After three months of political and social crisis in France, all eyes are on the country’s Constitutional Council ahead of its ruling on whether President Emmanuel Macron’s contested plan to raise the retirement age is constitutional.

France looks on with bated breath as its Constitutional Council rules on Macron’s pension reform

French President Emmanuel #Macron wraps up a three-day state visit to China in the southern city of Guangzhou Friday. Watch the video to know more.

Macron wraps up a three-day state visit to China

French President Emmanuel Macron was greeted by a huge crowd as he arrived at a university in southern China, as he neared the end of a three-day state visit in which he has repeatedly pushed his counterpart Xi Jinping to help end the Ukraine conflict.

Macron meets with students, dines with Xi on final day of China visit

French President Emmanuel Macron and Chinese President Xi Jinping have said they are opposed to the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Macron said on Wednesday that China had a “major role” to play in finding a path to peace in Ukraine, as he kicked off a three-day visit to Beijing.

Opposed to use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine, says French President Macron, Xi Jinping

On The West Asia Post with Ghadi Francis: - Xi's Saudi visit: What does this mean for U.S? - Iran's morality police: Bone of contention - Protests over economic crisis rock Syria - Shireen Abu Akleh killing case reaches ICC Every Friday at 8.30 pm IST | 3 pm GMT

The West Asia Post | Xi heralds 'new era' in Arab ties | Iran: 'Brutal' clampdown on protesters

US President Joe Biden, during his Saudi Arabia visit months ago, did not hold back in expressing his confidence that Saudi Arabia would act to increase the oil supply in the upcoming weeks. However, the little rise in oil output was only embarrassing since it was far insufficient to meet US demand. But it wasn't everything. After Biden's visit to the Kingdom, the OPEC+ group's decision to reduce crude oil output by two million barrels per day in October gave a massive setback to the US and Saudi Arabian ties.&nbsp;

The world was closely watching the Biden-MBS meet, especially after Biden had declared Saudi Arabia a pariah post Khashoggi's killing in 2018 and the meeting was anticipated to reset the ties between the two nations. MBS, as per Biden, denied involvement in the murder during their meeting in Riyadh. "He basically said that he was not personally responsible for it," Biden said over the crown prince's response during their meeting. "I indicated that I thought he was."

In the latest, however,&nbsp;after the Biden administration stated that Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman should be granted head-of-state protection, a federal court in the nation's capital decided to dismiss a civil action against him for the murder of author Jamal Khashoggi. Biden visited Israel and the West Bank on his tour to the Middle East, which started on 13 July and finished on 16 July. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the severe energy crisis it caused for European nations, Biden paid a visit with some hope. He saw that he needed to change the US strategy of leaving the Middle East and try to rebalance his relationships with regional leaders. But how effective was the visit in the end? Not so much.&nbsp;

The stark contrast: Xi’s red-carpet welcome&nbsp;

The visit to Saudi Arabia by Chinese president Xi Jinping will be very different from that of President Joe Biden. It appears that the Gulf Arab nations have intensified their independent-minded approach. They have recently started veering away from US foreign policy, after decades. For China, the Gulf has disregarded several US cautions regarding expanding alliances with Beijing and Chinese businesses, citing human rights abuses of Uyghur minorities in the Xinjiang region.

To the dismay of the US, the military relationship of Saudi Arabia with China is also changing. When the US threatened to supply UAE with F-35 combat fighters over Saudi Arabia's 5G arrangement with Chinese tech giant Huawei, Abu Dhabi stood by the contract.

The pomp and circumstance surrounding Xi's travel to Saudi Arabia is sending an implicit message to the US. Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, a United Arab Emirates expert and visiting senior fellow at Harvard University, told CNN that this is a new Saudi Arabia, a new Gulf and a new reality. “The new reality is that China is rising and Asia is rising and whether the US likes it or not, we have to deal with China," he added.&nbsp;

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US President Joe Biden, during his Saudi Arabia visit months ago, did not hold back in expressing his confidence that Saudi Arabia would act to increase the oil supply in the upcoming weeks.

US President Joe Biden, during his Saudi Arabia visit months ago, did not hold back in expressing his confidence that Saudi Arabia would act to increase the oil supply in the upcoming weeks. However, the little rise in oil output was only embarrassing since it was far insufficient to meet US demand. But it wasn't everything. After Biden's visit to the Kingdom, the OPEC+ group's decision to reduce crude oil output by two million barrels per day in October gave a massive setback to the US and Saudi Arabian ties. The world was closely watching the Biden-MBS meet, especially after Biden had declared Saudi Arabia a pariah post Khashoggi's killing in 2018 and the meeting was anticipated to reset the ties between the two nations. MBS, as per Biden, denied involvement in the murder during their meeting in Riyadh. "He basically said that he was not personally responsible for it," Biden said over the crown prince's response during their meeting. "I indicated that I thought he was." In the latest, however, after the Biden administration stated that Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman should be granted head-of-state protection, a federal court in the nation's capital decided to dismiss a civil action against him for the murder of author Jamal Khashoggi. Biden visited Israel and the West Bank on his tour to the Middle East, which started on 13 July and finished on 16 July. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the severe energy crisis it caused for European nations, Biden paid a visit with some hope. He saw that he needed to change the US strategy of leaving the Middle East and try to rebalance his relationships with regional leaders. But how effective was the visit in the end? Not so much. The stark contrast: Xi’s red-carpet welcome The visit to Saudi Arabia by Chinese president Xi Jinping will be very different from that of President Joe Biden. It appears that the Gulf Arab nations have intensified their independent-minded approach. They have recently started veering away from US foreign policy, after decades. For China, the Gulf has disregarded several US cautions regarding expanding alliances with Beijing and Chinese businesses, citing human rights abuses of Uyghur minorities in the Xinjiang region. To the dismay of the US, the military relationship of Saudi Arabia with China is also changing. When the US threatened to supply UAE with F-35 combat fighters over Saudi Arabia's 5G arrangement with Chinese tech giant Huawei, Abu Dhabi stood by the contract. The pomp and circumstance surrounding Xi's travel to Saudi Arabia is sending an implicit message to the US. Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, a United Arab Emirates expert and visiting senior fellow at Harvard University, told CNN that this is a new Saudi Arabia, a new Gulf and a new reality. “The new reality is that China is rising and Asia is rising and whether the US likes it or not, we have to deal with China," he added. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

A New Gulf? Biden's fistbump 'disaster' vs. Saudi Arabia's grandiose welcome for Xi

Xi Jinping 'hijacked' the state funeral held for former Chinese President Jiang Zemin. He used the ceremony to trumpet his own agenda & achievements.

Gravitas: Xi Jinping grabs the spotlight at Jiang Zemin's funeral

The Taiwanese officials have said that Chinese President Xi Jinping would become a sinner of all the Chinese people if he attacked Taiwan as the Chinese president would not be able to win the war due to the international sanctions and diplomatic isolation.

'Xi would face disaster if he attacks Taiwan,' officials warn China of international sanctions

According to a new Pew Research Center survey, sentiments toward President Xi Jinping around the world have deteriorated over the past several years and have "become dramatically more negative" since the Chinese leader assumed office in 2013.

Prior to the Chinese Communist Party (CPC 20th)'s national congress next month, a data report&nbsp;illustrating global public opinion of China and Xi, released on Wednesday, focuses on five issues: China's military might and influence, its human rights practises, the nation's economy, Covid-19, and the Chinese people.

Attitudes were "already quite negative" in the spring of 2014, nearly a year after Xi Jinping assumed power, with people in the majority of the locations surveyed by Pew feeling more negatively than favourably.

“Views about the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-covid-worries-to-take-shine-off-golden-week-holiday-520710">Chinese</a> President turned more negative between 2019 and 2020. By 2022, majorities in all but two advanced economies surveyed had little to no confidence in his approach to world affairs,” Pew said.

The opinion about China in the US and other advanced economies has “turned precipitously more negative” since Xi’s rise to power in 2013, it said. “In the US, the sense that China has handled Covid-19 poorly and is at fault for the virus’s spread certainly is related to negative opinions of the superpower, but is not the only factor driving attitudes,” it added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-police-launches-probe-into-56-chinese-nationals-on-fraud-charges-520773">Mumbai Police launches probe into 56 Chinese nationals on fraud charges</a>

Views about China have changed over time due to a variety of causes, according to a study based on surveys conducted by the Pew Research Center during a 20-year period.

Prior to the pandemic, negative attitudes toward China were already on the rise in the US and other nations, including some of China's neighbours like <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vp-kamala-harris-visiting-seoul-korean-dmz-hours-after-kim-jong-uns-missile-test-520715">South Korea</a>, Japan, and Australia.

Concerns about Beijing's policies on human rights, its military might, and economic aspects like trade have led to negative perceptions of China around the world.

Since 2002, the Pew Research Center has surveyed people in more than 60 nations to determine how people worldwide feel about China. The analysis focuses mainly on data from advanced economies polled between 2020 and 2022 because the centre was unable to survey the majority of emerging economies during the Covid-19 pandemic.

One of the analysis's main conclusions is that there is a "widespread and long-held sense that China's power and influence on the global stage is growing," that there are still many people worried about China's military, and that the perception that China does not respect human rights is at or near historic highs in many of the places studied in 2021.

As of 2022, a median of 66% of people in 19 nations believe that China's influence has lately increased, with percentages of at least 71% in Australia, Italy, Israel, Greece, and the Netherlands. There is a perception that China is a "growing threat" in addition to its expanding influence.

However, opinions on how the Chinese economy ties to other nations' economies vary. The US, Australia, South Korea, Japan, and other advanced economies were particularly concerned about China's potential for increased economic competition. However, not everyone has always believed that China's economic expansion is negative for their nations. In 2019, almost half of people in North America and around half or more of people in Australia, Japan, and South Korea stated that China's expanding economy was beneficial for their respective nations.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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According to a new Pew Research Center survey, sentiments toward President Xi Jinping around the world have deteriorated over the past several years and have "become dramatically more negative" since the Chinese leader assumed office in 2013.

According to a new Pew Research Center survey, sentiments toward President Xi Jinping around the world have deteriorated over the past several years and have "become dramatically more negative" since the Chinese leader assumed office in 2013. Prior to the Chinese Communist Party (CPC 20th)'s national congress next month, a data report illustrating global public opinion of China and Xi, released on Wednesday, focuses on five issues: China's military might and influence, its human rights practises, the nation's economy, Covid-19, and the Chinese people. Attitudes were "already quite negative" in the spring of 2014, nearly a year after Xi Jinping assumed power, with people in the majority of the locations surveyed by Pew feeling more negatively than favourably. “Views about the Chinese President turned more negative between 2019 and 2020. By 2022, majorities in all but two advanced economies surveyed had little to no confidence in his approach to world affairs,” Pew said. The opinion about China in the US and other advanced economies has “turned precipitously more negative” since Xi’s rise to power in 2013, it said. “In the US, the sense that China has handled Covid-19 poorly and is at fault for the virus’s spread certainly is related to negative opinions of the superpower, but is not the only factor driving attitudes,” it added. Also read | Mumbai Police launches probe into 56 Chinese nationals on fraud charges Views about China have changed over time due to a variety of causes, according to a study based on surveys conducted by the Pew Research Center during a 20-year period. Prior to the pandemic, negative attitudes toward China were already on the rise in the US and other nations, including some of China's neighbours like South Korea, Japan, and Australia. Concerns about Beijing's policies on human rights, its military might, and economic aspects like trade have led to negative perceptions of China around the world. Since 2002, the Pew Research Center has surveyed people in more than 60 nations to determine how people worldwide feel about China. The analysis focuses mainly on data from advanced economies polled between 2020 and 2022 because the centre was unable to survey the majority of emerging economies during the Covid-19 pandemic. One of the analysis's main conclusions is that there is a "widespread and long-held sense that China's power and influence on the global stage is growing," that there are still many people worried about China's military, and that the perception that China does not respect human rights is at or near historic highs in many of the places studied in 2021. As of 2022, a median of 66% of people in 19 nations believe that China's influence has lately increased, with percentages of at least 71% in Australia, Italy, Israel, Greece, and the Netherlands. There is a perception that China is a "growing threat" in addition to its expanding influence. However, opinions on how the Chinese economy ties to other nations' economies vary. The US, Australia, South Korea, Japan, and other advanced economies were particularly concerned about China's potential for increased economic competition. However, not everyone has always believed that China's economic expansion is negative for their nations. In 2019, almost half of people in North America and around half or more of people in Australia, Japan, and South Korea stated that China's expanding economy was beneficial for their respective nations. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Pew Research: Global opinion of China ‘more negative’ since President Xi Jinping took office

On Monday, a top Russian security official during his visit to China announced Kremlin considers strengthening the partnership and cooperation between Moscow and Beijing a top priority. This comes days after the leaders of the two countries Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping met at the SCO Summit.&nbsp;

Russia’s secretary of the national Security Council, Nikolai Patrushev, is currently in Nanping, a city in China, where he described “strengthening of comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation with Beijing as an unconditional priority of Russia’s foreign policy.” While the council is personally chaired by the Russian president, Patrushev is reportedly one of Putin’s closest associates.&nbsp;

These remarks were made during a meeting with the Chinese Communist Party’s top official, Guo Shengkun, where he also said that given the current conditions, “our countries must show even greater readiness for mutual support and development of cooperation.”&nbsp;

According to the secretary of the security council’s office, both countries have reportedly decided to expand on “exchanging information on countering extremism” and “foreign attempts to undermine constitutional order of both countries.” Reports also suggest that officials from Moscow and Beijing have stressed the need for cybersecurity.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-russia-forge-stronger-ties-at-the-sco-summit-516749">China, Russia forge stronger ties at the SCO summit</a>

This meeting comes after the Chinese and Russian presidents met at the SCO Summit in Uzbekistan last week. Notably, this was the first time the two leaders were meeting since Russia invaded Ukraine, in February. According to a statement released by the Chinese government after the meeting, which did not mention Ukraine but went on to indicate that Beijing promised a “strong support” for Moscow’s “core interests.”&nbsp;

On the other hand, there were no specifics mentioned by Xi’s government which prior to the invasion said there were “no-limits” on its friendship with Moscow and has refused to criticise Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, Putin praised Xi for his “balanced” approach to the conflict in Ukraine and was ready to discuss China’s concerns about the same.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

On Monday, a top Russian security official during his visit to China announced Kremlin considers strengthening the partnership and cooperation between Moscow and Beijing a top priority.

On Monday, a top Russian security official during his visit to China announced Kremlin considers strengthening the partnership and cooperation between Moscow and Beijing a top priority. This comes days after the leaders of the two countries Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping met at the SCO Summit. Russia’s secretary of the national Security Council, Nikolai Patrushev, is currently in Nanping, a city in China, where he described “strengthening of comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation with Beijing as an unconditional priority of Russia’s foreign policy.” While the council is personally chaired by the Russian president, Patrushev is reportedly one of Putin’s closest associates. These remarks were made during a meeting with the Chinese Communist Party’s top official, Guo Shengkun, where he also said that given the current conditions, “our countries must show even greater readiness for mutual support and development of cooperation.” According to the secretary of the security council’s office, both countries have reportedly decided to expand on “exchanging information on countering extremism” and “foreign attempts to undermine constitutional order of both countries.” Reports also suggest that officials from Moscow and Beijing have stressed the need for cybersecurity. ALSO WATCH: China, Russia forge stronger ties at the SCO summit This meeting comes after the Chinese and Russian presidents met at the SCO Summit in Uzbekistan last week. Notably, this was the first time the two leaders were meeting since Russia invaded Ukraine, in February. According to a statement released by the Chinese government after the meeting, which did not mention Ukraine but went on to indicate that Beijing promised a “strong support” for Moscow’s “core interests.” On the other hand, there were no specifics mentioned by Xi’s government which prior to the invasion said there were “no-limits” on its friendship with Moscow and has refused to criticise Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, Putin praised Xi for his “balanced” approach to the conflict in Ukraine and was ready to discuss China’s concerns about the same. (With inputs from agencies)

Report: Russia moves to expand ties with China

Chinese and Russian leaders Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin will attend the G20 summit on the resort island of Bali this November, a longtime adviser to the Indonesian president said on Friday.

Andi Widjajanto, former cabinet secretary and unofficial adviser to President Joko Widodo, who is popularly known as Jokowi, told Reuters the two leaders would join the summit.

"Jokowi told me that Xi and Putin are both planning to attend in Bali," Widjajanto, who heads the National Resilience Institute, told Reuters.

On Thursday, Jokowi told Bloomberg News that both leaders had given him their assurances. Indonesian presidential officials did not respond to requests for confirmation of the report.

The Chinese foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. A Kremlin spokesperson declined to comment to Bloomberg, but another official familiar with the situation told the news agency Putin plans to attend the meeting in person.

The trip would be significant given it would be Xi's first time outside China since January 2020, when he visited Myanmar.

China maintains a zero-COVID policy that has all but shut its borders to international travel.

Since then, Xi made his only trip outside of mainland China on June 30, visiting Hong Kong to mark the 25th anniversary of the handover of the territory from British control.

Xi is widely expected to secure a precedent-breaking third leadership term during a once-in-five-year congress of the ruling Communist Party scheduled for this autumn, most likely before he would head to Bali for the mid-November G20 gathering.

No dates have been announced for the party congress, but the last two took place in late October and early November.

Chinese officials are also reportedly making plans for a November meeting in Southeast Asia between Xi and U.S. President Joe Biden, who is expected to attend the G20 summit in Bali, according to a report https://www.wsj.com/articles/chinas-xi-jinping-plans-to-meet-with-biden-in-first-foreign-trip-in-nearly-three-years-11660318437 in the Wall Street Journal.

As head of the G20 this year, Indonesia has faced pressure from Western countries to withdraw its invitation to Putin over his country's invasion of Ukraine, which his government calls a "special military operation".

Indonesia has also invited Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky to attend the Bali summit.

Jokowi has sought to position himself as a mediator between the warring countries and has in recent months travelled to meet both the Ukrainian and Russian presidents to call for an end to the war and seek ways to ease the global food crisis.

This week, Jokowi said both countries have accepted Indonesia as a "bridge of peace". 
&nbsp;

Chinese and Russian leaders Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin will attend the G20 summit on the resort island of Bali this November, a longtime adviser to the Indonesian president said on Friday.

Chinese and Russian leaders Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin will attend the G20 summit on the resort island of Bali this November, a longtime adviser to the Indonesian president said on Friday. Andi Widjajanto, former cabinet secretary and unofficial adviser to President Joko Widodo, who is popularly known as Jokowi, told Reuters the two leaders would join the summit. "Jokowi told me that Xi and Putin are both planning to attend in Bali," Widjajanto, who heads the National Resilience Institute, told Reuters. On Thursday, Jokowi told Bloomberg News that both leaders had given him their assurances. Indonesian presidential officials did not respond to requests for confirmation of the report. The Chinese foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. A Kremlin spokesperson declined to comment to Bloomberg, but another official familiar with the situation told the news agency Putin plans to attend the meeting in person. The trip would be significant given it would be Xi's first time outside China since January 2020, when he visited Myanmar. China maintains a zero-COVID policy that has all but shut its borders to international travel. Since then, Xi made his only trip outside of mainland China on June 30, visiting Hong Kong to mark the 25th anniversary of the handover of the territory from British control. Xi is widely expected to secure a precedent-breaking third leadership term during a once-in-five-year congress of the ruling Communist Party scheduled for this autumn, most likely before he would head to Bali for the mid-November G20 gathering. No dates have been announced for the party congress, but the last two took place in late October and early November. Chinese officials are also reportedly making plans for a November meeting in Southeast Asia between Xi and U.S. President Joe Biden, who is expected to attend the G20 summit in Bali, according to a report https://www.wsj.com/articles/chinas-xi-jinping-plans-to-meet-with-biden-in-first-foreign-trip-in-nearly-three-years-11660318437 in the Wall Street Journal. As head of the G20 this year, Indonesia has faced pressure from Western countries to withdraw its invitation to Putin over his country's invasion of Ukraine, which his government calls a "special military operation". Indonesia has also invited Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky to attend the Bali summit. Jokowi has sought to position himself as a mediator between the warring countries and has in recent months travelled to meet both the Ukrainian and Russian presidents to call for an end to the war and seek ways to ease the global food crisis. This week, Jokowi said both countries have accepted Indonesia as a "bridge of peace".

Xi, Putin to attend G20 summit in Indonesia's Bali this November

US President Joe Biden is likely to speak with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping this week. The telephonic conversation would come in the backdrop of a worsening relation between the two global superpowers over several issues that includes Taiwan, Ukraine and technology sector competition.

Biden-Xi talks amidst deteriorating US-China relations | US to pass bill for microchip shortage

China’s president, Xi Jinping offered 'deeper cooperation' to Russia in a phone call with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. This was the second phone call between Xi-Putin since war began.

China’s Xi reaffirms support in call with Russian President Putin

Taiwan issue needs to be handled properly to avert a negative impact on relations between US and China, President Xi Jinping has told counterpart Joe Biden on Friday as per Chinese media reports. &nbsp;

Taiwan is the most sensitive and vital issue in bilateral relations with US, said China. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Beijing views it as a breakaway province, which needs to be brought back to the fold, by force if necessary. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-information-dark-age-could-be-russias-future-463611" hreflang="en">China’s information dark age could be Russia’s future</a>

For restoring peace in Ukraine after Russian invasion, Washington is seeking China's help. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The US has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan. But it has been one of the most important international backers and arms suppliers for Taipei. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On a video call, Xi told Biden, "Some individuals in the United States are sending the wrong signals to pro-independence forces in Taiwan, and that's very dangerous. If the Taiwan issue is not handled properly, it will have a subversive impact on the relationship between the two countries." &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-aircraft-carrier-sails-through-taiwan-strait-463560" hreflang="en">Chinese aircraft carrier sails through Taiwan Strait</a>

A White House statement said Biden reiterated in the call with Xi that US policy on Taiwan has not changed. He emphasised that Washington "continues to oppose any unilateral changes to the status quo." &nbsp;

"(We) hope the US side will pay adequate attention" to the issue, Xi told Biden. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Taiwan issue needs to be handled properly to avert a negative impact on relations between US and China, President Xi Jinping has told counterpart Joe Biden on Friday as per Chinese media reports.

Taiwan issue needs to be handled properly to avert a negative impact on relations between US and China, President Xi Jinping has told counterpart Joe Biden on Friday as per Chinese media reports. Taiwan is the most sensitive and vital issue in bilateral relations with US, said China. Beijing views it as a breakaway province, which needs to be brought back to the fold, by force if necessary. Also Read: China’s information dark age could be Russia’s future For restoring peace in Ukraine after Russian invasion, Washington is seeking China's help. The US has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan. But it has been one of the most important international backers and arms suppliers for Taipei. On a video call, Xi told Biden, "Some individuals in the United States are sending the wrong signals to pro-independence forces in Taiwan, and that's very dangerous. If the Taiwan issue is not handled properly, it will have a subversive impact on the relationship between the two countries." Also Read: Chinese aircraft carrier sails through Taiwan Strait A White House statement said Biden reiterated in the call with Xi that US policy on Taiwan has not changed. He emphasised that Washington "continues to oppose any unilateral changes to the status quo." "(We) hope the US side will pay adequate attention" to the issue, Xi told Biden. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan issue needs to be handled properly, Xi tells Biden during video call

The West would stand together to fight for democracy against dictatorships, Britain warned Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The dictatorships were emboldened more than any time since the Cold War, it said. &nbsp;

British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, who will be speaking in Australia, will say the West must respond together to global threats. It should also deepen ties with democracies in the Indo-Pacific and "face down global aggressors". &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-clarifies-over-russia-remark-ukraine-says-there-are-no-minor-incursions-and-small-nations-446313" hreflang="en">Biden clarifies Russia remark; Ukraine says there are no 'minor incursions'</a>

In a speech at the Lowy Institute in Sydney, Truss will say that global aggressors "are emboldened in a way we haven’t seen since the Cold War." &nbsp;&nbsp;

"They seek to export dictatorship as a service around the world. That is why regimes like Belarus, North Korea and Myanmar find their closest allies in Moscow and Beijing," Truss will further say. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-china-block-us-bid-to-impose-un-sanctions-on-north-koreans-446312">Russia, China block US bid to impose UN sanctions on North Koreans</a>

According to Truss, the West, should work with allies, such as India, Japan, Israel, Australia and Indonesia to "face down global aggressors", especially in the Pacific. &nbsp;

"It is time for the free world to stand its ground," Truss will add. &nbsp;

Truss will also warn Putin to "desist and step back from Ukraine before he makes a massive strategic mistake." &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The West would stand together to fight for democracy against dictatorships, Britain warned Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday.

The West would stand together to fight for democracy against dictatorships, Britain warned Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday. The dictatorships were emboldened more than any time since the Cold War, it said. British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, who will be speaking in Australia, will say the West must respond together to global threats. It should also deepen ties with democracies in the Indo-Pacific and "face down global aggressors". Also Read: Biden clarifies Russia remark; Ukraine says there are no 'minor incursions' In a speech at the Lowy Institute in Sydney, Truss will say that global aggressors "are emboldened in a way we haven’t seen since the Cold War." "They seek to export dictatorship as a service around the world. That is why regimes like Belarus, North Korea and Myanmar find their closest allies in Moscow and Beijing," Truss will further say. Also Read: Russia, China block US bid to impose UN sanctions on North Koreans According to Truss, the West, should work with allies, such as India, Japan, Israel, Australia and Indonesia to "face down global aggressors", especially in the Pacific. "It is time for the free world to stand its ground," Truss will add. Truss will also warn Putin to "desist and step back from Ukraine before he makes a massive strategic mistake." (With inputs from agencies)

West to stand together in fight against dictatorships, Britain warns Putin, Xi

In one of its favours to the Chinese government, Amazon Inc. disabled ratings, comments and reviews on President Xi Jinping’s book, "The Governance of China."

The book talks about his doctrine of 'Socialism with Chinese Characteristics.'

The move came as a means to mute criticism and ensure that the company could further engage in business with China. As per a report by Reuters, by 2018, the company was receiving an “increasing number of requests from (Chinese) watchdogs to take down certain content, mostly politically sensitive ones."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-in-hindi-xi-jinpings-book-about-his-doctrine-of-socialism-with-chinese-characteristics-430460">Also read |&nbsp;Now in Hindi: Xi Jinping's book about his doctrine of 'Socialism with Chinese Characteristics'</a>

This was done after Beijing delivered a judgement saying that the company should stop allowing customer ratings and reviews in China, said two people familiar with the incident.&nbsp;

However, while China was trying to get rid of the negative review, it was said that the negative reviews of Xi's book gave rise to its demand. One person said, "I think the issue was anything under five stars."

This is similar to how Apple Inc., has become extremely obedient to Beijing in recent years. The report further states that Apple complied with nearly 97 per cent of requests from the Chinese government for user device information in 2019.&nbsp;

The book has been published in several languages including, Pashto, Dari, Sinhalese, Hindi and English.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In one of its favours to the Chinese government, Amazon Inc. disabled ratings, comments and reviews on President Xi Jinping’s book, "The Governance of China." The book talks about his doctrine of 'Socialism with Chinese Characteristics.

In one of its favours to the Chinese government, Amazon Inc. disabled ratings, comments and reviews on President Xi Jinping’s book, "The Governance of China." The book talks about his doctrine of 'Socialism with Chinese Characteristics.' The move came as a means to mute criticism and ensure that the company could further engage in business with China. As per a report by Reuters, by 2018, the company was receiving an “increasing number of requests from (Chinese) watchdogs to take down certain content, mostly politically sensitive ones." Also read | Now in Hindi: Xi Jinping's book about his doctrine of 'Socialism with Chinese Characteristics' This was done after Beijing delivered a judgement saying that the company should stop allowing customer ratings and reviews in China, said two people familiar with the incident. However, while China was trying to get rid of the negative review, it was said that the negative reviews of Xi's book gave rise to its demand. One person said, "I think the issue was anything under five stars." This is similar to how Apple Inc., has become extremely obedient to Beijing in recent years. The report further states that Apple complied with nearly 97 per cent of requests from the Chinese government for user device information in 2019. The book has been published in several languages including, Pashto, Dari, Sinhalese, Hindi and English. (With inputs from agencies)

To mute criticism, China ordered Amazon to block reviews on Xi Jinping’s book

Russian President Vladimir Putin is all set to meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, their second virtual session this year, days after both the countries were left out of a democracy summit organised by US president Joe Biden.

Xi-Putin meet lined up after both Russia, China left out of Biden's democracy summit

Naming can get tricky sometimes even when someone is following a sequence of letters. Although it shouldn’t happen usually, it can at times. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The same holds true for the naming of new Covid variant Omicron, where two letters in the Greek alphabet, Nu and Xi, were skipped for various reasons by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday. &nbsp;

The new Covid variant, which was first detected in southern Africa, has taken the world by surprise.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-new-covid-variant-emerges-indian-pm-modi-chairs-vital-meeting-to-assess-situation-432294">As new Covid variant emerges, Indian PM chairs meeting to assess situation</a> &nbsp;

Since its emergence, the world has been taking several kinds of steps, such as imposing travel curbs and tightening border controls, to contain the spread of the new variant. It has already been found in Israel and some countries of Europe. &nbsp;

The process of choosing name for this new Covid variant also wasn’t an easy task for the authorities even when they were following a sequence. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The officials seem to have skipped ‘Nu’ in order to avoid confusion with the word “new” and ‘Xi’ to its similarity to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s name, speculated experts. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-warns-against-travel-curbs-due-to-new-variant-says-closely-monitoring-432286" hreflang="en">WHO warns against travel curbs due to new variant, says 'closely monitoring'</a>

US Senator Ted Cruz retweeted an editor of Telegraph’s post that cited a source at WHO saying Xi was skipped to “avoid stigmatising a region.” &nbsp;

“If the WHO is this scared of the Chinese Communist Party, how can they be trusted to call them out next time they’re trying to cover up a catastrophic global pandemic?” Cruz said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Naming can get tricky sometimes even when someone is following a sequence of letters. Although it shouldn’t happen usually, it can at times. The same holds true for the naming of new Covid variant Omicron, where two letters in the Greek alphabet, Nu and Xi, were skipped for various reasons by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday.

Naming can get tricky sometimes even when someone is following a sequence of letters. Although it shouldn’t happen usually, it can at times. The same holds true for the naming of new Covid variant Omicron, where two letters in the Greek alphabet, Nu and Xi, were skipped for various reasons by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday. The new Covid variant, which was first detected in southern Africa, has taken the world by surprise. Also Read: As new Covid variant emerges, Indian PM chairs meeting to assess situation Since its emergence, the world has been taking several kinds of steps, such as imposing travel curbs and tightening border controls, to contain the spread of the new variant. It has already been found in Israel and some countries of Europe. The process of choosing name for this new Covid variant also wasn’t an easy task for the authorities even when they were following a sequence. The officials seem to have skipped ‘Nu’ in order to avoid confusion with the word “new” and ‘Xi’ to its similarity to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s name, speculated experts. Also Read: WHO warns against travel curbs due to new variant, says 'closely monitoring' US Senator Ted Cruz retweeted an editor of Telegraph’s post that cited a source at WHO saying Xi was skipped to “avoid stigmatising a region.” “If the WHO is this scared of the Chinese Communist Party, how can they be trusted to call them out next time they’re trying to cover up a catastrophic global pandemic?” Cruz said. (With inputs from agencies)

Neither Nu nor Xi: WHO skips two Greek letters for naming new Covid variant Omicron  

The text as well as the subtext of the three-hour-long virtual meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden held on Nov 15-16 is certain to be debated and dissected long after the event fades from the headlines before there is any conclusive view on whether Biden had got the better of Xi or was it vice-versa.&nbsp;

What is clear in the immediate aftermath of the summit between the Big Two is that the US has one narrative for driving the rest of the world to adopt a confrontational and combative approach towards China and quite another when it comes to its own dealings with China. Washington’s approach to Beijing, as evidenced in all bilateral engagements, begins with a few predictable hard words (which break no bones) before the two settle down in a business-like way to conduct business, which is the business of both America and China.

There was no substantive outcome nor was any expected from the Xi-Biden meeting. Its purpose was to ensure that the fierce competition between the two superpowers in every sphere from the military and political to the economic and climate change does not create a situation where the confrontationist posturing results in a conflict. In contrast, the US administration and institutions that serve as props to further its foreign policy objectives have been pushing overtly and covertly to ensure that China-India relations do not move too far away from the brink of conflict.

The US has been exploiting the China-India military stand-off in eastern Ladakh and China’s pronouncements on Taiwan to make the case that the war-like noises and acts of the Chinese pose the danger of conflict in the region. This narrative of China being on a confrontationist course against the world’s democracies, particularly in Asia, is to thwart &nbsp;China’s acceptability as a rising power that could challenge the prevalent US hegemony. It is also intended to counter the argument that China as the biggest beneficiary of globalisation, especially in the matter of trade, has little to gain from a conflict when a peaceful rise would be to its advantage.

When it came to bilateral business, the US and China decided to: eschew the path of conflict while keeping up their competition; increase “mutually beneficial” trade, with China importing more goods from the US; and, remain united in their commitment to climate change policy.

Purely as a matter of form, the US raised “concerns” regarding human rights in China, and in like form, China said it would discuss human rights but not be lectured to by outsiders.

That done, Biden reiterated the US commitment to its long-standing one-China policy without so much as a change in nuance and Xi made it plain that should ‘Taiwan independence’ separatists cross the red line with any provocative action, China would be compelled to consider a break with its pursuit of peaceful reunification of Taiwan with the People’s Republic. At the end of it, both sides described the exchanges as a “healthy debate” that was frank and direct.&nbsp;

Clearly, the US was unwilling to walk the talk when it came to making China yield ground on any issue. Despite saying at the Alaska meeting of US and Chinese officials in April that they would talk from a position of strength, Biden seemed to be playing with a weak hand. This may be attributed to US loss of prestige, credibility and power in the aftermath of fleeing Afghanistan in August which has increased distrust between the US and its allies including in Europe. Europe is no longer on the same page as the US in the matter of dealing with China.

Besides, New Delhi, which is being goaded to lead the US strategy for containment of China including as a Quad member, has realised that, for all its military might and rhetoric, when push comes to shove, the US would step back and leave India on the brink to confront China on its own. That may be the reason why the Indian establishment refuses to be taken in by the Pentagon report of China’s “illegal occupation” of Indian territory; and, the military view of the situation is at variance with that of the Ministry of External Affairs.&nbsp;

India has stood its ground that normalisation depends on Chinese disengagement and de-escalation and matched China’s military action and infrastructure build-up on the border. At the same time, the political leadership has desisted from provocative language or hawkish baiting, much to the disappointment of Washington.

Even as the US does business with China, it wants India and Taiwan to remain confrontationist as that would suit its primary objective of military equipment sales to countries facing Chinese hostility. India is clearly resisting this US push as underscored by New Delhi taking delivery of the S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile defence systems from Russia ignoring US murmurs of sanctions.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

The text as well as the subtext of the three-hour-long virtual meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden held on Nov 15-16 is certain to be debated and dissected long after the event fades from the headlines before there is any conclusive view on whether Biden had got the better of Xi or was it vice-versa.

The text as well as the subtext of the three-hour-long virtual meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden held on Nov 15-16 is certain to be debated and dissected long after the event fades from the headlines before there is any conclusive view on whether Biden had got the better of Xi or was it vice-versa. What is clear in the immediate aftermath of the summit between the Big Two is that the US has one narrative for driving the rest of the world to adopt a confrontational and combative approach towards China and quite another when it comes to its own dealings with China. Washington’s approach to Beijing, as evidenced in all bilateral engagements, begins with a few predictable hard words (which break no bones) before the two settle down in a business-like way to conduct business, which is the business of both America and China. There was no substantive outcome nor was any expected from the Xi-Biden meeting. Its purpose was to ensure that the fierce competition between the two superpowers in every sphere from the military and political to the economic and climate change does not create a situation where the confrontationist posturing results in a conflict. In contrast, the US administration and institutions that serve as props to further its foreign policy objectives have been pushing overtly and covertly to ensure that China-India relations do not move too far away from the brink of conflict. The US has been exploiting the China-India military stand-off in eastern Ladakh and China’s pronouncements on Taiwan to make the case that the war-like noises and acts of the Chinese pose the danger of conflict in the region. This narrative of China being on a confrontationist course against the world’s democracies, particularly in Asia, is to thwart China’s acceptability as a rising power that could challenge the prevalent US hegemony. It is also intended to counter the argument that China as the biggest beneficiary of globalisation, especially in the matter of trade, has little to gain from a conflict when a peaceful rise would be to its advantage. When it came to bilateral business, the US and China decided to: eschew the path of conflict while keeping up their competition; increase “mutually beneficial” trade, with China importing more goods from the US; and, remain united in their commitment to climate change policy. Purely as a matter of form, the US raised “concerns” regarding human rights in China, and in like form, China said it would discuss human rights but not be lectured to by outsiders. That done, Biden reiterated the US commitment to its long-standing one-China policy without so much as a change in nuance and Xi made it plain that should ‘Taiwan independence’ separatists cross the red line with any provocative action, China would be compelled to consider a break with its pursuit of peaceful reunification of Taiwan with the People’s Republic. At the end of it, both sides described the exchanges as a “healthy debate” that was frank and direct. Clearly, the US was unwilling to walk the talk when it came to making China yield ground on any issue. Despite saying at the Alaska meeting of US and Chinese officials in April that they would talk from a position of strength, Biden seemed to be playing with a weak hand. This may be attributed to US loss of prestige, credibility and power in the aftermath of fleeing Afghanistan in August which has increased distrust between the US and its allies including in Europe. Europe is no longer on the same page as the US in the matter of dealing with China. Besides, New Delhi, which is being goaded to lead the US strategy for containment of China including as a Quad member, has realised that, for all its military might and rhetoric, when push comes to shove, the US would step back and leave India on the brink to confront China on its own. That may be the reason why the Indian establishment refuses to be taken in by the Pentagon report of China’s “illegal occupation” of Indian territory; and, the military view of the situation is at variance with that of the Ministry of External Affairs. India has stood its ground that normalisation depends on Chinese disengagement and de-escalation and matched China’s military action and infrastructure build-up on the border. At the same time, the political leadership has desisted from provocative language or hawkish baiting, much to the disappointment of Washington. Even as the US does business with China, it wants India and Taiwan to remain confrontationist as that would suit its primary objective of military equipment sales to countries facing Chinese hostility. India is clearly resisting this US push as underscored by New Delhi taking delivery of the S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile defence systems from Russia ignoring US murmurs of sanctions. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

On The Margin: What Xi-Biden summit tells the world

Amid heightened tensions, leaders of the world's two largest leaders Xi Jinping and US prez Joe Biden are set to meet virtually. The most anticipated meet is expected to be one of the most extensive ones under the Biden administration.

Ahead of Joe Biden and Xi Jinping's virtual meet, China warns US on Taiwan support

The top leaders of China's ruling Communist Party convened on Monday for a crucial meeting that is likely to strengthen President Xi Jinping's grip on power.

Some 400 members of the party's powerful Central Committee convened in Beijing for the four-day plenary, which is being held behind closed doors, as with all meetings of China's secretive leadership.&nbsp;

Xi Jinping is already regarded as a "central leader" of the Chinese Communist Party, and his ideological ideas are explicitly enshrined in the party's constitution. 
 
Watch | Gravitas | Third term for Xi Jinping: Will it raise the threat of war?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-third-term-for-xi-jinping-will-it-raise-the-threat-of-war-427831/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Now, Xi Jinping's meteoric rise is about to continue, with an all-powerful body in single-party-ruled China due to pass an unusual resolution that is expected to further strengthen Xi's grasp on power while also paving the way for him to pursue an unprecedented third term in office.&nbsp;

The most significant move of the 19th Central Committee is likely to be the adoption of a "historic resolution" on the "great accomplishments and historical experience of the Party's 100 years of battles," with the text also recognising China's success in the nine years under Xi.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-steer-chinas-future-xi-is-rewriting-its-past-427513">Also Read:&nbsp;To steer China’s future, Xi is rewriting its past</a>

The Communist Party's fascination with history is founded in a tradition that dates back to ancient China.

For centuries, Chinese imperial courts engaged historiographers to chart an emperor's ascension, which frequently required gathering – and rewriting – the history of his predecessor.

History, or rather, certain controlled interpretations of it, may be immensely valuable to the Chinese Communist Party.&nbsp;

For example, Beijing has used alleged "historical claims" to disputed territories and waters to bolster its case for contemporary sovereignty, while the narrative attached to the so-called "century of humiliation" by foreign powers — from the First Opium War in 1839 to the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in 1949 — has become a central source of legitimacy for the party.&nbsp;

Xi has been elevated in the country to the same level as Mao Zedong, the founding father of the People's Republic of China, and Deng Xiaoping, the architect of the reforms that boosted Chinese economic development.

The 68-year-old Xi is largely considered as the most powerful Chinese leader since Mao, with the stage set for him to pursue an unprecedented third term as China's supreme leader.

While a 1990s constitution specified a two-term restriction for the top Chinese leadership, the Chinese Communist Party approved by an overwhelming majority in 2018 to eliminate the limit.

Furthermore, there is an unwritten 68-year-old age restriction for key officials, which Xi is certain to disregard when he seeks re-election to a third term at the party congress next year.

(With inputs from agencies)

The top leaders of China's ruling Communist Party convened on Monday for a crucial meeting that is likely to strengthen President Xi Jinping's grip on power. Some 400 members of the party's powerful Central Committee convened in Beijing for the four-day plenary, which is being held behind closed doors, as with all meetings of China's secretive leadership.

The top leaders of China's ruling Communist Party convened on Monday for a crucial meeting that is likely to strengthen President Xi Jinping's grip on power. Some 400 members of the party's powerful Central Committee convened in Beijing for the four-day plenary, which is being held behind closed doors, as with all meetings of China's secretive leadership. Xi Jinping is already regarded as a "central leader" of the Chinese Communist Party, and his ideological ideas are explicitly enshrined in the party's constitution. Watch | Gravitas | Third term for Xi Jinping: Will it raise the threat of war? Now, Xi Jinping's meteoric rise is about to continue, with an all-powerful body in single-party-ruled China due to pass an unusual resolution that is expected to further strengthen Xi's grasp on power while also paving the way for him to pursue an unprecedented third term in office. The most significant move of the 19th Central Committee is likely to be the adoption of a "historic resolution" on the "great accomplishments and historical experience of the Party's 100 years of battles," with the text also recognising China's success in the nine years under Xi. Also Read: To steer China’s future, Xi is rewriting its past The Communist Party's fascination with history is founded in a tradition that dates back to ancient China. For centuries, Chinese imperial courts engaged historiographers to chart an emperor's ascension, which frequently required gathering – and rewriting – the history of his predecessor. History, or rather, certain controlled interpretations of it, may be immensely valuable to the Chinese Communist Party. For example, Beijing has used alleged "historical claims" to disputed territories and waters to bolster its case for contemporary sovereignty, while the narrative attached to the so-called "century of humiliation" by foreign powers — from the First Opium War in 1839 to the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in 1949 — has become a central source of legitimacy for the party. Xi has been elevated in the country to the same level as Mao Zedong, the founding father of the People's Republic of China, and Deng Xiaoping, the architect of the reforms that boosted Chinese economic development. The 68-year-old Xi is largely considered as the most powerful Chinese leader since Mao, with the stage set for him to pursue an unprecedented third term as China's supreme leader. While a 1990s constitution specified a two-term restriction for the top Chinese leadership, the Chinese Communist Party approved by an overwhelming majority in 2018 to eliminate the limit. Furthermore, there is an unwritten 68-year-old age restriction for key officials, which Xi is certain to disregard when he seeks re-election to a third term at the party congress next year. (With inputs from agencies)

Xi's further grip on power at China Communist Party meet will make him another Mao

The glowing image of China’s top leader, Xi Jinping, greets visitors to museum exhibitions celebrating the country’s decades of growth. Communist Party biographers have worshipfully chronicled his rise, though he has given no hint of retiring. The party’s newest official history devotes over a quarter of its 531 pages to his nine years in power.

No Chinese leader in recent times has been more fixated than Xi on history and his place in it, and as he approaches a crucial juncture in his rule, that preoccupation with the past is now central to his political agenda. A high-level meeting opening in Beijing on Monday will issue a “resolution” officially reassessing the party’s 100-year history that is likely to cement his status as an epoch-making leader alongside Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping.

While ostensibly about historical issues, the Central Committee’s resolution — practically holy writ for officials — will shape China’s politics and society for decades to come.

The touchstone document on the party’s past, only the third of its kind, is sure to become the focus of an intense indoctrination campaign. It will dictate how authorities teach China’s modern history in textbooks, films, television shows and classrooms. It will embolden censors and police officers applying sharpened laws against any who mock, or even question, the communist cause and its “martyrs.” Even in China, where the party’s power is all but absolute, it will remind officials and citizens that Xi is defining their times and demanding their loyalty.

“This is about creating a new timescape for China around the Communist Party and Xi in which he is riding the wave of the past towards the future,” said Geremie R. Barmé, a historian of China based in New Zealand. “It is not really a resolution about past history, but a resolution about future leadership.”

By exalting Xi, the decision will fortify his authority before a party congress late next year, at which he is very likely to win another five-year term as leader. The orchestrated acclaim around the history document, which could be published days after the Central Committee meeting ends Thursday, will help deter any questioning of Xi’s record.

Xi, 68, is China’s most powerful leader in decades, and he has won widespread public support for attacking corruption, reducing poverty and projecting Chinese strength to the world. Still, party insiders seeking to blunt Xi’s dominance before the congress could take aim at the early mishandling of the COVID pandemic or damaging tensions with the United States.

Especially after the resolution, such criticisms may amount to heresy. In the buildup to this week’s meeting, articles in People’s Daily, the party’s main newspaper, have praised Xi as the “core” leader defeating the pandemic and other crises. Commentaries have exalted him as the unyielding leader needed for such perilous times, when China’s ascent could be threatened by domestic economic risks or hostility from the United States and other Western powers.

“Xi Jinping is undoubtedly the core figure mastering the tide of history,” read an article from Xinhua, the official news agency, about the forthcoming resolution.

The resolution is likely to offer a sweeping account of modern China that will help to justify Xi’s policies by giving them the gravitas of historical destiny.

Mao led the country to stand up against oppression, Deng brought prosperity, and now Xi is propelling the nation into a new era of national strength, says the stage-by-stage description of modern China’s rise that is laid out in party documents and is likely to be enshrined in the resolution.

In the coming years, Xi’s priorities are focused on reducing wealth inequalities through a program of “common prosperity,” lessening China’s reliance on imported technology and continuing to modernize its military to prepare for potential conflict.

Xi’s conception of history offers “an ideological framework which justifies greater and greater levels of party intervention in politics, the economy and foreign policy,” said Kevin Rudd, a former Australian prime minister who speaks Chinese and has had long meetings with Xi.

For Xi, defending the Chinese Communist Party’s revolutionary heritage also appears to be a personal quest. He has repeatedly voiced fears that as China becomes increasingly distant from its revolutionary roots, officials and citizens are at growing risk of losing faith in the party.

“To destroy a country, you must first eradicate its history,” Xi has said, quoting a Confucian scholar from the 19th century.

Xi’s father, Xi Zhongxun, served as a senior official under Mao and Deng, and the family suffered years of persecution after Mao turned against the elder Xi. Instead of becoming disillusioned with the revolution like quite a few contemporaries, the younger Xi remained loyal to the party and has argued that defending its “red” heritage is essential for its survival.

“He has this visceral notion that as the son of a revolutionary, Xi Zhongxun, that he cannot allow the revolution simply to drift away,” said Rudd, now president of the Asia Society.

Xi Jinping has also often cited the Soviet Union as a warning for China, arguing that it collapsed in part because its leaders failed to eradicate “historical nihilism” — critical accounts of purges, political persecution and missteps that corroded faith in the communist cause.

The new resolution will reflect that defensive pride in the party. While the titles of the two previous history resolutions said they were about “problems” or “issues,” Xi’s will be about the party’s “major achievements and historical experiences,” according to a preparatory meeting last month.

The resolution will present the party’s 100-year history as a story of heroic sacrifice and success, a drumroll of preliminary articles in party media indicates. Traumatic times like famine and purges will fall further into a soft-focus background — acknowledged but not elaborated.

Xi “sees history as a tool to use against the biggest threats to Chinese Communist Party rule,” said Joseph Torigian, an assistant professor at American University who has studied Xi and his father. “He’s also someone who sees that competing narratives of history are dangerous.”

Plenty of Chinese people embrace the party’s proud version of its past and credit it with improving their lives. In 2019, there were 1.4 billion visits to revolutionary “red” tour museums and memorials, and Xi makes a point of going to such places during his travels. A village where Xi laboured for seven years has become a site for organized political pilgrimages.

“Instruction in revolutionary traditions must start with toddlers,” Xi said in 2016, according to a recently released compendium of his comments on the theme. “Infuse red genes into the bloodstream and immerse our hearts in them.”

In creating a history resolution, Xi is emulating his two most powerful and officially revered predecessors. Mao oversaw a resolution in 1945 that stamped his authority on the party. Deng oversaw one in 1981 that acknowledged the destruction of Mao’s later decades while defending his revered status as the founder of the People’s Republic. And both resolutions put a cap on political strife and uncertainty.

“They were creating a common framework, a common vision, of past and future among the party elite,” said Daniel Leese, a historian at the University of Freiburg in Germany who studies modern China. “If you don’t unify the thinking of people in the circles of power about the past, it’s very difficult to be on the same page about the future.”

Throughout this year, Chinese officials have already been undergoing an indoctrination program in Xi’s views about history. And the main texts in the campaign appear to be a preview of the forthcoming decision, especially the new 531-page “brief” history of the party.

That history celebrates at length Xi’s successes in reducing corruption, cutting poverty and advancing China’s technological capabilities. His response to the COVID pandemic, which began in China in late 2019, showed “acute insight and resolute decision-making,” it says.

The new resolution is likely to praise both Mao and Deng while indicating that only Xi has the answers for China’s new era of rising power, said Susanne Weigelin-Schwiedrzik, a retired professor at the University of Vienna who studies the party’s use of history.

“He is like a sponge that can take all the positive things from the past — what he thinks is positive about Mao and Deng — and he can bring them all together,” she said of the party’s depiction of Xi. In that telling, she said, “he is China’s own end of history. He has reached a level that cannot be surpassed.”

The glowing image of China’s top leader, Xi Jinping, greets visitors to museum exhibitions celebrating the country’s decades of growth. Communist Party biographers have worshipfully chronicled his rise, though he has given no hint of retiring.

The glowing image of China’s top leader, Xi Jinping, greets visitors to museum exhibitions celebrating the country’s decades of growth. Communist Party biographers have worshipfully chronicled his rise, though he has given no hint of retiring. The party’s newest official history devotes over a quarter of its 531 pages to his nine years in power. No Chinese leader in recent times has been more fixated than Xi on history and his place in it, and as he approaches a crucial juncture in his rule, that preoccupation with the past is now central to his political agenda. A high-level meeting opening in Beijing on Monday will issue a “resolution” officially reassessing the party’s 100-year history that is likely to cement his status as an epoch-making leader alongside Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping. While ostensibly about historical issues, the Central Committee’s resolution — practically holy writ for officials — will shape China’s politics and society for decades to come. The touchstone document on the party’s past, only the third of its kind, is sure to become the focus of an intense indoctrination campaign. It will dictate how authorities teach China’s modern history in textbooks, films, television shows and classrooms. It will embolden censors and police officers applying sharpened laws against any who mock, or even question, the communist cause and its “martyrs.” Even in China, where the party’s power is all but absolute, it will remind officials and citizens that Xi is defining their times and demanding their loyalty. “This is about creating a new timescape for China around the Communist Party and Xi in which he is riding the wave of the past towards the future,” said Geremie R. Barmé, a historian of China based in New Zealand. “It is not really a resolution about past history, but a resolution about future leadership.” By exalting Xi, the decision will fortify his authority before a party congress late next year, at which he is very likely to win another five-year term as leader. The orchestrated acclaim around the history document, which could be published days after the Central Committee meeting ends Thursday, will help deter any questioning of Xi’s record. Xi, 68, is China’s most powerful leader in decades, and he has won widespread public support for attacking corruption, reducing poverty and projecting Chinese strength to the world. Still, party insiders seeking to blunt Xi’s dominance before the congress could take aim at the early mishandling of the COVID pandemic or damaging tensions with the United States. Especially after the resolution, such criticisms may amount to heresy. In the buildup to this week’s meeting, articles in People’s Daily, the party’s main newspaper, have praised Xi as the “core” leader defeating the pandemic and other crises. Commentaries have exalted him as the unyielding leader needed for such perilous times, when China’s ascent could be threatened by domestic economic risks or hostility from the United States and other Western powers. “Xi Jinping is undoubtedly the core figure mastering the tide of history,” read an article from Xinhua, the official news agency, about the forthcoming resolution. The resolution is likely to offer a sweeping account of modern China that will help to justify Xi’s policies by giving them the gravitas of historical destiny. Mao led the country to stand up against oppression, Deng brought prosperity, and now Xi is propelling the nation into a new era of national strength, says the stage-by-stage description of modern China’s rise that is laid out in party documents and is likely to be enshrined in the resolution. In the coming years, Xi’s priorities are focused on reducing wealth inequalities through a program of “common prosperity,” lessening China’s reliance on imported technology and continuing to modernize its military to prepare for potential conflict. Xi’s conception of history offers “an ideological framework which justifies greater and greater levels of party intervention in politics, the economy and foreign policy,” said Kevin Rudd, a former Australian prime minister who speaks Chinese and has had long meetings with Xi. For Xi, defending the Chinese Communist Party’s revolutionary heritage also appears to be a personal quest. He has repeatedly voiced fears that as China becomes increasingly distant from its revolutionary roots, officials and citizens are at growing risk of losing faith in the party. “To destroy a country, you must first eradicate its history,” Xi has said, quoting a Confucian scholar from the 19th century. Xi’s father, Xi Zhongxun, served as a senior official under Mao and Deng, and the family suffered years of persecution after Mao turned against the elder Xi. Instead of becoming disillusioned with the revolution like quite a few contemporaries, the younger Xi remained loyal to the party and has argued that defending its “red” heritage is essential for its survival. “He has this visceral notion that as the son of a revolutionary, Xi Zhongxun, that he cannot allow the revolution simply to drift away,” said Rudd, now president of the Asia Society. Xi Jinping has also often cited the Soviet Union as a warning for China, arguing that it collapsed in part because its leaders failed to eradicate “historical nihilism” — critical accounts of purges, political persecution and missteps that corroded faith in the communist cause. The new resolution will reflect that defensive pride in the party. While the titles of the two previous history resolutions said they were about “problems” or “issues,” Xi’s will be about the party’s “major achievements and historical experiences,” according to a preparatory meeting last month. The resolution will present the party’s 100-year history as a story of heroic sacrifice and success, a drumroll of preliminary articles in party media indicates. Traumatic times like famine and purges will fall further into a soft-focus background — acknowledged but not elaborated. Xi “sees history as a tool to use against the biggest threats to Chinese Communist Party rule,” said Joseph Torigian, an assistant professor at American University who has studied Xi and his father. “He’s also someone who sees that competing narratives of history are dangerous.” Plenty of Chinese people embrace the party’s proud version of its past and credit it with improving their lives. In 2019, there were 1.4 billion visits to revolutionary “red” tour museums and memorials, and Xi makes a point of going to such places during his travels. A village where Xi laboured for seven years has become a site for organized political pilgrimages. “Instruction in revolutionary traditions must start with toddlers,” Xi said in 2016, according to a recently released compendium of his comments on the theme. “Infuse red genes into the bloodstream and immerse our hearts in them.” In creating a history resolution, Xi is emulating his two most powerful and officially revered predecessors. Mao oversaw a resolution in 1945 that stamped his authority on the party. Deng oversaw one in 1981 that acknowledged the destruction of Mao’s later decades while defending his revered status as the founder of the People’s Republic. And both resolutions put a cap on political strife and uncertainty. “They were creating a common framework, a common vision, of past and future among the party elite,” said Daniel Leese, a historian at the University of Freiburg in Germany who studies modern China. “If you don’t unify the thinking of people in the circles of power about the past, it’s very difficult to be on the same page about the future.” Throughout this year, Chinese officials have already been undergoing an indoctrination program in Xi’s views about history. And the main texts in the campaign appear to be a preview of the forthcoming decision, especially the new 531-page “brief” history of the party. That history celebrates at length Xi’s successes in reducing corruption, cutting poverty and advancing China’s technological capabilities. His response to the COVID pandemic, which began in China in late 2019, showed “acute insight and resolute decision-making,” it says. The new resolution is likely to praise both Mao and Deng while indicating that only Xi has the answers for China’s new era of rising power, said Susanne Weigelin-Schwiedrzik, a retired professor at the University of Vienna who studies the party’s use of history. “He is like a sponge that can take all the positive things from the past — what he thinks is positive about Mao and Deng — and he can bring them all together,” she said of the party’s depiction of Xi. In that telling, she said, “he is China’s own end of history. He has reached a level that cannot be surpassed.”

To steer China’s future, Xi is rewriting its past

President Xi Jinping vowed on Monday that China would always uphold world peace and international rules, amid concerns expressed by the United States and other countries over the nation’s increasing assertiveness globally.

The comments come after Taiwan said this month that military tension with China was at its worst in more than 40 years, amid mounting worries that the giant neighbour might try to take back by military force the self-ruled island it claims as its own.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-russia-aware-of-us-military-might-will-defend-taiwan-if-beijing-attacks-biden-422795">&nbsp;China, Russia aware of US’ military might, will defend Taiwan if Beijing attacks: Biden</a>

In a speech marking the 50th anniversary of China’s return to the United Nations, Xi said it would always be the “builder of world peace” and a “protector of international order,” state news agency Xinhua said.

In 1971, the United Nations voted to recognise the People’s Republic of China, expelling Taiwan from the world body.

China has also staked its claims more assertively to disputed territories with India on its Himalayan border, with some southeast Asian nations over the South China Sea, and with Japan over some islands in the East China Sea.

“China resolutely opposes all forms of hegemony and power politics, unilateralism and protectionism,” Xi said, calling for greater global cooperation on issues such as regional conflicts, terrorism, climate change, cybersecurity and biosecurity.

He urged all countries to promote the values of peace, development, justice, democracy, freedom, making use of a phrase the “common values of all mankind” that he coined and first mentioned in a July speech for the 100th anniversary of the ruling Chinese Communist Party.

President Xi Jinping vowed on Monday that China would always uphold world peace and international rules, amid concerns expressed by the United States and other countries over the nation’s increasing assertiveness globally.

President Xi Jinping vowed on Monday that China would always uphold world peace and international rules, amid concerns expressed by the United States and other countries over the nation’s increasing assertiveness globally. The comments come after Taiwan said this month that military tension with China was at its worst in more than 40 years, amid mounting worries that the giant neighbour might try to take back by military force the self-ruled island it claims as its own. Also Read | China, Russia aware of US’ military might, will defend Taiwan if Beijing attacks: Biden In a speech marking the 50th anniversary of China’s return to the United Nations, Xi said it would always be the “builder of world peace” and a “protector of international order,” state news agency Xinhua said. In 1971, the United Nations voted to recognise the People’s Republic of China, expelling Taiwan from the world body. China has also staked its claims more assertively to disputed territories with India on its Himalayan border, with some southeast Asian nations over the South China Sea, and with Japan over some islands in the East China Sea. “China resolutely opposes all forms of hegemony and power politics, unilateralism and protectionism,” Xi said, calling for greater global cooperation on issues such as regional conflicts, terrorism, climate change, cybersecurity and biosecurity. He urged all countries to promote the values of peace, development, justice, democracy, freedom, making use of a phrase the “common values of all mankind” that he coined and first mentioned in a July speech for the 100th anniversary of the ruling Chinese Communist Party.

China will uphold world peace, says Xi on anniversary of return to UN

According to the White House, US President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to hold a &nbsp;virtual meeting before the end of the year.

The virtual meeting has reportedly been agreed upon in principle. Reports say the meeting was made possible after US National Security Advisor(NSA) Jake Sullivan met top Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi as the two set the stage for the upcoming meeting.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-sends-56-warplanes-into-taiwans-defence-zone-in-largest-ever-air-incursion-418264">Also Read:&nbsp;China sends 56 warplanes into Taiwan's defence zone</a>

China's Xinhua news agency declared, "when China and the United States cooperate, the two countries and the world will benefit".

White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said: "We are still working through what that would look like, when and of course the final details we don't quite have them yet."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ready-to-abide-by-taiwan-agreement-says-biden-after-speaking-to-chinese-president-xi-418504">Also Read:&nbsp;Ready to abide by Taiwan agreement, says Biden&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;

The proposed virtual meeting comes amid increased tensions between China and the United States over Taiwan and the continuing trade row.&nbsp;

On Monday, US trade Representative Katherine Tai had informed she would be meeting Chinese officials in an attempt to break the trade deadlock which has led to increased tension between the two countries.

On Wednesday President Biden&nbsp;had declared the US was ready to abide by the Taiwan agreement referring to the "One-China" policy shortly after China sent the largest number of warplanes to Taiwan escalating tensions between the two countries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-has-ability-to-mount-full-scale-invasion-by-2025-says-taiwans-defence-minister-418524">Also Read:&nbsp;China has ability to mount 'full scale' invasion by 2025: Taiwan</a>

President Biden was reportedly set to meet the Chinese president this month at the G20 summit, however, it is unclear whether the meeting was official.

President Biden had spoken to Xi earlier, the first was when he took office and the other phone call took place last month which lasted for one and half hours.

(With inputs from Agencies)

&nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

According to the White House, US President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to hold a virtual meeting before the end of the year. The virtual meeting has reportedly been agreed upon in principle.

According to the White House, US President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to hold a virtual meeting before the end of the year. The virtual meeting has reportedly been agreed upon in principle. Reports say the meeting was made possible after US National Security Advisor(NSA) Jake Sullivan met top Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi as the two set the stage for the upcoming meeting. Also Read: China sends 56 warplanes into Taiwan's defence zone China's Xinhua news agency declared, "when China and the United States cooperate, the two countries and the world will benefit". White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said: "We are still working through what that would look like, when and of course the final details we don't quite have them yet." Also Read: Ready to abide by Taiwan agreement, says Biden The proposed virtual meeting comes amid increased tensions between China and the United States over Taiwan and the continuing trade row. On Monday, US trade Representative Katherine Tai had informed she would be meeting Chinese officials in an attempt to break the trade deadlock which has led to increased tension between the two countries. On Wednesday President Biden had declared the US was ready to abide by the Taiwan agreement referring to the "One-China" policy shortly after China sent the largest number of warplanes to Taiwan escalating tensions between the two countries. Also Read: China has ability to mount 'full scale' invasion by 2025: Taiwan President Biden was reportedly set to meet the Chinese president this month at the G20 summit, however, it is unclear whether the meeting was official. President Biden had spoken to Xi earlier, the first was when he took office and the other phone call took place last month which lasted for one and half hours. (With inputs from Agencies)

President Biden, Chinese President Xi plan to hold virtual summit: White House

In a change of guard, China's President Xi Jinping has appointed Gen Wang Haijiang as the new Commander of the People's Liberation Army's Western Theatre Command, official media reported. The Western Theatre Command oversees the borders with India. &nbsp;

The ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) chief Jinping also heads the Central Military Commission (CMC). The CMC is the overall high command of the country's army.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Military claims coup in Guinea, nationwide curfew declared by rebels

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The 68-year-old leader has promoted Wang and four other military officers to the rank of General, the highest rank for officers in active military service in China, reported state-run website chinamil on Monday. He also presented certificates of order promoting them to the military rank of General, the report said.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-military-presents-classified-evidence-on-how-to-land-hypersonic-drone-report-411337" hreflang="en">Chinese military presents classified evidence on how to land hypersonic drone: Report</a>

"The promoted officers are Commander of the PLA Western Theater Command Wang Haijiang, Commander of the PLA Central Theater Command Lin Xiangyang, Commander of the PLA Navy Dong Jun and Commander of the PLA Air Force Chang Dingqiu and President of PLA National Defence University Xu Xueqiang," the report added.&nbsp;

Since the eastern Ladakh standoff began in May last year, Gen Wang is the fourth commander to head the Western Theatre Command.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a change of guard, China's President Xi Jinping has appointed Gen Wang Haijiang as the new Commander of the People's Liberation Army's Western Theatre Command, official media reported.

In a change of guard, China's President Xi Jinping has appointed Gen Wang Haijiang as the new Commander of the People's Liberation Army's Western Theatre Command, official media reported. The Western Theatre Command oversees the borders with India. The ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) chief Jinping also heads the Central Military Commission (CMC). The CMC is the overall high command of the country's army. Watch: Military claims coup in Guinea, nationwide curfew declared by rebels × The 68-year-old leader has promoted Wang and four other military officers to the rank of General, the highest rank for officers in active military service in China, reported state-run website chinamil on Monday. He also presented certificates of order promoting them to the military rank of General, the report said. Also Read | Chinese military presents classified evidence on how to land hypersonic drone: Report "The promoted officers are Commander of the PLA Western Theater Command Wang Haijiang, Commander of the PLA Central Theater Command Lin Xiangyang, Commander of the PLA Navy Dong Jun and Commander of the PLA Air Force Chang Dingqiu and President of PLA National Defence University Xu Xueqiang," the report added. Since the eastern Ladakh standoff began in May last year, Gen Wang is the fourth commander to head the Western Theatre Command. (With inputs from agencies)

Xi appoints new army commander to lead PLA troops at Indo-China border

According to reports, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-says-china-still-withholding-critical-info-on-covid-origins-409068">China </a>has ordered private firms to migrate from its cloud services into the government's infrastructure.

Tech giants Alibaba and Tencent have reportedly been asked to ensure the data migration process by the assets supervision and administration commission.

The assets watchdog has reportedly asked the private players not to build data centres or buy new servers,&nbsp;&nbsp;a&nbsp;report claimed.

Watch:

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The move is likely to hit Huawei, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-warns-34-tech-firms-to-rectify-any-anti-competitive-measures-after-record-alibaba-fine-377323">Alibaba</a> and Tencent. The government-run cloud service is called "Guoziyun" which means "state asset cloud".

All data will should be&nbsp;moved by&nbsp;September 30, 2022, according to the assets watchdog.

"As of today, all companies should not sign new contracts with third-party cloud platforms, or continue cloud resource rental agreements," a document from the watchdog said.

A report had claimed earlier that China planned to block tech firms with large amounts of sensitive user data from listing abroad in a move intended to ensure regulatory clampdown on private industries.

The Wall Street Journal report said Chinese firms in less sensitive sectors would also need regulatory approval to list abroad.

Chinese authorities had earlier investigated ride-hailing giant Didi Chuxing for "cybersecurity issues" after it was listed in the New York stock exchange.

Reports said firms with over a million users need to seek regulatory approval before listing abroad.

Last week China had passed the new online privacy law asking firms to reduce data collection and obtain user consent. The law aimed to crackdown on firms allegedly profiting over personal data. The new law is reportedly modelled on European Union's General Data Protection Regulation.

Chinese firms have raised billions in the US markets, however, the move by authorities is being seen as a policy to tighten control over Chinese IPOs in America.

(With inputs from Agencies)

According to reports, China has ordered private firms to migrate from its cloud services into the government's infrastructure. Tech giants Alibaba and Tencent have reportedly been asked to ensure the data migration process by the assets supervision and administration commission.

According to reports, China has ordered private firms to migrate from its cloud services into the government's infrastructure. Tech giants Alibaba and Tencent have reportedly been asked to ensure the data migration process by the assets supervision and administration commission. The assets watchdog has reportedly asked the private players not to build data centres or buy new servers, a report claimed. Watch: The move is likely to hit Huawei, Alibaba and Tencent. The government-run cloud service is called "Guoziyun" which means "state asset cloud". All data will should be moved by September 30, 2022, according to the assets watchdog. "As of today, all companies should not sign new contracts with third-party cloud platforms, or continue cloud resource rental agreements," a document from the watchdog said. A report had claimed earlier that China planned to block tech firms with large amounts of sensitive user data from listing abroad in a move intended to ensure regulatory clampdown on private industries. The Wall Street Journal report said Chinese firms in less sensitive sectors would also need regulatory approval to list abroad. Chinese authorities had earlier investigated ride-hailing giant Didi Chuxing for "cybersecurity issues" after it was listed in the New York stock exchange. Reports said firms with over a million users need to seek regulatory approval before listing abroad. Last week China had passed the new online privacy law asking firms to reduce data collection and obtain user consent. The law aimed to crackdown on firms allegedly profiting over personal data. The new law is reportedly modelled on European Union's General Data Protection Regulation. Chinese firms have raised billions in the US markets, however, the move by authorities is being seen as a policy to tighten control over Chinese IPOs in America. (With inputs from Agencies)

Now, China asks private firms to migrate data to government-run cloud services

China will "strive to provide" two billion COVID-19 vaccine doses to the world this year and donate $100 million to the international vaccine distribution system known as Covax, President Xi Jinping said Thursday.

The pledge came as a written message by Xi to a video forum on vaccine cooperation.&nbsp;

This comes as China battles a fresh outbreak fuelled by the highly contagious Delta variant.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-cases-in-tokyo-at-record-high-as-government-expands-restrictions-403140">Also read |&nbsp;Covid cases in Tokyo at record high as government expands restrictions</a>

Delta has now been detected in parts of China. "For the whole of this year, China will strive to provide two billion doses of vaccine to the world," Xi said in remarks reported by state broadcaster CCTV.

Also, China has also promised to donate $100 million to Covax, he added, for the distribution of vaccines to developing countries.

The announcement comes weeks after Xi promised $3 billion in aid to developing countries to fight COVID-19.

The funds are aimed at helping developing nations recover from the social and economic impacts of the virus.

China will "strive to provide" two billion COVID-19 vaccine doses to the world this year and donate $100 million to the international vaccine distribution system known as Covax, President Xi Jinping said Thursday.

China will "strive to provide" two billion COVID-19 vaccine doses to the world this year and donate $100 million to the international vaccine distribution system known as Covax, President Xi Jinping said Thursday. The pledge came as a written message by Xi to a video forum on vaccine cooperation. This comes as China battles a fresh outbreak fuelled by the highly contagious Delta variant. Also read | Covid cases in Tokyo at record high as government expands restrictions Delta has now been detected in parts of China. "For the whole of this year, China will strive to provide two billion doses of vaccine to the world," Xi said in remarks reported by state broadcaster CCTV. Also, China has also promised to donate $100 million to Covax, he added, for the distribution of vaccines to developing countries. The announcement comes weeks after Xi promised $3 billion in aid to developing countries to fight COVID-19. The funds are aimed at helping developing nations recover from the social and economic impacts of the virus.

China pledges two billion vaccine doses to world, says Xi

Asserting that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are 'responsible' leaders, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday said they both are capable of solving issues between the two countries, and that it was important that no 'extra-regional power' should interfere in the process.

With Russia publicly critical of the Quad, the four-nation grouping of India, the US, Japan and Australia, Putin also said that though it was not up to Moscow to assess how any nation should participate in an initiative and to what extent they should build their relations with other countries but no partnership should be aimed at making friends against anyone.

The Russian president's remarks, in response to a question on Moscow's view on Quad as well as India's participation in the grouping, were a veiled reference to the Chinese claim that the grouping is to contain Beijing's influence in the strategic Indo-Pacific region.

He also asserted that there were no 'contradictions' in Russia's partnership with India and the ties between Moscow and Beijing. "Yes, I do know that there are some issues related to India-China relations but there are always a lot of issues between neighbouring countries but I know the attitude of both the Prime Minister of India and also the President of China. These are very responsible people and they earnestly treat one another with utmost respect and I believe that they will always arrive at a solution to any issue that they might face. But it is important that no other extra-regional power is interfering with that," the Russian President said through a translator during a virtual interaction.

It has been more than a year since the military standoff between China and India erupted in eastern Ladakh on May 5, 2020 during which there were fatalities on both sides for the first time in 45 years. They have made limited progress in achieving disengagement at the Pangong Lake area while negotiations for similar steps at other friction points remained deadlocked.

Asked about the growing proximity between Russia and China and if that will impact the Indo-Russia security and defence cooperation, Putin said the relations between India and Russia were developing quite rapidly, quite successfully based on 'trust'. "We highly appreciate such a high level of cooperation with our Indian friends. These relations are of a strategic nature. They cover a whole range of avenues of our cooperation in economy, energy and hi-tech. In defence, and I am not just talking about purchase of Russian arms...We have very deep profound relations with India based on trust," he said.

Putin also asserted that India is Russia's only partner that they are working together with on 'elaborating and manufacturing, especially in India, advanced weapon systems and technologies but that is not where our cooperation ends because our cooperation is multifaceted.'

During the interaction with select top editors of major international news agencies, including from the US, India, the UK, Germany and France, Putin replied to wide ranging issues, including Russia-US ties, the pandemic situation, the US sanctions against Russia and the Gaza issue.

Asked about Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov's criticism of Quad as 'Asian NATO' and his view on India's participation in the grouping, Putin said, "we are not participating in the quad, it is not my place to give my assessment to any other country participating in any initiative because every sovereign nation has the right to decide with whom and to what extent they are building their relations. I only believe that any partnership between countries should be aimed at making friends against anyone, No."

Ahead of his maiden summit with US President Joe Biden in Geneva on June 16, the Russian president also said that he was not expecting any 'breakthrough'. "We are not taking steps first? I'm talking about the steps that deteriorated our relations. It was not us who introduced sanctions against us, it was the United States who did that on every occasion and even without grounds, just because our country exists," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Asserting that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are 'responsible' leaders, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday said they both are capable of solving issues between the two countries, and that it was important that no 'extra-regional power' should interfere in the process.

Asserting that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are 'responsible' leaders, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday said they both are capable of solving issues between the two countries, and that it was important that no 'extra-regional power' should interfere in the process. With Russia publicly critical of the Quad, the four-nation grouping of India, the US, Japan and Australia, Putin also said that though it was not up to Moscow to assess how any nation should participate in an initiative and to what extent they should build their relations with other countries but no partnership should be aimed at making friends against anyone. The Russian president's remarks, in response to a question on Moscow's view on Quad as well as India's participation in the grouping, were a veiled reference to the Chinese claim that the grouping is to contain Beijing's influence in the strategic Indo-Pacific region. He also asserted that there were no 'contradictions' in Russia's partnership with India and the ties between Moscow and Beijing. "Yes, I do know that there are some issues related to India-China relations but there are always a lot of issues between neighbouring countries but I know the attitude of both the Prime Minister of India and also the President of China. These are very responsible people and they earnestly treat one another with utmost respect and I believe that they will always arrive at a solution to any issue that they might face. But it is important that no other extra-regional power is interfering with that," the Russian President said through a translator during a virtual interaction. It has been more than a year since the military standoff between China and India erupted in eastern Ladakh on May 5, 2020 during which there were fatalities on both sides for the first time in 45 years. They have made limited progress in achieving disengagement at the Pangong Lake area while negotiations for similar steps at other friction points remained deadlocked. Asked about the growing proximity between Russia and China and if that will impact the Indo-Russia security and defence cooperation, Putin said the relations between India and Russia were developing quite rapidly, quite successfully based on 'trust'. "We highly appreciate such a high level of cooperation with our Indian friends. These relations are of a strategic nature. They cover a whole range of avenues of our cooperation in economy, energy and hi-tech. In defence, and I am not just talking about purchase of Russian arms...We have very deep profound relations with India based on trust," he said. Putin also asserted that India is Russia's only partner that they are working together with on 'elaborating and manufacturing, especially in India, advanced weapon systems and technologies but that is not where our cooperation ends because our cooperation is multifaceted.' During the interaction with select top editors of major international news agencies, including from the US, India, the UK, Germany and France, Putin replied to wide ranging issues, including Russia-US ties, the pandemic situation, the US sanctions against Russia and the Gaza issue. Asked about Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov's criticism of Quad as 'Asian NATO' and his view on India's participation in the grouping, Putin said, "we are not participating in the quad, it is not my place to give my assessment to any other country participating in any initiative because every sovereign nation has the right to decide with whom and to what extent they are building their relations. I only believe that any partnership between countries should be aimed at making friends against anyone, No." Ahead of his maiden summit with US President Joe Biden in Geneva on June 16, the Russian president also said that he was not expecting any 'breakthrough'. "We are not taking steps first? I'm talking about the steps that deteriorated our relations. It was not us who introduced sanctions against us, it was the United States who did that on every occasion and even without grounds, just because our country exists," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Modi and Xi are 'responsible' leaders, can solve Sino-India issues: Putin

The United States has called for the release of an Uyghur Muslim doctor who has been sentenced to 20 years of jail in China because of activism of her family members.

The daughter of Gulshan Abbas told a briefing organised with the bipartisan US Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) that their family had recently learned that her mother received the sentence in March last year on terrorism-related charges after disappearing in September 2018, Al Jazeera reported.

Gulshan Abbas is the sister of activist Rushan Abbas, who has been quite vocal about the Chinese Communist Party`s atrocities against Muslim minorities in China. Meanwhile, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said Abbas was sentenced for the crimes of joining a "terrorist" organisation, helping terrorist activities and "assembling a crowd to disrupt social order".

"We urge certain politicians in the United States to respect facts and stop fabricating lies and smearing China," the spokesman, Wang Wenbin, told a news conference.

The daughter, Ziba Murat, called the charges "preposterous". Gulshan`s sister, Rushan Abbas, said the charges are the consequence of activism by her and her brother, Rishat Abbas, both of whom are based in the US."We have committed to working to defend our people`s rights and advocate for justice, and now our sister is denied justice as a punishment," Rushan said.

Taking to Twitter, US assistant secretary of state for democracy, human rights and labour, Robert Destro, said Gulshan Abbas must be released."Her forcible disappearance, detainment and harsh sentencing by the CCP [Chinese Communist Party] is evidence of a family suffering the consequences of speaking out against a government that has no respect for human rights," he said.

Ziba Murat said she could not reveal the source of the information on the sentencing to protect their identity. "We only learned that she is sentenced to 20 years, and we`re trying to get more information."

"My mom is a medical professional, non-political, kind person who has spent her life helping people," she said, adding that her mother was in fragile health and suffered from multiple conditions, including high blood pressure.

The CECC chairman, Democratic Representative James McGovern, called the punishment of an innocent family member in what he said was an attempt to silence free expression "morally reprehensible".He said it was just part of a "mass persecution" of Uighurs in China that has involved the detention of as many as 1.8 million people in internment camps, forced labour and other abuses.

According to credible reports, more than one million people, are or have been, detained in what is being called `political re-education` centres, in the largest mass incarceration of an ethnic minority population in the world today.

The internment camp system in the XUAR is expanding, with more than 380 suspected detention facilities having been newly built or expanded since 2017, and at least 61 detention sites newly constructed or expanded between July 2019 and July 2020. (ANI)

The United States has called for the release of an Uyghur Muslim doctor who has been sentenced to 20 years of jail in China because of activism of her family members.

The United States has called for the release of an Uyghur Muslim doctor who has been sentenced to 20 years of jail in China because of activism of her family members. The daughter of Gulshan Abbas told a briefing organised with the bipartisan US Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) that their family had recently learned that her mother received the sentence in March last year on terrorism-related charges after disappearing in September 2018, Al Jazeera reported. Gulshan Abbas is the sister of activist Rushan Abbas, who has been quite vocal about the Chinese Communist Party`s atrocities against Muslim minorities in China. Meanwhile, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said Abbas was sentenced for the crimes of joining a "terrorist" organisation, helping terrorist activities and "assembling a crowd to disrupt social order". "We urge certain politicians in the United States to respect facts and stop fabricating lies and smearing China," the spokesman, Wang Wenbin, told a news conference. The daughter, Ziba Murat, called the charges "preposterous". Gulshan`s sister, Rushan Abbas, said the charges are the consequence of activism by her and her brother, Rishat Abbas, both of whom are based in the US."We have committed to working to defend our people`s rights and advocate for justice, and now our sister is denied justice as a punishment," Rushan said. Taking to Twitter, US assistant secretary of state for democracy, human rights and labour, Robert Destro, said Gulshan Abbas must be released."Her forcible disappearance, detainment and harsh sentencing by the CCP [Chinese Communist Party] is evidence of a family suffering the consequences of speaking out against a government that has no respect for human rights," he said. Ziba Murat said she could not reveal the source of the information on the sentencing to protect their identity. "We only learned that she is sentenced to 20 years, and we`re trying to get more information." "My mom is a medical professional, non-political, kind person who has spent her life helping people," she said, adding that her mother was in fragile health and suffered from multiple conditions, including high blood pressure. The CECC chairman, Democratic Representative James McGovern, called the punishment of an innocent family member in what he said was an attempt to silence free expression "morally reprehensible".He said it was just part of a "mass persecution" of Uighurs in China that has involved the detention of as many as 1.8 million people in internment camps, forced labour and other abuses. According to credible reports, more than one million people, are or have been, detained in what is being called `political re-education` centres, in the largest mass incarceration of an ethnic minority population in the world today. The internment camp system in the XUAR is expanding, with more than 380 suspected detention facilities having been newly built or expanded since 2017, and at least 61 detention sites newly constructed or expanded between July 2019 and July 2020. (ANI)

Ugyhur activist's sister sentenced to 20 years of jail in China, US calls for her release

President Xi Jinping pegged China as the pivot point for global free trade Thursday, vowing to keep his "super-sized" economy open and warning against protectionism in a global economy eviscerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Buoyed by the signing of the world's largest trade pact over the weekend, Xi said the Asia-Pacific is the "forerunner driving global growth" in a world hit by "multiple challenges" including the coronavirus.

He vowed "openness" to trade and refuted any possibility of the "decoupling" of China's economy — in his only comments nodding to the hostile trade policy of Donald Trump's US administration, which has battered China with tariffs and tech restrictions.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/subtly-china-pressures-gulf-states-to-reduce-regional-tensions-343832">Subtly, China pressures Gulf states to reduce regional tensions</a>

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, held online this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, brings together 21 Pacific Rim countries including the world's two biggest economies, accounting for about 60 per cent of global GDP.

It was not immediately clear if Trump, wounded by his election loss to Joe Biden, would take part in the summit or send a high level delegate in his place.

In a speech that veered into triumphalism over China's economic "resilience and vitality" in coming back from the virus, which first emerged in the central city of Wuhan, Xi warned countries who insist on trade barriers will suffer self-inflicted wounds.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-china-is-stonewalling-reforms-at-united-nations-security-council-343771">How China is stonewalling reforms at United Nations Security Council</a>

"Openness enables a country to move forward while seclusion holds it back," he said.

"China will actively cooperate with all countries, regions and enterprises that want to do so. We will continue to hold high the banner of openness and co-operation."

Trade agenda

The high rhetoric may raise eyebrows in capitals where China has either restricted trade, imposed sudden blocks or used its giant economy as a bargaining chip in wider geopolitical plays.

In the APEC region, Australian exports including beef, wine and barley have been disrupted to their largest market, as diplomatic rumble over the origins of the pandemic as well as alleged antics by each other's spies hammer relations.&nbsp;

The APEC gathering comes a week after China and 14 other Asia-Pacific countries signed the world's largest free-trade deal.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-refuses-to-renew-the-licence-of-china-friendly-news-channel-343923">Taiwan refuses to renew the licence of China-friendly news channel</a>

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which excludes the US, is viewed as a major coup for China and further evidence that Beijing is setting the agenda for global commerce as Washington retreats.&nbsp;

RCEP's rival was the Trans-Pacific Partnership — championed by former Barack Obama — but Trump pulled out of it and the pact has been replaced by a watered-down alternative that the United States has not joined.

Xi had no direct words for President-elect Biden, whose ascension to office next year — while still clouded by Trump's refusal to concede defeat - is seen as likely to see a more naunced extension of Washington's current China policy.&nbsp;

Biden has been strident on China's human rights record, from the Uighur Muslims in its Xinjiang region to Hong Kong's democracy movement.

While he will he cast a more moderate presence on the global stage, analysts say he will seek deeper alliances to hem in Chinese tech — which the US says provides a back door to Beijing — and trade imbalances.

President Xi Jinping pegged China as the pivot point for global free trade Thursday, vowing to keep his "super-sized" economy open and warning against protectionism in a global economy eviscerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

President Xi Jinping pegged China as the pivot point for global free trade Thursday, vowing to keep his "super-sized" economy open and warning against protectionism in a global economy eviscerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Buoyed by the signing of the world's largest trade pact over the weekend, Xi said the Asia-Pacific is the "forerunner driving global growth" in a world hit by "multiple challenges" including the coronavirus. He vowed "openness" to trade and refuted any possibility of the "decoupling" of China's economy — in his only comments nodding to the hostile trade policy of Donald Trump's US administration, which has battered China with tariffs and tech restrictions. Also read| Subtly, China pressures Gulf states to reduce regional tensions The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, held online this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, brings together 21 Pacific Rim countries including the world's two biggest economies, accounting for about 60 per cent of global GDP. It was not immediately clear if Trump, wounded by his election loss to Joe Biden, would take part in the summit or send a high level delegate in his place. In a speech that veered into triumphalism over China's economic "resilience and vitality" in coming back from the virus, which first emerged in the central city of Wuhan, Xi warned countries who insist on trade barriers will suffer self-inflicted wounds. Also read| How China is stonewalling reforms at United Nations Security Council "Openness enables a country to move forward while seclusion holds it back," he said. "China will actively cooperate with all countries, regions and enterprises that want to do so. We will continue to hold high the banner of openness and co-operation." Trade agenda The high rhetoric may raise eyebrows in capitals where China has either restricted trade, imposed sudden blocks or used its giant economy as a bargaining chip in wider geopolitical plays. In the APEC region, Australian exports including beef, wine and barley have been disrupted to their largest market, as diplomatic rumble over the origins of the pandemic as well as alleged antics by each other's spies hammer relations. The APEC gathering comes a week after China and 14 other Asia-Pacific countries signed the world's largest free-trade deal. Also read| Taiwan refuses to renew the licence of China-friendly news channel The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which excludes the US, is viewed as a major coup for China and further evidence that Beijing is setting the agenda for global commerce as Washington retreats. RCEP's rival was the Trans-Pacific Partnership — championed by former Barack Obama — but Trump pulled out of it and the pact has been replaced by a watered-down alternative that the United States has not joined. Xi had no direct words for President-elect Biden, whose ascension to office next year — while still clouded by Trump's refusal to concede defeat - is seen as likely to see a more naunced extension of Washington's current China policy. Biden has been strident on China's human rights record, from the Uighur Muslims in its Xinjiang region to Hong Kong's democracy movement. While he will he cast a more moderate presence on the global stage, analysts say he will seek deeper alliances to hem in Chinese tech — which the US says provides a back door to Beijing — and trade imbalances.

Xi touts China's huge economy as base of free trade in APEC speech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Tuesday take part in the 12th BRICS or Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa summit that will take place virtually.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend virtual summit of BRICS

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