell the Chinese leadership that his government wants a "significant shift" in the infrastructure projects under the controversy-hit China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the country, according to a media report on Monday.

The USD 60 billion CPEC is the flagship venture of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a pet project of Chinese President Xi Jinping aimed at enhancing Beijing's influence around the world through China-funded infrastructure projects.

The CPEC is a planned network of roads, railways and energy projects linking China's resource-rich Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region with Pakistan's strategic Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea.

Prime Minister Khan is to embark on his first visit to China on November 3 during which he is expected to call on President Xi as well as meet his counterpart Li Keqiang.

"During his meetings in the friendly country, Khan would inform the Chinese leadership that his government wanted to bring about a significant shift in the projects falling under the purview of the CPEC," the Dawn newspaper reported, quoting unnamed sources as saying.

Under the previous government there was an emphasis on infrastructure schemes, but the current government of Khan wanted projects involving agriculture, job creation and foreign investment take centre stage, the report said.&nbsp;

Pakistan has already approached the International Monetary Fund for a bailout to stabilise the economy.

The US has said that the huge Chinese debt was responsible for the economic challenges in Pakistan, adding that it will review Islamabad's bailout plea to the IMF from all angles, including the country's debt position.

State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said that the US thinks that part of the reason for Pakistan's financial crisis is Chinese debt.

India has protested to Beijing over the CPEC as it traversed through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Cash-strapped Pakistan has already announced plans to cut a USD 8.2 billion railway project between the Karachi and Peshawar the biggest under the CPEC by about USD 2 billion to reduce the debt burden.

Meanwhile, the report also said that due to suspension of funding to CPEC's infrastructure projects, the National Highway Authority's road projects worth over Rs 1 trillion have been adversely affected. Many projects in the energy sector have also been hit.

The affected projects include the 210km Dera Ismail Khan-Zhob road, the 110km Khuzdar-Basima road and a 136km portion of the Karakoram Highway.

In a recent meeting about his visit to China, Prime Minister Khan said that early implementation of the CPEC projects would help realise the true potential of the economic ties between the two countries.

He emphasised the need for early establishment of Special Economic Zones in various parts of the country and hoped these zones would help the local industry grow, creating huge employment opportunities for the youth, the report said.&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan would tell the Chinese leadership that his government wants a "significant shift" in the infrastructure projects under the controversy-hit China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the country, according to a media report on Monday.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan would tell the Chinese leadership that his government wants a "significant shift" in the infrastructure projects under the controversy-hit China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the country, according to a media report on Monday. The USD 60 billion CPEC is the flagship venture of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a pet project of Chinese President Xi Jinping aimed at enhancing Beijing's influence around the world through China-funded infrastructure projects. The CPEC is a planned network of roads, railways and energy projects linking China's resource-rich Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region with Pakistan's strategic Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea. Prime Minister Khan is to embark on his first visit to China on November 3 during which he is expected to call on President Xi as well as meet his counterpart Li Keqiang. "During his meetings in the friendly country, Khan would inform the Chinese leadership that his government wanted to bring about a significant shift in the projects falling under the purview of the CPEC," the Dawn newspaper reported, quoting unnamed sources as saying. Under the previous government there was an emphasis on infrastructure schemes, but the current government of Khan wanted projects involving agriculture, job creation and foreign investment take centre stage, the report said. Pakistan has already approached the International Monetary Fund for a bailout to stabilise the economy. The US has said that the huge Chinese debt was responsible for the economic challenges in Pakistan, adding that it will review Islamabad's bailout plea to the IMF from all angles, including the country's debt position. State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said that the US thinks that part of the reason for Pakistan's financial crisis is Chinese debt. India has protested to Beijing over the CPEC as it traversed through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Cash-strapped Pakistan has already announced plans to cut a USD 8.2 billion railway project between the Karachi and Peshawar the biggest under the CPEC by about USD 2 billion to reduce the debt burden. Meanwhile, the report also said that due to suspension of funding to CPEC's infrastructure projects, the National Highway Authority's road projects worth over Rs 1 trillion have been adversely affected. Many projects in the energy sector have also been hit. The affected projects include the 210km Dera Ismail Khan-Zhob road, the 110km Khuzdar-Basima road and a 136km portion of the Karakoram Highway. In a recent meeting about his visit to China, Prime Minister Khan said that early implementation of the CPEC projects would help realise the true potential of the economic ties between the two countries. He emphasised the need for early establishment of Special Economic Zones in various parts of the country and hoped these zones would help the local industry grow, creating huge employment opportunities for the youth, the report said.

Imran Khan to seek 'significant shift' in China's CPEC projects in Pakistan: Report

What do we have to truly fear about President Donald Trump? Early October he pulled off the successful re-negotiation of the North America Free Trade area. Pundits thought, with Canada refusing to bend, it could not happen. Maybe the deal now leans more in America’s direction, but Trump has also given something away: The right of Mexico and Canada to sell their trucks and cars more easily in the US. He said he’s a great “deal-maker”, and so this time he is.

His trade tussle with China, which looks to be a stand-off at the moment, has not yet led to a breakdown in relations. Trump has been more than careful to keep direct channels open to President Xi Jinping, even if in early October he became more openly critical and personal. He has treated Xi much better than he treated Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada.

Nevertheless, the fact is the Chinese have taken advantage of the US, ignoring its copyrights, blatantly reverse engineering expensive US products and subsidising exports. Trump goes too far with his demands, but he is on firm enough ground to force the Chinese to re-think some of their policies. He’s making progress.

Likewise, while being tough on Russia, ratcheting up sanctions, sending modern arms to Ukraine, increasing defence spending and standing back from the cuts in nuclear weapons that President Vladimir Putin has suggested, he keeps his personal channels open to Putin, unlike President Barack Obama. Later he may reap the harvest of this. Russian politics is very personal under Putin.

With North Korea, he appears to have flattered President Kim Jong-un to the point where Kim shows his constructive side to Trump. Progress is being made on nuclear disarmament even if it’s not at the rate the foreign policy establishment wants.

Nevertheless, for all this, the fact is that Trump is a man with an ugly personality, as ugly in its way as Kim. Sometimes one can imagine, if he wasn’t constrained by law, he would execute some of his enemies as Kim has done.

His staff find he’s impossible to deal with although he gets important things done.

After reading Bob Woodward’s new book Fear: Trump in the White House, one realises that Woodward gives little space to Trump’s achievements, and his interviews and re-creations of real-life scenes are nearly all orientated in a critical direction.

Woodward has painted a picture of a sordid man, full of quite disgusting profanities and untruths that he aims at his staff and many of those who do business with him with hourly regularity. (If the women in his “base” could hear these, many would be shocked).

It’s a fine book, researched in the most intimate and thorough way. One doesn’t doubt its veracity. Quite a bit of it we have read in the newspapers already over the last two years, but even then Woodward gets deeper inside the man, the policy-making, and how it’s implemented. He’s the best fly on the wall anyone could ask for.

There are, too, whole chapters where Woodward writes about startling things we’ve not known about. Again and again, in order to keep the US on a sensible course in its policies for trade, foreign relations and financial affairs, his staff have to secretly remove from his desk papers waiting to be signed. This choleric man is so seized up by the next crisis or what appears as an affront that he forgets he asked for them.

Time and time again, his staff are courageous, offering the president clever analysis, despite his constant put downs. He tells them it’s bullshit and that he’s held his views on this or that for over 30 years and he’s not going to change. Amazingly, they argue back, and he lets them — up to a point. In his way, he accepts a lot of talk-back and even verbal insubordination, but then gives the staffer hell.

There is insubordination behind his back, too. On one occasion, when discussing President Bashar al-Assad of Syria, Trump said to General James Mattis, the Defence Secretary, “Let’s go in, let’s fucking kill him.” “Yes”, Mattis said, “I will get right on it.” He hung up the phone. “We’re not going to do any of that,” he told a senior aide.

When the North Korea crisis first blew up, Mattis made it clear he didn’t want war. His view was that North Korea could be contained.

Ironically, as with North Korea latterly, Trump in some areas of policy can have non-warlike instincts. He argued hard with the military until they persuaded him otherwise, that the US should totally withdraw from Afghanistan.

Where this story ends nobody knows. Woodward for one doesn’t advocate impeachment but by the end of the book it hangs in the air. Who really wants such a volatile, unhinged and amoral man to have his finger on the nuclear button?

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-notoriously-difficult-to-deal-with-trump-gets-work-done-2675381">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

What do we have to truly fear about President Donald Trump? Early October he pulled off the successful re-negotiation of the North America Free Trade area. Pundits thought, with Canada refusing to bend, it could not happen.

What do we have to truly fear about President Donald Trump? Early October he pulled off the successful re-negotiation of the North America Free Trade area. Pundits thought, with Canada refusing to bend, it could not happen. Maybe the deal now leans more in America’s direction, but Trump has also given something away: The right of Mexico and Canada to sell their trucks and cars more easily in the US. He said he’s a great “deal-maker”, and so this time he is. His trade tussle with China, which looks to be a stand-off at the moment, has not yet led to a breakdown in relations. Trump has been more than careful to keep direct channels open to President Xi Jinping, even if in early October he became more openly critical and personal. He has treated Xi much better than he treated Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada. Nevertheless, the fact is the Chinese have taken advantage of the US, ignoring its copyrights, blatantly reverse engineering expensive US products and subsidising exports. Trump goes too far with his demands, but he is on firm enough ground to force the Chinese to re-think some of their policies. He’s making progress. Likewise, while being tough on Russia, ratcheting up sanctions, sending modern arms to Ukraine, increasing defence spending and standing back from the cuts in nuclear weapons that President Vladimir Putin has suggested, he keeps his personal channels open to Putin, unlike President Barack Obama. Later he may reap the harvest of this. Russian politics is very personal under Putin. With North Korea, he appears to have flattered President Kim Jong-un to the point where Kim shows his constructive side to Trump. Progress is being made on nuclear disarmament even if it’s not at the rate the foreign policy establishment wants. Nevertheless, for all this, the fact is that Trump is a man with an ugly personality, as ugly in its way as Kim. Sometimes one can imagine, if he wasn’t constrained by law, he would execute some of his enemies as Kim has done. His staff find he’s impossible to deal with although he gets important things done. After reading Bob Woodward’s new book Fear: Trump in the White House, one realises that Woodward gives little space to Trump’s achievements, and his interviews and re-creations of real-life scenes are nearly all orientated in a critical direction. Woodward has painted a picture of a sordid man, full of quite disgusting profanities and untruths that he aims at his staff and many of those who do business with him with hourly regularity. (If the women in his “base” could hear these, many would be shocked). It’s a fine book, researched in the most intimate and thorough way. One doesn’t doubt its veracity. Quite a bit of it we have read in the newspapers already over the last two years, but even then Woodward gets deeper inside the man, the policy-making, and how it’s implemented. He’s the best fly on the wall anyone could ask for. There are, too, whole chapters where Woodward writes about startling things we’ve not known about. Again and again, in order to keep the US on a sensible course in its policies for trade, foreign relations and financial affairs, his staff have to secretly remove from his desk papers waiting to be signed. This choleric man is so seized up by the next crisis or what appears as an affront that he forgets he asked for them. Time and time again, his staff are courageous, offering the president clever analysis, despite his constant put downs. He tells them it’s bullshit and that he’s held his views on this or that for over 30 years and he’s not going to change. Amazingly, they argue back, and he lets them — up to a point. In his way, he accepts a lot of talk-back and even verbal insubordination, but then gives the staffer hell. There is insubordination behind his back, too. On one occasion, when discussing President Bashar al-Assad of Syria, Trump said to General James Mattis, the Defence Secretary, “Let’s go in, let’s fucking kill him.” “Yes”, Mattis said, “I will get right on it.” He hung up the phone. “We’re not going to do any of that,” he told a senior aide. When the North Korea crisis first blew up, Mattis made it clear he didn’t want war. His view was that North Korea could be contained. Ironically, as with North Korea latterly, Trump in some areas of policy can have non-warlike instincts. He argued hard with the military until they persuaded him otherwise, that the US should totally withdraw from Afghanistan. Where this story ends nobody knows. Woodward for one doesn’t advocate impeachment but by the end of the book it hangs in the air. Who really wants such a volatile, unhinged and amoral man to have his finger on the nuclear button? (This article was originally published on 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)

Notoriously difficult to deal with, Trump gets work done

US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping will "probably" meet at a G20 summit next month, a US official said Sunday, as both sides deplored a badly strained relationship that a Chinese official called "very confusing."&nbsp;

"The presidents will probably meet at the G20 in Buenos Aires," Trump economic adviser Larry Kudlow said on the "Fox News Sunday" program.

But he added that trade talks with China -- with each side imposing a mounting series of tariffs on the other, raising fears of a shock to the global economy -- had so far been "unsatisfactory."

"The relationship has not been positive lately," Kudlow said.

China's ambassador to the US, Cui Tiankai, raised similar doubts about the relationship between the world's two largest economic powers.

Also appearing on Fox, he confirmed reports that China has grown frustrated in trade talks because of conflicting signals from the Trump administration. Cui said other ambassadors in Washington shared his frustration.&nbsp;

"They don't know who was the final decision-maker" in the administration, he said. "Of course, presumably the president would take the final decision. But who is playing what role? It can be very confusing."

Litany of complaints

He also complained about a recent incident in which a US navy ship, in a so-called "freedom of navigation" exercise, sailed close to a disputed island claimed by China in the South China Sea.

"This is a very good example of American intervention into Chinese internal affairs," Cui said, adding that US officials would not be pleased if Chinese warships entered the Gulf of Mexico.

Kudlow concurred that the differences between the two sides extend beyond trade.&nbsp;

"The relationship has not been positive lately, and we have to have reciprocity in all of these areas: trade, security, military issues. That's what is at stake here," he said.

Earlier this month, US Vice President Mike Pence issued a long litany of complaints against China. He accused Beijing of "predatory" trade practices, of military "aggression," of massive attacks on personal freedoms and religious minorities, and even of electoral interference aimed at unseating Trump by running ads in American newspapers.

Cui replied on Fox that Chinese media were "just learning from American media to use all these means to buy commercial pages from newspapers," adding, "This is a normal practice for all the media."

But the ambassador also held out hope for the Buenos Aires meeting.

Two earlier meetings between the presidents, he said, had made it "clear that such top-level communication played a key role, irreplaceable role in guiding the relationship forward. And there is good mutual understanding and good working relationship between the two.

"I hope, and I'm sure, this will continue."

&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping will "probably" meet at a G20 summit next month, a US official said Sunday, as both sides deplored a badly strained relationship that a Chinese official called "very confusing.

US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping will "probably" meet at a G20 summit next month, a US official said Sunday, as both sides deplored a badly strained relationship that a Chinese official called "very confusing." "The presidents will probably meet at the G20 in Buenos Aires," Trump economic adviser Larry Kudlow said on the "Fox News Sunday" program. But he added that trade talks with China -- with each side imposing a mounting series of tariffs on the other, raising fears of a shock to the global economy -- had so far been "unsatisfactory." "The relationship has not been positive lately," Kudlow said. China's ambassador to the US, Cui Tiankai, raised similar doubts about the relationship between the world's two largest economic powers. Also appearing on Fox, he confirmed reports that China has grown frustrated in trade talks because of conflicting signals from the Trump administration. Cui said other ambassadors in Washington shared his frustration. "They don't know who was the final decision-maker" in the administration, he said. "Of course, presumably the president would take the final decision. But who is playing what role? It can be very confusing." Litany of complaints He also complained about a recent incident in which a US navy ship, in a so-called "freedom of navigation" exercise, sailed close to a disputed island claimed by China in the South China Sea. "This is a very good example of American intervention into Chinese internal affairs," Cui said, adding that US officials would not be pleased if Chinese warships entered the Gulf of Mexico. Kudlow concurred that the differences between the two sides extend beyond trade. "The relationship has not been positive lately, and we have to have reciprocity in all of these areas: trade, security, military issues. That's what is at stake here," he said. Earlier this month, US Vice President Mike Pence issued a long litany of complaints against China. He accused Beijing of "predatory" trade practices, of military "aggression," of massive attacks on personal freedoms and religious minorities, and even of electoral interference aimed at unseating Trump by running ads in American newspapers. Cui replied on Fox that Chinese media were "just learning from American media to use all these means to buy commercial pages from newspapers," adding, "This is a normal practice for all the media." But the ambassador also held out hope for the Buenos Aires meeting. Two earlier meetings between the presidents, he said, had made it "clear that such top-level communication played a key role, irreplaceable role in guiding the relationship forward. And there is good mutual understanding and good working relationship between the two. "I hope, and I'm sure, this will continue."

China bemoans 'confusing' US signals but holds hope for Trump-Xi meet

Former Interpol chief Meng Hongwei is under investigation for suspected bribery in Beijing, China's Ministry of Public Security announced&nbsp;in a statement on its website on Monday.

Meng Hongwei, who resigned on Sunday, "accepted bribes and is suspected of violating the law", the ministry said in a statement, adding that any others who took bribes would be investigated.

Beijing on Monday has said that the Chinese head of Interpol, who vanished after returning to his homeland, was under investigation for possible criminal activity, and the world police organisation said he had resigned.

According to reports, the revelations came as Meng Hongwei's wife voiced concern for his life after receiving a final text message from his phone with a knife emoji.

Beijing had remained tight-lipped about the fate of Meng, who is also China's vice minister for public security, since his disappearance was disclosed by French officials on Friday.

The National Supervisory Commission, which handles corruption cases involving public servants, broke the official silence early Monday, saying in a one-line statement that Meng "is currently under investigation on suspicion of violating the law".

Soon after, Interpol said it had received Meng's resignation "with immediate effect".

It is the latest high-profile disappearance in China, where a number of top government officials, billionaire business magnates and even an A-list celebrity have vanished for weeks or months at a time.

When -- or if -- they reappear, it is often in court.

Meng, the first Chinese president of Interpol, was last heard from on September 25 as he left Lyon -- where the world police body is based -- for China.

The agency's secretary general Juergen Stock, who oversees day-to-day operations, had said Saturday that it was seeking "clarification" on his whereabouts from Chinese authorities.

French police had opened an investigation into Meng's disappearance last week, according to a source close to the inquiry.

Meng, 64, had lived with his wife and two children in France since being elected Interpol president in 2016 for four years.

The agency said it will elect a new president next month at its general assembly in Dubai for the remaining two years of Meng's term.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Interpol chief Meng Hongwei is under investigation for suspected bribery in Beijing, China's Ministry of Public Security announced in a statement on its website on Monday.

Former Interpol chief Meng Hongwei is under investigation for suspected bribery in Beijing, China's Ministry of Public Security announced in a statement on its website on Monday. Meng Hongwei, who resigned on Sunday, "accepted bribes and is suspected of violating the law", the ministry said in a statement, adding that any others who took bribes would be investigated. Beijing on Monday has said that the Chinese head of Interpol, who vanished after returning to his homeland, was under investigation for possible criminal activity, and the world police organisation said he had resigned. According to reports, the revelations came as Meng Hongwei's wife voiced concern for his life after receiving a final text message from his phone with a knife emoji. Beijing had remained tight-lipped about the fate of Meng, who is also China's vice minister for public security, since his disappearance was disclosed by French officials on Friday. The National Supervisory Commission, which handles corruption cases involving public servants, broke the official silence early Monday, saying in a one-line statement that Meng "is currently under investigation on suspicion of violating the law". Soon after, Interpol said it had received Meng's resignation "with immediate effect". It is the latest high-profile disappearance in China, where a number of top government officials, billionaire business magnates and even an A-list celebrity have vanished for weeks or months at a time. When -- or if -- they reappear, it is often in court. Meng, the first Chinese president of Interpol, was last heard from on September 25 as he left Lyon -- where the world police body is based -- for China. The agency's secretary general Juergen Stock, who oversees day-to-day operations, had said Saturday that it was seeking "clarification" on his whereabouts from Chinese authorities. French police had opened an investigation into Meng's disappearance last week, according to a source close to the inquiry. Meng, 64, had lived with his wife and two children in France since being elected Interpol president in 2016 for four years. The agency said it will elect a new president next month at its general assembly in Dubai for the remaining two years of Meng's term. (With inputs from agencies)

Ex-Interpol chief under probe for bribery: Chinese ministry

South Korean President Moon Jae-in said Monday he believed North Korea's Kim Jong Un would soon meet with the leaders of China and Russia as part of an ongoing diplomatic effort to reduce tensions on the Korean peninsula.

It comes a day after the North Korean leader agreed to hold a second summit with US President Donald Trump "as early as possible", following a meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Pyongyang.

"Separately from the second US-North Korea summit, Chairman Kim Jong Un's visit to Russia and President Xi Jinping's visit to North Korea are expected to take place soon," Moon told a cabinet meeting.

The possibility of a summit between Kim and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is also "open", Moon said, adding: "A new order is being created on the Korean peninsula."

Kim and Xi have met three times in China this year as the two countries seek to repair relations frayed by tensions over the North's nuclear activities and Beijing's backing of United Nations sanctions against its Cold War-era ally.

The North Korean leader has yet to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has previously invited Kim to Moscow.

Japan has historically taken a hard line on Pyongyang and stressed the need to maintain pressure on the regime. More recently, however, Abe has expressed interest in a face-to-face meeting with former international pariah Kim.

The latest chapter in the diplomatic flurry comes as Trump sent Pompeo on a whirlwind trip to the region to rekindle stalled denuclearisation talks with Pyongyang.

Pompeo tweeted Monday that he was heading to China to work on a "final, fully-verified" denuclearisation of North Korea.

The first-ever summit between US and North Korean leaders was held in June this year -- a meeting critics say resulted in only a vague commitment by Kim towards denuclearisation.

North Korea's vice foreign minister Choe Son Hui met with officials in Beijing on Saturday and is due to hold talks with Russian counterparts in Moscow followed by a trilateral meeting with China and Russia.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in said Monday he believed North Korea's Kim Jong Un would soon meet with the leaders of China and Russia as part of an ongoing diplomatic effort to reduce tensions on the Korean peninsula.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in said Monday he believed North Korea's Kim Jong Un would soon meet with the leaders of China and Russia as part of an ongoing diplomatic effort to reduce tensions on the Korean peninsula. It comes a day after the North Korean leader agreed to hold a second summit with US President Donald Trump "as early as possible", following a meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Pyongyang. "Separately from the second US-North Korea summit, Chairman Kim Jong Un's visit to Russia and President Xi Jinping's visit to North Korea are expected to take place soon," Moon told a cabinet meeting. The possibility of a summit between Kim and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is also "open", Moon said, adding: "A new order is being created on the Korean peninsula." Kim and Xi have met three times in China this year as the two countries seek to repair relations frayed by tensions over the North's nuclear activities and Beijing's backing of United Nations sanctions against its Cold War-era ally. The North Korean leader has yet to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has previously invited Kim to Moscow. Japan has historically taken a hard line on Pyongyang and stressed the need to maintain pressure on the regime. More recently, however, Abe has expressed interest in a face-to-face meeting with former international pariah Kim. The latest chapter in the diplomatic flurry comes as Trump sent Pompeo on a whirlwind trip to the region to rekindle stalled denuclearisation talks with Pyongyang. Pompeo tweeted Monday that he was heading to China to work on a "final, fully-verified" denuclearisation of North Korea. The first-ever summit between US and North Korean leaders was held in June this year -- a meeting critics say resulted in only a vague commitment by Kim towards denuclearisation. North Korea's vice foreign minister Choe Son Hui met with officials in Beijing on Saturday and is due to hold talks with Russian counterparts in Moscow followed by a trilateral meeting with China and Russia.

Kim Jong Un expected to meet 'soon' with Putin, Xi Jinping: Seoul

Beijing announced Monday the Chinese head of Interpol, who vanished after returning to his homeland, was under investigation for possible criminal activity, and the world police organisation said he had resigned.

The revelations came as Meng Hongwei's wife voiced concern for his life after receiving a final text message from his phone with a knife emoji.

Beijing had remained tight-lipped about the fate of Meng, who is also China's vice minister for public security, since his disappearance was disclosed by French officials on Friday.

The National Supervisory Commission, which handles corruption cases involving public servants, broke the official silence early Monday, saying in a one-line statement that Meng "is currently under investigation on suspicion of violating the law".

Soon after, Interpol said it had received Meng's resignation "with immediate effect".

It is the latest high-profile disappearance in China, where a number of top government officials, billionaire business magnates and even an A-list celebrity have vanished for weeks or months at a time.

When -- or if -- they reappear, it is often in court.

Meng, the first Chinese president of Interpol, was last heard from on September 25 as he left Lyon -- where the world police body is based -- for China.

The agency's secretary general Juergen Stock, who oversees day-to-day operations, had said Saturday that it was seeking "clarification" on his whereabouts from Chinese authorities.

French police had opened an investigation into Meng's disappearance last week, according to a source close to the inquiry.

Meng, 64, had lived with his wife and two children in France since being elected Interpol president in 2016 for four years.

The agency said it will elect a new president next month at its general assembly in Dubai for the remaining two years of Meng's term

Danger emoji

Speaking to reporters in France on Sunday, Meng's wife Grace said she had received a message from his phone containing a knife emoji before his disappearance.

That day, she said he sent a message telling her to "wait for my call", before sending the emoji signifying danger.

"This matter belongs to the international community," she told a press conference.

"I'm not sure what has happened to him," she said.

Later, upon learning about the announcement from China's anti-graft commission, she told AFP that her husband's case will be under the watch of "international law and international public opinion", describing the situation as "political ruin".

China's recently established National Supervisory Commission holds sweeping powers to investigate the country's public servants with few requirements for transparency.

Although the commission did not detail the allegations against Meng, its mandate is to investigate corruption cases as part of Chinese President Xi Jinping's anti-graft campaign.

Some critics of the effort -- which has punished more than one million officials -- say it also functions as a tool for Xi to eliminate his political rivals.

Red notices

Meng rose up the ranks of the country's domestic security apparatus when it was under the leadership of Zhou Yongkang, a rival to Xi and the highest-ranking official to be brought down on corruption charges.

Zhou -- who was sentenced to life in prison in 2014 -- was subsequently accused of conspiring to seize state power and authorities have continued working to root out his influence.

He appointed Meng vice security minister in 2004.

In that role, Meng has been entrusted with a number of sensitive portfolios, including the country's counter-terrorism division, and he was in charge of the response to several major incidents in China's fractious western region of Xinjiang.

Critics of Meng's 2016 election to Interpol's presidency said he would use the position to help China target dissidents abroad under the guise of pursuing corrupt officials.

Interpol has downplayed the concerns, saying the president has little influence over the organisation's day-to-day operations, which are handled by secretary general Stock, a German.

The Chinese effort to track down corrupt officials abroad, known as Operation Fox Hunt, has led to claims in some countries that Chinese law-enforcement agents have been operating covertly on their soil without the approval or consent of local authorities.

China currently has 44 outstanding red notices, mostly related to murder, intentional injury and drug smuggling, according to Interpol's website.

During Meng's tenure, Interpol issued a red notice for fugitive Chinese billionaire Guo Wengui, who threatened to reveal corruption at the country's highest levels.

Authorities in China and Hong Kong have accused Guo, a real estate tycoon who resides in the United States, of laundering billions of dollars among other crimes.

Beijing announced Monday the Chinese head of Interpol, who vanished after returning to his homeland, was under investigation for possible criminal activity, and the world police organisation said he had resigned.

Beijing announced Monday the Chinese head of Interpol, who vanished after returning to his homeland, was under investigation for possible criminal activity, and the world police organisation said he had resigned. The revelations came as Meng Hongwei's wife voiced concern for his life after receiving a final text message from his phone with a knife emoji. Beijing had remained tight-lipped about the fate of Meng, who is also China's vice minister for public security, since his disappearance was disclosed by French officials on Friday. The National Supervisory Commission, which handles corruption cases involving public servants, broke the official silence early Monday, saying in a one-line statement that Meng "is currently under investigation on suspicion of violating the law". Soon after, Interpol said it had received Meng's resignation "with immediate effect". It is the latest high-profile disappearance in China, where a number of top government officials, billionaire business magnates and even an A-list celebrity have vanished for weeks or months at a time. When -- or if -- they reappear, it is often in court. Meng, the first Chinese president of Interpol, was last heard from on September 25 as he left Lyon -- where the world police body is based -- for China. The agency's secretary general Juergen Stock, who oversees day-to-day operations, had said Saturday that it was seeking "clarification" on his whereabouts from Chinese authorities. French police had opened an investigation into Meng's disappearance last week, according to a source close to the inquiry. Meng, 64, had lived with his wife and two children in France since being elected Interpol president in 2016 for four years. The agency said it will elect a new president next month at its general assembly in Dubai for the remaining two years of Meng's term Danger emoji Speaking to reporters in France on Sunday, Meng's wife Grace said she had received a message from his phone containing a knife emoji before his disappearance. That day, she said he sent a message telling her to "wait for my call", before sending the emoji signifying danger. "This matter belongs to the international community," she told a press conference. "I'm not sure what has happened to him," she said. Later, upon learning about the announcement from China's anti-graft commission, she told AFP that her husband's case will be under the watch of "international law and international public opinion", describing the situation as "political ruin". China's recently established National Supervisory Commission holds sweeping powers to investigate the country's public servants with few requirements for transparency. Although the commission did not detail the allegations against Meng, its mandate is to investigate corruption cases as part of Chinese President Xi Jinping's anti-graft campaign. Some critics of the effort -- which has punished more than one million officials -- say it also functions as a tool for Xi to eliminate his political rivals. Red notices Meng rose up the ranks of the country's domestic security apparatus when it was under the leadership of Zhou Yongkang, a rival to Xi and the highest-ranking official to be brought down on corruption charges. Zhou -- who was sentenced to life in prison in 2014 -- was subsequently accused of conspiring to seize state power and authorities have continued working to root out his influence. He appointed Meng vice security minister in 2004. In that role, Meng has been entrusted with a number of sensitive portfolios, including the country's counter-terrorism division, and he was in charge of the response to several major incidents in China's fractious western region of Xinjiang. Critics of Meng's 2016 election to Interpol's presidency said he would use the position to help China target dissidents abroad under the guise of pursuing corrupt officials. Interpol has downplayed the concerns, saying the president has little influence over the organisation's day-to-day operations, which are handled by secretary general Stock, a German. The Chinese effort to track down corrupt officials abroad, known as Operation Fox Hunt, has led to claims in some countries that Chinese law-enforcement agents have been operating covertly on their soil without the approval or consent of local authorities. China currently has 44 outstanding red notices, mostly related to murder, intentional injury and drug smuggling, according to Interpol's website. During Meng's tenure, Interpol issued a red notice for fugitive Chinese billionaire Guo Wengui, who threatened to reveal corruption at the country's highest levels. Authorities in China and Hong Kong have accused Guo, a real estate tycoon who resides in the United States, of laundering billions of dollars among other crimes.

Interpol says its missing chief had resigned, China announces it is investigating him

China on Monday reacted guardedly to Saudi Arabia's plan to invest in Pakistan, saying it is a "positive factor" if any other party would like to contribute to promote the inter-connectivity and prosperity of the region on the basis of consultation.

After the recent visit of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to Saudi Arabia, it was announced that Riyadh will be the third "strategic partner" of $ 50 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The CPEC is the flagship project of the multi-billion dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a pet project of President Xi Jinping aimed at enhancing China's influence around the world through China-funded infrastructure projects.

However, Islamabad later clarified that the Saudi Arabian investments will not be under the CPEC, which will remain a bilateral project between China and Pakistan.

Asked about China's reaction to Saudi Arabia's investments in Pakistan, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a media briefing that "the CPEC is an important project under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)".

He said BRI projects followed wide consultations and shared benefits.

"So such cooperation has always been open and transparent. If any other party would like to contribute positive factors to promote the inter-connectivity and prosperity of the region on the basis of consultation, I think this is a positive factor," Lu said.

India has opposed the CPEC project and protested to China as it is being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The invitation to Saudi Arabia to take part in the CPEC sparked concerns that it might upset Iran, a strategic rival of Riyadh.

An article in Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post said Pakistan is risking China's anger by courting Saudi Arabia.

"Pakistan's decision to invite Saudi Arabia to develop a massive refinery complex at Gwadar (port) certainly suggests that the CPEC is being manipulated to serve ends other than China's," the article said.

Balochistan province, where Gwadar is located, borders Iran.

"Riyadh must be salivating at the prospect of setting up a strategic oil reserve 120 km from Pakistan's border with Iran. Tehran, on the other hand, would be foaming at the mouth at this brazen attempt to undermine its flailing economy," the article said.

On Sunday, Khan said Pakistan is reviewing the projects under the CPEC to safeguard the interest of the people in Balochistan province.

Khan in the past had criticised former prime minister Nawaz Sharif for the lack of transparency and corruption in the CPEC projects.

He said that Balochistan had a number of reservations about the mega project.

"Balochistan will get its due share, whatever it may be, in the CPEC," he was quoted as saying by Dawn news.

China had announced after the visit of Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Pakistan in September that the CPEC projects will be extended to western areas of Pakistan, which included Balochistan.&nbsp;

China on Monday reacted guardedly to Saudi Arabia's plan to invest in Pakistan, saying it is a "positive factor" if any other party would like to contribute to promote the inter-connectivity and prosperity of the region on the basis of consultation.

China on Monday reacted guardedly to Saudi Arabia's plan to invest in Pakistan, saying it is a "positive factor" if any other party would like to contribute to promote the inter-connectivity and prosperity of the region on the basis of consultation. After the recent visit of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to Saudi Arabia, it was announced that Riyadh will be the third "strategic partner" of $ 50 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The CPEC is the flagship project of the multi-billion dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a pet project of President Xi Jinping aimed at enhancing China's influence around the world through China-funded infrastructure projects. However, Islamabad later clarified that the Saudi Arabian investments will not be under the CPEC, which will remain a bilateral project between China and Pakistan. Asked about China's reaction to Saudi Arabia's investments in Pakistan, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a media briefing that "the CPEC is an important project under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)". He said BRI projects followed wide consultations and shared benefits. "So such cooperation has always been open and transparent. If any other party would like to contribute positive factors to promote the inter-connectivity and prosperity of the region on the basis of consultation, I think this is a positive factor," Lu said. India has opposed the CPEC project and protested to China as it is being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The invitation to Saudi Arabia to take part in the CPEC sparked concerns that it might upset Iran, a strategic rival of Riyadh. An article in Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post said Pakistan is risking China's anger by courting Saudi Arabia. "Pakistan's decision to invite Saudi Arabia to develop a massive refinery complex at Gwadar (port) certainly suggests that the CPEC is being manipulated to serve ends other than China's," the article said. Balochistan province, where Gwadar is located, borders Iran. "Riyadh must be salivating at the prospect of setting up a strategic oil reserve 120 km from Pakistan's border with Iran. Tehran, on the other hand, would be foaming at the mouth at this brazen attempt to undermine its flailing economy," the article said. On Sunday, Khan said Pakistan is reviewing the projects under the CPEC to safeguard the interest of the people in Balochistan province. Khan in the past had criticised former prime minister Nawaz Sharif for the lack of transparency and corruption in the CPEC projects. He said that Balochistan had a number of reservations about the mega project. "Balochistan will get its due share, whatever it may be, in the CPEC," he was quoted as saying by Dawn news. China had announced after the visit of Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Pakistan in September that the CPEC projects will be extended to western areas of Pakistan, which included Balochistan.

Saudi Arabia's plan to invest in Pak a 'positive factor': China

China said Monday the president of Interpol, who went missing shortly after arrival in his home country, is under investigation for possible criminal activity, as Beijing broke its silence about his fate.

Meng Hongwei, who is also China's vice minister of public security, "is currently under investigation on suspicion of violating the law", according to a statement on the website of the National Supervisory Commission, which handles corruption cases involving public servants.

Meng, the first Chinese president of Interpol, was last heard from on September 25 as he left Lyon -- where the international police organisation is based -- for China.

His disappearance was disclosed by French officials on Friday but China had remained tight-lipped about his status until now.

Meng had lived with his wife and two children in France since being elected Interpol president in 2016.

The agency's secretary general Juergen Stock, who oversees day-to-day operations, said Saturday that it was seeking "clarification" on his whereabouts from Chinese authorities.

It is the latest high-profile disappearance in China, where a number of top government officials, billionaire business magnates and even an A-list celebrity have vanished for weeks or months at a time.

When -- or if -- they reappear, it is often in court.

Speaking to reporters Sunday in France, Meng's wife said she feared that her husband's life was in danger.

"This matter belongs to the international community," Meng told a press conference.

China's recently established National Supervisory Commission holds sweeping powers to investigate the country's public servants with few requirements for transparency.

Although the commission did not detail the allegations against Meng, its mandate is to investigate corruption cases as part of Chinese President Xi Jinping's anti-graft campaign.

Some critics of the effort -- which has punished more than one million officials -- say it also functions as a tool for Xi to eliminate his political rivals.

China said Monday the president of Interpol, who went missing shortly after arrival in his home country, is under investigation for possible criminal activity, as Beijing broke its silence about his fate.

China said Monday the president of Interpol, who went missing shortly after arrival in his home country, is under investigation for possible criminal activity, as Beijing broke its silence about his fate. Meng Hongwei, who is also China's vice minister of public security, "is currently under investigation on suspicion of violating the law", according to a statement on the website of the National Supervisory Commission, which handles corruption cases involving public servants. Meng, the first Chinese president of Interpol, was last heard from on September 25 as he left Lyon -- where the international police organisation is based -- for China. His disappearance was disclosed by French officials on Friday but China had remained tight-lipped about his status until now. Meng had lived with his wife and two children in France since being elected Interpol president in 2016. The agency's secretary general Juergen Stock, who oversees day-to-day operations, said Saturday that it was seeking "clarification" on his whereabouts from Chinese authorities. It is the latest high-profile disappearance in China, where a number of top government officials, billionaire business magnates and even an A-list celebrity have vanished for weeks or months at a time. When -- or if -- they reappear, it is often in court. Speaking to reporters Sunday in France, Meng's wife said she feared that her husband's life was in danger. "This matter belongs to the international community," Meng told a press conference. China's recently established National Supervisory Commission holds sweeping powers to investigate the country's public servants with few requirements for transparency. Although the commission did not detail the allegations against Meng, its mandate is to investigate corruption cases as part of Chinese President Xi Jinping's anti-graft campaign. Some critics of the effort -- which has punished more than one million officials -- say it also functions as a tool for Xi to eliminate his political rivals.

China says Interpol chief being probed 'on suspicion of violating the law'

A flag-raising ceremony was held at the Tian'anmen Square in Beijing on Monday morning to mark the 69th anniversary of the People's Republic of China's National Day.

After eight trumpet soldiers sounding their clarions, the national flag was escorted into the square by 96 members from the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Guard of Honor.

People from all over the country gathered at the square, singing the Chinese national anthem while watching the national flag being raised. Many were holding national flags in their hands, and having stickers of the national flag on their faces.

On Sunday, Chinese President Xi Jinping and other senior leaders of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the state also paid tribute and laid flowers at the Monument to the People's Heroes in Tian'anmen Square yesterday to mark the Martyrs' day.

China's top legislature approved September 30 as Martyrs’ Day in 2014, to commemorate those who lost their lives for national independence and prosperity.

Xi, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, joined the representatives of all walks of life in the capital city of Beijing to mark the country's fifth Martyrs’ Day.

A military band played ceremonial music with a trumpet to start the commemoration.

Other senior leaders who were present at the event include&nbsp;Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji, Han Zheng and Wang Qishan.

Meanwhile, laser light shows illuminated and animated the towering facade of many buildings in Shenzhen City, south China's Guangdong Province, on Friday night, to mark the National Day, and also the 40th anniversary of China's adoption of the policy of reform and opening to the outside world.

Shenzhen is one of the coastal Chinese cities to establish pilot Special Economic Zones for reform and opening up as a result of the policy.

More than 1.1 million LED lights were reportedly installed on 43 buildings in the city center, including the 600-meter-high Ping'an Tower.

Hundreds of thousands of LED lights displaying China's national flag were lit up on 35 buildings in Hangzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, on Friday night.

The People's Republic of China was founded on October 1, 1949, and on September 21 of the same year, China's new government passed the "Resolution on the National Day of the People's Republic of China'', designating October 1 as China's National Day.

After several modifications, it was decided that the Chinese mainland would observe a seven-day holiday (including two weekends) during National Day holiday, while Hong Kong&nbsp;observes a day-long holiday and Macao holds a two-day holiday, both are China's Special Administrative Regions (SARs).

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

A flag-raising ceremony was held at the Tian'anmen Square in Beijing on Monday morning to mark the 69th anniversary of the People's Republic of China's National Day.

A flag-raising ceremony was held at the Tian'anmen Square in Beijing on Monday morning to mark the 69th anniversary of the People's Republic of China's National Day. After eight trumpet soldiers sounding their clarions, the national flag was escorted into the square by 96 members from the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Guard of Honor. People from all over the country gathered at the square, singing the Chinese national anthem while watching the national flag being raised. Many were holding national flags in their hands, and having stickers of the national flag on their faces. On Sunday, Chinese President Xi Jinping and other senior leaders of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the state also paid tribute and laid flowers at the Monument to the People's Heroes in Tian'anmen Square yesterday to mark the Martyrs' day. China's top legislature approved September 30 as Martyrs’ Day in 2014, to commemorate those who lost their lives for national independence and prosperity. Xi, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, joined the representatives of all walks of life in the capital city of Beijing to mark the country's fifth Martyrs’ Day. A military band played ceremonial music with a trumpet to start the commemoration. Other senior leaders who were present at the event include Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji, Han Zheng and Wang Qishan. Meanwhile, laser light shows illuminated and animated the towering facade of many buildings in Shenzhen City, south China's Guangdong Province, on Friday night, to mark the National Day, and also the 40th anniversary of China's adoption of the policy of reform and opening to the outside world. Shenzhen is one of the coastal Chinese cities to establish pilot Special Economic Zones for reform and opening up as a result of the policy. More than 1.1 million LED lights were reportedly installed on 43 buildings in the city center, including the 600-meter-high Ping'an Tower. Hundreds of thousands of LED lights displaying China's national flag were lit up on 35 buildings in Hangzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, on Friday night. The People's Republic of China was founded on October 1, 1949, and on September 21 of the same year, China's new government passed the "Resolution on the National Day of the People's Republic of China'', designating October 1 as China's National Day. After several modifications, it was decided that the Chinese mainland would observe a seven-day holiday (including two weekends) during National Day holiday, while Hong Kong observes a day-long holiday and Macao holds a two-day holiday, both are China's Special Administrative Regions (SARs). (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: China holds flag-raising ceremony to mark 69th National Day

Asian markets swung on Thursday as investors considered the prospect of more US interest rate hikes and Donald Trump's latest broadside in his trade war with China.

The US central bank lifted borrowing costs for the third time this year, as expected, citing an increasingly strong economy and jobs market, with governor Jerome Powell saying he saw no vulnerabilities in the financial system.

The post-meeting statement removed mention of being "accommodative", which was seen as symbolically important as observers said it indicated the bank is moving away from the days of lower rates. However, Powell said this did not mean the Fed would tighten policy more quickly.

Still, the bank is widely expected to lift rates again in December, while analysts are betting on another three in 2019.

Powell also said there remained risks from trade tensions, which could lift inflation, but added it was too soon to tell what impact it would have.

After the meeting, Wall Street's three main indexes fell and the dollar edged up on the prospect of higher rates through the year.

In Asia, markets fluctuated but by the end of the morning, Tokyo was down 0.1 per cent, while Singapore added 0.5 per cent and Seoul rose 0.6 per cent.

Hong Kong edged up 0.2 per cent, Shanghai shed 0.2 per cent, Taipei gained 0.3 per cent and Sydney was flat.

Eye on Hong Kong rates&nbsp;

Trump ramped up his criticism of China on Wednesday, accusing it of trying to sway November's mid-term elections against his Republican party because of the trade row and admitting his relationship with President Xi Jinping may have been permanently damaged.

His comments will do little to ease concerns about an all-out trade war between the two economic giants, which have exchanged tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars worth of goods, with no sign of a let-up in hostilities.

On oil markets, both main contracts jumped more than one per cent after US energy secretary Rick Perry pushed back against speculation the government could tap its emergency stockpiles in order to lower prices.

Crude is around four-year highs after OPEC and other key producers decided against lifting output, despite being urged to do so by Trump.

Hong Kong dealers are keeping a close eye on commercial interest rates after the Hong Kong Monetary Authority -- the de facto central bank -- lifted its benchmark rate Thursday in line with the Fed owing to the city's dollar peg.

But retail borrowing costs have not been raised by lenders since 2006 owing to a huge pile of cash swirling around in Hong Kong's financial system, which means they have had easy access to cheap money.

However, with much of that cash now having been soaked up by the HKMA to support the weakening local dollar, bets are on a rise in rates.

HKMA chief executive Norman Chan said: "Many market participants are expecting that the prime rate and saving deposit rates may soon be raised."

The prospect of higher borrowing costs for consumers hit property stocks in Hong Kong, with Sino Land down more than one per cent, Country Garden 0.8 per cent off and New World Development 0.2 per cent lower.

Asian markets swung on Thursday as investors considered the prospect of more US interest rate hikes and Donald Trump's latest broadside in his trade war with China.

Asian markets swung on Thursday as investors considered the prospect of more US interest rate hikes and Donald Trump's latest broadside in his trade war with China. The US central bank lifted borrowing costs for the third time this year, as expected, citing an increasingly strong economy and jobs market, with governor Jerome Powell saying he saw no vulnerabilities in the financial system. The post-meeting statement removed mention of being "accommodative", which was seen as symbolically important as observers said it indicated the bank is moving away from the days of lower rates. However, Powell said this did not mean the Fed would tighten policy more quickly. Still, the bank is widely expected to lift rates again in December, while analysts are betting on another three in 2019. Powell also said there remained risks from trade tensions, which could lift inflation, but added it was too soon to tell what impact it would have. After the meeting, Wall Street's three main indexes fell and the dollar edged up on the prospect of higher rates through the year. In Asia, markets fluctuated but by the end of the morning, Tokyo was down 0.1 per cent, while Singapore added 0.5 per cent and Seoul rose 0.6 per cent. Hong Kong edged up 0.2 per cent, Shanghai shed 0.2 per cent, Taipei gained 0.3 per cent and Sydney was flat. Eye on Hong Kong rates Trump ramped up his criticism of China on Wednesday, accusing it of trying to sway November's mid-term elections against his Republican party because of the trade row and admitting his relationship with President Xi Jinping may have been permanently damaged. His comments will do little to ease concerns about an all-out trade war between the two economic giants, which have exchanged tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars worth of goods, with no sign of a let-up in hostilities. On oil markets, both main contracts jumped more than one per cent after US energy secretary Rick Perry pushed back against speculation the government could tap its emergency stockpiles in order to lower prices. Crude is around four-year highs after OPEC and other key producers decided against lifting output, despite being urged to do so by Trump. Hong Kong dealers are keeping a close eye on commercial interest rates after the Hong Kong Monetary Authority -- the de facto central bank -- lifted its benchmark rate Thursday in line with the Fed owing to the city's dollar peg. But retail borrowing costs have not been raised by lenders since 2006 owing to a huge pile of cash swirling around in Hong Kong's financial system, which means they have had easy access to cheap money. However, with much of that cash now having been soaked up by the HKMA to support the weakening local dollar, bets are on a rise in rates. HKMA chief executive Norman Chan said: "Many market participants are expecting that the prime rate and saving deposit rates may soon be raised." The prospect of higher borrowing costs for consumers hit property stocks in Hong Kong, with Sino Land down more than one per cent, Country Garden 0.8 per cent off and New World Development 0.2 per cent lower.

Asian markets fluctuate after Fed hike, Trump China comments

US President Donald Trump admitted his friendship with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping could be over on Wednesday as he accused Beijing of undermining his prospects in upcoming elections.

With tensions growing sharply between the two sides on a range of issues, Trump said China wanted him to suffer an electoral setback as payback for his hard-line over trade.

After accusing the government in Beijing of using a variety of tactics to damage his chances at the vital midterm polls in November, he said that relations with Xi might have taken a permanent turn for the worse.

Trump has spoken many times since coming to office of his friendship with Xi, praising the Chinese leader for his role in helping bring pressure to bear on North Korea over its nuclear program.

But asked at a press conference in New York how Xi could remain his friend given the hike in tensions, Trump indicated that he preferred to be respected than liked.

"He may not be a friend of mine anymore but I think he probably respects me," said the president, who said the US economy was easily weathering the impact of the trade dispute.

Washington this week enacted new tariffs against China covering another $200 billion of its imports, shrugging off threats of counter measures from Beijing.&nbsp;

"We have to make it fair," he said. "A lot of money is coming into our coffers. And it's had absolutely no impact on our economy."

China has vowed to retaliate with duties on $60 billion in US goods, but since the country only imports a total of $130 billion, its ability to hit back with matching tariffs is limited.

'Evidence'&nbsp;

The accusation of electoral interference first came during a meeting of the UN Security Council that Trump chaired himself earlier in the day. &nbsp; &nbsp;

"Regrettably we found that China has been attempting to interfere in our upcoming 2018 election coming up in November against my administration," Trump told the chamber.

"They do not want me or us to win because I am the first president ever to challenge China on trade," he added.

Trump later said there was clear evidence to back up his claim.

"We have evidence. It will come out. Yeah, I can't tell you now, but it came -- it didn't come out of nowhere, that I can tell you," he told a press conference.

In a briefing with reporters in Washington, a senior White House official said that China was deploying economic, military and informational tools to spread influence and to undermine the US government.

"The activities have reached an unacceptable level," the official said.

The official said the policy of "actively interfering in our political system includes hurting farmers in districts and states that voted for the president."

The official was referring to China's imposition of tariffs on soybeans -- a hugely important trade in the electorally crucial state of Iowa -- as retaliation for Trump's tariffs on Chinese goods.

'Unwarranted accusations'&nbsp;

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi rejected what he termed "unwarranted accusations."

"China has all along followed the principle of non-interference," Wang said in the same session that was chaired by the US president.

"We did not and will not interfere in any country's domestic affairs. We refuse to accept any unwarranted accusations against China."

But Trump followed up his accusations with a series of tweets accusing China's government of paying for newspaper space in the US state of Iowa to push its message.

These "propaganda ads" are being placed "because we are beating them on Trade, opening markets," he tweeted.

The United States also irked China earlier this week by going ahead with plans to sell a batch of military parts to the self-governing island of Taiwan.

Beijing sees Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting unification, and is deeply suspicious of the island's relations with the United States.

A special prosecutor, Robert Mueller, is investigating allegations that members of Trump's inner circle colluded with Russia to secure his victory in the 2016 presidential election after US security agencies determined that Moscow had sought to influence the outcome.

US President Donald Trump admitted his friendship with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping could be over on Wednesday as he accused Beijing of undermining his prospects in upcoming elections.

US President Donald Trump admitted his friendship with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping could be over on Wednesday as he accused Beijing of undermining his prospects in upcoming elections. With tensions growing sharply between the two sides on a range of issues, Trump said China wanted him to suffer an electoral setback as payback for his hard-line over trade. After accusing the government in Beijing of using a variety of tactics to damage his chances at the vital midterm polls in November, he said that relations with Xi might have taken a permanent turn for the worse. Trump has spoken many times since coming to office of his friendship with Xi, praising the Chinese leader for his role in helping bring pressure to bear on North Korea over its nuclear program. But asked at a press conference in New York how Xi could remain his friend given the hike in tensions, Trump indicated that he preferred to be respected than liked. "He may not be a friend of mine anymore but I think he probably respects me," said the president, who said the US economy was easily weathering the impact of the trade dispute. Washington this week enacted new tariffs against China covering another $200 billion of its imports, shrugging off threats of counter measures from Beijing. "We have to make it fair," he said. "A lot of money is coming into our coffers. And it's had absolutely no impact on our economy." China has vowed to retaliate with duties on $60 billion in US goods, but since the country only imports a total of $130 billion, its ability to hit back with matching tariffs is limited. 'Evidence' The accusation of electoral interference first came during a meeting of the UN Security Council that Trump chaired himself earlier in the day. "Regrettably we found that China has been attempting to interfere in our upcoming 2018 election coming up in November against my administration," Trump told the chamber. "They do not want me or us to win because I am the first president ever to challenge China on trade," he added. Trump later said there was clear evidence to back up his claim. "We have evidence. It will come out. Yeah, I can't tell you now, but it came -- it didn't come out of nowhere, that I can tell you," he told a press conference. In a briefing with reporters in Washington, a senior White House official said that China was deploying economic, military and informational tools to spread influence and to undermine the US government. "The activities have reached an unacceptable level," the official said. The official said the policy of "actively interfering in our political system includes hurting farmers in districts and states that voted for the president." The official was referring to China's imposition of tariffs on soybeans -- a hugely important trade in the electorally crucial state of Iowa -- as retaliation for Trump's tariffs on Chinese goods. 'Unwarranted accusations' Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi rejected what he termed "unwarranted accusations." "China has all along followed the principle of non-interference," Wang said in the same session that was chaired by the US president. "We did not and will not interfere in any country's domestic affairs. We refuse to accept any unwarranted accusations against China." But Trump followed up his accusations with a series of tweets accusing China's government of paying for newspaper space in the US state of Iowa to push its message. These "propaganda ads" are being placed "because we are beating them on Trade, opening markets," he tweeted. The United States also irked China earlier this week by going ahead with plans to sell a batch of military parts to the self-governing island of Taiwan. Beijing sees Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting unification, and is deeply suspicious of the island's relations with the United States. A special prosecutor, Robert Mueller, is investigating allegations that members of Trump's inner circle colluded with Russia to secure his victory in the 2016 presidential election after US security agencies determined that Moscow had sought to influence the outcome.

Trump admits friendship with China's Xi Jinping could be over

The Chinese defence ministry on Thursday denounced flyovers by US B-52 bombers over the South China Sea and East China Sea as "provocative" actions amid soaring tensions between the two global powers.

The Pentagon said Wednesday the heavy bombers had taken part in a combined operation with Japan over the East China Sea and had flown through international airspace over the South China Sea a day before.

"Regarding the provocative actions of US military aircraft in the South China Sea, we are always resolutely opposed to them, and will continue to take necessary measures in order to strongly handle (this issue)," Chinese defence ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang told a monthly news briefing.&nbsp;

China has claimed large swaths of the strategic waterway and built up a series of islands and maritime features, turning them into military facilities.

Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam have competing claims to the region, and an international maritime tribunal ruled in 2016 that China's claims have no legal basis.

Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Dave Eastburn said this week's flights were part of "regularly scheduled operations."

The United States rejects China's territorial claims and routinely says the military will "continue to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows at times and places of our choosing."

Washington this week enacted new tariffs against China covering another $200 billion of its imports while it last week sanctioned a Chinese military organisation for buying Russian weapons.&nbsp;

China has reacted angrily, and this week scrapped a US warship's planned port visit to Hong Kong and cancelled a meeting between the head of the Chinese navy and his American counterpart.

US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said he was not concerned the US transit flights would increase tensions with China.

"If it was 20 years ago and they have not militarised those features there, it would have just been another bomber on its way to Diego Garcia or whatever," he told Pentagon reporters, referring to the US military base in the Indian Ocean.

"So there's nothing out of the ordinary about it, nor about our ships sailing through there."

The Pentagon chief went on to say there is no "fundamental shift in anything."

"We're just going through one of those periodic points where we've got to learn to manage our differences," he said.

The Chinese defence ministry on Thursday denounced flyovers by US B-52 bombers over the South China Sea and East China Sea as "provocative" actions amid soaring tensions between the two global powers.

The Chinese defence ministry on Thursday denounced flyovers by US B-52 bombers over the South China Sea and East China Sea as "provocative" actions amid soaring tensions between the two global powers. The Pentagon said Wednesday the heavy bombers had taken part in a combined operation with Japan over the East China Sea and had flown through international airspace over the South China Sea a day before. "Regarding the provocative actions of US military aircraft in the South China Sea, we are always resolutely opposed to them, and will continue to take necessary measures in order to strongly handle (this issue)," Chinese defence ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang told a monthly news briefing. China has claimed large swaths of the strategic waterway and built up a series of islands and maritime features, turning them into military facilities. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam have competing claims to the region, and an international maritime tribunal ruled in 2016 that China's claims have no legal basis. Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Dave Eastburn said this week's flights were part of "regularly scheduled operations." The United States rejects China's territorial claims and routinely says the military will "continue to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows at times and places of our choosing." Washington this week enacted new tariffs against China covering another $200 billion of its imports while it last week sanctioned a Chinese military organisation for buying Russian weapons. China has reacted angrily, and this week scrapped a US warship's planned port visit to Hong Kong and cancelled a meeting between the head of the Chinese navy and his American counterpart. US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said he was not concerned the US transit flights would increase tensions with China. "If it was 20 years ago and they have not militarised those features there, it would have just been another bomber on its way to Diego Garcia or whatever," he told Pentagon reporters, referring to the US military base in the Indian Ocean. "So there's nothing out of the ordinary about it, nor about our ships sailing through there." The Pentagon chief went on to say there is no "fundamental shift in anything." "We're just going through one of those periodic points where we've got to learn to manage our differences," he said.

China denounces flyovers by US B-52 bombers over the South China Sea 

U.S. President Donald Trump may have promised that North Korea will become "very rich" on the back of American investment if Pyongyang ditches nuclear weapons but economists and academics who have studied the isolated country say it is China not the U.S. that will be the engine of any transformation.

The nearest template would not be based on American-style capitalism, but China's state-controlled market economy first championed by Deng Xiaoping, who became China's leader in 1978, these experts said. China was just coming out of the turmoil of the 27-year reign of Mao Zedong, a period during which capitalism was banned and private businesses and property were seized by the state and placed under collective ownership.

Deng introduced wrenching reforms that are widely regarded as creating the foundations of China's economic miracle in the past 40 years. The changes were massive, the growth phenomenal, but most importantly the Chinese Communist Party has achieved all of this while not only retaining power but increasing its control over the country.

And in the run up to the unprecedented summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Tuesday in Singapore, it has been China that Pyongyang has been increasingly turning to.

Kim has made two visits to meet Xi since March, while a high-level delegation from his ruling Workers' Party toured China's industrial hubs in an 11-day visit in May that focused on China's high-tech urban transport and latest scientific breakthroughs.

That delegation went to China only weeks after Kim declared an end to nuclear and missile tests and vowed an all-out effort toward "socialist economic construction."

Chinese media labelled Kim's announcement North Korea's "opening and reform", shorthand for Deng's policies, sparking a flurry of investment in housing in Dandong, the Chinese border town.

"Kim is talking to Trump because he needs to get the United States to back off sanctions. After that, headlines will be all about Kim and Xi Jinping," said Jeon Kyong-man, an economist at the Institute for Korean Integration of Society, with reference to the Chinese president.

China is already North Korea's most important ally and biggest trade partner. And since Kim assumed power in 2011 the trade relationship has become even more important. China now represents more than 90 percent of Pyongyang's trade, making it just about North Korea's only economic lifeline.

Stagnating economic growth in China's northeastern rustbelt has also spurred interest in ramping up Chinese economic ties with North Korea, according to Adam Cathcart, an expert on China-North Korea relations at Leeds University in the United Kingdom.

China's model of shifting from a planned economy to a market economy is attractive for Pyongyang because it was achieved with political, economic and social stability, according to Zhang Anyuan, chief economist at Dongxing Securities in Beijing.

"Taking into consideration geographic location, economic system, market size, economic development stage, China-North Korean economic cooperation has advantages that are irreplaceable and hard to replicate," Zhang said.

But Cathcart said that progress on economic liberalisation would likely be slow because North Korea will want to be careful about the increased political risks that could come from relaxing restrictions on the currency and migration.

As well as China, North Korea may also look to other economies where tight top-down control has been kept, including Vietnam or even the 'chaebol' business structures of South Korea, which could allow something closer to "a capital dictatorship," according to Cathcart.

Xi, under intense pressure from Trump, started enforcing sanctions strictly in the second half of 2017. By March this year, China imported no iron ore, coal or lead from North Korea for a sixth month in a row, in line with U.N. Security Council sanctions.

That has hurt North Korea's coal-intensive heavy industries and manufacturing sectors. But more importantly, plunging trade with Beijing has been "killing the most thriving part of the economy" - unofficial markets where individuals and wholesalers buy and sell mostly Chinese-made consumer goods and agricultural products, Jeon said.

"More than anything, it was China's decision to enforce sanctions that squeezed the economy and made removing of the sanctions an urgent task for Kim," he said.

Even after sanctions are lifted, North Korea will likely pursue state-managed growth because loosening controls is potentially destabilising for the regime, says Kim Byung-yeon, an economics professor at Seoul National University. "It could leave Kim Jong Un with less than half the power he has now."

As part of efforts to maintain control, any opening could initially be limited to "special economic zones," where Pyongyang has sought to combine its cheap labour with China's financial firepower and technological know-how, according to BMI Research, a unit of Fitch Group.

The Wonsan Special Tourist Zone in the east coast, or the suspended inter-Korean factory park in the North's border city of Kaesong are some other examples Kim might pursue to maintain state controls over the economy, experts say.

In Wonsan, Kim has already built a ski resort and a new airport to turn the city of 360,000 people into a billion-dollar tourist hotspot.

"These are the sorts of projects that are most likely to get underway first if the sanctions are eased," BMI Research said.

Jeon says this is "mosquito-net style" reform - similar to Deng Xiaoping's model - with limited foreign investment and market liberalisation contained within firm strictures of state control.

Deng championed a string of special economic zones along China's east coast where unique local legislation encouraged foreign investment in manufacturing joint-ventures that sold to export markets, while protecting Chinese industries from going head-to-head with multinationals.

"Deng designated Shenzhen as a special economic zone and made that sleepy fishing village to a manufacturing hub of the world," Jeon said. "Kim will be eager for those, especially as he will want minimal changes to other parts of the economy."

Kim has made two visits to meet Xi since March, while a high-level delegation from his ruling Workers' Party toured China's industrial hubs in an 11-day visit in May that focused on China's high-tech urban transport and latest scientific breakthroughs

U.S. President Donald Trump may have promised that North Korea will become "very rich" on the back of American investment if Pyongyang ditches nuclear weapons but economists and academics who have studied the isolated country say it is China not the U.S. that will be the engine of any transformation. The nearest template would not be based on American-style capitalism, but China's state-controlled market economy first championed by Deng Xiaoping, who became China's leader in 1978, these experts said. China was just coming out of the turmoil of the 27-year reign of Mao Zedong, a period during which capitalism was banned and private businesses and property were seized by the state and placed under collective ownership. Deng introduced wrenching reforms that are widely regarded as creating the foundations of China's economic miracle in the past 40 years. The changes were massive, the growth phenomenal, but most importantly the Chinese Communist Party has achieved all of this while not only retaining power but increasing its control over the country. And in the run up to the unprecedented summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Tuesday in Singapore, it has been China that Pyongyang has been increasingly turning to. Kim has made two visits to meet Xi since March, while a high-level delegation from his ruling Workers' Party toured China's industrial hubs in an 11-day visit in May that focused on China's high-tech urban transport and latest scientific breakthroughs. That delegation went to China only weeks after Kim declared an end to nuclear and missile tests and vowed an all-out effort toward "socialist economic construction." Chinese media labelled Kim's announcement North Korea's "opening and reform", shorthand for Deng's policies, sparking a flurry of investment in housing in Dandong, the Chinese border town. "Kim is talking to Trump because he needs to get the United States to back off sanctions. After that, headlines will be all about Kim and Xi Jinping," said Jeon Kyong-man, an economist at the Institute for Korean Integration of Society, with reference to the Chinese president. China is already North Korea's most important ally and biggest trade partner. And since Kim assumed power in 2011 the trade relationship has become even more important. China now represents more than 90 percent of Pyongyang's trade, making it just about North Korea's only economic lifeline. Stagnating economic growth in China's northeastern rustbelt has also spurred interest in ramping up Chinese economic ties with North Korea, according to Adam Cathcart, an expert on China-North Korea relations at Leeds University in the United Kingdom. China's model of shifting from a planned economy to a market economy is attractive for Pyongyang because it was achieved with political, economic and social stability, according to Zhang Anyuan, chief economist at Dongxing Securities in Beijing. "Taking into consideration geographic location, economic system, market size, economic development stage, China-North Korean economic cooperation has advantages that are irreplaceable and hard to replicate," Zhang said. But Cathcart said that progress on economic liberalisation would likely be slow because North Korea will want to be careful about the increased political risks that could come from relaxing restrictions on the currency and migration. As well as China, North Korea may also look to other economies where tight top-down control has been kept, including Vietnam or even the 'chaebol' business structures of South Korea, which could allow something closer to "a capital dictatorship," according to Cathcart. Xi, under intense pressure from Trump, started enforcing sanctions strictly in the second half of 2017. By March this year, China imported no iron ore, coal or lead from North Korea for a sixth month in a row, in line with U.N. Security Council sanctions. That has hurt North Korea's coal-intensive heavy industries and manufacturing sectors. But more importantly, plunging trade with Beijing has been "killing the most thriving part of the economy" - unofficial markets where individuals and wholesalers buy and sell mostly Chinese-made consumer goods and agricultural products, Jeon said. "More than anything, it was China's decision to enforce sanctions that squeezed the economy and made removing of the sanctions an urgent task for Kim," he said. Even after sanctions are lifted, North Korea will likely pursue state-managed growth because loosening controls is potentially destabilising for the regime, says Kim Byung-yeon, an economics professor at Seoul National University. "It could leave Kim Jong Un with less than half the power he has now." As part of efforts to maintain control, any opening could initially be limited to "special economic zones," where Pyongyang has sought to combine its cheap labour with China's financial firepower and technological know-how, according to BMI Research, a unit of Fitch Group. The Wonsan Special Tourist Zone in the east coast, or the suspended inter-Korean factory park in the North's border city of Kaesong are some other examples Kim might pursue to maintain state controls over the economy, experts say. In Wonsan, Kim has already built a ski resort and a new airport to turn the city of 360,000 people into a billion-dollar tourist hotspot. "These are the sorts of projects that are most likely to get underway first if the sanctions are eased," BMI Research said. Jeon says this is "mosquito-net style" reform - similar to Deng Xiaoping's model - with limited foreign investment and market liberalisation contained within firm strictures of state control. Deng championed a string of special economic zones along China's east coast where unique local legislation encouraged foreign investment in manufacturing joint-ventures that sold to export markets, while protecting Chinese industries from going head-to-head with multinationals. "Deng designated Shenzhen as a special economic zone and made that sleepy fishing village to a manufacturing hub of the world," Jeon said. "Kim will be eager for those, especially as he will want minimal changes to other parts of the economy."

North Korea seen looking to China, not US, for help in any economic transformation

India on Sunday declined to endorse Chinese President Xi Jinping’s pet One Belt, One Road (OBOR) project as part of a joint declaration at the 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Qingdao, the only member in the eight-nation bloc to do so, according to reports.

The move is in line with <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/connectivity-with-neighbourhood-and-in-sco-region-indias-priority-pm-modi-143429">New Delhi’s policy</a> of not compromising on territorial issues, top sources in the government said.

India has termed OBOR, also called the Silk Road project, as a threat to its sovereignty over concerns on its flagship project — the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The 3,000-km CPEC is aimed at connecting China and Pakistan with rail, road, pipelines and optical fibre cable networks.

It will connect Xinjiang province with Gwadar port, providing China with access to the Arabian Sea. The project, when completed, would enable China to route its oil supplies from the Middle East through pipelines to Xinjiang, cutting considerable distance for Chinese ships to travel to China.

India had also stayed clear of the joint communique by member countries during the foreign ministers’ meet in Beijing in April this year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the 18th SCO Summit in Qingdao over the weekend, marking India’s first participation as its full member.&nbsp;

Modi held a bilateral meeting with Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the summit and shook hands with Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain.

The move is in line with New Delhi’s policy of not compromising on territorial issues, top sources in the government said.

India on Sunday declined to endorse Chinese President Xi Jinping’s pet One Belt, One Road (OBOR) project as part of a joint declaration at the 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Qingdao, the only member in the eight-nation bloc to do so, according to reports. The move is in line with New Delhi’s policy of not compromising on territorial issues, top sources in the government said. India has termed OBOR, also called the Silk Road project, as a threat to its sovereignty over concerns on its flagship project — the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The 3,000-km CPEC is aimed at connecting China and Pakistan with rail, road, pipelines and optical fibre cable networks. It will connect Xinjiang province with Gwadar port, providing China with access to the Arabian Sea. The project, when completed, would enable China to route its oil supplies from the Middle East through pipelines to Xinjiang, cutting considerable distance for Chinese ships to travel to China. India had also stayed clear of the joint communique by member countries during the foreign ministers’ meet in Beijing in April this year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the 18th SCO Summit in Qingdao over the weekend, marking India’s first participation as its full member. Modi held a bilateral meeting with Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the summit and shook hands with Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain.

SCO Summit: India only member country to not endorse China's OBOR project

China and India on Saturday settled a dispute over the flood-prone Brahmaputra river that flows from Tibet to Bangladesh in a sign of growing cooperation between them.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping signed the agreement as they began the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

"Our talks will add further vigour to the India-China friendship," Modi said on Twitter, as the two countries try to reset troubled ties months after a border standoff.

The SCO, launched in 2001 mainly to combat radical Islam and other security concerns across Central Asia, added traditional rivals India and Pakistan as members last year.

Under two deals signed on the sidelines of the SCO summit on Saturday, China will share hydrological data on the Brahmaputra river and amend certain requirements on Indian exports of rice other than the premium Basmati variety to China, India's foreign ministry spokesman, Raveesh Kumar, said on Twitter.

India said last year that China had not stuck to an agreement to share hydrological data, or scientific information on the movement, distribution and quality of water for the Brahmaputra river. China had cited "technological" reasons.

New Delhi has also been concerned about the rising trade deficit with China, and has sought greater access to the world's second-largest economy for products such as rice, rapeseed, soybeans and sugar.

India's trade gap with China has widened to $51 billion, a nine-fold increase over the past decade.

The rice deal should help India finally crack the market in China, the world's biggest buyer of the commodity, traders said.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation estimates that China will buy 6.4 million tonnes of rice in 2018, while India will export a total of 11.9 million tonnes.

"Despite competitive prices, India was unable to export rice to China due to their phytosanitary norms," said a New Delhi based dealer with a global trading firm, referring to food standards as well as animal and plant hygiene.

"As the norms are going to change, India can easily export more than 1 million tonnes rice every year to China."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping signed the agreement as they began the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

China and India on Saturday settled a dispute over the flood-prone Brahmaputra river that flows from Tibet to Bangladesh in a sign of growing cooperation between them. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping signed the agreement as they began the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. "Our talks will add further vigour to the India-China friendship," Modi said on Twitter, as the two countries try to reset troubled ties months after a border standoff. The SCO, launched in 2001 mainly to combat radical Islam and other security concerns across Central Asia, added traditional rivals India and Pakistan as members last year. Under two deals signed on the sidelines of the SCO summit on Saturday, China will share hydrological data on the Brahmaputra river and amend certain requirements on Indian exports of rice other than the premium Basmati variety to China, India's foreign ministry spokesman, Raveesh Kumar, said on Twitter. India said last year that China had not stuck to an agreement to share hydrological data, or scientific information on the movement, distribution and quality of water for the Brahmaputra river. China had cited "technological" reasons. New Delhi has also been concerned about the rising trade deficit with China, and has sought greater access to the world's second-largest economy for products such as rice, rapeseed, soybeans and sugar. India's trade gap with China has widened to $51 billion, a nine-fold increase over the past decade. The rice deal should help India finally crack the market in China, the world's biggest buyer of the commodity, traders said. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation estimates that China will buy 6.4 million tonnes of rice in 2018, while India will export a total of 11.9 million tonnes. "Despite competitive prices, India was unable to export rice to China due to their phytosanitary norms," said a New Delhi based dealer with a global trading firm, referring to food standards as well as animal and plant hygiene. "As the norms are going to change, India can easily export more than 1 million tonnes rice every year to China."

India strikes river, rice deals with China as relations thaw

Chinese President Xi Jinping has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation for a Wuhan-style informal summit in India next year, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said on Saturday.

The two leaders had their first informal summit in the Chinese city of Wuhan on April 27-28 to solidify the relationship in a broad spectrum of areas and ensuring better coordination between the border guarding forces of the two countries after the Dokalam standoff, according to reports.

Prime Minister Modi had detailed discussions with President Xi on bilateral and global issues which will add further vigour to the India-China friendship.

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Addressing a press briefing here, Gokhale said that one of the important outcomes of today's meeting between the two leaders was that the Chinese side conveyed that they have accepted the Prime Minister Modi's invitation to President Xi to have a similar informal summit in India in 2019.

He said that the date for the informal meeting has not been decided.

Modi arrived in the picturesque coastal city of China's Shandong province on a two-day visit to attend the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

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It was a substantive meeting, President Xi Jinping began by making positive assessment of Wuhan summit.He described it as 'a new starting point' in our bilateral relations. PM described it as 'milestone in our relations': Foreign Secy on bilateral meeting b/w PM Modi&Chinese Pres <a href="https://t.co/zBhGwk38Bo">pic.twitter.com/zBhGwk38Bo</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1005457196463767553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp

Date for the informal meeting has not been decided.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation for a Wuhan-style informal summit in India next year, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said on Saturday. The two leaders had their first informal summit in the Chinese city of Wuhan on April 27-28 to solidify the relationship in a broad spectrum of areas and ensuring better coordination between the border guarding forces of the two countries after the Dokalam standoff, according to reports. Prime Minister Modi had detailed discussions with President Xi on bilateral and global issues which will add further vigour to the India-China friendship. One of the important outcomes of today's meeting was the Chinese side conveyed that they accepted PM's invitation to President Xi Jinping to have a similar informal summit in India in 2019: Vijay Gokhale, Foreign Secretary pic.twitter.com/CdwKCMeMZi — ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2018 × Addressing a press briefing here, Gokhale said that one of the important outcomes of today's meeting between the two leaders was that the Chinese side conveyed that they have accepted the Prime Minister Modi's invitation to President Xi to have a similar informal summit in India in 2019. He said that the date for the informal meeting has not been decided. Modi arrived in the picturesque coastal city of China's Shandong province on a two-day visit to attend the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). It was a substantive meeting, President Xi Jinping began by making positive assessment of Wuhan summit.He described it as 'a new starting point' in our bilateral relations. PM described it as 'milestone in our relations': Foreign Secy on bilateral meeting b/w PM Modi&Chinese Pres pic.twitter.com/zBhGwk38Bo — ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2018 ×

Chinese President Xi accepts Modi's invitation for informal summit in India in 2019

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/modi-says-his-meeting-with-xi-will-add-further-vigour-to-india-china-ties--143318">Modi says his meeting with Xi will add further vigour to India-China ties</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said he had detailed discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping on bilateral and global issues which will add further vigour to the India-China friendship after their informal summit in Wuhan.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/dust-storm-light-rain-hit-delhi-143313">18 flights diverted as </a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/dust-storm-light-rain-hit-delhi-143313">dust</a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/dust-storm-light-rain-hit-delhi-143313"> storm, light rain hit Delhi</a>

As many as 18 Delhi-bound flights were diverted as thunderstorm and rain, with winds gusting up to 70 kmph, hit Delhi-NCR on Saturday evening, bringing some relief from the searing heat, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/trump-to-leave-g7-early-missing-environmental-talks-143323">Trump to leave G7 early, missing environmental talks</a>

US President Donald Trump planned to leave the summit of the Group of Seven wealthy nations on Saturday before it discussed climate change and the health of oceans, underlining fractures in the G7 exacerbated by US trade tariffs.

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/19-afghan-police-killed-in-taliban-attack-on-base-officials-143311">19 Afghan police killed in Taliban attack on base: Officials</a>

At least 19 Afghan police officers were killed on Saturday in a pre-dawn raid by the Taliban on a base in the northern province of Kunduz, officials said, hours before the militants announced an unprecedented ceasefire starting next week.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/russia-and-ukraine-discuss-exchange-of-prisoners-kremlin-143320">Russia and Ukraine discuss 'exchange' of prisoners: Kremlin</a>

Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko discussed Saturday a possible exchange of prisoners, the Kremlin said, raising hopes that hunger-striking film director Oleg Sentsov and others could be released ahead of the start of the World Cup next week.

 
&nbsp

Modi says his meeting with Xi will add further vigour to India-China ties Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said he had detailed discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping on bilateral and global issues which will add further vigour to the India-China friendship after their informal summit in Wuhan. 18 flights diverted as dust storm, light rain hit Delhi As many as 18 Delhi-bound flights were diverted as thunderstorm and rain, with winds gusting up to 70 kmph, hit Delhi-NCR on Saturday evening, bringing some relief from the searing heat, news agency ANI reported. Trump to leave G7 early, missing environmental talks US President Donald Trump planned to leave the summit of the Group of Seven wealthy nations on Saturday before it discussed climate change and the health of oceans, underlining fractures in the G7 exacerbated by US trade tariffs. 19 Afghan police killed in Taliban attack on base: Officials At least 19 Afghan police officers were killed on Saturday in a pre-dawn raid by the Taliban on a base in the northern province of Kunduz, officials said, hours before the militants announced an unprecedented ceasefire starting next week. Russia and Ukraine discuss 'exchange' of prisoners: Kremlin Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko discussed Saturday a possible exchange of prisoners, the Kremlin said, raising hopes that hunger-striking film director Oleg Sentsov and others could be released ahead of the start of the World Cup next week.

News brief: Read big stories of the day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said he had detailed discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping on bilateral and global issues which will add further vigour to the India-China friendship after their informal summit in Wuhan.

During their meeting, which came nearly six weeks since the Wuhan summit, the two leaders discussed a blueprint for deepening bilateral relationship and reviewed the implementation of decisions they had taken in the central Chinese city.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit and covered key aspects of the bilateral engagement, reflecting the resolve by the two countries to reset relations and bring back trust in their ties which was hit by the Doklam standoff and several other thorny issues.&nbsp;

"Met this year's SCO host, President Xi Jinping this evening. We had detailed discussions on bilateral and global issues. Our talks will add further vigour to the India-China friendship," Modi tweeted after the meeting.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar described the meeting as "warm" and "forward-looking" while Chinese envoy to India Luo Zhaohui said the two leaders focused on the implementation of the "Wuhan consensus" and drawing a blueprint for the future Sino-India relations.

An MoU on sharing hydrological information of the Brahmaputra river by China to India and another pact on the amendment of the protocol on phytosanitary requirements for exporting rice from India to China to include non-Basmati rice were signed after the Modi-Xi talks.&nbsp;

"Further strengthening the positive momentum in the bilateral relationship generated at the Wuhan informal summit, PM Narendra Modi had a warm and forward-looking meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO Summit," Kumar tweeted.

The meeting between the leaders of two Asian powers came after their informal summit in the Chinese city of Wuhan to solidify the relationship in a broad spectrum of areas and ensuring better coordination between the border guarding forces of the two countries after the Doklam standoff.

After their talks in Wuhan, Modi and Xi had decided to issue "strategic guidance" to their militaries to strengthen communications to build trust and understanding as part of efforts to avoid a Doklam-like situation in the future.

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Further strengthening the positive momentum in the bilateral relationship generated at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wuhan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wuhan</a> Informal Summit, PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> had a warm and forward looking meeting with Chinese President <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/XiJinping?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#XiJinping</a> on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiainSCO?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiainSCO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SCOSummit?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SCOSummit</a> <a href="https://t.co/8fOGULpnLS">pic.twitter.com/8fOGULpnLS</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1005420235753549824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The two leaders had also discussed ways to give impetus to their economic ties as well as people-to-people relations.

Luo said it was the 14th meeting between our two leaders over past four years.

Modi arrived here in the afternoon on a two-day visit to attend the annual SCO summit.

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Following PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> meeting with Chinese President Xi, two MoUs were signed - Sharing hydrological information of Brahmaputra river by China to India& amendment of Protocol on phytosanitary requirements for exporting rice from India to China to include non-Basmati rice <a href="https://t.co/a9dg0Lu4pJ">pic.twitter.com/a9dg0Lu4pJ</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1005419392782426114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The ties between the two neighbouring nuclear powers had nosedived following last year's Doklam standoff as well as due to a number of other issues including China blocking India's move to get Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar banned by the UN and its opposition to India's bid for the Nuclear Suppliers Group membership.

China's Belt and Road Initiative was also strongly opposed by India as part of it goes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Troops of India and China were locked in the 73-day standoff in Doklam since June 16 last year after the Indian side stopped the construction of a road by the Chinese Army in the disputed area. Bhutan and China have a dispute over Doklam. The face-off had ended on August 28.

However, there have been concerted efforts by both sides to reset ties leaving behind the Doklam episode.

Last week, Modi had said that Asia and the world will have a better future when India and China work together with trust and confidence while being sensitive to each other's interests. Modi also said that an "Asia of rivalry" will hold the region back while an Asia of cooperation will shape the current century.

The prime minister's comments at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore were appreciated by China.

China's appreciation of what Modi said was conveyed by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during a meeting held on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in South Africa this week.&nbsp;

It is for the first time the Indian prime minister will be attending the SCO summit after India along with Pakistan became full-fledged members of the grouping last year.

The SCO currently has eight member countries which represents around 42 per cent of the world's population and 20 per cent of the global GDP.

India was an observer at the SCO since 2005 and has generally participated in the ministerial-level meetings of the grouping which focus mainly on security and economic cooperation in the Eurasian region.&nbsp;

During their meeting, which came nearly six weeks since the Wuhan summit, the two leaders discussed a blueprint for deepening bilateral relationship and reviewed the implementation of decisions they had taken in the central Chinese city.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said he had detailed discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping on bilateral and global issues which will add further vigour to the India-China friendship after their informal summit in Wuhan. During their meeting, which came nearly six weeks since the Wuhan summit, the two leaders discussed a blueprint for deepening bilateral relationship and reviewed the implementation of decisions they had taken in the central Chinese city. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit and covered key aspects of the bilateral engagement, reflecting the resolve by the two countries to reset relations and bring back trust in their ties which was hit by the Doklam standoff and several other thorny issues. "Met this year's SCO host, President Xi Jinping this evening. We had detailed discussions on bilateral and global issues. Our talks will add further vigour to the India-China friendship," Modi tweeted after the meeting. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar described the meeting as "warm" and "forward-looking" while Chinese envoy to India Luo Zhaohui said the two leaders focused on the implementation of the "Wuhan consensus" and drawing a blueprint for the future Sino-India relations. An MoU on sharing hydrological information of the Brahmaputra river by China to India and another pact on the amendment of the protocol on phytosanitary requirements for exporting rice from India to China to include non-Basmati rice were signed after the Modi-Xi talks. "Further strengthening the positive momentum in the bilateral relationship generated at the Wuhan informal summit, PM Narendra Modi had a warm and forward-looking meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO Summit," Kumar tweeted. The meeting between the leaders of two Asian powers came after their informal summit in the Chinese city of Wuhan to solidify the relationship in a broad spectrum of areas and ensuring better coordination between the border guarding forces of the two countries after the Doklam standoff. After their talks in Wuhan, Modi and Xi had decided to issue "strategic guidance" to their militaries to strengthen communications to build trust and understanding as part of efforts to avoid a Doklam-like situation in the future. Further strengthening the positive momentum in the bilateral relationship generated at the #Wuhan Informal Summit, PM @narendramodi had a warm and forward looking meeting with Chinese President #XiJinping on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. #IndiainSCO #SCOSummit pic.twitter.com/8fOGULpnLS — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) June 9, 2018 × The two leaders had also discussed ways to give impetus to their economic ties as well as people-to-people relations. Luo said it was the 14th meeting between our two leaders over past four years. Modi arrived here in the afternoon on a two-day visit to attend the annual SCO summit. Following PM @narendramodi meeting with Chinese President Xi, two MoUs were signed - Sharing hydrological information of Brahmaputra river by China to India& amendment of Protocol on phytosanitary requirements for exporting rice from India to China to include non-Basmati rice pic.twitter.com/a9dg0Lu4pJ — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) June 9, 2018 × The ties between the two neighbouring nuclear powers had nosedived following last year's Doklam standoff as well as due to a number of other issues including China blocking India's move to get Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar banned by the UN and its opposition to India's bid for the Nuclear Suppliers Group membership. China's Belt and Road Initiative was also strongly opposed by India as part of it goes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Troops of India and China were locked in the 73-day standoff in Doklam since June 16 last year after the Indian side stopped the construction of a road by the Chinese Army in the disputed area. Bhutan and China have a dispute over Doklam. The face-off had ended on August 28. However, there have been concerted efforts by both sides to reset ties leaving behind the Doklam episode. Last week, Modi had said that Asia and the world will have a better future when India and China work together with trust and confidence while being sensitive to each other's interests. Modi also said that an "Asia of rivalry" will hold the region back while an Asia of cooperation will shape the current century. The prime minister's comments at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore were appreciated by China. China's appreciation of what Modi said was conveyed by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during a meeting held on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in South Africa this week. It is for the first time the Indian prime minister will be attending the SCO summit after India along with Pakistan became full-fledged members of the grouping last year. The SCO currently has eight member countries which represents around 42 per cent of the world's population and 20 per cent of the global GDP. India was an observer at the SCO since 2005 and has generally participated in the ministerial-level meetings of the grouping which focus mainly on security and economic cooperation in the Eurasian region.

Modi says his meeting with Xi will add further vigour to India-China ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held bilateral talks with&nbspChinese President Xi Jinping soon after his arrival in this port city, where the two leaders are to take stock of the progress in the implementation of decisions they had taken at their first informal summit in Wuhan.

The talks took place on the sidelines of the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit&nbspwhich will explore concrete ways to bolster cooperation in the fight against terrorism, extremism and radicalisation besides deliberating on pressing global issues.

Modi and Xi are expected to explore ways to deepen ties in areas of trade and investment besides reviewing the overall bilateral cooperation, reported news agency PTI.

The meeting is taking place weeks after the two leaders held an informal summit in the central Chinese city of Wuhan during which they exchanged views on solidifying the relationship between the two Asian powers.

Modi and Xi are likely to take stock of progress in the implementation of decisions they had taken at the Wuhan informal summit, official sources said.

Modi is expected to hold nearly half a dozen bilateral meetings with leaders of other SCO countries.&nbsp

It is for the first time the Indian prime minister will be attending the SCO Summit after India along with Pakistan became full-fledged members of the grouping, which has been increasingly seen as a counter to NATO.

The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.&nbsp

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held bilateral talks with&nbspChinese President Xi Jinping soon after his arrival in this port city, where the two leaders are to take stock of the progress in the implementation of decisions they had taken at their first informal summit in Wuhan. The talks took place on the sidelines of the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit&nbspwhich will explore concrete ways to bolster cooperation in the fight against terrorism, extremism and radicalisation besides deliberating on pressing global issues. Modi and Xi are expected to explore ways to deepen ties in areas of trade and investment besides reviewing the overall bilateral cooperation, reported news agency PTI. The meeting is taking place weeks after the two leaders held an informal summit in the central Chinese city of Wuhan during which they exchanged views on solidifying the relationship between the two Asian powers. Modi and Xi are likely to take stock of progress in the implementation of decisions they had taken at the Wuhan informal summit, official sources said. Modi is expected to hold nearly half a dozen bilateral meetings with leaders of other SCO countries. It is for the first time the Indian prime minister will be attending the SCO Summit after India along with Pakistan became full-fledged members of the grouping, which has been increasingly seen as a counter to NATO. The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

PM Modi meets Chinese President Xi on the sidelines of SCO summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday on the sidelines of the SCO Summit during which they will take stock of the implementation of decisions taken at the informal summit just over a month ago in Wuhan.

Modi is expected to hold nearly half a dozen bilateral meetings with leaders of other SCO countries. However, there is no official word on whether there will be any interaction between Modi and Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain, who is scheduled to attend the meeting in China.

The bilateral meeting with President Xi would take place on June 9, while meetings with other leaders on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Qingdao were being finalised, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said at a media briefing here.

Officials have said Modi and Xi are expected to take stock of the implementation of decisions taken at their informal summit in Wuhan.

Among other issues, the SCO summit is expected to focus on opportunities for cooperation among the member countries and the situation in the region, Kumar said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is also expected to attend the summit.

Modi had last month met Putin in an informal summit in Sochi.

The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became its members last year, and are participating as full members for the first time.

Kumar, while talking to reporters after the briefing, said China appreciated Prime Minister Modi's speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue held in Singapore last week.

This was conveyed by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during a meeting held on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in South Africa this week, he said.

This was also conveyed by China's Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou to Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale in a meeting held here, Kumar said.

In his address at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Modi said Asia and the world will have a better future when India and China work together with trust and confidence while being sensitive to each other's interests.&nbsp

Russian President Vladimir Putin is also expected to attend the summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday on the sidelines of the SCO Summit during which they will take stock of the implementation of decisions taken at the informal summit just over a month ago in Wuhan. Modi is expected to hold nearly half a dozen bilateral meetings with leaders of other SCO countries. However, there is no official word on whether there will be any interaction between Modi and Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain, who is scheduled to attend the meeting in China. The bilateral meeting with President Xi would take place on June 9, while meetings with other leaders on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Qingdao were being finalised, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said at a media briefing here. Officials have said Modi and Xi are expected to take stock of the implementation of decisions taken at their informal summit in Wuhan. Among other issues, the SCO summit is expected to focus on opportunities for cooperation among the member countries and the situation in the region, Kumar said. Russian President Vladimir Putin is also expected to attend the summit. Modi had last month met Putin in an informal summit in Sochi. The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became its members last year, and are participating as full members for the first time. Kumar, while talking to reporters after the briefing, said China appreciated Prime Minister Modi's speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue held in Singapore last week. This was conveyed by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during a meeting held on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in South Africa this week, he said. This was also conveyed by China's Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou to Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale in a meeting held here, Kumar said. In his address at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Modi said Asia and the world will have a better future when India and China work together with trust and confidence while being sensitive to each other's interests.

PM Modi to meet Xi on SCO Summit sidelines in China

Chinese authorities have called on the public to help track down fugitives abroad by publishing the names, photos and even addresses of 50 high-profile suspects beyond its grasp.

A massive anti-graft campaign launched by President Xi Jinping includes a push to repatriate allegedly corrupt officials who have fled abroad -- an effort known as "Sky Net".

But most Western countries including the United States do not have extradition treaties with China, where courts are overseen by the Communist Party and the use of force by police to extract confessions is believed to be common.

Nearly half of those wanted may be hiding out in the US, with others allegedly on the run in Canada, New Zealand and Australia, according to the party's corruption watchdog.

The anti-graft agency has set up a new whistleblowing website to collect tips on the suspects' whereabouts from ordinary people who can choose to remain anonymous.

"The repatriation of foreign fugitives is an important part of the anti-corruption campaign and an important part of our diplomatic work," foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a regular press briefing&nbsp;on Thursday.

The watchdog, known as the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), said&nbsp;Wednesday&nbsp;it hopes to "work closely with the masses and actively mobilise them to weave a dragnet so those fleeing with money abroad will have nowhere to hide".

Xi's anti-corruption campaign has raised concerns after reports China dispatched law enforcers to other countries to pressure suspects into returning, without notifying overseas governments.

The CCDI said the public and overseas Chinese community had already helped in tracking down and "persuading" some fugitives to return to China after details of 22 suspects were publicised last year -- six of whom have been nabbed so far.

By the end of April, the corruption watchdog had altogether "recovered" 4,141 fugitives from more than 90 countries and regions, it said.

California is a hotspot for fleeing Chinese fugitives, the data shows, with eight of 23 suspects in the US thought to be hiding out in the "Golden State".

Among them is Peng Xufeng, 52, who may be harboured in the sunny community of Chino Hills, where single family homes line sleepy suburban streets.

He is the former chairman of the state-owned Changsha Metro Group and is alleged to have fled with passports from Saint Kitts and Nevis as well as Cyprus. He is charged with money laundering and accepting bribes.

A massive anti-graft campaign launched by President Xi Jinping includes a push to repatriate allegedly corrupt officials who have fled abroad -- an effort known as 'Sky Net'

Chinese authorities have called on the public to help track down fugitives abroad by publishing the names, photos and even addresses of 50 high-profile suspects beyond its grasp. A massive anti-graft campaign launched by President Xi Jinping includes a push to repatriate allegedly corrupt officials who have fled abroad -- an effort known as "Sky Net". But most Western countries including the United States do not have extradition treaties with China, where courts are overseen by the Communist Party and the use of force by police to extract confessions is believed to be common. Nearly half of those wanted may be hiding out in the US, with others allegedly on the run in Canada, New Zealand and Australia, according to the party's corruption watchdog. The anti-graft agency has set up a new whistleblowing website to collect tips on the suspects' whereabouts from ordinary people who can choose to remain anonymous. "The repatriation of foreign fugitives is an important part of the anti-corruption campaign and an important part of our diplomatic work," foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a regular press briefing on Thursday. The watchdog, known as the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), said Wednesday it hopes to "work closely with the masses and actively mobilise them to weave a dragnet so those fleeing with money abroad will have nowhere to hide". Xi's anti-corruption campaign has raised concerns after reports China dispatched law enforcers to other countries to pressure suspects into returning, without notifying overseas governments. The CCDI said the public and overseas Chinese community had already helped in tracking down and "persuading" some fugitives to return to China after details of 22 suspects were publicised last year -- six of whom have been nabbed so far. By the end of April, the corruption watchdog had altogether "recovered" 4,141 fugitives from more than 90 countries and regions, it said. California is a hotspot for fleeing Chinese fugitives, the data shows, with eight of 23 suspects in the US thought to be hiding out in the "Golden State". Among them is Peng Xufeng, 52, who may be harboured in the sunny community of Chino Hills, where single family homes line sleepy suburban streets. He is the former chairman of the state-owned Changsha Metro Group and is alleged to have fled with passports from Saint Kitts and Nevis as well as Cyprus. He is charged with money laundering and accepting bribes.

China enlists public to track fugitives in US, Canada

Russian President Vladimir&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;spoke highly of bilateral ties with China and said Chinese President Xi Jinping is a great partner and a reliable friend on Thursday.

Putin&nbsp;made the remarks in an exclusive interview with China Media Group's President Shen Haixiong at the Kremlin in Moscow, ahead of his attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in east China's Qingdao City and state visit to China. This was the first exclusive interview given by&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;since he started the new presidential term and the first with the Chinese media at the Kremlin.

At the beginning of the interview,&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;said he appreciates the attention Shen has paid to Russia and took the opportunity to extend his best wishes to the Chinese people.

In response to a question about Russia's development direction he mentioned in his inauguration speech,&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;said the priority is to promote a sustainable development.

"You may have seen what I have said while I was assuming the new term of office as Russian president. The priority of our development is to promote the country's sustainable development, ensure economic growth, as well as develop an innovative economy, infrastructure, health care and education, and of course, ensure security," said&nbsp;Putin.

While the Chinese people are striving to realize the Chinese Dream proposed by President Xi, Putin&nbsp;also talked about the "Russian Dream" on different occasions at this year's State of the Nation Address. The Russian president elaborated the similarity shared by the two ideas.

"Russia and China are neighbours. The communications between us for centuries have profound historical roots and foundation. This has not come by chance. As neighbours, we have established a unique relationship in the world in recent decades. The relationship is indeed established on the basis of mutual benefits," said&nbsp;Putin.

Putin&nbsp;mentioned that Russia and China signed the Treaty of Good-neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation in 2001.

"The treaty is only a foundation, and also the roots of the edifice of bilateral relations that we have established. The edifice is becoming more and more colourful every year, with new floors being added continuously. It is also becoming higher and more solid as the natural outcome of the prolonged mutually beneficial relations," said&nbsp;Putin.

Putin&nbsp;said the main idea of President Xi's speech at the opening ceremony of 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China is to improve the livelihood of the people, and Russia shares the same goal with China.

"Therefore, we are also thinking about how to build Russia-China relations, how to reach these goals and ensure external security, strengthen new mode of economic construction by promoting modern innovation, digital economy, genetic technology, the building of a modern harmonious society, as well as enhancing our capacity for economic governance. So we have much in common. I believe as long as we make efforts, we can make new achievements," said&nbsp;Putin.

Over the past five years,&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;and Xi have met for more than 20 times. In 2017 alone, the two leaders met five times. The Chinese people were impressed that&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;presented Xi with Russia's highest Order of St Andrew.

When asked about his impression about President Xi,&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;said President Xi is a great partner and a reliable friend.

"Perhaps President Xi is the only state leader who has ever celebrated my birthday with me. So far I haven't made such relations or arrangements with other foreign leaders, but I did it with President Xi. My birthday we spent together was simple, as I said publicly, and there was nothing secret about it. I can tell you that we had a cup of vodka and ordered some sausages -- we finished the day's work and he celebrated my birthday with me. This might seem irrelevant, but to talk about President Xi, this is where I would like to start," said the Russian president.

Putin&nbsp;added that President Xi is easy to get along with, and he is sincere with people.

"Meanwhile, he is a very trustworthy partner. I can say for sure that if we start to have a discussion about something, I would start out from my standpoint, I know that he would do the same, but we always make efforts to fulfil our duties. This is the first point. Secondly, to be honest, like many other world leaders, he strives for the greatest outcome of his work for the benefits of his people. He loves analyzing problems and is excellent at it. It is interesting to discuss international and economic issues with him. So for me, he is a great partner and a reliable friend," said&nbsp;Putin.

Putin&nbsp;is scheduled to pay a state visit to China on June 8-10 and attend the Qingdao Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

It will be&nbsp;Putin's first visit to China in a new presidential term and it will also be the first time for Xi and&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;to meet each other in this year, which will be of great significance to the planning of the development of China-Russia relations in the next phase.

At the beginning of the interview, Putin said he appreciates the attention Shen has paid to Russia and took the opportunity to extend his best wishes to the Chinese people

Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke highly of bilateral ties with China and said Chinese President Xi Jinping is a great partner and a reliable friend on Thursday. Putin made the remarks in an exclusive interview with China Media Group's President Shen Haixiong at the Kremlin in Moscow, ahead of his attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in east China's Qingdao City and state visit to China. This was the first exclusive interview given by Putin since he started the new presidential term and the first with the Chinese media at the Kremlin. At the beginning of the interview, Putin said he appreciates the attention Shen has paid to Russia and took the opportunity to extend his best wishes to the Chinese people. In response to a question about Russia's development direction he mentioned in his inauguration speech, Putin said the priority is to promote a sustainable development. "You may have seen what I have said while I was assuming the new term of office as Russian president. The priority of our development is to promote the country's sustainable development, ensure economic growth, as well as develop an innovative economy, infrastructure, health care and education, and of course, ensure security," said Putin. While the Chinese people are striving to realize the Chinese Dream proposed by President Xi, Putin also talked about the "Russian Dream" on different occasions at this year's State of the Nation Address. The Russian president elaborated the similarity shared by the two ideas. "Russia and China are neighbours. The communications between us for centuries have profound historical roots and foundation. This has not come by chance. As neighbours, we have established a unique relationship in the world in recent decades. The relationship is indeed established on the basis of mutual benefits," said Putin. Putin mentioned that Russia and China signed the Treaty of Good-neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation in 2001. "The treaty is only a foundation, and also the roots of the edifice of bilateral relations that we have established. The edifice is becoming more and more colourful every year, with new floors being added continuously. It is also becoming higher and more solid as the natural outcome of the prolonged mutually beneficial relations," said Putin. Putin said the main idea of President Xi's speech at the opening ceremony of 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China is to improve the livelihood of the people, and Russia shares the same goal with China. "Therefore, we are also thinking about how to build Russia-China relations, how to reach these goals and ensure external security, strengthen new mode of economic construction by promoting modern innovation, digital economy, genetic technology, the building of a modern harmonious society, as well as enhancing our capacity for economic governance. So we have much in common. I believe as long as we make efforts, we can make new achievements," said Putin. Over the past five years, Putin and Xi have met for more than 20 times. In 2017 alone, the two leaders met five times. The Chinese people were impressed that Putin presented Xi with Russia's highest Order of St Andrew. When asked about his impression about President Xi, Putin said President Xi is a great partner and a reliable friend. "Perhaps President Xi is the only state leader who has ever celebrated my birthday with me. So far I haven't made such relations or arrangements with other foreign leaders, but I did it with President Xi. My birthday we spent together was simple, as I said publicly, and there was nothing secret about it. I can tell you that we had a cup of vodka and ordered some sausages -- we finished the day's work and he celebrated my birthday with me. This might seem irrelevant, but to talk about President Xi, this is where I would like to start," said the Russian president. Putin added that President Xi is easy to get along with, and he is sincere with people. "Meanwhile, he is a very trustworthy partner. I can say for sure that if we start to have a discussion about something, I would start out from my standpoint, I know that he would do the same, but we always make efforts to fulfil our duties. This is the first point. Secondly, to be honest, like many other world leaders, he strives for the greatest outcome of his work for the benefits of his people. He loves analyzing problems and is excellent at it. It is interesting to discuss international and economic issues with him. So for me, he is a great partner and a reliable friend," said Putin. Putin is scheduled to pay a state visit to China on June 8-10 and attend the Qingdao Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). It will be Putin's first visit to China in a new presidential term and it will also be the first time for Xi and Putin to meet each other in this year, which will be of great significance to the planning of the development of China-Russia relations in the next phase.

Russian President speaks highly of Sino-Russian ties, President Xi Jinping

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