China has announced the visit of its military delegation to India, the first after the Dokalam standoff, as a major follow up to the informal summit in April between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping.

India and China in contact with each other about the visit of Chinese military delegation from Western Theatre Command, China's Defence Spokesman Senior Colonel Ren Guoqiang said here yesterday.

The Western Theatre Command of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) guards the 3,488-km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India.

Currently, the two sides are in consultation with each other on the upcoming visit to India by the border defence delegation from the Western Theatre Command of the PLA, Ren was quoted as saying in the transcript of the media briefing posted on the Chinese defence ministry website today.

"These border-related exchanges between the two sides at different levels will help to strengthen the management and control of border areas. They will also help to build trust between the field troops of the two sides and translate the consensus reached by the two heads of state into real actions," he said.

"The two sides are also in contact with each other regarding other cooperation programmes. We will release relevant information in due course," he said in response to a question about cooperation in the fields of defence and security following the Modi-Xi summit meeting at Wuhan on April 28-29.

The two sides had reached an important consensus on practical cooperation and proper management of differences.

After the 73-day military standoff at Dokalam last year, that caused major disruption in relations, both sides made efforts to improve ties leading up to the Wuhan summit.

Ren said China and India are big countries in Asia and both are also each other's important neighbour.

"The Chinese side attaches great importance to the development of the military-to-military relationship with the Indian side," he said.

"Under the guidance of the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, we are willing to work with the Indian side to expand exchanges, strengthen cooperation, build mutual trust, properly manage differences, and facilitate the development of the mil-to-mil relationship in a healthy and stable manner, so as to jointly maintain peace and tranquillity in border areas and safeguard peace and stability in this region," he said.&nbsp

China has announced the visit of its military delegation to India, the first after the Dokalam standoff, as a major follow up to the informal summit in April between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping

China has announced the visit of its military delegation to India, the first after the Dokalam standoff, as a major follow up to the informal summit in April between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping. India and China in contact with each other about the visit of Chinese military delegation from Western Theatre Command, China's Defence Spokesman Senior Colonel Ren Guoqiang said here yesterday. The Western Theatre Command of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) guards the 3,488-km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India. Currently, the two sides are in consultation with each other on the upcoming visit to India by the border defence delegation from the Western Theatre Command of the PLA, Ren was quoted as saying in the transcript of the media briefing posted on the Chinese defence ministry website today. "These border-related exchanges between the two sides at different levels will help to strengthen the management and control of border areas. They will also help to build trust between the field troops of the two sides and translate the consensus reached by the two heads of state into real actions," he said. "The two sides are also in contact with each other regarding other cooperation programmes. We will release relevant information in due course," he said in response to a question about cooperation in the fields of defence and security following the Modi-Xi summit meeting at Wuhan on April 28-29. The two sides had reached an important consensus on practical cooperation and proper management of differences. After the 73-day military standoff at Dokalam last year, that caused major disruption in relations, both sides made efforts to improve ties leading up to the Wuhan summit. Ren said China and India are big countries in Asia and both are also each other's important neighbour. "The Chinese side attaches great importance to the development of the military-to-military relationship with the Indian side," he said. "Under the guidance of the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, we are willing to work with the Indian side to expand exchanges, strengthen cooperation, build mutual trust, properly manage differences, and facilitate the development of the mil-to-mil relationship in a healthy and stable manner, so as to jointly maintain peace and tranquillity in border areas and safeguard peace and stability in this region," he said.

Post-Dokalam, first Chinese military delegation to visit India

China is discussing with&nbsp;India&nbsp;a&nbsp;visit&nbsp;by&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;border&nbsp;forces&nbsp;to build trust on their disputed frontier, China's defence ministry said on Thursday, as the neighbours seek to reset&nbsp;ties&nbsp;following a summit between their leaders.

Chinese&nbsp;President Xi Jinping and&nbsp;Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed in April to open a new chapter in&nbsp;ties, just months after a dispute over a stretch of their high-altitude Himalayan border&nbsp;rekindled fears of war.

China wants to develop military&nbsp;ties&nbsp;with&nbsp;India&nbsp;to boost mutual trust and manage differences,&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;defence ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang told&nbsp;a monthly news briefing.

The two countries were in talks for a&nbsp;visit&nbsp;to&nbsp;India&nbsp;by a delegation of&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;border&nbsp;forces, he added, without giving details.

Such exchanges can help "strengthen&nbsp;border&nbsp;management and control and further mutual trust between front-line&nbsp;forces", Ren said.

Hundreds of troops from both sides were deployed in 2017 on the Doklam plateau, near the borders of&nbsp;India, its ally Bhutan, and China after&nbsp;India&nbsp;objected to&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;construction of a road in the Himalayan area in their most serious standoff in years.

There is still deep mistrust between the neighbours over their festering&nbsp;border&nbsp;dispute, which triggered a brief war in 1962.

There is still deep mistrust between the neighbours over their festering border dispute, which triggered a brief war in 1962

China is discussing with India a visit by Chinese border forces to build trust on their disputed frontier, China's defence ministry said on Thursday, as the neighbours seek to reset ties following a summit between their leaders. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed in April to open a new chapter in ties, just months after a dispute over a stretch of their high-altitude Himalayan border rekindled fears of war. China wants to develop military ties with India to boost mutual trust and manage differences, Chinese defence ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang told a monthly news briefing. The two countries were in talks for a visit to India by a delegation of Chinese border forces, he added, without giving details. Such exchanges can help "strengthen border management and control and further mutual trust between front-line forces", Ren said. Hundreds of troops from both sides were deployed in 2017 on the Doklam plateau, near the borders of India, its ally Bhutan, and China after India objected to Chinese construction of a road in the Himalayan area in their most serious standoff in years. There is still deep mistrust between the neighbours over their festering border dispute, which triggered a brief war in 1962.

Chinese border forces plan to visit India amid reset in ties

China today dismissed as "shocking" and "baseless" a media report that President Xi Jinping has asked Pakistan to explore ways to relocate JuD chief Hafiz Saeed to a West Asian country amid mounting international pressure to act against him for his links with terror groups.

According to the report, a close aide of Pakistan Prime Minister said that Xi made the suggestion to Shahid Khaqan Abbasi during their meeting on the sidelines of the Boao Forum in China last month.

Reacting to it, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson's office today said the report that Xi has asked Abbasi to relocate the Pakistan-based Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief to a West Asian country was "shocking and baseless".

"It is shocking and baseless that's all we can say," the official told PTI here.

Saeed carries a USD 10 million American bounty for his role in terror activities. He is the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attack in which 166 people, including six US nationals, were killed.

The JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the Lashkar-e-Taiba(LeT) which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai attack. It has been declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014.

The US Department of the Treasury has designated Saeed as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, and the US, since 2012.&nbsp

The report appeared in an Indian newspaper on Thursday. A Chinese foreign ministry called the report 'shocking' and 'baseless'

China today dismissed as "shocking" and "baseless" a media report that President Xi Jinping has asked Pakistan to explore ways to relocate JuD chief Hafiz Saeed to a West Asian country amid mounting international pressure to act against him for his links with terror groups. According to the report, a close aide of Pakistan Prime Minister said that Xi made the suggestion to Shahid Khaqan Abbasi during their meeting on the sidelines of the Boao Forum in China last month. Reacting to it, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson's office today said the report that Xi has asked Abbasi to relocate the Pakistan-based Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief to a West Asian country was "shocking and baseless". "It is shocking and baseless that's all we can say," the official told PTI here. Saeed carries a USD 10 million American bounty for his role in terror activities. He is the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attack in which 166 people, including six US nationals, were killed. The JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the Lashkar-e-Taiba(LeT) which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai attack. It has been declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014. The US Department of the Treasury has designated Saeed as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, and the US, since 2012.

China denies report President Xi asked Pakistan to relocate Hafiz Saeed to West Asian country

President Donald Trump said today that he was "little surprised" at North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's "different attitude" after his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-and-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-met-in-china-reports-135511">second meeting</a> with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Xi and Kim met in the northeastern city of Dalian in an unannounced visit by the North Korean leader on May 8.

Trump said the meeting between the two leaders was not a great meeting as there has been a change in North Korea's attitude after that.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-kim-summit-could-be-delayed-138979">Trump says Kim summit could be delayed</a>

"I think that President Xi is a worl-class poker player. I probably maybe doing the same thing that he would do. But I will say this, there was a somewhat different attitude after that meeting, and I'm a little surprised," Trump told reporters at the White House.

"Now maybe nothing happened, I'm not blame anybody. But I'm just saying maybe nothing happened and maybe it did. But there was a different attitude by the North Korean folks after that meeting. So I don't think it was a great meeting," Trump said.

Nobody knew about the meeting and all of a sudden it was reported that he was in China a second time, he said.

"The first time everybody knew about, the second time was like a surprise. And I think things changed after that meeting. So I can't say that I'm happy about it," Trump said in presence of South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

He also asked Moon for his views on the Xi-Kim meeting.

"Now President Moon may have a different opinion, I'd like to have your opinion on that. What you thought of the second meeting with President Xi, what is your feeling? You may have an opinion," Trump asked.

"I don't want to get him in trouble, he lives next to China. You know, he's not too far away," he said. 
 
"The second meeting I think there was a little change in attitude from Kim Jong-un", he said.

"Hope that's not true, because I have a great relationship with President Xi. He's a friend of mine, he likes me, I like him. I mean that was two of the great days of my life being in China. I don't think anybody's ever been treated better in China in their history," he said.

"It was an incredible thing to see. We built a very good relationship, we speak a lot. But there was a difference when Kim Jong-un left China the second time. And I think they were dedicating an aircraft carrier that the United States paid for," Trump said.&nbsp;

'I think that President Xi is a world-class poker player. I probably maybe doing the same thing that he would do. But I will say this, there was a somewhat different attitude after that meeting, and I'm a little surprised,' Trump said

President Donald Trump said today that he was "little surprised" at North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's "different attitude" after his second meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Xi and Kim met in the northeastern city of Dalian in an unannounced visit by the North Korean leader on May 8. Trump said the meeting between the two leaders was not a great meeting as there has been a change in North Korea's attitude after that. Also read: Trump says Kim summit could be delayed "I think that President Xi is a worl-class poker player. I probably maybe doing the same thing that he would do. But I will say this, there was a somewhat different attitude after that meeting, and I'm a little surprised," Trump told reporters at the White House. "Now maybe nothing happened, I'm not blame anybody. But I'm just saying maybe nothing happened and maybe it did. But there was a different attitude by the North Korean folks after that meeting. So I don't think it was a great meeting," Trump said. Nobody knew about the meeting and all of a sudden it was reported that he was in China a second time, he said. "The first time everybody knew about, the second time was like a surprise. And I think things changed after that meeting. So I can't say that I'm happy about it," Trump said in presence of South Korean President Moon Jae-in. He also asked Moon for his views on the Xi-Kim meeting. "Now President Moon may have a different opinion, I'd like to have your opinion on that. What you thought of the second meeting with President Xi, what is your feeling? You may have an opinion," Trump asked. "I don't want to get him in trouble, he lives next to China. You know, he's not too far away," he said. "The second meeting I think there was a little change in attitude from Kim Jong-un", he said. "Hope that's not true, because I have a great relationship with President Xi. He's a friend of mine, he likes me, I like him. I mean that was two of the great days of my life being in China. I don't think anybody's ever been treated better in China in their history," he said. "It was an incredible thing to see. We built a very good relationship, we speak a lot. But there was a difference when Kim Jong-un left China the second time. And I think they were dedicating an aircraft carrier that the United States paid for," Trump said.

Trump says Kim Jong Un's attitude changed after meeting China's Xi

A Tibetan who has campaigned to preserve his region's ancestral language was jailed for five years in China on Tuesday for "inciting separatism" in a case Amnesty International denounced as "beyond absurd".

Tashi Wangchuk was featured in a New York Times documentary that followed him on a trip to Beijing, where he attempted to get Chinese state media and courts to address what he describes as the diminishing use of the Tibetan language.

A court in Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in the northwestern province of Qinghai sentenced him on Tuesday morning, according to his lawyer.&nbsp

The court could not be reached for comment.

Tashi had been detained in his home town of Yushu without access to his family since January 2016, not long after the New York Times published its story and documentary video about his activism.

"Tashi plans to appeal. I believe he committed no crime and we do not accept the verdict," lawyer Liang Xiaojun told AFP.&nbsp

Tashi had pleaded not guilty at his trial in January.

But nearly every case that goes to trial in China -- especially on sensitive state security issues -- ends with a guilty verdict.

Liang told AFP the short documentary was the main evidence used by the prosecution.

In the video, Tashi complained of a "systematic slaughter of our culture".

In the New York Times stories, Tashi notably said he wants to use Chinese law to build his case and praised President Xi Jinping.

Beijing says it "peacefully liberated" Tibet in 1951 and insists it has brought development to a previously backward region.

But many Tibetans accuse it of exploiting the region's natural resources and encouraging an influx of the majority Han ethnic group which critics say is diluting the native culture and Buddhist faith.

China's constitution protects free speech but critics say in reality there is little room for any opinions that challenge government policies. Rights groups have accused Xi's government of an escalating crackdown on expression.

Amnesty International said the sentence was "a gross injustice".

"He is being cruelly punished for peacefully drawing attention to the systematic erosion of Tibetan culture. To brand peaceful activism for Tibetan language as 'inciting separatism' is beyond absurd," said Joshua Rosenzweig, its East Asia research director.

"The documentary underscores that Tashi Wangchuk was merely trying to express his opinions about education policy through entirely legitimate means," Rosenzweig said in a statement.

The video ends with Tashi discussing the many Tibetans who have self-immolated in protest at China's policies over the years, while adding what he would do if he is "locked up or they force me to say things against my will".

"I will choose suicide," he said.

Tashi Wangchuk was featured in a New York Times documentary that followed him on a trip to Beijing, where he attempted to get Chinese state media and courts to address what he describes as the diminishing use of the Tibetan language

A Tibetan who has campaigned to preserve his region's ancestral language was jailed for five years in China on Tuesday for "inciting separatism" in a case Amnesty International denounced as "beyond absurd". Tashi Wangchuk was featured in a New York Times documentary that followed him on a trip to Beijing, where he attempted to get Chinese state media and courts to address what he describes as the diminishing use of the Tibetan language. A court in Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in the northwestern province of Qinghai sentenced him on Tuesday morning, according to his lawyer. The court could not be reached for comment. Tashi had been detained in his home town of Yushu without access to his family since January 2016, not long after the New York Times published its story and documentary video about his activism. "Tashi plans to appeal. I believe he committed no crime and we do not accept the verdict," lawyer Liang Xiaojun told AFP. Tashi had pleaded not guilty at his trial in January. But nearly every case that goes to trial in China -- especially on sensitive state security issues -- ends with a guilty verdict. Liang told AFP the short documentary was the main evidence used by the prosecution. In the video, Tashi complained of a "systematic slaughter of our culture". In the New York Times stories, Tashi notably said he wants to use Chinese law to build his case and praised President Xi Jinping. Beijing says it "peacefully liberated" Tibet in 1951 and insists it has brought development to a previously backward region. But many Tibetans accuse it of exploiting the region's natural resources and encouraging an influx of the majority Han ethnic group which critics say is diluting the native culture and Buddhist faith. China's constitution protects free speech but critics say in reality there is little room for any opinions that challenge government policies. Rights groups have accused Xi's government of an escalating crackdown on expression. Amnesty International said the sentence was "a gross injustice". "He is being cruelly punished for peacefully drawing attention to the systematic erosion of Tibetan culture. To brand peaceful activism for Tibetan language as 'inciting separatism' is beyond absurd," said Joshua Rosenzweig, its East Asia research director. "The documentary underscores that Tashi Wangchuk was merely trying to express his opinions about education policy through entirely legitimate means," Rosenzweig said in a statement. The video ends with Tashi discussing the many Tibetans who have self-immolated in protest at China's policies over the years, while adding what he would do if he is "locked up or they force me to say things against my will". "I will choose suicide," he said.

China jails Tibetan-language advocate for 5 years

By: Natasha Ezrow*

All around the world, democracy is looking shaky. While consolidated democracies are struggling to stay healthy, many flawed ones have turned into outright authoritarian regimes – most notably Russia under Vladimir Putin and Turkey under Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. But the news isn’t all bad: On several continents over the last decade, longstanding dictators have resigned, lost elections, or been deposed.

But has their demise led to any kind of democratic reform? It’s a mixed picture to say the least. While a handful of promising cases deserve praise, only a few of the dictatorships that have fallen in recent years have given way to lasting, stable democracies.

The 2010s began with tremendous optimism for the future of global democracy, reaching an apogee with the Arab Spring protests in 2011.

Across the Middle East and North Africa, several dictators fell in a row: After Tunisia’s Zine El Abidine Ben Ali of Tunisia and Egypt’s Hosni Mubarak, Muammar Gaddafi of Libya was toppled in a civil war. Fighting also erupted in Yemen, leading to the eventual flight of longtime strongman Ali Abdullah Saleh.

It seemed for a moment that in one fell swoop, a clutch of countries were suddenly shaking off authoritarianism at last. But with the exception of Tunisia – whose situation is still somewhat fragile – none of them have developed into democracies.

Egypt’s brief spell under the elected Muslim Brotherhood came to an end in 2013, when a military intervention brought General Abdel Fatteh al-Sisi to power. He remains president today, legitimised by largely meaningless elections. Libya is still a weak state beset by instability and violence Yemen has slipped into devastating conflict and humanitarian crisis.

Though protests exploded throughout the Middle East, only modest reforms took place elsewhere. And in Syria, the Assad regime’s crackdown on the 2011 protests helped spark a nightmarish conflict that has torn the country apart.

Iraq and Afghanistan, meanwhile, saw a change in leadership with the elections that forced Nouri al-Maliki and Hamid Karzai out of power. But neither country’s democracy has notably improved. Afghanistan is still authoritarian and unstable, and in Iraq, Maliki is still very powerful behind the scenes.

Mixed bag

Latin America was home to a clutter of military dictatorships for decades, but since the mid-to-late 1980s, most of its countries have been flawed but functioning democracies.

The two notable holdouts were Venezuela under Hugo Chávez and Cuba under Fidel Castro – and in the last decade, the two have diverged considerably.

While Cuba has reformed a little under the rule of Fidel’s brother Raúl, who has now handed over to Miguel Díaz-Canal, Venezuela is falling apart under the dictatorial leadership of Chavez’s hand-picked successor, Nicolás Maduro. Other regimes in Latin America continue to hold free and fair elections, but struggle to uphold the rule of law.

In Asia, meanwhile, a few less-than-democratic countries have made strides towards reform, but most authoritarian regimes have stayed the same. Still, some reforms and resignations are noteworthy.

In the Caucasus, Armenia’s Serzh Sargsyan was recently forced to resign after mass protests against his rule. Almazbek Atambayev of Kyrgyzstan also stepped down after elections, the first peaceful handover of power in the country’s history.

In South-East Asia, most of the attention since 2015 has been on surprising events in Myanmar, when the military regime that ran the country for decades allowed open elections for the first time since 1990. Myanmar’s military government was oppressive even by authoritarian standards, so it was quite something to see it holding elections, releasing political prisoners and allowing more press freedom.

The regime’s leader, Thein Sein, stepped down to make way for Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy.

But the democratic transformation was short-lived. The regime has continued to violate the human rights of its minority groups, most notably the Rohingya minority, and civil liberties and press freedoms are in serious jeopardy.

Turfed out

One place where things are looking up for democracy is Sub-Saharan Africa. The last decade has seen the overall standing of democracy in Africa improve. In the early 1980s, only five countries in Africa could be considered democratic: Botswana, Gambia, Mauritius, Senegal and Zimbabwe.

The end of the Cold War saw the expansion of elections and civil liberties. But more recent years has seen the fall or peaceful resignation of important authoritarian figures, many of them old men who had clung on to power for decades.

Yahya Jammeh of the Gambia eventually fled the country in 2017 after he lost the presidential elections to the opposition. Blaise Compaoré of Burkina Faso resigned after political protests broke out in 2014, following nearly three decades in power.

José Eduardo dos Santos of Angola resigned after nearly 40 years in power (though he remains influential in Angolan politics). All three countries have become slightly more democratic as a result.

But the biggest tree felled in Africa was undoubtedly Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe. In his capacity as president since 1980, Mugabe had become increasingly dictatorial and brutal, and his misguided leadership plunged the country into chaos.

When he unceremoniously fired his vice-president Emmerson Mnangagwa at the end of 2017, his previous backers in the military decided they had finally had enough. With parliamentary impeachment hearings in the offing, Mugabe eventually resigned, and new elections are scheduled for July 2018.

The bloodless Zimbabwean transition was a heartening spectacle, but there are nonetheless plenty of other countries to worry about. Hungary’s Viktor Orban is threatening to constrict his country’s democracy by clamping down on civil liberties, even as he wins landslide election victores.

China’s Xi Jinping recently orchestrated the removal of term limits, giving him the power to rule indefinitely. Thailand’s military is heading the most repressive government the country has seen in years. Still, while many countries have taken an authoritarian turn, others have made a success of their escape from dictatorship.

As recent events in Armenia attest, citizens the world over are becoming more involved in politics and taking their displeasure to the streets. And while it’s true that most dictators who fall are replaced by another dictator, there are enough examples to the contrary to give the defenders of democracy some hope.

*Natasha Ezrow is a&nbspSenior Lecturer, University of Essex

(This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/are-dictators-on-the-way-out-or-on-the-way-up-95128">original article</a>.)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

While a handful of promising cases deserve praise, only a few of the dictatorships that have fallen in recent years have given way to lasting, stable democracies

By: Natasha Ezrow* All around the world, democracy is looking shaky. While consolidated democracies are struggling to stay healthy, many flawed ones have turned into outright authoritarian regimes – most notably Russia under Vladimir Putin and Turkey under Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. But the news isn’t all bad: On several continents over the last decade, longstanding dictators have resigned, lost elections, or been deposed. But has their demise led to any kind of democratic reform? It’s a mixed picture to say the least. While a handful of promising cases deserve praise, only a few of the dictatorships that have fallen in recent years have given way to lasting, stable democracies. The 2010s began with tremendous optimism for the future of global democracy, reaching an apogee with the Arab Spring protests in 2011. Across the Middle East and North Africa, several dictators fell in a row: After Tunisia’s Zine El Abidine Ben Ali of Tunisia and Egypt’s Hosni Mubarak, Muammar Gaddafi of Libya was toppled in a civil war. Fighting also erupted in Yemen, leading to the eventual flight of longtime strongman Ali Abdullah Saleh. It seemed for a moment that in one fell swoop, a clutch of countries were suddenly shaking off authoritarianism at last. But with the exception of Tunisia – whose situation is still somewhat fragile – none of them have developed into democracies. Egypt’s brief spell under the elected Muslim Brotherhood came to an end in 2013, when a military intervention brought General Abdel Fatteh al-Sisi to power. He remains president today, legitimised by largely meaningless elections. Libya is still a weak state beset by instability and violence Yemen has slipped into devastating conflict and humanitarian crisis. Though protests exploded throughout the Middle East, only modest reforms took place elsewhere. And in Syria, the Assad regime’s crackdown on the 2011 protests helped spark a nightmarish conflict that has torn the country apart. Iraq and Afghanistan, meanwhile, saw a change in leadership with the elections that forced Nouri al-Maliki and Hamid Karzai out of power. But neither country’s democracy has notably improved. Afghanistan is still authoritarian and unstable, and in Iraq, Maliki is still very powerful behind the scenes. Mixed bag Latin America was home to a clutter of military dictatorships for decades, but since the mid-to-late 1980s, most of its countries have been flawed but functioning democracies. The two notable holdouts were Venezuela under Hugo Chávez and Cuba under Fidel Castro – and in the last decade, the two have diverged considerably. While Cuba has reformed a little under the rule of Fidel’s brother Raúl, who has now handed over to Miguel Díaz-Canal, Venezuela is falling apart under the dictatorial leadership of Chavez’s hand-picked successor, Nicolás Maduro. Other regimes in Latin America continue to hold free and fair elections, but struggle to uphold the rule of law. In Asia, meanwhile, a few less-than-democratic countries have made strides towards reform, but most authoritarian regimes have stayed the same. Still, some reforms and resignations are noteworthy. In the Caucasus, Armenia’s Serzh Sargsyan was recently forced to resign after mass protests against his rule. Almazbek Atambayev of Kyrgyzstan also stepped down after elections, the first peaceful handover of power in the country’s history. In South-East Asia, most of the attention since 2015 has been on surprising events in Myanmar, when the military regime that ran the country for decades allowed open elections for the first time since 1990. Myanmar’s military government was oppressive even by authoritarian standards, so it was quite something to see it holding elections, releasing political prisoners and allowing more press freedom. The regime’s leader, Thein Sein, stepped down to make way for Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy. But the democratic transformation was short-lived. The regime has continued to violate the human rights of its minority groups, most notably the Rohingya minority, and civil liberties and press freedoms are in serious jeopardy. Turfed out One place where things are looking up for democracy is Sub-Saharan Africa. The last decade has seen the overall standing of democracy in Africa improve. In the early 1980s, only five countries in Africa could be considered democratic: Botswana, Gambia, Mauritius, Senegal and Zimbabwe. The end of the Cold War saw the expansion of elections and civil liberties. But more recent years has seen the fall or peaceful resignation of important authoritarian figures, many of them old men who had clung on to power for decades. Yahya Jammeh of the Gambia eventually fled the country in 2017 after he lost the presidential elections to the opposition. Blaise Compaoré of Burkina Faso resigned after political protests broke out in 2014, following nearly three decades in power. José Eduardo dos Santos of Angola resigned after nearly 40 years in power (though he remains influential in Angolan politics). All three countries have become slightly more democratic as a result. But the biggest tree felled in Africa was undoubtedly Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe. In his capacity as president since 1980, Mugabe had become increasingly dictatorial and brutal, and his misguided leadership plunged the country into chaos. When he unceremoniously fired his vice-president Emmerson Mnangagwa at the end of 2017, his previous backers in the military decided they had finally had enough. With parliamentary impeachment hearings in the offing, Mugabe eventually resigned, and new elections are scheduled for July 2018. The bloodless Zimbabwean transition was a heartening spectacle, but there are nonetheless plenty of other countries to worry about. Hungary’s Viktor Orban is threatening to constrict his country’s democracy by clamping down on civil liberties, even as he wins landslide election victores. China’s Xi Jinping recently orchestrated the removal of term limits, giving him the power to rule indefinitely. Thailand’s military is heading the most repressive government the country has seen in years. Still, while many countries have taken an authoritarian turn, others have made a success of their escape from dictatorship. As recent events in Armenia attest, citizens the world over are becoming more involved in politics and taking their displeasure to the streets. And while it’s true that most dictators who fall are replaced by another dictator, there are enough examples to the contrary to give the defenders of democracy some hope. *Natasha Ezrow is a&nbspSenior Lecturer, University of Essex (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Are dictators on the way out or on the way up?

After holding informal talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Prime Minister Modi is all set to visit Russia to attend an informal summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The summit will be held in Sochi on May 21.

The informal summit is being organised to keep the tradition of regular consultations between Indian and Russia at the highest level.

The talks further aim at strengthening Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. Both leaders will also discuss their respective national developmental priorities and bilateral matters.

The two leaders&nbsp;are also expected to exchange views on international matters in a broad and long-term perspective.

Prime Minister Modi held a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Wuhan, last month.&nbsp;

The "informal summit" between the two leaders aimed at diffusing tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

After the meeting, the militaries of the two nation&nbsp;are reportedly setting up a "hotline" which was regarded as a major Confidence Building Measure(CBM) between the two sides, a Chinese media stated.

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The informal Summit in Russia's Sochi between PM Modi and President Putin is in keeping with the tradition of regular consultations between India and Russia at the highest levels.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/995992377822097408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The summit will be held in Sochi on May 21

After holding informal talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Prime Minister Modi is all set to visit Russia to attend an informal summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The summit will be held in Sochi on May 21. The informal summit is being organised to keep the tradition of regular consultations between Indian and Russia at the highest level. The talks further aim at strengthening Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. Both leaders will also discuss their respective national developmental priorities and bilateral matters. The two leaders are also expected to exchange views on international matters in a broad and long-term perspective. Prime Minister Modi held a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Wuhan, last month. The "informal summit" between the two leaders aimed at diffusing tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). After the meeting, the militaries of the two nation are reportedly setting up a "hotline" which was regarded as a major Confidence Building Measure(CBM) between the two sides, a Chinese media stated. The informal Summit in Russia's Sochi between PM Modi and President Putin is in keeping with the tradition of regular consultations between India and Russia at the highest levels. — ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2018 ×

After China, PM Modi to hold informal summit in Russia with President Vladimir Putin

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been ranked among the top 10 most powerful people in the world by Forbes in a list that has been topped for the first time ever by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who dethroned Russian President Vladimir Putin as the most influential person on the planet.&nbsp;

Modi ranks 9th on the Forbes 2018 list of 75 of the World's Most Powerful People who make the world turn.

"There are nearly 7.5 billion humans on planet Earth, but these 75 men and women make the world turn. Forbes' annual ranking of The World's Most Powerful People identifies one person out of every 100 million whose actions mean the most," Forbes said.

Modi, 67, is ahead of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg (ranked 13), United Kingdom Prime Minister Theresa May (14), Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (15) and Apple CEO Tim Cook (24).&nbsp; 
Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, with a net worth of 41.2 billion dollars, is the only other Indian on the power list, ranking 32nd. Microsoft's India-born CEO Satya Nadella is on the 40th spot.&nbsp;

Forbes said Modi "remains hugely popular" in the second most populous country on earth. It cited Modi government's November 2016 decision to eliminate India's two largest banknotes in a bid to reduce money laundering and corruption.

"Modi has raised his profile as a global leader in recent years during official visits with US President Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. He has also emerged as a key figure in the international effort to tackle climate change, as warming affects millions of his country's rural citizens," Forbes said.

On Ambani, Forbes said the billionaire industrialist's Reliance sparked a price war in India's hyper-competitive telecom market with the launch of 4G phone service Jio in 2016.&nbsp;

"Jio has signed on 160 million customers by offering free domestic voice calls, dirt-cheap data services and virtually free smartphones," Forbes said.

After being named the most powerful person in the world for four consecutive years, Putin drops to the second spot, dethroned by Xi, who seizes the top spot for the first time ever after China's congress amended its constitution in March, broadening his influence and eliminating term limits.&nbsp; 
Forbes said the Chinese leader "enjoys a cult of personality" not seen since Chairman Mao Zedong, China's founding father.&nbsp;

Putin has ruled Russia since May of 2000, and this year he was re-elected to a fourth term with nearly 77 percent of the vote. ?That's the largest margin of victory for any candidate for the office since the fall of the Soviet Union,? Forbes said.

"This year's list highlights the consolidation of power in the hands of an elite few," Forbes said. 
Rounding up the top five on the list are Trump on the third spot, followed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel (4) and Amazon chief Jeff Bezos (5).&nbsp;

On Trump, Forbes said he has seen limited success pushing his agenda through a Congress controlled by his own party, is under investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies, and can't shake off scandals arising from his personal and business life --but he's still Commander in Chief of the world's greatest economic and military power.

There are 17 new names on the list this year, including Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud (8), the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. His father remains king, but he has consolidated power beyond any doubt and taken control of the country, Forbes said.&nbsp;

Other new members include U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell (11), Exxon Mobil CEO Darren Woods (34), President of South Korea Moon Jae-in (54) and Special Counsel for the U.S. Department of Justice Robert Mueller (72).&nbsp;

On Nadella, Forbes said the Microsoft CEO has steered the company away from a failing mobile strategy and focused on other segments, including cloud computing and augmented reality.&nbsp;

"Since taking over as a CEO, Microsoft's stock has increased by more than 150 per cent," it said.&nbsp;

The list also includes Pope Francis (6), Cofounder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Bill Gates (7), French President Emmanuel Macron (12), Alibaba Chief Jack Ma (21), CEO and Chairman of Tesla Elon Musk (25), UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres (31), North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (36), Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (57), Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad (62), Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte (69) and Islamic State's self-proclaimed caliph Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi (73).

In compiling the list, Forbes said it considered hundreds of candidates from various walks of life all around the globe, and measured their power along four dimensions of whether the person has power over lots of people, financial resources controlled by each person, whether the candidate is powerful in multiple spheres and that the candidates actively used their power. PTI

Xi dethroned Russia's Putin. Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, with a net worth of 41.2 billion dollars, is the only other Indian on the power list; he was ranked 32nd

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been ranked among the top 10 most powerful people in the world by Forbes in a list that has been topped for the first time ever by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who dethroned Russian President Vladimir Putin as the most influential person on the planet. Modi ranks 9th on the Forbes 2018 list of 75 of the World's Most Powerful People who make the world turn. "There are nearly 7.5 billion humans on planet Earth, but these 75 men and women make the world turn. Forbes' annual ranking of The World's Most Powerful People identifies one person out of every 100 million whose actions mean the most," Forbes said. Modi, 67, is ahead of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg (ranked 13), United Kingdom Prime Minister Theresa May (14), Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (15) and Apple CEO Tim Cook (24). Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, with a net worth of 41.2 billion dollars, is the only other Indian on the power list, ranking 32nd. Microsoft's India-born CEO Satya Nadella is on the 40th spot. Forbes said Modi "remains hugely popular" in the second most populous country on earth. It cited Modi government's November 2016 decision to eliminate India's two largest banknotes in a bid to reduce money laundering and corruption. "Modi has raised his profile as a global leader in recent years during official visits with US President Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. He has also emerged as a key figure in the international effort to tackle climate change, as warming affects millions of his country's rural citizens," Forbes said. On Ambani, Forbes said the billionaire industrialist's Reliance sparked a price war in India's hyper-competitive telecom market with the launch of 4G phone service Jio in 2016. "Jio has signed on 160 million customers by offering free domestic voice calls, dirt-cheap data services and virtually free smartphones," Forbes said. After being named the most powerful person in the world for four consecutive years, Putin drops to the second spot, dethroned by Xi, who seizes the top spot for the first time ever after China's congress amended its constitution in March, broadening his influence and eliminating term limits. Forbes said the Chinese leader "enjoys a cult of personality" not seen since Chairman Mao Zedong, China's founding father. Putin has ruled Russia since May of 2000, and this year he was re-elected to a fourth term with nearly 77 percent of the vote. ?That's the largest margin of victory for any candidate for the office since the fall of the Soviet Union,? Forbes said. "This year's list highlights the consolidation of power in the hands of an elite few," Forbes said. Rounding up the top five on the list are Trump on the third spot, followed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel (4) and Amazon chief Jeff Bezos (5). On Trump, Forbes said he has seen limited success pushing his agenda through a Congress controlled by his own party, is under investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies, and can't shake off scandals arising from his personal and business life --but he's still Commander in Chief of the world's greatest economic and military power. There are 17 new names on the list this year, including Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud (8), the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. His father remains king, but he has consolidated power beyond any doubt and taken control of the country, Forbes said. Other new members include U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell (11), Exxon Mobil CEO Darren Woods (34), President of South Korea Moon Jae-in (54) and Special Counsel for the U.S. Department of Justice Robert Mueller (72). On Nadella, Forbes said the Microsoft CEO has steered the company away from a failing mobile strategy and focused on other segments, including cloud computing and augmented reality. "Since taking over as a CEO, Microsoft's stock has increased by more than 150 per cent," it said. The list also includes Pope Francis (6), Cofounder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Bill Gates (7), French President Emmanuel Macron (12), Alibaba Chief Jack Ma (21), CEO and Chairman of Tesla Elon Musk (25), UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres (31), North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (36), Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (57), Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad (62), Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte (69) and Islamic State's self-proclaimed caliph Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi (73). In compiling the list, Forbes said it considered hundreds of candidates from various walks of life all around the globe, and measured their power along four dimensions of whether the person has power over lots of people, financial resources controlled by each person, whether the candidate is powerful in multiple spheres and that the candidates actively used their power. PTI

China's Xi is world's most powerful person, Modi is 9th: Forbes

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kim Jong-Un met in northeast China on Tuesday in an unannounced visit by the North Korean leader ahead of an expected summit with US President Donald Trump.

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV showed Xi and Kim taking a seaside stroll in the northeastern city of Dalian and holding talks, while the official Xinhua news agency said the two leaders met on Monday and Tuesday.

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BREAKING: Chinese President <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/XiJinping?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#XiJinping</a>, DPRK top leader <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KimJongUn?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KimJongUn</a> holds talks in NE China's Dalian on May 7-8 <a href="https://t.co/zzPoFLItPb">pic.twitter.com/zzPoFLItPb</a>
— China Xinhua News (@XHNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/XHNews/status/993812702517776385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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It was Kim's second visit to China since March, highlighting efforts by the Cold War-era allies to mend ties that have chilled as Beijing has supported UN sanctions over Pyongyang's nuclear activities.

Beijing is keen to avoid being left out in the cold in the wake of Kim's historic summit last month with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and his planned meeting with Trump in June.

"After the first meeting between me and Comrade Chairman (Kim), both China-DPRK relations and the Korean peninsula situation have made positive progress. I feel happy about it," Xi said, according to Xinhua.

For his part, Kim was quoted as saying: "These are the positive outcomes of the historic meeting between me and Comrade General Secretary (Xi)."

Japanese media had earlier shown images of an airplane normally used by North Korean VIPs flying out of Dalian, fuelling speculation that Kim had been in town.

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV showed Xi and Kim taking a seaside stroll in the northeastern city of Dalian and holding talks.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kim Jong-Un met in northeast China on Tuesday in an unannounced visit by the North Korean leader ahead of an expected summit with US President Donald Trump. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV showed Xi and Kim taking a seaside stroll in the northeastern city of Dalian and holding talks, while the official Xinhua news agency said the two leaders met on Monday and Tuesday. BREAKING: Chinese President #XiJinping, DPRK top leader #KimJongUn holds talks in NE China's Dalian on May 7-8 pic.twitter.com/zzPoFLItPb — China Xinhua News (@XHNews) May 8, 2018 × It was Kim's second visit to China since March, highlighting efforts by the Cold War-era allies to mend ties that have chilled as Beijing has supported UN sanctions over Pyongyang's nuclear activities. Beijing is keen to avoid being left out in the cold in the wake of Kim's historic summit last month with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and his planned meeting with Trump in June. "After the first meeting between me and Comrade Chairman (Kim), both China-DPRK relations and the Korean peninsula situation have made positive progress. I feel happy about it," Xi said, according to Xinhua. For his part, Kim was quoted as saying: "These are the positive outcomes of the historic meeting between me and Comrade General Secretary (Xi)." Japanese media had earlier shown images of an airplane normally used by North Korean VIPs flying out of Dalian, fuelling speculation that Kim had been in town.

Before summit with Trump, North Korea's Kim Jong-Un meets Xi Jinping in China

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-elections-sonia-hits-campaign-trail-after-2-years-says-wherever-modi-goes-he-distorts-historical-facts-135515">Karnataka elections: Sonia hits campaign trail after 2 years. Says wherever Modi goes, he distorts facts</a>

Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi hit the campaign trail Tuesday after two years, and immediately went on the attack against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-and-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-met-in-china-reports-135511">Xi Jinping and North Korea's Kim Jong-Un meet in China</a>

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kim Jong-Un met in northeast China on Tuesday in an unannounced visit by the North Korean leader ahead of an expected summit with US President Donald Trump.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-here-is-the-first-picture-of-the-newlyweds-sonam-kapoor-and-anand-ahuja--135478">Here is the first picture of the newlyweds: Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja</a>

The couple got married in Mumbai at Rockdale as the entire Bollywood fraternity turned up to wish the young couple in their new phase of lives.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islamist-group-youth-leader-accused-of-shooting-pakistani-minister-police-135524">Islamist group youth leader accused of shooting Pakistani minister: Police</a>

The gunman accused of shooting and wounding&nbsp<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-interior-minister-ahsan-iqbal-was-an-easy-target-says-primary-suspect-after-assassination-attempt-135300">Pakistan's interior minister</a>&nbspis a youth leader of a hardline religious group that sees its mission as enforcing death for blasphemers and ridding government of secular influence, police said in a report.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/irans-rouhani-losing-everything-due-to-trump-135503">Iran's Rouhani 'losing everything' due to Trump</a>

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani staked his legacy on efforts to end decades of tension with the West. With the landmark nuclear deal unravelling, what hope is there for his political future?

Karnataka elections: Sonia hits campaign trail after 2 years. Says wherever Modi goes, he distorts facts Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi hit the campaign trail Tuesday after two years, and immediately went on the attack against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Xi Jinping and North Korea's Kim Jong-Un meet in China Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kim Jong-Un met in northeast China on Tuesday in an unannounced visit by the North Korean leader ahead of an expected summit with US President Donald Trump. Here is the first picture of the newlyweds: Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja The couple got married in Mumbai at Rockdale as the entire Bollywood fraternity turned up to wish the young couple in their new phase of lives. Islamist group youth leader accused of shooting Pakistani minister: Police The gunman accused of shooting and wounding Pakistan's interior minister&nbspis a youth leader of a hardline religious group that sees its mission as enforcing death for blasphemers and ridding government of secular influence, police said in a report. Iran's Rouhani 'losing everything' due to Trump Iran's President Hassan Rouhani staked his legacy on efforts to end decades of tension with the West. With the landmark nuclear deal unravelling, what hope is there for his political future?

News brief: Big stories of the day

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in have discussed bilateral relationship and achieving peace and denuclearisation on the Korean Peninsula in a telephonic conversation on Friday.

Moon briefed Xi on the feat of the historic inter-Korean Summit, held last week, reported China's state-run news agency.

Moon underscored that the "successful summit has reached broad consensuses on improving the inter-Korean relations, promoting the denuclearisation of the Peninsula and establishing a peace mechanism."

According to the report, the South Korean President praised Xi Jinping's role in helping Seoul and Pyongyang reach an agreement on denuclearisation.

Xi laid emphasis on the bilateral ties, saying that Beijing is willing to boost the relationship between the two countries by enhancing communication with South Korea, deepening pragmatic cooperation, and promoting cultural exchanges.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in held their historic summit last week in Panmunjom n the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), the world's most heavily guarded border, separating the two countries.

The inter-Korean summit was also unique as it was the first time in over a decade that it was being held. The previous two summits were held in 2000 and 2007 in North Korean capital of Pyongyang. It was also the first time that the summit was being held in South Korea.

In a joint declaration after the talks, the two leaders officially inaugurated a document formally called the 'Panmunjom Declaration for Peace, Prosperity and Unification on the Korean Peninsula'.

The two Koreas agreed to sign a peace treaty formally later this year, ending the six-decades-old war between the two countries.

The South Korean President is also slated to visit Pyongyang later this year, according to a statement released by his presidential office.

Kim Jong-Un on April 21 announced to suspend its nuclear tests and inter-continental ballistic missile (ICBM) tests.

Following that, on April 29 South Korean President Moon Jae-in's chief press secretary Yoon Young-chan confirmed that Punggye-ri nuclear site will be closed down by May amidst the presence of public and foreign experts from South Korea and the United States.&nbsp 
&nbsp

Moon underscored that the 'successful summit has reached broad consensuses on improving the inter-Korean relations, promoting the denuclearisation of the Peninsula and establishing a peace mechanism'

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in have discussed bilateral relationship and achieving peace and denuclearisation on the Korean Peninsula in a telephonic conversation on Friday. Moon briefed Xi on the feat of the historic inter-Korean Summit, held last week, reported China's state-run news agency. Moon underscored that the "successful summit has reached broad consensuses on improving the inter-Korean relations, promoting the denuclearisation of the Peninsula and establishing a peace mechanism." According to the report, the South Korean President praised Xi Jinping's role in helping Seoul and Pyongyang reach an agreement on denuclearisation. Xi laid emphasis on the bilateral ties, saying that Beijing is willing to boost the relationship between the two countries by enhancing communication with South Korea, deepening pragmatic cooperation, and promoting cultural exchanges. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in held their historic summit last week in Panmunjom n the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), the world's most heavily guarded border, separating the two countries. The inter-Korean summit was also unique as it was the first time in over a decade that it was being held. The previous two summits were held in 2000 and 2007 in North Korean capital of Pyongyang. It was also the first time that the summit was being held in South Korea. In a joint declaration after the talks, the two leaders officially inaugurated a document formally called the 'Panmunjom Declaration for Peace, Prosperity and Unification on the Korean Peninsula'. The two Koreas agreed to sign a peace treaty formally later this year, ending the six-decades-old war between the two countries. The South Korean President is also slated to visit Pyongyang later this year, according to a statement released by his presidential office. Kim Jong-Un on April 21 announced to suspend its nuclear tests and inter-continental ballistic missile (ICBM) tests. Following that, on April 29 South Korean President Moon Jae-in's chief press secretary Yoon Young-chan confirmed that Punggye-ri nuclear site will be closed down by May amidst the presence of public and foreign experts from South Korea and the United States.

Xi, Moon discuss bilateral ties, denuclearisation of Korean Peninsula

Afghanistan on Friday said it welcomed joint development ventures by India and China in the country which were announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping last week.

Shaida Abdali, the Afghan envoy to India, also said the Chabahar port in Iran "is open for everyone".&nbsp

In March, Iran had invited Pakistan to participate in the Chabahar project.&nbsp

India has played a crucial role in building of the port which is being used by India to transport goods to Afghanistan, bypassing Pakistan. It has also been envisaged as an alternate route to reach the Central Asian market.&nbsp

"We fully welcome and support the joint ventures in Afghanistan by India and China to ensure that we have regional support for stability, peace and development. We look forward to it," Abdali said.

This, he said, would lead all neighbours of Afghanistan to support regional economic projects in the war-torn country.

In an informal summit between Modi and Xi held at Wuhan last week, the two countries agreed to work jointly on an economic project in Afghanistan, a development that can be expected to discomfit Pakistan that has worked strenuously to exclude India from a region it considers its strategic backyard.&nbsp

"Unfortunatley, Afghanistan is affected by issues that are in the region between neighbours. We really want tensions to be finished. We hope all, including Pakistan, will support such initiatives because the resolve of this initiative would be peace and stability," he said.

Abdali was responding to a question at an event organised by the Foreign Correspondent's Club.

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif had invited Pakistan to participate in Chabahar seaport project and development of its link with Gwadar Port.

When asked about Iran's move, Abdali said, "That is what we look at regional initiatives. That means Chabahar port is open for everyone but with sincerity to come and invest in Chabahar and look at it as a regional hub and not as a threat to anything else."&nbsp

He noted that the Chabahar project had helped Afghanistan diversify its trade links with India.&nbsp

India and Afghanistan started an air-corridor last year that gave better Kabul a better access to Indian markets.&nbsp

Abdali said the air corridor was doing very well and after Mumbai and Delhi, there were plans to have direct air-connectivity to Amritsar and Hyderabad.

The trade volume between India and Afghanistan is nearly USD 2 billion.

The major thrust of the event was a terror strike in Kabul that killed 11 journalists.&nbsp

Abdali described it as the "bloodiest year for journalists" and the message behind the attack was to "shut down voice of justice, equality".

The Ministry of External Affairs also sent its representative to the event, as a mark of solidarity.

Shaida Abdali, the Afghan envoy to India, also said the Chabahar port in Iran 'is open for everyone'

Afghanistan on Friday said it welcomed joint development ventures by India and China in the country which were announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping last week. Shaida Abdali, the Afghan envoy to India, also said the Chabahar port in Iran "is open for everyone". In March, Iran had invited Pakistan to participate in the Chabahar project. India has played a crucial role in building of the port which is being used by India to transport goods to Afghanistan, bypassing Pakistan. It has also been envisaged as an alternate route to reach the Central Asian market. "We fully welcome and support the joint ventures in Afghanistan by India and China to ensure that we have regional support for stability, peace and development. We look forward to it," Abdali said. This, he said, would lead all neighbours of Afghanistan to support regional economic projects in the war-torn country. In an informal summit between Modi and Xi held at Wuhan last week, the two countries agreed to work jointly on an economic project in Afghanistan, a development that can be expected to discomfit Pakistan that has worked strenuously to exclude India from a region it considers its strategic backyard. "Unfortunatley, Afghanistan is affected by issues that are in the region between neighbours. We really want tensions to be finished. We hope all, including Pakistan, will support such initiatives because the resolve of this initiative would be peace and stability," he said. Abdali was responding to a question at an event organised by the Foreign Correspondent's Club. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif had invited Pakistan to participate in Chabahar seaport project and development of its link with Gwadar Port. When asked about Iran's move, Abdali said, "That is what we look at regional initiatives. That means Chabahar port is open for everyone but with sincerity to come and invest in Chabahar and look at it as a regional hub and not as a threat to anything else." He noted that the Chabahar project had helped Afghanistan diversify its trade links with India. India and Afghanistan started an air-corridor last year that gave better Kabul a better access to Indian markets. Abdali said the air corridor was doing very well and after Mumbai and Delhi, there were plans to have direct air-connectivity to Amritsar and Hyderabad. The trade volume between India and Afghanistan is nearly USD 2 billion. The major thrust of the event was a terror strike in Kabul that killed 11 journalists. Abdali described it as the "bloodiest year for journalists" and the message behind the attack was to "shut down voice of justice, equality". The Ministry of External Affairs also sent its representative to the event, as a mark of solidarity.

Afghanistan welcomes joint development ventures by India, China

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/modi-xi-meeting-a-good-thing-always-good-when-world-leaders-get-along-white-house-134483">Modi-Xi meeting a good thing, always good when world leaders get along: White House</a>

The White House said today that PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping's meeting last week when they met for an "informal summit" was a "good thing". "I certainly think it's always good when other world leaders are getting along," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-least-106-dead-in-dust-storm-in-uttar-pradesh-rajasthan-134488">At least 106 dead in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-least-106-dead-in-dust-storm-in-uttar-pradesh-rajasthan-134488">dust</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-least-106-dead-in-dust-storm-in-uttar-pradesh-rajasthan-134488"> storm in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan</a>

At least 106 people were killed as a storm barrelled through a swathe of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, leaving a trail of destruction that brought down mud houses, uprooted trees and flattened crops, officials said on Thursday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/what-could-iran-do-if-trump-pulls-out-of-nuclear-deal-134477">What could Iran do if Trump pulls out of </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/what-could-iran-do-if-trump-pulls-out-of-nuclear-deal-134477">nuclear</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/what-could-iran-do-if-trump-pulls-out-of-nuclear-deal-134477"> deal?</a>

President Donald Trump is expected to pull the United States out of the Iran nuclear agreement on May 12. Tehran signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, with China, France, Germany, Russia, Britain, and the United States in 2015.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/europa-league-wenger-denied-final-flourish-as-atletico-madrids-costa-outlasts-arsenal-134491">Europa League: Wenger denied final flourish as Atletico Madrid's Costa outlasts Arsenal</a>

Diego Costa denied Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger a winning farewell as Atletico Madrid beat the London club 1-0 in the Europa League semi-final second leg at the Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid on Thursday night.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-praises-chinas-xi-as-trade-talks-begin-in-beijing-134482">Trump praises China's Xi as trade talks begin in Beijing</a>

US President Donald Trump on Thursday praised his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping as officials from the world's two largest economies began trade talks in Beijing, while state media said China would stand up to US bullying.

Modi-Xi meeting a good thing, always good when world leaders get along: White House The White House said today that PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping's meeting last week when they met for an "informal summit" was a "good thing". "I certainly think it's always good when other world leaders are getting along," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said. At least 106 dead in dust storm in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan At least 106 people were killed as a storm barrelled through a swathe of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, leaving a trail of destruction that brought down mud houses, uprooted trees and flattened crops, officials said on Thursday. What could Iran do if Trump pulls out of nuclear deal? President Donald Trump is expected to pull the United States out of the Iran nuclear agreement on May 12. Tehran signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, with China, France, Germany, Russia, Britain, and the United States in 2015. Europa League: Wenger denied final flourish as Atletico Madrid's Costa outlasts Arsenal Diego Costa denied Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger a winning farewell as Atletico Madrid beat the London club 1-0 in the Europa League semi-final second leg at the Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid on Thursday night. Trump praises China's Xi as trade talks begin in Beijing US President Donald Trump on Thursday praised his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping as officials from the world's two largest economies began trade talks in Beijing, while state media said China would stand up to US bullying.

Top officials from China and the United States reached a consensus on some aspects of the countries'&nbsptrade row, but disagreements over other issues remain "relatively big", China said on Friday.&nbsp

A statement from the nation's state-run Xinhua news agency at the end of the talks gave little indication that there had been agreements on the biggest issues, stressing instead that there had been exchanges of opinion. The two sides, though, committed to resolving their trade disputes through dialogue, Xinhua said.&nbsp

The Americans have yet to give their account of the talks.&nbsp

In one specific sign of progress, US&nbspnegotiators agreed to bring up with US&nbspPresident Donald Trump the question of a ban on US&nbspcompanies selling goods and software to Chinese telecommunication equipment maker ZTE Cororation&nbspafter

representations from the Chinese side, the report said. ZTE faced the seven-year ban after the US&nbspsaid it failed to keep to an agreement it made after breaching US&nbspsanctions.

The talks over the past two days have involved a high-level US&nbsptrade delegation led by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and top Chinese officials, including Vice Premier Liu He, following months of threats and counter threats from both sides in a series of disputes over trade practices.&nbsp

The US&nbspteam has already left Beijing and is heading back to the US, a US&nbspofficial told Reuters early on Friday evening.&nbsp

The trade discussions had been "candid, efficient and constructive," Xinhua said, but gave almost no details on what the officials had agreed.&nbsp

The officials exchanged opinions on resolving tariffs and non-tariffs measures, on expanding two-way investment and the protection of intellectual property, and on expanding US&nbspexports to China and bilateral services trade, Xinhua reported. It gave no indication of what actions might be taken based on those exchanges.

"My impression was that (the talks) didn't go well given the rhetoric," said Kevin Lai, senior economist at Daiwa Capital markets in Hong Kong. "I think the divide is still very big."

In an editorial on its website, widely-read Chinese state-run tabloid the Global Times cited people close to the talks as saying the Chinese "hit back hard" at US&nbspcriticism, letting them know that China won't give in.&nbsp

The United States has proposed tariffs on $50 billion of Chinese goods under its so-called "Section 301" intellectual property probe. Those could go into effect in June following the completion of a 60-day consultation period, but activation plans have been kept vague.

China has said its own retaliatory tariffs on US&nbspgoods, including soybeans and aircraft, will go into effect if the US&nbspduties are imposed.&nbsp

The US&nbsptariffs focus heavily on technology products benefiting from the "Made in China 2025" programme, which promotes the development of 10 sectors including aerospace, robotics and clean-energy cars.

Punitive action

A breakthrough deal to fundamentally change China's economic policies was viewed as highly unlikely during the two-day visit, though any signs of meaningful progress in the dispute could delay any punitive action from the US

"We are having very good conversations," Mnuchin told reporters earlier on Friday as he left his hotel.&nbsp

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump on Thursday praised his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping as the US delegation began their talks, which were held at a state guest house in the western part of the Chinese capital.&nbsp

Trump has targeted China's massive trade surplus with the United States, in recent months demanding a $100 billion annual reduction in the $375 billion US&nbspgoods trade deficit with China.&nbsp

According to two sources with knowledge of the matter, the US&nbspdelegation submitted a document to the Chinese before the talks asking China to cut its trade surplus with the United States by $200 billion by 2020 and lower tariffs on all products to levels no higher than those imposed by the United States.

The delegation also asked China to halt subsidies for advanced technology, the sources said.&nbsp

Chinese officials believed the proposal was "unfair," the Wall Street Journal reported, quoting people with knowledge of the negotiations.

"I think the US&nbspis asking for the impossible. Reducing the deficit by $200 billion by 2020 is quite an unrealistic demand, but it may also be a negotiation tactic to start high first," said Tommy Xie, economist at OCBC Bank in Singapore.&nbsp

In a proposal submitted by the Chinese side, Beijing offered to increase US&nbspimports and lower tariffs on some goods, including cars, according to the sources.

But China requested that the US&nbsptreat Chinese investment equally under national security reviews, stop issuing any new restrictions on investment, and halt a proposal to implement 25 per cent tariffs under its Section 301 probe.&nbsp

China also offered to reconsider anti-dumping duties on US&nbspsorghum, according to the proposal.&nbsp

No illusions

US-based trade experts have said they expected Beijing to offer Trump's team a package of policy changes that may include some previously announced moves, such as a phase-out of joint venture requirements for some sectors, autos tariff reductions and increased purchases of US&nbspgoods.

US&nbspcomplaints about Chinese intellectual property abuses are at the core of the current dispute. The Trump administration says US&nbspcompanies lose hundreds of billions of dollars annually to China's theft of trade secrets.

Members of the Trump administration's delegation to Beijing for talks to try to stave off a trade war between the world's two largest economies included US&nbspTrade Representative Robert Lighthizer, a hard-line and experienced trade negotiator.&nbsp

Lighthizer said on Tuesday it was not his objective to change China's economic system, but that he would try to find ways to limit the damage it causes to the United States and open it further for US&nbspcompanies.&nbsp

Some economists noted that the deficit with China was the natural result of the large amount of manufacturing assembly of US&nbspproducts, such as iPhones, that takes place in China.

"As long as China remains the assembly hub of the world, it's always going to have a large trade surplus with developed consumer countries like the US&nbspand the EU&nbspand that's not necessarily a problem," said Julian Evans-Pritchard, senior China economist at Capital Economics.&nbsp

The US&nbspdelegation also included Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and White House trade and manufacturing adviser Peter Navarro, a noted China trade hawk.

Navarro advised Trump throughout his 2016 election campaign, during which the candidate routinely threatened to impose a 45 per cent across-the-board tariff on Chinese goods as a way to level the playing field for American workers. 
&nbsp

The Americans have yet to give their account of the talks.

Top officials from China and the United States reached a consensus on some aspects of the countries'&nbsptrade row, but disagreements over other issues remain "relatively big", China said on Friday. A statement from the nation's state-run Xinhua news agency at the end of the talks gave little indication that there had been agreements on the biggest issues, stressing instead that there had been exchanges of opinion. The two sides, though, committed to resolving their trade disputes through dialogue, Xinhua said. The Americans have yet to give their account of the talks. In one specific sign of progress, US&nbspnegotiators agreed to bring up with US&nbspPresident Donald Trump the question of a ban on US&nbspcompanies selling goods and software to Chinese telecommunication equipment maker ZTE Cororation&nbspafter representations from the Chinese side, the report said. ZTE faced the seven-year ban after the US&nbspsaid it failed to keep to an agreement it made after breaching US&nbspsanctions. The talks over the past two days have involved a high-level US&nbsptrade delegation led by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and top Chinese officials, including Vice Premier Liu He, following months of threats and counter threats from both sides in a series of disputes over trade practices. The US&nbspteam has already left Beijing and is heading back to the US, a US&nbspofficial told Reuters early on Friday evening. The trade discussions had been "candid, efficient and constructive," Xinhua said, but gave almost no details on what the officials had agreed. The officials exchanged opinions on resolving tariffs and non-tariffs measures, on expanding two-way investment and the protection of intellectual property, and on expanding US&nbspexports to China and bilateral services trade, Xinhua reported. It gave no indication of what actions might be taken based on those exchanges. "My impression was that (the talks) didn't go well given the rhetoric," said Kevin Lai, senior economist at Daiwa Capital markets in Hong Kong. "I think the divide is still very big." In an editorial on its website, widely-read Chinese state-run tabloid the Global Times cited people close to the talks as saying the Chinese "hit back hard" at US&nbspcriticism, letting them know that China won't give in. The United States has proposed tariffs on $50 billion of Chinese goods under its so-called "Section 301" intellectual property probe. Those could go into effect in June following the completion of a 60-day consultation period, but activation plans have been kept vague. China has said its own retaliatory tariffs on US&nbspgoods, including soybeans and aircraft, will go into effect if the US&nbspduties are imposed. The US&nbsptariffs focus heavily on technology products benefiting from the "Made in China 2025" programme, which promotes the development of 10 sectors including aerospace, robotics and clean-energy cars. Punitive action A breakthrough deal to fundamentally change China's economic policies was viewed as highly unlikely during the two-day visit, though any signs of meaningful progress in the dispute could delay any punitive action from the US "We are having very good conversations," Mnuchin told reporters earlier on Friday as he left his hotel. US&nbspPresident Donald Trump on Thursday praised his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping as the US delegation began their talks, which were held at a state guest house in the western part of the Chinese capital. Trump has targeted China's massive trade surplus with the United States, in recent months demanding a $100 billion annual reduction in the $375 billion US&nbspgoods trade deficit with China. According to two sources with knowledge of the matter, the US&nbspdelegation submitted a document to the Chinese before the talks asking China to cut its trade surplus with the United States by $200 billion by 2020 and lower tariffs on all products to levels no higher than those imposed by the United States. The delegation also asked China to halt subsidies for advanced technology, the sources said. Chinese officials believed the proposal was "unfair," the Wall Street Journal reported, quoting people with knowledge of the negotiations. "I think the US&nbspis asking for the impossible. Reducing the deficit by $200 billion by 2020 is quite an unrealistic demand, but it may also be a negotiation tactic to start high first," said Tommy Xie, economist at OCBC Bank in Singapore. In a proposal submitted by the Chinese side, Beijing offered to increase US&nbspimports and lower tariffs on some goods, including cars, according to the sources. But China requested that the US&nbsptreat Chinese investment equally under national security reviews, stop issuing any new restrictions on investment, and halt a proposal to implement 25 per cent tariffs under its Section 301 probe. China also offered to reconsider anti-dumping duties on US&nbspsorghum, according to the proposal. No illusions US-based trade experts have said they expected Beijing to offer Trump's team a package of policy changes that may include some previously announced moves, such as a phase-out of joint venture requirements for some sectors, autos tariff reductions and increased purchases of US&nbspgoods. US&nbspcomplaints about Chinese intellectual property abuses are at the core of the current dispute. The Trump administration says US&nbspcompanies lose hundreds of billions of dollars annually to China's theft of trade secrets. Members of the Trump administration's delegation to Beijing for talks to try to stave off a trade war between the world's two largest economies included US&nbspTrade Representative Robert Lighthizer, a hard-line and experienced trade negotiator. Lighthizer said on Tuesday it was not his objective to change China's economic system, but that he would try to find ways to limit the damage it causes to the United States and open it further for US&nbspcompanies. Some economists noted that the deficit with China was the natural result of the large amount of manufacturing assembly of US&nbspproducts, such as iPhones, that takes place in China. "As long as China remains the assembly hub of the world, it's always going to have a large trade surplus with developed consumer countries like the US&nbspand the EU&nbspand that's not necessarily a problem," said Julian Evans-Pritchard, senior China economist at Capital Economics. The US&nbspdelegation also included Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and White House trade and manufacturing adviser Peter Navarro, a noted China trade hawk. Navarro advised Trump throughout his 2016 election campaign, during which the candidate routinely threatened to impose a 45 per cent across-the-board tariff on Chinese goods as a way to level the playing field for American workers.

China, US reach some deals in trade row but Beijing says differences still relatively big

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump on Thursday praised his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping as officials from the world's two largest economies began trade talks in Beijing, while state media said China would stand up to US&nbsp;bullying.

A breakthrough deal to fundamentally change China's economic policies is viewed as highly unlikely during the two days of talks, though a package of short-term Chinese measures could delay Washington's decision to impose tariffs on about $50 billion worth of Chinese exports.

The discussions, led by US&nbsp;Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, are expected to cover a wide range of US&nbsp;complaints about China's trade practices, from accusations of forced technology transfers to state subsidies for technology development.

"Thrilled to be here. Thank you," Mnuchin told Reuters at his hotel when asked if he expected progress. He made no other comments.

As Mnuchin arrived, Trump tweeted: "Our great financial team is in China trying to negotiate a level playing field on trade! I look forward to being with President Xi in the not too distant future. We will always have a good (great) relationship!"

It was not clear when Trump and Xi might meet again next, though both will likely attend some of the same multilateral summits this year, including those of the G20 and APEC.

Throughout his 2016 election campaign, Trump routinely threatened to impose a 45 percent across-the-board tariff on Chinese goods as a way to level the playing field for American workers. At the time, he was also accusing China of manipulating its currency to gain an export advantage, a claim that his administration has since dropped.

The US&nbsp;Embassy in Beijing said the US&nbsp;delegation planned to meet Chinese officials on both days, in addition to US&nbsp;Ambassador Terry Branstad, before leaving on Friday evening.

The delegation returned to their hotel late on Thursday evening without taking questions from reporters, though, when asked how the talks were going, one unidentified US&nbsp;official said "Well."

In Washington, the US-China Business Council, which represents American companies doing business in China, said it was pleased the two governments were talking and urged a deal to end forced technology transfers and improve China's intellectual property protections.

"USCBC believes it is unlikely that the issues will be fully resolved in this meeting, but we hope the two sides will be able to lay out a path for continued negotiations that will lead to a solution and avoid tariffs and other commerce-slowing sanctions," the group said in a statement.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a briefing in Beijing: "The outcome should be mutually beneficial and win-win."

In a commentary widely cited in Chinese media on Thursday, the official Xinhua news agency said if things went poorly and a trade war did break out, China would never yield and would hit back strongly.

"China will inevitably suffer losses, but China has the political advantage of a centralised and unified leadership and support of a massive domestic market," it said.

The official China Daily said in an editorial that China would "stand up to the US' bullying as necessary."

"The US&nbsp;wants greater access to China's market, but it should not use trade actions as a battering ram to force China to open its doors. It is already in the process of opening them wider," the English-language newspaper said.

In doing so, China expected Washington to reciprocate and open its market to Chinese investment and competition, it said.

US&nbsp;tariffs ready in&nbsp;June

The first round of threatened tariffs under the US&nbsp;government's "Section 301" intellectual property probe focused heavily on technology products benefiting from a "Made in China 2025" programme to upgrade China's domestic manufacturing base with more advanced products.

The US&nbsp;tariffs could go into effect in June following the completion of a 60-day consultation period.

US-based trade experts said they expected Beijing to offer Trump's team a package of policy changes that may include some previously announced moves, such as a phase-out of joint venture requirements for some sectors, auto tariff reductions and increased purchases of US&nbsp;goods.

Trump has demanded a $100 billion annual reduction in the $375 billion US&nbsp;goods trade deficit with China.

But members of the diverse US&nbsp;trade delegation, which includes US&nbsp;Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and White House trade adviser Peter Navarro, both of whom have been critical of China, are likely to have differing views on the merits of such an offer. 
&nbsp;

A breakthrough deal to fundamentally change China's economic policies is viewed as highly unlikely during the two days of talks

US President Donald Trump on Thursday praised his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping as officials from the world's two largest economies began trade talks in Beijing, while state media said China would stand up to US bullying. A breakthrough deal to fundamentally change China's economic policies is viewed as highly unlikely during the two days of talks, though a package of short-term Chinese measures could delay Washington's decision to impose tariffs on about $50 billion worth of Chinese exports. The discussions, led by US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, are expected to cover a wide range of US complaints about China's trade practices, from accusations of forced technology transfers to state subsidies for technology development. "Thrilled to be here. Thank you," Mnuchin told Reuters at his hotel when asked if he expected progress. He made no other comments. As Mnuchin arrived, Trump tweeted: "Our great financial team is in China trying to negotiate a level playing field on trade! I look forward to being with President Xi in the not too distant future. We will always have a good (great) relationship!" It was not clear when Trump and Xi might meet again next, though both will likely attend some of the same multilateral summits this year, including those of the G20 and APEC. Throughout his 2016 election campaign, Trump routinely threatened to impose a 45 percent across-the-board tariff on Chinese goods as a way to level the playing field for American workers. At the time, he was also accusing China of manipulating its currency to gain an export advantage, a claim that his administration has since dropped. The US Embassy in Beijing said the US delegation planned to meet Chinese officials on both days, in addition to US Ambassador Terry Branstad, before leaving on Friday evening. The delegation returned to their hotel late on Thursday evening without taking questions from reporters, though, when asked how the talks were going, one unidentified US official said "Well." In Washington, the US-China Business Council, which represents American companies doing business in China, said it was pleased the two governments were talking and urged a deal to end forced technology transfers and improve China's intellectual property protections. "USCBC believes it is unlikely that the issues will be fully resolved in this meeting, but we hope the two sides will be able to lay out a path for continued negotiations that will lead to a solution and avoid tariffs and other commerce-slowing sanctions," the group said in a statement. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a briefing in Beijing: "The outcome should be mutually beneficial and win-win." In a commentary widely cited in Chinese media on Thursday, the official Xinhua news agency said if things went poorly and a trade war did break out, China would never yield and would hit back strongly. "China will inevitably suffer losses, but China has the political advantage of a centralised and unified leadership and support of a massive domestic market," it said. The official China Daily said in an editorial that China would "stand up to the US' bullying as necessary." "The US wants greater access to China's market, but it should not use trade actions as a battering ram to force China to open its doors. It is already in the process of opening them wider," the English-language newspaper said. In doing so, China expected Washington to reciprocate and open its market to Chinese investment and competition, it said. US tariffs ready in June The first round of threatened tariffs under the US government's "Section 301" intellectual property probe focused heavily on technology products benefiting from a "Made in China 2025" programme to upgrade China's domestic manufacturing base with more advanced products. The US tariffs could go into effect in June following the completion of a 60-day consultation period. US-based trade experts said they expected Beijing to offer Trump's team a package of policy changes that may include some previously announced moves, such as a phase-out of joint venture requirements for some sectors, auto tariff reductions and increased purchases of US goods. Trump has demanded a $100 billion annual reduction in the $375 billion US goods trade deficit with China. But members of the diverse US trade delegation, which includes US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and White House trade adviser Peter Navarro, both of whom have been critical of China, are likely to have differing views on the merits of such an offer.

Trump praises China's Xi as trade talks begin in Beijing

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday left for India after holding a two-day informal summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the central Chinese city, Wuhan.

Modi had arrived in China on Thursday for the unprecedented informal summit with Xi.

The prime minister held one-on-one talks with Xi which is being seen as an effort by India and China to rebuild trust and improve ties that were hit by the 73-day-long Dokalam standoff last year.

The two leaders exchanged views on "solidifying" the India-China relationship and decided to issue strategic guidance to their respective militaries to strengthen communications and to build trust and understanding.

They recognised terrorism as a common threat and committed to cooperate further on counter-terrorism.

Modi also offered to host the next informal summit with Xi in India next year, a proposal which elicited a positive response from the Chinese president.

The two leaders began their informal meetings way back in 2014 when Xi was hosted by Modi at the Sabarmati Ashram of Mahatma Gandhi in Gujarat. They have met and interacted with each other in about a dozen international meetings since then.

This is the fourth visit of Modi to China after he came to power in 2014. He is again due to visit China to take part in the SCO summit to be held at Qingdao city on June 9-10.&nbsp

Modi was seen off by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister, Kong Xuanyou and Chinese Ambassador to India, Luo Zhaohui and other officials.&nbsp

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&nbsp

The prime minister held one-on-one talks with Xi which is being seen as an effort by India and China to rebuild trust and improve ties that were hit by the 73-day-long Dokalam standoff last year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday left for India after holding a two-day informal summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the central Chinese city, Wuhan. Modi had arrived in China on Thursday for the unprecedented informal summit with Xi. The prime minister held one-on-one talks with Xi which is being seen as an effort by India and China to rebuild trust and improve ties that were hit by the 73-day-long Dokalam standoff last year. The two leaders exchanged views on "solidifying" the India-China relationship and decided to issue strategic guidance to their respective militaries to strengthen communications and to build trust and understanding. They recognised terrorism as a common threat and committed to cooperate further on counter-terrorism. Modi also offered to host the next informal summit with Xi in India next year, a proposal which elicited a positive response from the Chinese president. The two leaders began their informal meetings way back in 2014 when Xi was hosted by Modi at the Sabarmati Ashram of Mahatma Gandhi in Gujarat. They have met and interacted with each other in about a dozen international meetings since then. This is the fourth visit of Modi to China after he came to power in 2014. He is again due to visit China to take part in the SCO summit to be held at Qingdao city on June 9-10. Modi was seen off by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister, Kong Xuanyou and Chinese Ambassador to India, Luo Zhaohui and other officials. China: Prime Minister Narendra Modi departs for Delhi from Wuhan. pic.twitter.com/gDxjIyy3Md — ANI (@ANI) April 28, 2018 ×

Modi leaves for India after informal summit with Xi in China

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping have decided to issue strategic guidance to their respective militaries to strengthen communications and to build trust and understanding, Foreign Secretary Vijay&nbsp;Gokhale said.

"PM Modi and President Xi also recognised the common threat posed by terrorism and both reiterated their strong condemnation of a resolute opposition to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Both committed to cooperate further in counter-terrorism,"&nbsp;&nbsp;Gokhale added.

On the India-China boundary subject, Gokhale said Prime Minister Modi and President Xi decided that they will issue a strategic guidance to their respective militaries to strengthen communications between them.

"The two leaders underscored that it is important to maintain peace along the India-China border region and decided that they will issue strategic guidance to their respective militaries to strengthen communications between the two militaries in order to build trust and understanding. Information sharing arrangements will be improved to prevent and manage situations along the border areas," he said.

His remarks came at the end of the 'heart-to-heart' summit between Modi and Xi which is being seen as an effort by India and China to rebuild trust and improve ties that were hit by the 73-day-long Dokalam standoff last year.

"The two leaders were of the view that the two countries have the maturity and wisdom to handle all our differences through peaceful discussions within the context of the overall relationships and bearing in mind, we would respect each other's sensitivities, concerns and aspirations," Gokhale said.

They agreed to strengthen greater strategic communications between the two sides, he said.

The two leaders recognised terrorism as the common threat and committed to cooperate further on counter-terrorism, the top Indian diplomat said.&nbsp;

(With agency inputs)

On the India-China boundary subject, Gokhale said Prime Minister Modi and President Xi decided that they will issue a strategic guidance to their respective militaries to strengthen communications between them.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping have decided to issue strategic guidance to their respective militaries to strengthen communications and to build trust and understanding, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said. "PM Modi and President Xi also recognised the common threat posed by terrorism and both reiterated their strong condemnation of a resolute opposition to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Both committed to cooperate further in counter-terrorism," Gokhale added. On the India-China boundary subject, Gokhale said Prime Minister Modi and President Xi decided that they will issue a strategic guidance to their respective militaries to strengthen communications between them. "The two leaders underscored that it is important to maintain peace along the India-China border region and decided that they will issue strategic guidance to their respective militaries to strengthen communications between the two militaries in order to build trust and understanding. Information sharing arrangements will be improved to prevent and manage situations along the border areas," he said. His remarks came at the end of the 'heart-to-heart' summit between Modi and Xi which is being seen as an effort by India and China to rebuild trust and improve ties that were hit by the 73-day-long Dokalam standoff last year. "The two leaders were of the view that the two countries have the maturity and wisdom to handle all our differences through peaceful discussions within the context of the overall relationships and bearing in mind, we would respect each other's sensitivities, concerns and aspirations," Gokhale said. They agreed to strengthen greater strategic communications between the two sides, he said. The two leaders recognised terrorism as the common threat and committed to cooperate further on counter-terrorism, the top Indian diplomat said. (With agency inputs)

Modi, Xi agree to issue strategic guidance to their militaries to strengthen communications

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping walked together at the picturesque East Lake here on Saturday.

On the second and last day of the informal summit, the two leaders were seen actively engaging with each other while walking by the lake.

Also, no aides were present with the two leaders.

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The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar captured the moment."Taking India-China relations on a forward-looking path, charting the future direction of the relationship! PM @narendramodi and Chinese President Xi take a walk together along the East Lake in Wuhan today morning," he wrote.

After the walk, Prime Minister Modi and President Xi will take a boat ride at the East Lake.The East Lake, a large freshwater lake in Wuhan city, is the largest urban lake in China.

It is one of the most popular tourist sites in the country, with over a million visiting the lake annually.

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This will be followed by a private lunch hosted by the Chinese President in honour of Prime Minister Modi.At an event on Friday, Prime Minister Modi and President Xi were welcomed by a live band in Wuhan city playing an instrumental rendition of 1982 Bollywood hit song from `Yeh Vaada Raha` - `Tu, tu hai wahi, dil ne jise apna kaha.`

The Prime Minister, who is currently on a two-day visit to China, will depart for India on Saturday afternoon.&nbsp;

The two leaders yesterday held extensive talks amid the warmth and bonhomie.

They started the summit talks at the Hubei Provincial Museum where Xi took Modi around introducing the historic artefacts.

The museum walk scheduled for 20 minutes lasted over 40 minutes after which they began one-on-one talks.

The summit was stated to be unique as the two leaders have no pressure and obligation to strike any agreements nor make big announcements but focus mainly on candid discussions on solutions to some of the vexed problems like the boundary question and other issues.

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Their one-on-one talks were followed by delegation-level interaction with six top officials each from both sides took part, giving an impression that some of the critical issues were on the table for discussion.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and Indian Ambassador to China Gautam Bambawale were present in the meeting.

Xi headed a high-powered delegation which included Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee Ding Xuexiang, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Yang Jiechi and State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi.

The delegation talks which apparently focussed on some of the most contentious issues lasted for over two hours overshooting scheduled half an hour, hinting the seriousness of the discussions, officials said.

Later Xi hosted a banquet in the honour of Modi at East Lake.&nbsp;

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Taking India-China relations on a forward-looking path, charting the future direction of the relationship! PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> and Chinese President Xi take a walk together along the East Lake in Wuhan today morning. <a href="https://t.co/KzBSbgR4dB">pic.twitter.com/KzBSbgR4dB</a>
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&nbsp;

Today's talks included a walk around the famous East Lake here and an hour-long boat ride.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping walked together at the picturesque East Lake here on Saturday. On the second and last day of the informal summit, the two leaders were seen actively engaging with each other while walking by the lake. Also, no aides were present with the two leaders. #WATCH China: Prime Minister Narendra Modi & Chinese President Xi Jinping take a walk along East Lake in Wuhan. pic.twitter.com/2v4nzR41da — ANI (@ANI) April 28, 2018 × The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar captured the moment."Taking India-China relations on a forward-looking path, charting the future direction of the relationship! PM @narendramodi and Chinese President Xi take a walk together along the East Lake in Wuhan today morning," he wrote. After the walk, Prime Minister Modi and President Xi will take a boat ride at the East Lake.The East Lake, a large freshwater lake in Wuhan city, is the largest urban lake in China. It is one of the most popular tourist sites in the country, with over a million visiting the lake annually. China: Prime Minister Narendra Modi & Chinese President Xi Jinping inside a house boat in Wuhan's East Lake. pic.twitter.com/liYCxlRiXA — ANI (@ANI) April 28, 2018 × This will be followed by a private lunch hosted by the Chinese President in honour of Prime Minister Modi.At an event on Friday, Prime Minister Modi and President Xi were welcomed by a live band in Wuhan city playing an instrumental rendition of 1982 Bollywood hit song from `Yeh Vaada Raha` - `Tu, tu hai wahi, dil ne jise apna kaha.` The Prime Minister, who is currently on a two-day visit to China, will depart for India on Saturday afternoon. The two leaders yesterday held extensive talks amid the warmth and bonhomie. They started the summit talks at the Hubei Provincial Museum where Xi took Modi around introducing the historic artefacts. The museum walk scheduled for 20 minutes lasted over 40 minutes after which they began one-on-one talks. The summit was stated to be unique as the two leaders have no pressure and obligation to strike any agreements nor make big announcements but focus mainly on candid discussions on solutions to some of the vexed problems like the boundary question and other issues. China: Prime Minister Narendra Modi & Chinese President Xi Jinping inside a house boat in Wuhan's East Lake. pic.twitter.com/2VrpcPXz30 — ANI (@ANI) April 28, 2018 × Their one-on-one talks were followed by delegation-level interaction with six top officials each from both sides took part, giving an impression that some of the critical issues were on the table for discussion. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and Indian Ambassador to China Gautam Bambawale were present in the meeting. Xi headed a high-powered delegation which included Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee Ding Xuexiang, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Yang Jiechi and State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi. The delegation talks which apparently focussed on some of the most contentious issues lasted for over two hours overshooting scheduled half an hour, hinting the seriousness of the discussions, officials said. Later Xi hosted a banquet in the honour of Modi at East Lake. Taking India-China relations on a forward-looking path, charting the future direction of the relationship! PM @narendramodi and Chinese President Xi take a walk together along the East Lake in Wuhan today morning. pic.twitter.com/KzBSbgR4dB — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) April 28, 2018 ×

Day 2 of PM Modi-Xi informal summit starts with stroll by lake in Wuhan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said he held "extensive and fruitful" talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping during their first round of two-day informal summit at the&nbsp;picturesque Wuhan city.&nbsp;

"I am very pleased to meet with President Xi Jinping in Wuhan. We conducted extensive and fruitful talks and exchanged opinions on strengthening India-China relations and other international issues," Modi said in a post in the popular Chinese social media Weibo, where he has 1,83,112 followers.&nbsp;

"Thank you, President Xi Jinping, for the wonderful gesture of personally accompanying me in the Hubei Provincial Museum. The Museum is home to great facets of Chinese history and culture," Modi was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Modi and Xi are due to conclude their unprecedented informal summit today, seen as an effort by India and China to rebuild trust and improve ties that were hit by the 73-day-long Dokalam standoff last year.

Modi and Xi are due to conclude their unprecedented informal summit today, seen as an effort by India and China to rebuild trust and improve ties that were hit by the 73-day-long Dokalam standoff last year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said he held "extensive and fruitful" talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping during their first round of two-day informal summit at the picturesque Wuhan city. "I am very pleased to meet with President Xi Jinping in Wuhan. We conducted extensive and fruitful talks and exchanged opinions on strengthening India-China relations and other international issues," Modi said in a post in the popular Chinese social media Weibo, where he has 1,83,112 followers. "Thank you, President Xi Jinping, for the wonderful gesture of personally accompanying me in the Hubei Provincial Museum. The Museum is home to great facets of Chinese history and culture," Modi was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. Modi and Xi are due to conclude their unprecedented informal summit today, seen as an effort by India and China to rebuild trust and improve ties that were hit by the 73-day-long Dokalam standoff last year.

Held 'extensive, fruitful' talks with Xi, says Modi in Chinese social media Weibo

After resuming the Day 2 of their `informal talks` with a walk along the East Lake here today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping enjoyed a boat ride.

On the second and last day of the informal summit, the two leaders were seen riding on a houseboat and chatting over tea - a `chai pe charcha` moment.

The East Lake, a large freshwater lake in Wuhan city, is the largest urban lake in China. It is one of the most popular tourist sites in the country, with over a million visiting the lake annually.

This will be followed by a private lunch hosted by the Chinese President in honour of Prime Minister Modi.Prime Minister Modi is on a two-day visit to China to participate in an unprecedented `informal` summit with President Xi, which is expected to reset the bilateral ties between the two Asian giants, which took a hit post the two-month-long Doklam standoff last year.

Modi will leave for India on Saturday.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> China: Prime Minister Narendra Modi & Chinese President Xi Jinping have tea after a walk along East Lake in Wuhan. <a href="https://t.co/5BuROg31Cg">pic.twitter.com/5BuROg31Cg</a>
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&nbsp;

On the second and last day of the informal summit, the two leaders were seen riding on a houseboat and chatting over tea - a `chai pe charcha` moment.

After resuming the Day 2 of their `informal talks` with a walk along the East Lake here today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping enjoyed a boat ride. On the second and last day of the informal summit, the two leaders were seen riding on a houseboat and chatting over tea - a `chai pe charcha` moment. The East Lake, a large freshwater lake in Wuhan city, is the largest urban lake in China. It is one of the most popular tourist sites in the country, with over a million visiting the lake annually. This will be followed by a private lunch hosted by the Chinese President in honour of Prime Minister Modi.Prime Minister Modi is on a two-day visit to China to participate in an unprecedented `informal` summit with President Xi, which is expected to reset the bilateral ties between the two Asian giants, which took a hit post the two-month-long Doklam standoff last year. Modi will leave for India on Saturday. #WATCH China: Prime Minister Narendra Modi & Chinese President Xi Jinping have tea after a walk along East Lake in Wuhan. pic.twitter.com/5BuROg31Cg — ANI (@ANI) April 28, 2018 ×

PM Modi-Xi's 'chai pe charcha' on Wuhan lake

Prime Minister Narendra Modi <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-arrives-in-wuhan-for-two-day-informal-summit-with-xi-jinping-133066">arrived at picturesque Wuhan city</a> in central China, at 12:30am on Friday, ahead of his much anticipated informal meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The meeting comes in the backdrop of the efforts made by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-xi-summit-all-about-the-indo-sino-ties-from-past-to-present-133147">both India and China</a> to move past the tensions, which rose out of last year's 73-day Doklam stand-off.

"In the informal summit the objective is that both of the leaders talk with each other to the maximum. There is <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-fineprint-no-set-agenda-for-modi-xi-talks-at-wuhan-as-many-bilateral-issues-to-be-discussed-133065">no fixed agenda</a> to this. There will be no agreements or MoUs signed," India's ambassador to China, Gautam Bambawale, said.

We want to give both the leaders and environment where both of them may talk to each other specifically, he added.

Prime Minister Modi will commence his meetings with Chinese President Xi at 3:30pm on Friday at the Hubei Provincial Museum. After touring the museum for about an hour, the two leaders, accompanied by six top officials from each side, will hold talks at the sprawling East Lake Guest House, where Xi is staying.

This will be followed by the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/modi-xi-all-set-for-heart-to-heart-summit-133136">leaders' walk</a>. Dinner will be hosted by Chinese President Xi at the guest house in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-you-need-to-know-about-wuhan-the-venue-for-informal-modi-xi-meet-132911">central Wuhan</a>.

"Indians should see this as a very sincere effort on the path of improving their relationship. It is in our national interest to succeed. There is a very strong sense that the India-China factor can bring a lot of stability. Asia would welcome the news of the informal summit as well as India," India's former foreign secretary S Jaishankar said.

On Saturday, the two leaders will have opportunity to spend time without their aides as with Xi taking Modi for a lakeside walk and a boat ride on the picturesque East Lake. This will be followed by a private lunch hosted by the Chinese President.

"One of the main objectives of the informal summit is discussion between the two leaders. Otherwise the objective is to give opportunity to the two leaders to speak to each other. They might have a walk in the park, they might go for boating in East Lake in Wuhan and thereby discussing some of the most important issues from the world," said Bambawale.

"When two leaders of big countries meet, then they don’t talk about specific micro issues," he said, adding, "India, China will be setting a new trend with the informal meeting."

No joint statement or communique will be issued after the informal talks.

According to the sources, the informal talks will be broad-based and over arching and no specific issues will be discussed. The idea is to open strategic communication channel at the highest level.

On Saturday, the two leaders will have opportunity to spend time without their aides as with Xi taking Modi for a lakeside walk and a boat ride on the picturesque East Lake.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at picturesque Wuhan city in central China, at 12:30am on Friday, ahead of his much anticipated informal meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The meeting comes in the backdrop of the efforts made by both India and China to move past the tensions, which rose out of last year's 73-day Doklam stand-off. "In the informal summit the objective is that both of the leaders talk with each other to the maximum. There is no fixed agenda to this. There will be no agreements or MoUs signed," India's ambassador to China, Gautam Bambawale, said. We want to give both the leaders and environment where both of them may talk to each other specifically, he added. Prime Minister Modi will commence his meetings with Chinese President Xi at 3:30pm on Friday at the Hubei Provincial Museum. After touring the museum for about an hour, the two leaders, accompanied by six top officials from each side, will hold talks at the sprawling East Lake Guest House, where Xi is staying. This will be followed by the leaders' walk. Dinner will be hosted by Chinese President Xi at the guest house in central Wuhan. "Indians should see this as a very sincere effort on the path of improving their relationship. It is in our national interest to succeed. There is a very strong sense that the India-China factor can bring a lot of stability. Asia would welcome the news of the informal summit as well as India," India's former foreign secretary S Jaishankar said. On Saturday, the two leaders will have opportunity to spend time without their aides as with Xi taking Modi for a lakeside walk and a boat ride on the picturesque East Lake. This will be followed by a private lunch hosted by the Chinese President. "One of the main objectives of the informal summit is discussion between the two leaders. Otherwise the objective is to give opportunity to the two leaders to speak to each other. They might have a walk in the park, they might go for boating in East Lake in Wuhan and thereby discussing some of the most important issues from the world," said Bambawale. "When two leaders of big countries meet, then they don’t talk about specific micro issues," he said, adding, "India, China will be setting a new trend with the informal meeting." No joint statement or communique will be issued after the informal talks. According to the sources, the informal talks will be broad-based and over arching and no specific issues will be discussed. The idea is to open strategic communication channel at the highest level.

Private lunch, candid dialogue but no set agenda for Modi-Xi talks at Wuhan

The ongoing visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Wuhan City adds another milestone to the long-term bilateral relation, shared between India and China.

The meeting comes in the backdrop of the efforts made by both India and China to move past the tensions, which rose out of last year's Doklam standoff.

Starting from 1950, India became the first non-socialist bloc country to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, as reported in a press release by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Further, then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's visit in 1988 helped to thaw the Indo-China tensions following the 1962 conflict between the two countries.

In 1993, an Agreement on the Maintenance of Peace and Tranquility was signed between India and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) during the visit of then Prime Minister Narasimha Rao, which reflected the growing stability and substance in the bilateral ties.

Further, in 2003, former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited China, during which the two sides had signed a Declaration on Principles for Relations and Comprehensive Cooperation and also mutually decided to appoint Special Representatives (SRs) to "to explore the framework of a boundary settlement from the political perspective".

In April 2005, former Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visited India. The two sides established Strategic and Cooperative Partnership for Peace and Prosperity, while the signing of an agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles.

During former Chinese President Hu Jintao's visit to India in November 2006, the two sides issued a Joint Declaration containing a ten-pronged strategy to intensify cooperation.

Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh visited China in January 2008. A joint document, titled "A Shared Vision for the 21st Century" was issued during the visit, the statement read.

During former Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to India in December 2010, the two sides jointly set a bilateral trade target of USD 100 billion for 2015.

According to the statement, over 60 percent of the agreements between the two Asian giants have been signed during the last decade.

Till date, both the sides have established 36 dialogue mechanisms covering diverse sectors.

In March 2012, then Chinese President Hu Jintao visited India for the BRICS Summit.

In terms of defence exchanges, the fifth round of the Annual Defence Dialogue concluded in Beijing on 14 January 2013.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-xi-informal-summit-from-walk-to-boat-ride-what-all-to-expect-133087">PM Modi-Xi informal summit: From </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-xi-informal-summit-from-walk-to-boat-ride-what-all-to-expect-133087">walk</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-xi-informal-summit-from-walk-to-boat-ride-what-all-to-expect-133087"> to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-xi-informal-summit-from-walk-to-boat-ride-what-all-to-expect-133087">boat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-xi-informal-summit-from-walk-to-boat-ride-what-all-to-expect-133087"> ride, what all to expect</a>

Further, in 2014, the present Chinese President Xi Jinping visited India. A total of 16 agreements were signed in various sectors- including commerce and trade, railways, space -cooperation, pharmaceuticals, audio-visual coproduction, culture, the establishment of industrial parks, and sister-city arrangements.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the two countries to open an additional route for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in India through Nathu La pass in China.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had embarked on his maiden two-day visit to China in 2015.

Prime Minister Modi and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang held bilateral talks. The two leaders had then welcomed the move to initiate a State/Provincial Leaders' Forum to advance the bilateral relationship between the two nations.

This was part of record 24 bilateral agreements signed between the two neighbouring countries, amounting to USD 10 billion.

The duo kick-started this forum by attending its first meeting held in Beijing.

Further, Prime Minister Modi also announced the extension of the e-visa facility to Chinese nationals wishing to travel to India.

Later in 2016, former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee visited China's Guangdong and Beijing to meet the Chinese leaders and attended a roundtable between Vice Chancellors and Heads of institutions of higher learning of the two countries.

Ten MoUs, providing for enhanced faculty and student exchanges, were signed.

The visit was to reciprocate the historic visit of President Xi Jinping to India in September 2014.

He also delivered a keynote at China's Peking University.

The latest in the line of visits of the leaders of both countries was Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who visited China in 2017 to participate in the G20 summit in Hangzhou and September 2017 to participate in the BRICS Summit in Xiamen.

The two leaders also met along the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Heads of States Summit in Tashkent in June 2016 and in Astana in June 2017.

Earlier in 2016, President Xi Jinping visited India to participate in the BRICS summit at Goa.

Starting from 1950, India became the first non-socialist bloc country to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China

The ongoing visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Wuhan City adds another milestone to the long-term bilateral relation, shared between India and China. The meeting comes in the backdrop of the efforts made by both India and China to move past the tensions, which rose out of last year's Doklam standoff. Starting from 1950, India became the first non-socialist bloc country to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, as reported in a press release by the Ministry of External Affairs. Further, then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's visit in 1988 helped to thaw the Indo-China tensions following the 1962 conflict between the two countries. In 1993, an Agreement on the Maintenance of Peace and Tranquility was signed between India and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) during the visit of then Prime Minister Narasimha Rao, which reflected the growing stability and substance in the bilateral ties. Further, in 2003, former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited China, during which the two sides had signed a Declaration on Principles for Relations and Comprehensive Cooperation and also mutually decided to appoint Special Representatives (SRs) to "to explore the framework of a boundary settlement from the political perspective". In April 2005, former Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visited India. The two sides established Strategic and Cooperative Partnership for Peace and Prosperity, while the signing of an agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles. During former Chinese President Hu Jintao's visit to India in November 2006, the two sides issued a Joint Declaration containing a ten-pronged strategy to intensify cooperation. Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh visited China in January 2008. A joint document, titled "A Shared Vision for the 21st Century" was issued during the visit, the statement read. During former Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to India in December 2010, the two sides jointly set a bilateral trade target of USD 100 billion for 2015. According to the statement, over 60 percent of the agreements between the two Asian giants have been signed during the last decade. Till date, both the sides have established 36 dialogue mechanisms covering diverse sectors. In March 2012, then Chinese President Hu Jintao visited India for the BRICS Summit. In terms of defence exchanges, the fifth round of the Annual Defence Dialogue concluded in Beijing on 14 January 2013. Also read: PM Modi-Xi informal summit: From walk to boat ride, what all to expect Further, in 2014, the present Chinese President Xi Jinping visited India. A total of 16 agreements were signed in various sectors- including commerce and trade, railways, space -cooperation, pharmaceuticals, audio-visual coproduction, culture, the establishment of industrial parks, and sister-city arrangements. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the two countries to open an additional route for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in India through Nathu La pass in China. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had embarked on his maiden two-day visit to China in 2015. Prime Minister Modi and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang held bilateral talks. The two leaders had then welcomed the move to initiate a State/Provincial Leaders' Forum to advance the bilateral relationship between the two nations. This was part of record 24 bilateral agreements signed between the two neighbouring countries, amounting to USD 10 billion. The duo kick-started this forum by attending its first meeting held in Beijing. Further, Prime Minister Modi also announced the extension of the e-visa facility to Chinese nationals wishing to travel to India. Later in 2016, former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee visited China's Guangdong and Beijing to meet the Chinese leaders and attended a roundtable between Vice Chancellors and Heads of institutions of higher learning of the two countries. Ten MoUs, providing for enhanced faculty and student exchanges, were signed. The visit was to reciprocate the historic visit of President Xi Jinping to India in September 2014. He also delivered a keynote at China's Peking University. The latest in the line of visits of the leaders of both countries was Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who visited China in 2017 to participate in the G20 summit in Hangzhou and September 2017 to participate in the BRICS Summit in Xiamen. The two leaders also met along the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Heads of States Summit in Tashkent in June 2016 and in Astana in June 2017. Earlier in 2016, President Xi Jinping visited India to participate in the BRICS summit at Goa.

PM Modi-Xi summit: All about Indo-Sino ties, from past to present

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/will-be-happy-if-we-can-have-informal-summit-in-india-next-year-pm-modi-tell-president-xi-during-delegation-level-talks-133246">'Will be happy if we can have </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/will-be-happy-if-we-can-have-informal-summit-in-india-next-year-pm-modi-tell-president-xi-during-delegation-level-talks-133246">informal</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/will-be-happy-if-we-can-have-informal-summit-in-india-next-year-pm-modi-tell-president-xi-during-delegation-level-talks-133246"> summit in India,' Modi to President Xi during delegation-level talks</a>

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi held delegation-level talks at Wuhan on Friday as the two leaders engaged each other for the second time in less than a year after the BRICS summit.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/my-democratic-right-to-vote-in-karnataka-elections-says-vijay-mallya-133253">'My democratic right to vote in Karnataka elections,' says Vijay Mallya</a>

As the extradition battle continued in a UK court, ex-liquor baron Vijay Mallya said even though it is his "democratic right" to vote in the impending Karnataka Assembly elections but his bail conditions won't allow him to leave the UK.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-speed-with-which-you-constructed-it-and-the-scale-inspired-me-says-modi-to-president-xi-133224">Watch: PM Modi on museum tour with Xi at Wuhan</a>

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping began talks during the two-day summit on Friday, the Indian PM said the speed and scale with which China constructed the three gorges dam 'inspired him'.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/key-takaways-from-korean-leaders-joint-statement-from-historic-summit-133240">Key </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/key-takaways-from-korean-leaders-joint-statement-from-historic-summit-133240">takaways</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/key-takaways-from-korean-leaders-joint-statement-from-historic-summit-133240"> from Korean leaders' joint statement from </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/key-takaways-from-korean-leaders-joint-statement-from-historic-summit-133240">historic</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/key-takaways-from-korean-leaders-joint-statement-from-historic-summit-133240"> summit</a>

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in signed a joint statement on Friday after meeting at the heavily fortified demilitarised zone between their countries.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-avengers-infinity-war-review-the-film-is-worth-all-the-hype-and-some-more-133230">'Avengers: Infinity War' is worth all the hype and some more</a>

It boils down to this. 10 years of marvellous films from the Marvel Cinematic Universe culminates into one epic finale called Avengers Infinity War - a film that will make you pant in excitement from the first shot and leave you dumbstruck by the ending.&nbsp;

'Will be happy if we can have informal summit in India,' Modi to President Xi during delegation-level talks Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi held delegation-level talks at Wuhan on Friday as the two leaders engaged each other for the second time in less than a year after the BRICS summit. 'My democratic right to vote in Karnataka elections,' says Vijay Mallya As the extradition battle continued in a UK court, ex-liquor baron Vijay Mallya said even though it is his "democratic right" to vote in the impending Karnataka Assembly elections but his bail conditions won't allow him to leave the UK. Watch: PM Modi on museum tour with Xi at Wuhan As Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping began talks during the two-day summit on Friday, the Indian PM said the speed and scale with which China constructed the three gorges dam 'inspired him'. Key takaways from Korean leaders' joint statement from historic summit North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in signed a joint statement on Friday after meeting at the heavily fortified demilitarised zone between their countries. 'Avengers: Infinity War' is worth all the hype and some more It boils down to this. 10 years of marvellous films from the Marvel Cinematic Universe culminates into one epic finale called Avengers Infinity War - a film that will make you pant in excitement from the first shot and leave you dumbstruck by the ending.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President&nbsp;Xi Jinping are holding a friendly, informal and one-on-one conversations focussing on global, regional and bilateral issues at Hubei Provincial Museum in&nbsp;the central Chinese city of Wuhan on Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The dialogue between two Asian powerhouses&nbsp;is expected to cement India-China ties although no agenda has been set up for the meeting.

Earlier&nbsp;Modi was accorded a red carpet welcome as Xi welcomed him with a handshake and cultural extravaganza&nbsp;for the 'informal summit'.&nbsp;

This is PM Modi's fourth visit to China since he took over as prime minister of India.&nbsp;

This is the first time both the leaders are meeting post-Doklam&nbsp;tensions.

The dialogue will be followed by talks between the two leaders accompanied by six top officials from each side. The two will have one-on-one dinner at the famous East Lake, a favourite holiday destination of China's revolutionary leader Mao Zedong.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

They will resume their one-on-one interaction tomorrow at 10 a.M (local time) with walks by the lakeside, boat ride and wind up their talks over lunch, official sources here said.

The two leaders began their informal meetings way back in 2014 when Xi was hosted by Modi at the Sabarmati Ashram of Mahatma Gandhi in Gujarat. They have met and interacted with each other in about a dozen international meetings since then.

But this will be their "heart-to-heart" informal summit. There will be no agreement signed or a joint statement issued.

It is a summit, according to the officials, to forge consensus to resolve the issues with follow up actions by officials than announcing any agreements. This is something the leaders of the two countries have never tried so far, they said.

The details of the informal summit was not disclosed but officials said it included walks by the two leaders in the East Lake where they will have a boat ride and take walks just accompanied by their translators.

The summit is being seen as an effort by India and China to rebuild trust and improve ties that were hit by the 73-day-long Dokalam standoff last year among other contentious issues.

In a pre-departure statement, Prime Minister Modi said he and President Xi will review the developments in Sino-Indian relations from a strategic and long-term perspective.

"President Xi and I will exchange views on a range of issues of bilateral and global importance. We will discuss our respective visions and priorities for national development, particularly in the context of current and future international situation," Modi said.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

China's state media said the informal Xi-Modi meeting heralds a new chapter in Sino-Indian relations.

During the last year's Doklam standoff the two sides came close to war, an article in the state-run Global Times said.

It dragged Sino-Indian relations down to their lowest level since the 1962 Sino-Indian border War. Obviously, the Doklam standoff did not happen all of a sudden, but was the result of the accumulation of mistrust between the two countries," it said.

The Xi-Modi meeting in 2018 following the 2017 Dokalam standoff will, without doubt, promote mutual trust and reciprocity between the two countries, and will be a cornerstone of a stable long-term relationship between China and India," the article said.&nbsp;

This will be the fourth visit of Modi to China after he came to power in 2014. He is again due to visit China to take part in the SCO summit to be held at Qingdao city on June 9-10.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are holding a friendly, informal and one-on-one conversations focussing on global, regional and bilateral issues at Hubei Provincial Museum in the central Chinese city of Wuhan on Friday. The dialogue between two Asian powerhouses is expected to cement India-China ties although no agenda has been set up for the meeting. Earlier Modi was accorded a red carpet welcome as Xi welcomed him with a handshake and cultural extravaganza for the 'informal summit'. This is PM Modi's fourth visit to China since he took over as prime minister of India. This is the first time both the leaders are meeting post-Doklam tensions. The dialogue will be followed by talks between the two leaders accompanied by six top officials from each side. The two will have one-on-one dinner at the famous East Lake, a favourite holiday destination of China's revolutionary leader Mao Zedong. They will resume their one-on-one interaction tomorrow at 10 a.M (local time) with walks by the lakeside, boat ride and wind up their talks over lunch, official sources here said. The two leaders began their informal meetings way back in 2014 when Xi was hosted by Modi at the Sabarmati Ashram of Mahatma Gandhi in Gujarat. They have met and interacted with each other in about a dozen international meetings since then. But this will be their "heart-to-heart" informal summit. There will be no agreement signed or a joint statement issued. It is a summit, according to the officials, to forge consensus to resolve the issues with follow up actions by officials than announcing any agreements. This is something the leaders of the two countries have never tried so far, they said. The details of the informal summit was not disclosed but officials said it included walks by the two leaders in the East Lake where they will have a boat ride and take walks just accompanied by their translators. The summit is being seen as an effort by India and China to rebuild trust and improve ties that were hit by the 73-day-long Dokalam standoff last year among other contentious issues. In a pre-departure statement, Prime Minister Modi said he and President Xi will review the developments in Sino-Indian relations from a strategic and long-term perspective. "President Xi and I will exchange views on a range of issues of bilateral and global importance. We will discuss our respective visions and priorities for national development, particularly in the context of current and future international situation," Modi said. China's state media said the informal Xi-Modi meeting heralds a new chapter in Sino-Indian relations. During the last year's Doklam standoff the two sides came close to war, an article in the state-run Global Times said. It dragged Sino-Indian relations down to their lowest level since the 1962 Sino-Indian border War. Obviously, the Doklam standoff did not happen all of a sudden, but was the result of the accumulation of mistrust between the two countries," it said. The Xi-Modi meeting in 2018 following the 2017 Dokalam standoff will, without doubt, promote mutual trust and reciprocity between the two countries, and will be a cornerstone of a stable long-term relationship between China and India," the article said. This will be the fourth visit of Modi to China after he came to power in 2014. He is again due to visit China to take part in the SCO summit to be held at Qingdao city on June 9-10.

Modi-Xi bonhomie on full display as Wuhan summit gets underway

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Modi-Xi bonhomie on full display as Wuhan summit gets underway