Yemen's Southern Transitional Council (STC) continued Tuesday to expand its military presence in the war-ravaged Arab country, defying repeated calls by the internationally-recognized government to withdraw its forces from the strategic provinces of Hadramout and Al-Mahrah, a military official told Xinhua.


Militia Group STC Expands Presence in Yemen

Chinese state media Xinhua has launched 'digital collectibles' and decided to jump on the non-fungible token (NFT) bandwagon.

In a bid to boost blockchain technology, the news agency will issue a digital media photo collection via NFTs.

It said that the collection would "imprint digital memories into the metaverse."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-are-non-fungible-tokens-424988/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Shares of Chinese companies that are associated with the augmented reality experienced a rise in their shares after the announcement was made.

Augmented reality firm Goertek jumped 6 per cent while online gaming company Perfect World gained nearly 4 per cent.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tim-berners-lees-nft-of-world-wide-web-source-code-sold-for-54-million-395074">Also read |&nbsp;Tim Berners-Lee’s NFT of World Wide Web source code sold for $5.4 million</a>

Earlier, the People’s Daily, the mouthpiece of the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP), had called NFT as a “zero-sum game hyped by cryptocurrency investors and capital”.

It had flagged ‘fraud’ risks after Chinese President Xi Jinping's government had banned cryptocurrency trading and mining.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/vignesh-sundaresan-buys-nft-for-69-million-people-can-download-it-for-free-433242">Also read |&nbsp;Vignesh Sundaresan buys NFT for $69 million; people can download it for free</a>

Meanwhile, The Securities Times, also an official media outlet, has previously called the metaverse, a shared space based on virtual reality technologies, "a grand and illusionary concept."

However, it appears that Beijing now wants to open the door for listed Chinese companies to issue announcements that tie future business plans to the concept.

Previously, media firm 36kr Holdings gave away 1,124 metaverse-themed digital collectibles at a conference in Shenzhen.

Ant Group, an affiliate company of the Chinese Alibaba Group, founded by Jack Ma, is already exploring and applying NFT technologies.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese state media Xinhua has launched 'digital collectibles' and decided to jump on the non-fungible token (NFT) bandwagon. In a bid to boost blockchain technology, the news agency will issue a digital media photo collection via NFTs.

Chinese state media Xinhua has launched 'digital collectibles' and decided to jump on the non-fungible token (NFT) bandwagon. In a bid to boost blockchain technology, the news agency will issue a digital media photo collection via NFTs. It said that the collection would "imprint digital memories into the metaverse." Shares of Chinese companies that are associated with the augmented reality experienced a rise in their shares after the announcement was made. Augmented reality firm Goertek jumped 6 per cent while online gaming company Perfect World gained nearly 4 per cent. Also read | Tim Berners-Lee’s NFT of World Wide Web source code sold for $5.4 million Earlier, the People’s Daily, the mouthpiece of the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP), had called NFT as a “zero-sum game hyped by cryptocurrency investors and capital”. It had flagged ‘fraud’ risks after Chinese President Xi Jinping's government had banned cryptocurrency trading and mining. Also read | Vignesh Sundaresan buys NFT for $69 million; people can download it for free Meanwhile, The Securities Times, also an official media outlet, has previously called the metaverse, a shared space based on virtual reality technologies, "a grand and illusionary concept." However, it appears that Beijing now wants to open the door for listed Chinese companies to issue announcements that tie future business plans to the concept. Previously, media firm 36kr Holdings gave away 1,124 metaverse-themed digital collectibles at a conference in Shenzhen. Ant Group, an affiliate company of the Chinese Alibaba Group, founded by Jack Ma, is already exploring and applying NFT technologies. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese state media Xinhua launches 'digital collectibles' and NFTs

Tiny unicorns and cartoon girls in clown costumes line the shelves of Wang Zhaoxue's study in Beijing,&nbsp;tokens of China's mania for "blind boxes" that has made fortunes for toymakers and even caught the attention of those in power.

The 18-year-old music student is one of the legions of young Chinese hooked on snaffling up the toys,&nbsp;from pop art-inspired figurines to mini-archaeological treasures,&nbsp;to complete whole "ranges" through endless purchases.

The toys, first popularised in Japan, have fixated China in recent years, also driving a booming second-hand market and decorating the desks of white-collar workers and livestreams of box-opening influencers across the country.

The blind box market was worth 7.4 billion yuan ($1.14 billion) in 2019, according to market research firm Qianzhan Intelligence, which added that could soar to 30 billion yuan by 2024.

Similar to the collectibility of baseball cards, most fist-sized packages hold toys, from fairies to miniature King Kongs, but buyers can often be landed with one they already have.

But once in a while, a rare or even "hidden" item,&nbsp;one that does not appear in advertisements for the range,&nbsp;will emerge from the box, the holy grail of the collecting craze.

Wang said she&nbsp;has in the past queued overnight for new releases at toy conventions and proudly shows off autographed limited-edition figurines in her family's Beijing apartment.

Her older family members are also fervent toy collectors -- her mother displays by the front door a group of baby-faced figures riding cats.

"It was something quite novel, which got my attention," said Wang, who has now amassed hundreds of the toys.

The element of mystery is a big part of the fun, although "if you shake it, and then feel the box, you can sometimes deduce what's inside".

Wang has turned her passion into a small business, customising duplicates and selling them online for hundreds of yuan apiece.

On the vibrant second-hand market, rare figures can fetch dozens of times the original price of an unopened box, which usually costs $10-$20.

Liu Xiaoli, a nickname, has been collecting blind box toys since 2018.

The advertising professional, in her thirties, pulls thousands of followers to a Bilibili video channel where she documents her box-opening adventures.

She has adopted a technique of weighing some boxes before opening them to build the anticipation of what might be inside.&nbsp;

"It feels good to see them all arranged neatly," said Liu, who has more than 200 toys.

Her favourites are modelled after a cherubic, doe-eyed character called Molly, produced by Beijing-based mystery toymaker Pop Mart, which made its $670 million debut on the Hong Kong stock exchange last year.

The competition is so intense that the most sought-after toys, such as the archaeology-themed blind boxes sold by Henan province's official museum, sell out almost immediately after their online release.

But the craze has not escaped criticism, with state media earlier this year comparing the trend to gambling and warning that the products bred addiction.

In a commentary in January, Xinhua called for more regulation of the sector and said the boxes should not be sold "blindly" to consumers, accusing some brands of "persuading consumers to keep buying and even hyping up a speculative second-hand market".

"One of the reasons behind the success of&nbsp;blind&nbsp;boxes&nbsp;is that they divide their products into different categories of rarity," Steffi Noel, a consumer analyst at Shanghai-based Daxue Consulting&nbsp;said.

"They set a barrier, expressing the idea that not everyone can get the most special&nbsp;boxes. It generates a sense of competition."&nbsp;

Tiny unicorns and cartoon girls in clown costumes line the shelves of Wang Zhaoxue's study in Beijing, tokens of China's mania for "blind boxes" that has made fortunes for toymakers and even caught the attention of those in power.

Tiny unicorns and cartoon girls in clown costumes line the shelves of Wang Zhaoxue's study in Beijing, tokens of China's mania for "blind boxes" that has made fortunes for toymakers and even caught the attention of those in power. The 18-year-old music student is one of the legions of young Chinese hooked on snaffling up the toys, from pop art-inspired figurines to mini-archaeological treasures, to complete whole "ranges" through endless purchases. The toys, first popularised in Japan, have fixated China in recent years, also driving a booming second-hand market and decorating the desks of white-collar workers and livestreams of box-opening influencers across the country. The blind box market was worth 7.4 billion yuan ($1.14 billion) in 2019, according to market research firm Qianzhan Intelligence, which added that could soar to 30 billion yuan by 2024. Similar to the collectibility of baseball cards, most fist-sized packages hold toys, from fairies to miniature King Kongs, but buyers can often be landed with one they already have. But once in a while, a rare or even "hidden" item, one that does not appear in advertisements for the range, will emerge from the box, the holy grail of the collecting craze. Wang said she has in the past queued overnight for new releases at toy conventions and proudly shows off autographed limited-edition figurines in her family's Beijing apartment. Her older family members are also fervent toy collectors -- her mother displays by the front door a group of baby-faced figures riding cats. "It was something quite novel, which got my attention," said Wang, who has now amassed hundreds of the toys. The element of mystery is a big part of the fun, although "if you shake it, and then feel the box, you can sometimes deduce what's inside". Wang has turned her passion into a small business, customising duplicates and selling them online for hundreds of yuan apiece. On the vibrant second-hand market, rare figures can fetch dozens of times the original price of an unopened box, which usually costs $10-$20. Liu Xiaoli, a nickname, has been collecting blind box toys since 2018. The advertising professional, in her thirties, pulls thousands of followers to a Bilibili video channel where she documents her box-opening adventures. She has adopted a technique of weighing some boxes before opening them to build the anticipation of what might be inside. "It feels good to see them all arranged neatly," said Liu, who has more than 200 toys. Her favourites are modelled after a cherubic, doe-eyed character called Molly, produced by Beijing-based mystery toymaker Pop Mart, which made its $670 million debut on the Hong Kong stock exchange last year. The competition is so intense that the most sought-after toys, such as the archaeology-themed blind boxes sold by Henan province's official museum, sell out almost immediately after their online release. But the craze has not escaped criticism, with state media earlier this year comparing the trend to gambling and warning that the products bred addiction. In a commentary in January, Xinhua called for more regulation of the sector and said the boxes should not be sold "blindly" to consumers, accusing some brands of "persuading consumers to keep buying and even hyping up a speculative second-hand market". "One of the reasons behind the success of blind boxes is that they divide their products into different categories of rarity," Steffi Noel, a consumer analyst at Shanghai-based Daxue Consulting said. "They set a barrier, expressing the idea that not everyone can get the most special boxes. It generates a sense of competition."

'Blind box' craze grips China's youth and mints toymakers a fortune

Chinese Premier<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/china-premier-li-keqiang-warns-us-against-trade-war-13404"> Li Keqiang</a> signaled plans to free up more cash for the country's banking system in a bid to boost lending to small businesses as leaders look to kick start the world's number two economy.

Li flagged a fresh cut to the amount of cash lenders must keep in reserve, according to state news agency Xinhua, in the latest move to ramp up stuttering growth.

The comments from Li came as he visited a bank in Chengdu a day before Tuesday's trilateral summit with the leaders of South Korea and Japan in the southwestern city.

Li said he was "very concerned about the financing of small and micro-businesses" and the government will "increase support for small and medium-sized banks" that directly serve these businesses, Xinhua reported.

The government "will further study measures" such as reducing the reserve requirement ratio and ways to reduce financing costs and interest rates "to significantly ease the financing difficulty and high cost".

It has been a tough year for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-dilemmas-of-chinas-economic-rise-170616">China's economy</a>, which is expanding at its weakest rate for three decades as it is buffeted by a long-running trade war with the United States as well as a slowdown in global demand for its goods.

However, recent data has pointed to a mild improvement in some areas of the economy, while a mini trade deal with the US that will see the rolling back of some tariffs should ease some of the pressure on growth.

Analysts have predicted Beijing will have to lend more support to boost growth next year, with Nomura saying authorities will have to "continue rolling out moderate easing measures".

Beijing already slashed the reserve requirement ratio for banks in October, which freed up about $126 billion to boost lending to mostly small and medium enterprises.

Li's remarks came a day after China's cabinet, unveiled measures to support private companies by further opening up major industries to non-state firms and putting in place mechanisms that would give them the same regulatory treatment.

Also on Monday, Beijing said it would cut import tariffs on more than 850 products from January, including frozen pork, cheese, pharmaceuticals and parts for manufacturing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/chinas-transsion-holdings-to-soon-launch-tecno-smartphones-in-india-14636">smartphones</a>.

Analysts said the move was an indication of China's desire to show it is opening up after this month's mini-deal with the US to reduce some levies and work towards a wider pact.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang signaled plans to free up more cash for the country's banking system in a bid to boost lending to small businesses as leaders look to kick start the world's number two economy.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang signaled plans to free up more cash for the country's banking system in a bid to boost lending to small businesses as leaders look to kick start the world's number two economy. Li flagged a fresh cut to the amount of cash lenders must keep in reserve, according to state news agency Xinhua, in the latest move to ramp up stuttering growth. The comments from Li came as he visited a bank in Chengdu a day before Tuesday's trilateral summit with the leaders of South Korea and Japan in the southwestern city. Li said he was "very concerned about the financing of small and micro-businesses" and the government will "increase support for small and medium-sized banks" that directly serve these businesses, Xinhua reported. The government "will further study measures" such as reducing the reserve requirement ratio and ways to reduce financing costs and interest rates "to significantly ease the financing difficulty and high cost". It has been a tough year for China's economy, which is expanding at its weakest rate for three decades as it is buffeted by a long-running trade war with the United States as well as a slowdown in global demand for its goods. However, recent data has pointed to a mild improvement in some areas of the economy, while a mini trade deal with the US that will see the rolling back of some tariffs should ease some of the pressure on growth. Analysts have predicted Beijing will have to lend more support to boost growth next year, with Nomura saying authorities will have to "continue rolling out moderate easing measures". Beijing already slashed the reserve requirement ratio for banks in October, which freed up about $126 billion to boost lending to mostly small and medium enterprises. Li's remarks came a day after China's cabinet, unveiled measures to support private companies by further opening up major industries to non-state firms and putting in place mechanisms that would give them the same regulatory treatment. Also on Monday, Beijing said it would cut import tariffs on more than 850 products from January, including frozen pork, cheese, pharmaceuticals and parts for manufacturing smartphones. Analysts said the move was an indication of China's desire to show it is opening up after this month's mini-deal with the US to reduce some levies and work towards a wider pact.

China set to boost lending to small businesses to kick start economy

China announced on Monday the establishment of a national oil and gas pipeline company in a move intended to boost competition, the Xinhua state news agency said.

The long-awaited state pipeline company aims to provide other investors fair market access to infrastructure that is mainly controlled by China's three national oil companies, Xinhua said.

"The new company will separate (oil and gas) transportation, production and sales, and open (transportation) to third-party entities, which will benefit market competition," said Xinhua, citing an unidentified official at the newly launched pipeline company.

The new entity is expected to manage most of the country's pipeline infrastructure, controlled by energy giants China National Petroleum Corp (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-%26-economy/chinas-cnpc-to-invest-more-than-22-billion-to-boost-xinjiang-oil-gas-output-by-2020-154342">CNPC</a>), Sinopec and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/failed-exxon-talks-left-petrobras-stranded-for-auctions-report-261167">CNOOC</a>, and some underground natural gas storage, as well as a few liquefied natural gas terminals.

As of end-2018, CNPC owned 63 per cent&nbsp;of China's mainstream oil and gas pipelines, while Sinopec and CNOOC controlled 31&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;and 6 per cent, respectively.

In a separate report on Monday, Xinhua said the new entity is expected to be overseen by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC), which will have a 40&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;share in the new entity.

Citing an unidentified industry insider, Xinhua reported the three energy giants will share the remaining ownership, with CNPC holding 30 per cent, Sinopec 20 per cent&nbsp;and CNOOC 10 per cent.

China announced on Monday the establishment of a national oil and gas pipeline company in a move intended to boost competition, the Xinhua state news agency said.

China announced on Monday the establishment of a national oil and gas pipeline company in a move intended to boost competition, the Xinhua state news agency said. The long-awaited state pipeline company aims to provide other investors fair market access to infrastructure that is mainly controlled by China's three national oil companies, Xinhua said. "The new company will separate (oil and gas) transportation, production and sales, and open (transportation) to third-party entities, which will benefit market competition," said Xinhua, citing an unidentified official at the newly launched pipeline company. The new entity is expected to manage most of the country's pipeline infrastructure, controlled by energy giants China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC), Sinopec and CNOOC, and some underground natural gas storage, as well as a few liquefied natural gas terminals. As of end-2018, CNPC owned 63 per cent of China's mainstream oil and gas pipelines, while Sinopec and CNOOC controlled 31 per cent and 6 per cent, respectively. In a separate report on Monday, Xinhua said the new entity is expected to be overseen by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC), which will have a 40 per cent share in the new entity. Citing an unidentified industry insider, Xinhua reported the three energy giants will share the remaining ownership, with CNPC holding 30 per cent, Sinopec 20 per cent and CNOOC 10 per cent.

China sets up national oil, gas pipe firm in drive to 'boost competition': Report

When Beijing said this week that it saw the "first signs of terrorism" among Hong Kong's young pro-democracy protesters, it marked an ominous step in a progression of escalating rhetoric.

When Beijing said this week that it saw the "first signs of terrorism" among Hong Kong's young pro-democracy protesters, it marked an ominous step in a progression of escalating rhetoric. Weeks of rallies, demonstrations, and occupations have seen millions of people take to Hong Kong's streets in the biggest challenge to China's rule of the semi-autonomous city since its 1997 handover from Britain. And as tensions between demonstrators and Hong Kong authorities intensify so has the messaging from the central Chinese government, as it seeks to shape how the protests are perceived both overseas and on the mainland, where social media and news outlets are tightly controlled. Here's how Beijing's framing of the protests has evolved: Pro-extradition crowds On June 9, crowds bring central Hong Kong to a standstill to protest a controversial extradition law that critics say would erode freedoms in the city. Organisers say more than a million people marched through the streets in opposition to the bill. State-run news agency Xinhua downplays it as a "public procession." That evening's main news broadcast by state-run CCTV does not mention the protests and censored searches for the demonstration on China's Twitter-like Weibo platform yield no results. But in the following days, state media changes tactics: they de-emphasise the opposition marches and focus on support for the bill instead. "800,000 say 'yes' to rendition bill," reads one-China Daily piece, which describes the opposition rally as a much smaller counter-protest of "about 240,000" people. A Chinese-language People's Daily article echoes the same line, claiming "all walks of life have expressed their support for the amendment." External forces Soon after that rally, China begins blaming the protests on what it says is a small group of organisers colluding with Western governments. In mid-June, the People's Daily accuses "external forces" of interfering in China's internal affairs, a common refrain from China's foreign ministry whenever the country faces international criticism. This rhetoric amplifies as Western politicians throw their support behind Hong Kong protesters, whose demands to shelve the extradition bill had evolved into a wider movement for democratic reforms. When Britain's foreign minister calls Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam to voice concern about the protests, China says Britain is "stirring up trouble" in the semi-autonomous city. At a press briefing in Beijing, Yang Guang, spokesman for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, links foreign interference with separatism. One of their goals is to "turn Hong Kong into a base for opposing the central government and a pawn to pin down China," he tells reporters. Violent radicals Violence in Hong Kong escalates throughout the summer and police use tear gas, rubber bullets, and batons to disperse projectile-throwing crowds. At the end of July, anger boils over after masked men, suspected of being triad gangsters attack protesters inside a train station. Demonstrators, frustrated by the government's intransigence, overrun the city's legislature and vandalise the walls of Beijing's office in Hong Kong. Chinese authorities blame a "few radicals" among protesters, while coverage of alleged police brutality is censored on the mainland. Official state news agency Xinhua warns "violent radicals" are pushing Hong Kong into an "abyss" and says there should be no compromise to their demands. Terrorism August sees a sharp increase in rhetoric and propaganda. On August 1, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) garrison in Hong Kong releases a slick video showing armed troops practising to quell a protest. "The primary goal would be to intimidate Hong Kong protesters by suggesting they might move in and restore 'stability' by force," said Andrew Chubb, a Chinese politics and foreign policy researcher at Lancaster University. State-run outlets like the Global Times and People's Daily circulate footage of police drills and military vehicles near the Shenzhen border in southern China. On Monday, the day protesters cripple Hong Kong's busy airport, Beijing's language stiffens and it says the demonstrations show "the first signs of terrorism emerging". It repeats the charge on Wednesday, saying airport protesters are guilty of "terrorist-like actions". "The Communist Party uses its words very carefully," said Ben Bland, a research fellow at Lowy Institute. "The choice of words, in this case, is designed to signal to the Hong Kong authorities that they can use a higher degree of violence and repression," he told AFP. "It’s designed to scare off the protesters by saying, 'We view this very seriously.'"

From silence to 'terrorism': Beijing's evolving rhetoric on Hong Kong

As many as 56 Taliban terrorists, including seven group commanders, were killed and 30 others sustained injuries in an operation carried out by Afghan forces in the country`s northern province of Baghlan on Tuesday.

Afghan army spokesperson Mohammad Hanif Rezai said that the government forces targetted the Taliban hideouts in the Qurgan Tepa area located near the provincial capital Pol-e-Khomri.&nbsp;

The crackdown was launched in the wee hours of Tuesday after the terrorists attacked security checkpoints in the Qurgan Tepa area.

Provincial police spokesman Jawed Basharat also confirmed the operations, saying that more than 50 Taliban terrorists have been killed in the crackdown, reported Xinhua News Agency.

There was no immediate comment from the Taliban regarding the operation.&nbsp;

As many as 56 Taliban terrorists, including seven group commanders, were killed and 30 others sustained injuries in an operation carried out by Afghan forces in the country`s northern province of Baghlan on Tuesday.

As many as 56 Taliban terrorists, including seven group commanders, were killed and 30 others sustained injuries in an operation carried out by Afghan forces in the country`s northern province of Baghlan on Tuesday. Afghan army spokesperson Mohammad Hanif Rezai said that the government forces targetted the Taliban hideouts in the Qurgan Tepa area located near the provincial capital Pol-e-Khomri. The crackdown was launched in the wee hours of Tuesday after the terrorists attacked security checkpoints in the Qurgan Tepa area. Provincial police spokesman Jawed Basharat also confirmed the operations, saying that more than 50 Taliban terrorists have been killed in the crackdown, reported Xinhua News Agency. There was no immediate comment from the Taliban regarding the operation.

56 Taliban terrorists, including 7 group commanders killed in Afghanistan

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/huaweis-ties-with-partners-fedex-flex-fray-on-us-china-tensions-238632">Huawei Technologies</a> on Friday released its first 5G phone in China and said it would soon launch smart TVs equipped with its Hongmeng operating system.

Huawei, which is grappling with sanctions from Washington that threaten to cut its access to US technology and components, on Friday rolled out the Mate 20 X 5G phone for the China market with a price tag of 6199 yuan ($901).

Huawei also said at the launch event at its Shenzhen headquarters that it would unveil TV-like products called "Smart Screens" next month, which will be the first products based on its proprietary Hongmeng Operating System, according to Xinhua.

Huawei has given little information about Hongmeng, its own back-up operating system under development in case it was cut off from US-made software.

The company previously hinted that the operating system could replace Google's Android, though a senior executive earlier this month said Huawei intends to continue to use Android, and that Hongmeng is not an operating system for smartphones but connected devices.

Huawei's consumer business group CEO Richard Yu said Huawei's Smart Screens aims to be the central interface for entertainment and communication in the living room, according to a press release.

Huawei is set to report its half-year results on Tuesday. Analysts said robust smartphone sales in China are expected to offset impact in the overseas market since Huawei was put on Washington's trade blacklist in mid-May.

Huawei Technologies on Friday released its first 5G phone in China and said it would soon launch smart TVs equipped with its Hongmeng operating system. Huawei, which is grappling with sanctions from Washington that threaten to cut its access to US technology and components, on Friday rolled out the Mate 20 X 5G phone for the China market with a price tag of 6199 yuan ($901).

Huawei Technologies on Friday released its first 5G phone in China and said it would soon launch smart TVs equipped with its Hongmeng operating system. Huawei, which is grappling with sanctions from Washington that threaten to cut its access to US technology and components, on Friday rolled out the Mate 20 X 5G phone for the China market with a price tag of 6199 yuan ($901). Huawei also said at the launch event at its Shenzhen headquarters that it would unveil TV-like products called "Smart Screens" next month, which will be the first products based on its proprietary Hongmeng Operating System, according to Xinhua. Huawei has given little information about Hongmeng, its own back-up operating system under development in case it was cut off from US-made software. The company previously hinted that the operating system could replace Google's Android, though a senior executive earlier this month said Huawei intends to continue to use Android, and that Hongmeng is not an operating system for smartphones but connected devices. Huawei's consumer business group CEO Richard Yu said Huawei's Smart Screens aims to be the central interface for entertainment and communication in the living room, according to a press release. Huawei is set to report its half-year results on Tuesday. Analysts said robust smartphone sales in China are expected to offset impact in the overseas market since Huawei was put on Washington's trade blacklist in mid-May.

Huawei rolls out 5G phone and flags first Hongmeng device

American delivery firm FedEx Corp likely withheld more than 100 packages of Huawei, a report said, while the Chinese tech giant also blamed US-listed Flex for seizing its goods, as <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/trade-war-like-the-one-going-on-between-us-and-china-foolish-thailand-ambassador-at-wion-world-order-238434&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiSs4rItdLjAhXc7nMBHeV6DwEQFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1bWJVe7haDQEfv7LLORLbL">Sino-US tensions</a> further strain business ties.

Chinese authorities investigating FedEx suspect it illegally held back the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/huaweis-us-research-arm-slashes-jobs-as-trade-ban-bites-238136&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj___zltdLjAhWxheYKHVCHA3kQFjADegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3sBVXlXmuPglcgQ-qhcuOx">Huawei</a> packages and that it also violated other laws, state news agency Xinhua reported on Friday.

Beijing started a probe into FedEx last month after Huawei said the US&nbsp;delivery firm had diverted parcels intended for it. It came after Huawei was placed by Washington on a blacklist in mid-May that effectively blocks US firms from doing business with the Shenzhen-based telecoms equipment maker.

"The investigation showed that FedEx was suspected of holding up more than 100 Huawei packages entering China," Xinhua said. "Investigators also discovered clues to other violations of the company."

FedEx had no immediate comment on the report. Huawei declined to comment.

The report comes a day after Huawei said electronics contract manufacturer Flex "seized" its goods in China.

The developments mark the latest fallout from Washington's trade ban on Huawei, which has not only rattled the global technology supply chain tied to Huawei's $105 billion business but also is causing much confusion among companies and organisations well beyond the US borders regarding the limits of restrictions.

FedEx has apologised for multiple incidents of diversion of Huawei packages, which is attributed to "operational errors", but it later sued the US&nbsp;government for what it said was an "impossible task" to "police the contents" of export shipments.

Huawei told Reuters on Thursday that Flex had withheld some 700 million yuan ($101.81 million) worth of its goods in its China factory, confirming a report by the Chinese government-backed newspaper Global Times.

Flex kept the Huawei assets in its factory in the southern city of Zhuhai after the US blacklisting and caused losses for Huawei, according to the report.

Huawei told Reuters that it has retrieved some 400 million yuan of goods last month after negotiations and is still trying to take back the rest.

Flex said in an emailed statement to Reuters, "Flex and Huawei have had a long-standing and successful partnership which has recently been impacted by unforeseen challenges resulting from the US-China trade situation. Both parties are actively working to find a mutually agreeable way forward given these facts."

A Flex spokesman declined to say whether it still held any Huawei assets or counts Huawei as a customer, but said China remains "a very important center of production and end-market" where it employs tens of thousands of people.

Flex said on Friday in its quarterly earnings statement that it would accelerate a move to reduce its exposure to certain products in China and India after "recent geopolitical developments and uncertainties", which primarily impacted "one customer in China". It did not name the customer.

"We have seen a reduction in demand for products assembled for that customer," it said.

American delivery firm FedEx Corp likely withheld more than 100 packages of Huawei, a report said, while the Chinese tech giant also blamed US-listed Flex for seizing its goods, as Sino-US tensions further strain business ties.

American delivery firm FedEx Corp likely withheld more than 100 packages of Huawei, a report said, while the Chinese tech giant also blamed US-listed Flex for seizing its goods, as Sino-US tensions further strain business ties. Chinese authorities investigating FedEx suspect it illegally held back the Huawei packages and that it also violated other laws, state news agency Xinhua reported on Friday. Beijing started a probe into FedEx last month after Huawei said the US delivery firm had diverted parcels intended for it. It came after Huawei was placed by Washington on a blacklist in mid-May that effectively blocks US firms from doing business with the Shenzhen-based telecoms equipment maker. "The investigation showed that FedEx was suspected of holding up more than 100 Huawei packages entering China," Xinhua said. "Investigators also discovered clues to other violations of the company." FedEx had no immediate comment on the report. Huawei declined to comment. The report comes a day after Huawei said electronics contract manufacturer Flex "seized" its goods in China. The developments mark the latest fallout from Washington's trade ban on Huawei, which has not only rattled the global technology supply chain tied to Huawei's $105 billion business but also is causing much confusion among companies and organisations well beyond the US borders regarding the limits of restrictions. FedEx has apologised for multiple incidents of diversion of Huawei packages, which is attributed to "operational errors", but it later sued the US government for what it said was an "impossible task" to "police the contents" of export shipments. Huawei told Reuters on Thursday that Flex had withheld some 700 million yuan ($101.81 million) worth of its goods in its China factory, confirming a report by the Chinese government-backed newspaper Global Times. Flex kept the Huawei assets in its factory in the southern city of Zhuhai after the US blacklisting and caused losses for Huawei, according to the report. Huawei told Reuters that it has retrieved some 400 million yuan of goods last month after negotiations and is still trying to take back the rest. Flex said in an emailed statement to Reuters, "Flex and Huawei have had a long-standing and successful partnership which has recently been impacted by unforeseen challenges resulting from the US-China trade situation. Both parties are actively working to find a mutually agreeable way forward given these facts." A Flex spokesman declined to say whether it still held any Huawei assets or counts Huawei as a customer, but said China remains "a very important center of production and end-market" where it employs tens of thousands of people. Flex said on Friday in its quarterly earnings statement that it would accelerate a move to reduce its exposure to certain products in China and India after "recent geopolitical developments and uncertainties", which primarily impacted "one customer in China". It did not name the customer. "We have seen a reduction in demand for products assembled for that customer," it said.

Huawei's ties with partners FedEx, Flex fray on US-China tensions

At least ten people lost their lives after being struck by lightning across three districts in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-pm-hasina-accuses-myanmar-of-defying-promise-over-repatriation-of-rohingyas-225839">Bangladesh</a> on Saturday.

Most of the people who died were farmworkers in the districts of Pabna, Mymensingh, and Chuadanga, according to Xinhua.

The Asian nation experiences lightning during this time of the year. Around 126 people have similarly lost their lives in the last two months, as per data compiled by a non-governmental organisation called 'Save the Society and Thunderstorm Awareness Forum'.

&nbsp;

At least ten people lost their lives after being struck by lightning across three districts in Bangladesh on Saturday. Most of the people who died were farmworkers in the districts of Pabna, Mymensingh, and Chuadanga, according to Xinhua.

At least ten people lost their lives after being struck by lightning across three districts in Bangladesh on Saturday. Most of the people who died were farmworkers in the districts of Pabna, Mymensingh, and Chuadanga, according to Xinhua. The Asian nation experiences lightning during this time of the year. Around 126 people have similarly lost their lives in the last two months, as per data compiled by a non-governmental organisation called 'Save the Society and Thunderstorm Awareness Forum'.

Ten dead after being struck by lightning in Bangladesh

Pollution increased in some of China's major lakes, rivers and reservoirs in the first quarter even though the country's overall water quality improved, the official Xinhua news agency said on Saturday, citing the environment ministry.

Improvements were "imbalanced" and some regions faired far worse than others, it said, with cities in the provinces of Shanxi, Liaoning and Hubei singled out for failing to control pollution discharges.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-tough-rhetoric-leaves-trade-talks-with-us-in-limbo-219517">China measures</a> water quality according to six grades, with the highest three grades suitable for human consumption and the lowest "below grade V" level considered "without function" and unfit even for agricultural and industrial use.

China is committed to reducing the amount of "below grade V" water to 5% of total sampled sites by 2020, and to eliminate it completely in the industrialised Yangtze river delta and Bohai Bay regions. The proportion stood at 6.7% in 2018, down 0.6 percentage points from 2017.

But the Ministry of Ecology and Environment said one site in the city of Yichang in Hubei deteriorated so much in the first quarter of this year that it had been reclassified as "below grade V", and the province had also recorded five "below grade V" water samples in the city of Jingmen.

The urban infrastructure construction was still lagging in the Yangtze river delta region, it noted, and the sewage pipe network was still not sufficient to handle vast amounts of urban waste, with much of it dumped directly into rivers.

Excessive fertiliser use is also posing problems in southwest Yunnan province, where phosphorus and nitrogen run-offs are driving up pollution at Fuxian, one of China's biggest freshwater lakes, Xinhua said, citing a ministry official.

The environment ministry said in a review of monitoring data published late on Friday that as many as 82 Chinese enterprises exceeded emissions standards in the fourth quarter of 2018, including 44 sewage treatment plants. Many were accused of dumping chemicals directly into nearby rivers.

Pollution increased in some of China's major lakes, rivers and reservoirs in the first quarter even though the country's overall water quality improved, the official Xinhua news agency said on Saturday, citing the environment ministry.

Pollution increased in some of China's major lakes, rivers and reservoirs in the first quarter even though the country's overall water quality improved, the official Xinhua news agency said on Saturday, citing the environment ministry. Improvements were "imbalanced" and some regions faired far worse than others, it said, with cities in the provinces of Shanxi, Liaoning and Hubei singled out for failing to control pollution discharges. China measures water quality according to six grades, with the highest three grades suitable for human consumption and the lowest "below grade V" level considered "without function" and unfit even for agricultural and industrial use. China is committed to reducing the amount of "below grade V" water to 5% of total sampled sites by 2020, and to eliminate it completely in the industrialised Yangtze river delta and Bohai Bay regions. The proportion stood at 6.7% in 2018, down 0.6 percentage points from 2017. But the Ministry of Ecology and Environment said one site in the city of Yichang in Hubei deteriorated so much in the first quarter of this year that it had been reclassified as "below grade V", and the province had also recorded five "below grade V" water samples in the city of Jingmen. The urban infrastructure construction was still lagging in the Yangtze river delta region, it noted, and the sewage pipe network was still not sufficient to handle vast amounts of urban waste, with much of it dumped directly into rivers. Excessive fertiliser use is also posing problems in southwest Yunnan province, where phosphorus and nitrogen run-offs are driving up pollution at Fuxian, one of China's biggest freshwater lakes, Xinhua said, citing a ministry official. The environment ministry said in a review of monitoring data published late on Friday that as many as 82 Chinese enterprises exceeded emissions standards in the fourth quarter of 2018, including 44 sewage treatment plants. Many were accused of dumping chemicals directly into nearby rivers.

China's water quality improvements 'imbalanced' in first quarter: Report

Twenty children were wounded in an attack at an elementary school in Beijing Tuesday with three suffering serious injuries, local authorities said, as state-run media reported that the assailant used a hammer.

A male suspect was brought "under control" and the wounded pupils were admitted to a hospital, the Xicheng district government said, without elaborating on how or why the man carried out the attack.

According to a tweet by state-run tabloid Global Times, the suspect used a hammer to carry out the assault.

Beijing police did not immediately respond to AFP's request for comment.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-attacker-goes-on-stabbing-rampage-outside-school-kills-9-133365">Violent attacks targeting schoolchildren are not uncommon in China</a>, which has seen a slew of deadly incidents over the past few years, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-man-stabs-11-children-at-kindergarten-school-10907">usually involving knives</a>.

In April last year, a 28-year-old man killed nine middle-school students as they were returning home in one of the country's deadliest knife attacks in recent years.

The killer, who said he had been bullied when he attended the school in northern China's Shaanxi province, was executed in September.

Later in 2018, a knife-wielding woman injured 14 children at a kindergarten in Sichuan province.

The 39-year-old assailant slashed students while they were returning to the classroom after morning exercises.

And in January 2017, a farmer armed with a kitchen knife stabbed and wounded 12 children at a kindergarten in southern Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. He was executed on Friday.

Such incidents have forced authorities to increase security around schools and led to calls for more research into the root causes of such acts.

'Death and destroy'&nbsp;

Violent crime has been on the rise in China as the nation's economy has boomed in recent decades and the gap between rich and poor has widened rapidly.

Studies have also described a rise in the prevalence of mental disorders, some of them linked to stress as the pace of life becomes faster and support systems wither.

In November, a driver rammed his car into a group of children crossing a street in front of an elementary school in northeastern Liaoning province, killing five people and injuring at least 19.

The man had been contemplating suicide "due to quarrels" with his spouse before the tragedy occurred, according to a report by official news agency Xinhua.

Earlier that month, at least 13 people died when a bus plunged off a bridge in Chongqing municipality after the driver got into a fist-fight with a passenger who had missed her bus stop.

In June 2017, a bomb blast that killed eight people and injured dozens outside a kindergarten in Fengxian, eastern China, was blamed on a 22-year-old introvert with health problems who had written the words "death" and "destroy" on the walls of his apartment. 
&nbsp;

Twenty children were wounded in an attack at an elementary school in Beijing Tuesday with three suffering serious injuries, local authorities said, as state-run media reported that the assailant used a hammer.

Twenty children were wounded in an attack at an elementary school in Beijing Tuesday with three suffering serious injuries, local authorities said, as state-run media reported that the assailant used a hammer. A male suspect was brought "under control" and the wounded pupils were admitted to a hospital, the Xicheng district government said, without elaborating on how or why the man carried out the attack. According to a tweet by state-run tabloid Global Times, the suspect used a hammer to carry out the assault. Beijing police did not immediately respond to AFP's request for comment. Violent attacks targeting schoolchildren are not uncommon in China, which has seen a slew of deadly incidents over the past few years, usually involving knives. In April last year, a 28-year-old man killed nine middle-school students as they were returning home in one of the country's deadliest knife attacks in recent years. The killer, who said he had been bullied when he attended the school in northern China's Shaanxi province, was executed in September. Later in 2018, a knife-wielding woman injured 14 children at a kindergarten in Sichuan province. The 39-year-old assailant slashed students while they were returning to the classroom after morning exercises. And in January 2017, a farmer armed with a kitchen knife stabbed and wounded 12 children at a kindergarten in southern Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. He was executed on Friday. Such incidents have forced authorities to increase security around schools and led to calls for more research into the root causes of such acts. 'Death and destroy' Violent crime has been on the rise in China as the nation's economy has boomed in recent decades and the gap between rich and poor has widened rapidly. Studies have also described a rise in the prevalence of mental disorders, some of them linked to stress as the pace of life becomes faster and support systems wither. In November, a driver rammed his car into a group of children crossing a street in front of an elementary school in northeastern Liaoning province, killing five people and injuring at least 19. The man had been contemplating suicide "due to quarrels" with his spouse before the tragedy occurred, according to a report by official news agency Xinhua. Earlier that month, at least 13 people died when a bus plunged off a bridge in Chongqing municipality after the driver got into a fist-fight with a passenger who had missed her bus stop. In June 2017, a bomb blast that killed eight people and injured dozens outside a kindergarten in Fengxian, eastern China, was blamed on a 22-year-old introvert with health problems who had written the words "death" and "destroy" on the walls of his apartment.

Beijing: Man attacks schoolchildren with hammer, wounds 20

China's top policymakers Friday signalled more support for the economy next year with tax cuts and other policy measures as a bruising battle on debt and a trade war with the US have weighed on growth.

The meeting headed by President Xi Jinping also pledged further opening of the economy, better protection of intellectual property rights and to push forward trade negotiations with Washington.

The outcome of the annual Central Economic Work Conference, during which leaders review past policy and plan for the upcoming year, was published by the state news agency Xinhua.

Economic data has shown China's economy slowing this autumn, with Chinese consumer spending growing at its slowest pace in 15 years during November and factories easing up on production.

Xi and US President Donald Trump agreed to a 90-day tariff truce this month, as the two sides try to find a more permanent solution to the trade dispute.

Trade frictions with the US have been "handled steadily", the statement said.

"We must implement the consensus reached in Argentina between the Chinese and US heads of state and push forward economic and trade negotiations," the readout said.

Comprehensive opening up is listed as one of the seven major tasks for next year -- but critics say Beijing has long promised much while delivering little.

Beijing will work to relax market access, protect the legitimate rights and interests of foreign businessmen in China, especially IP rights, and allow&nbsp; 
them to operate independently in more areas, Xinhua said.

China's top officials hammer out their broad plans for the next 12 months during the three-day closed-door meeting.

Besides Xi, the entire Politburo standing committee, and top leaders from every province and region attended, Xinhua said.

China would "continue to implement a proactive fiscal policy and a prudent monetary policy," the statement said.

The meeting pushed for more fiscal measures and "a larger tax cut".&nbsp; 
Beijing has already put in place one round of tax cuts for the middle and lower class this year.

Still the trade row with the US has sapped market confidence, dragging down Chinese equities and the yuan.

Policymakers said they would increase the scale of local government bond issuance and solve financing problems for small and medium enterprises.

The world's number two economy expanded at its slowest pace for nine years in July-September and analysts expect full year growth to slow further next year.

The meeting said China would "keep the economy running in a reasonable range," next year.

China's leaders are battling to stabilise the economy, transforming it from one fuelled by exports and state investment to one that relies on domestic consumption.

Leaders will work to "enhance spending power, let the people eat with ease, dress satisfactorily, and use things comfortably," Xinhua said.

Policymakers indicated they would continue to push deleveraging and handle local government debt risks.

"We must do a good job in preventing and resolving major risks," the statement said.&nbsp;

China's top policymakers Friday signalled more support for the economy next year with tax cuts and other policy measures as a bruising battle on debt and a trade war with the US have weighed on growth.

China's top policymakers Friday signalled more support for the economy next year with tax cuts and other policy measures as a bruising battle on debt and a trade war with the US have weighed on growth. The meeting headed by President Xi Jinping also pledged further opening of the economy, better protection of intellectual property rights and to push forward trade negotiations with Washington. The outcome of the annual Central Economic Work Conference, during which leaders review past policy and plan for the upcoming year, was published by the state news agency Xinhua. Economic data has shown China's economy slowing this autumn, with Chinese consumer spending growing at its slowest pace in 15 years during November and factories easing up on production. Xi and US President Donald Trump agreed to a 90-day tariff truce this month, as the two sides try to find a more permanent solution to the trade dispute. Trade frictions with the US have been "handled steadily", the statement said. "We must implement the consensus reached in Argentina between the Chinese and US heads of state and push forward economic and trade negotiations," the readout said. Comprehensive opening up is listed as one of the seven major tasks for next year -- but critics say Beijing has long promised much while delivering little. Beijing will work to relax market access, protect the legitimate rights and interests of foreign businessmen in China, especially IP rights, and allow them to operate independently in more areas, Xinhua said. China's top officials hammer out their broad plans for the next 12 months during the three-day closed-door meeting. Besides Xi, the entire Politburo standing committee, and top leaders from every province and region attended, Xinhua said. China would "continue to implement a proactive fiscal policy and a prudent monetary policy," the statement said. The meeting pushed for more fiscal measures and "a larger tax cut". Beijing has already put in place one round of tax cuts for the middle and lower class this year. Still the trade row with the US has sapped market confidence, dragging down Chinese equities and the yuan. Policymakers said they would increase the scale of local government bond issuance and solve financing problems for small and medium enterprises. The world's number two economy expanded at its slowest pace for nine years in July-September and analysts expect full year growth to slow further next year. The meeting said China would "keep the economy running in a reasonable range," next year. China's leaders are battling to stabilise the economy, transforming it from one fuelled by exports and state investment to one that relies on domestic consumption. Leaders will work to "enhance spending power, let the people eat with ease, dress satisfactorily, and use things comfortably," Xinhua said. Policymakers indicated they would continue to push deleveraging and handle local government debt risks. "We must do a good job in preventing and resolving major risks," the statement said.

China signals more support for economy next year with tax cuts

China and the US have agreed to abandon a threatened trade war, the news agency Xinhua reported Saturday.&nbsp;

The two countries have also agreed not to raise tariffs on each other.&nbsp;

The report came after Chinese Vice-Premier Liu He led a high-level delegation to the US.&nbsp;

"The two sides reached a consensus, will not fight a trade war, and will stop increasing tariffs on each other," Xinhua reported He as saying.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-agrees-to-import-more-from-us-no-sign-of-us-200-billion-figure-138324">China agrees to import more from </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-agrees-to-import-more-from-us-no-sign-of-us-200-billion-figure-138324">US</a>

The state-owned news agency added that the two sides agreed to take effective measures to substantially decrease the US trade deficit in goods with China.

And that China will significantly increase its purchase of US goods and services to meet the consumption needs of the Chinese people.

Xinhua added that the two countries also agreed to meaningfully increase the export of US agriculture and energy products.&nbsp;

'The two sides reached a consensus, will not fight a trade war, and will stop increasing tariffs on each other," Xinhua reported Chinese Vice-Premier Liu He as saying

China and the US have agreed to abandon a threatened trade war, the news agency Xinhua reported Saturday. The two countries have also agreed not to raise tariffs on each other. The report came after Chinese Vice-Premier Liu He led a high-level delegation to the US. "The two sides reached a consensus, will not fight a trade war, and will stop increasing tariffs on each other," Xinhua reported He as saying. Also read: China agrees to import more from US The state-owned news agency added that the two sides agreed to take effective measures to substantially decrease the US trade deficit in goods with China. And that China will significantly increase its purchase of US goods and services to meet the consumption needs of the Chinese people. Xinhua added that the two countries also agreed to meaningfully increase the export of US agriculture and energy products.

China-US agree to abandon trade war, not raise tariffs: Xinhua

China is open to negotiating with the United States to resolve trade tensions, Premier Li Keqiang was quoted as saying by state media late on Thursday, noting that the countries should manage their conflicts through dialogue.&nbsp

Li made the remarks at a meeting with US Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) said.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is due to lead a delegation to China for talks intended to ease trade tensions.

President Donald Trump has threatened a new round of tariffs on $100 billion worth of Chinese products that could target mobile phones, computers and other consumer goods. China retaliated against an initial round of US tariffs on $50 billion in Chinese exports.&nbsp

"There is no winner in trade conflict, which will not only affect the recovery of the world economy but also the global industrial chain," Li said in comments reported by the official Xinhua news agency.

"It is also what the international community expects from our two countries," he said.

Larry Kudlow, Trump`s top economic adviser, who will join Mnuchin`s delegation in Beijing, said on Thursday he hoped the talks with China would yield progress but that resolving US complaints would be "a long process."

Trump said earlier this week the United States had a "very good chance" of striking a deal with China over trade.

Xinhua cited Li as saying he hoped the two countries would be able to "manage and control" their differences.Trump has criticised China for raising trade barriers against US companies, including high import tariffs in sectors like autos.

Li added China would "unswervingly open further to the outside world", reiterating President Xi Jinping`s assurances over about the country opening more widely to trade.

"China also stands ready to promote cooperation with the United States in transportation, such as autonomous driving," Li said. China recently announced plans to remove caps on foreign ownership of domestic auto ventures and to cut import duties.

Chinese companies including Baidu Inc&nbspare pushing hard in self-driving vehicles, increasing competition for more established US names such as Waymo, the self-driving arm of Google parent Alphabet, and Tesla Inc.&nbsp

President Donald Trump has threatened a new round of tariffs on $100 billion worth of Chinese products that could target mobile phones, computers and other consumer goods. China retaliated against an initial round of US tariffs on $50 billion in Chinese exports

China is open to negotiating with the United States to resolve trade tensions, Premier Li Keqiang was quoted as saying by state media late on Thursday, noting that the countries should manage their conflicts through dialogue. Li made the remarks at a meeting with US Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) said. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is due to lead a delegation to China for talks intended to ease trade tensions. President Donald Trump has threatened a new round of tariffs on $100 billion worth of Chinese products that could target mobile phones, computers and other consumer goods. China retaliated against an initial round of US tariffs on $50 billion in Chinese exports. "There is no winner in trade conflict, which will not only affect the recovery of the world economy but also the global industrial chain," Li said in comments reported by the official Xinhua news agency. "It is also what the international community expects from our two countries," he said. Larry Kudlow, Trump`s top economic adviser, who will join Mnuchin`s delegation in Beijing, said on Thursday he hoped the talks with China would yield progress but that resolving US complaints would be "a long process." Trump said earlier this week the United States had a "very good chance" of striking a deal with China over trade. Xinhua cited Li as saying he hoped the two countries would be able to "manage and control" their differences.Trump has criticised China for raising trade barriers against US companies, including high import tariffs in sectors like autos. Li added China would "unswervingly open further to the outside world", reiterating President Xi Jinping`s assurances over about the country opening more widely to trade. "China also stands ready to promote cooperation with the United States in transportation, such as autonomous driving," Li said. China recently announced plans to remove caps on foreign ownership of domestic auto ventures and to cut import duties. Chinese companies including Baidu Inc&nbspare pushing hard in self-driving vehicles, increasing competition for more established US names such as Waymo, the self-driving arm of Google parent Alphabet, and Tesla Inc.

China's Premier Li says open to trade negotiations with United States

The goodwill generated by Aamir Khan&#39;s latest movie -- &#39;Secret Superstar&#39; --&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-not-dangal-aamir-khans-secret-superstar-is-the-new-favourite-in-china-30380" target="_blank">among Chinese audiences</a> should be extended to politics and economy for improving China-India relations, an official media commentary has said.

&quot;Aamir Khan&#39;s latest film &#39;Secret Superstar&#39; has taken Chinese audiences by storm within four days of its release, becoming a hot topic against the relatively cooler China-India relationship,&quot; the commentary by state-run Xinhua news agency said.

&quot;Chinese filmgoers&#39; appreciation of Aamir Khan&#39;s films reflects the common aesthetic pursuit of the two countries, which should be extended from the cultural aspect to broader areas, including politics and the economy,&quot; it said.

Such positive commentaries about India-China ties were rare in recent months as relations nosedived after last year&#39;s 73-day Dokalam standoff which ended on August 28.

&#39;Secret Superstar&#39; was released on January 19 all over China. It has topped the Chinese box-office charts for five days since then, raking in around 250 million yuan (USD 39 million), according to state-run China Daily.

Khan was in China for the past few days promoting the film.

He become a household name in China after the success of wrestling drama &#39;Dangal&#39; last year which raked up over Rs 1,100 crore since it was released.

It was only the 33rd film in China&#39;s history to cross 1 billion yuan in earnings and also won rare praise from Chinese leaders including President Xi Jinping for its theme.

Khan&#39;s earlier movie &#39;3 Idiots&#39; was also successful, specially with school and college kids as it dwelt on the theme of monotonous approach towards education focusing just on academic success.

Since its release, &#39;Secret Superstar&#39; praised by official media and publicised its massive success on the lines of Dangal last year which broke all records.

Today&#39;s commentary by Xinhua also called for both nations to put aside their differences.

&quot;On sensitive issues, the two neighbours need to put aside differences and pursue cooperation with foresight. India should realise that Chinese traditional culture has no hegemonistic element,&quot; it said.

It also called for cooperation on China&#39;s multi-billion Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) over which India has reservations as the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) traverses through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. India has protested to China over this.

&quot;The BRI proposed by China seeks common prosperity and world peace and stability,&quot; the commentary said.

&quot;The more the two countries understand each other, the better they can dovetail their development plans and cooperate and coordinate to bring benefit to their two peoples,&quot; it said.

The two ancient civilisations also share similar thoughts and ideas. Chinese cultural traditions resonate with many ideas embedded in Indian culture, such as non-violence and the harmonious coexistence of nature and humans, it said.

&quot;In modern times, China and India bolstered their friendship by supporting each other. China supported India&#39;s struggle for national independence. India, for its part, sent doctors to help China fight Japanese aggression during World War II,&quot; it said.

&quot;In the cultural arena, Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore made tremendous contributions to bilateral ties, including establishing one of the oldest centres in India to study the Chinese language and literature,&quot; it said.&nbsp;

Aamir's 'Secret Superstar' was released on January 19 and has topped the Chinese box-office for five days since then

The goodwill generated by Aamir Khan's latest movie -- 'Secret Superstar' -- among Chinese audiences should be extended to politics and economy for improving China-India relations, an official media commentary has said. "Aamir Khan's latest film 'Secret Superstar' has taken Chinese audiences by storm within four days of its release, becoming a hot topic against the relatively cooler China-India relationship," the commentary by state-run Xinhua news agency said. "Chinese filmgoers' appreciation of Aamir Khan's films reflects the common aesthetic pursuit of the two countries, which should be extended from the cultural aspect to broader areas, including politics and the economy," it said. Such positive commentaries about India-China ties were rare in recent months as relations nosedived after last year's 73-day Dokalam standoff which ended on August 28. 'Secret Superstar' was released on January 19 all over China. It has topped the Chinese box-office charts for five days since then, raking in around 250 million yuan (USD 39 million), according to state-run China Daily. Khan was in China for the past few days promoting the film. He become a household name in China after the success of wrestling drama 'Dangal' last year which raked up over Rs 1,100 crore since it was released. It was only the 33rd film in China's history to cross 1 billion yuan in earnings and also won rare praise from Chinese leaders including President Xi Jinping for its theme. Khan's earlier movie '3 Idiots' was also successful, specially with school and college kids as it dwelt on the theme of monotonous approach towards education focusing just on academic success. Since its release, 'Secret Superstar' praised by official media and publicised its massive success on the lines of Dangal last year which broke all records. Today's commentary by Xinhua also called for both nations to put aside their differences. "On sensitive issues, the two neighbours need to put aside differences and pursue cooperation with foresight. India should realise that Chinese traditional culture has no hegemonistic element," it said. It also called for cooperation on China's multi-billion Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) over which India has reservations as the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) traverses through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. India has protested to China over this. "The BRI proposed by China seeks common prosperity and world peace and stability," the commentary said. "The more the two countries understand each other, the better they can dovetail their development plans and cooperate and coordinate to bring benefit to their two peoples," it said. The two ancient civilisations also share similar thoughts and ideas. Chinese cultural traditions resonate with many ideas embedded in Indian culture, such as non-violence and the harmonious coexistence of nature and humans, it said. "In modern times, China and India bolstered their friendship by supporting each other. China supported India's struggle for national independence. India, for its part, sent doctors to help China fight Japanese aggression during World War II," it said. "In the cultural arena, Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore made tremendous contributions to bilateral ties, including establishing one of the oldest centres in India to study the Chinese language and literature," it said.

Success of Aamir's films can warm Sino-India ties: Chinese media

An ex-aide of former Chinese President Hu Jintao has been jailed for life for corruption, illegally obtaining state secrets and abuse of power, official media reported Monday. 
 
Ling Jihua pleaded guilty and said he would not appeal, Xinhua news agency said, citing the verdict of the First Intermediate People&#39;s Court in Tianjin, which held his trial in secret last month. 
 
Verdict and sentence come as part of a high-profile crackdown&nbsp; 
 
The verdict and sentence come as part of a high-profile crackdown on graft by current President Xi Jinping that has deposed several senior officials, notably former security chief Zhou Yongkang, who was himself jailed for life last year. 
 
Critics, however, say that a lack of transparency around the crackdown means it has been an opportunity for Xi to eliminate political enemies. 
 
&quot;The trial today is engraved on my bones and in my heart,&quot; it quoted Ling as saying in his final statement to the court. 
 
The chief judge carried out his duties &quot;fairly and lawfully&quot;, he added, and the proceedings were &quot;solemn, meticulous, rational and civilised&quot;. 
 
It may be noted Chinese courts are controlled by the ruling Communist party, which expelled Ling -- once Hu&#39;s chief of staff -- from its ranks last year. 
 
Further, it may also be pertinent to mention Ling&#39;s son died in a notorious Ferrari crash in Beijing which disrupted the once-in-a-decade party leadership change when Xi took over from Hu in 2012. 
 
Ling had powerbases in the northern province of Shanxi and the Communist Youth League -- seen as a proving ground for politicians who, unlike Xi, do not benefit from family links to high-ranking revolutionaries. 
 
One of his brothers, Ling Zhengce, a senior official in Shanxi, was put under investigation in 2014 for serious violations of &quot;discipline and the law&quot; -- a euphemism for corruption -- and expelled from the party last year. 
 
Another brother, Ling Wancheng, has fled to the United States, a Chinese anti-graft official confirmed in January, adding Beijing was &quot;in touch&quot; with Washington about his case. 
 
His exile has led to speculation in overseas Chinese media that Ling Jihua had given him top state secrets, including the launch codes for China&#39;s nuclear weapons, to secure some leverage in negotiations with Beijing over his case. 
 
&#39;It was a relatively lenient sentence&#39; 
 
Under Chinese law, the death penalty is available for corruption cases, but Xinhua said Ling was given a reduced sentence for having &quot;faithfully&quot; confessed to his crimes and being penitent for his actions. 
 
It was &quot;a relatively lenient sentence&quot;, Willy Lam of the Chinese University of Hong Kong told AFP. &quot;It&#39;s possible Ling drove a bargain with authorities.&quot; 
 
His former boss Hu was probably safe, Lam added, saying that the former president &quot;made a wise decision by refusing to support Ling&quot;. 
 
But other Hu proteges &quot;may now be blocked from promotion&quot;, he said, as Xi consolidates his power over the government. 
 
Graft is endemic in China&#39;s authoritarian system 
 
The Ferrari crash scandalised China despite a mainland media blackout -- partly because two young women, one nude and one partially clothed, were also injured in the crash, with one reportedly dying months later. 
 
Internet users questioned how the son of a party official could afford a car worth a reported five million yuan. 
 
The politician, his wife and son received bribes worth a total of 77.1 million yuan ($11.6 million), Xinhua said. 
 
The court found that the bribes Ling took were &quot;exceptionally enormous&quot; and &quot;the criminal circumstances&quot; under which he obtained state secrets were severe, said the report. 
 
His abuse of power caused &quot;huge losses to public property and the interests of the state and the people&quot; and had &quot;especially vile social impact&quot;, it said. 
 
When Ling was charged the country&#39;s national prosecuting authority said he &quot;abused his power&quot; as director of the General Office of the Communist Party&#39;s Central Committee, where he worked under Hu. 
 
In several party leadership posts, he &quot;illegally received large amounts of property and obtained state secrets&quot;, it added. 
 
Graft is endemic in China&#39;s authoritarian system, and Xi has acknowledged it as a threat to the ruling party&#39;s survival. 
 
(AFP)&nbsp;

Lack of transparency around the crackdown could mean an opportunity for President Xi Jinping to eliminate political enemies, say critics

An ex-aide of former Chinese President Hu Jintao has been jailed for life for corruption, illegally obtaining state secrets and abuse of power, official media reported Monday. Ling Jihua pleaded guilty and said he would not appeal, Xinhua news agency said, citing the verdict of the First Intermediate People's Court in Tianjin, which held his trial in secret last month. Verdict and sentence come as part of a high-profile crackdown The verdict and sentence come as part of a high-profile crackdown on graft by current President Xi Jinping that has deposed several senior officials, notably former security chief Zhou Yongkang, who was himself jailed for life last year. Critics, however, say that a lack of transparency around the crackdown means it has been an opportunity for Xi to eliminate political enemies. "The trial today is engraved on my bones and in my heart," it quoted Ling as saying in his final statement to the court. The chief judge carried out his duties "fairly and lawfully", he added, and the proceedings were "solemn, meticulous, rational and civilised". It may be noted Chinese courts are controlled by the ruling Communist party, which expelled Ling -- once Hu's chief of staff -- from its ranks last year. Further, it may also be pertinent to mention Ling's son died in a notorious Ferrari crash in Beijing which disrupted the once-in-a-decade party leadership change when Xi took over from Hu in 2012. Ling had powerbases in the northern province of Shanxi and the Communist Youth League -- seen as a proving ground for politicians who, unlike Xi, do not benefit from family links to high-ranking revolutionaries. One of his brothers, Ling Zhengce, a senior official in Shanxi, was put under investigation in 2014 for serious violations of "discipline and the law" -- a euphemism for corruption -- and expelled from the party last year. Another brother, Ling Wancheng, has fled to the United States, a Chinese anti-graft official confirmed in January, adding Beijing was "in touch" with Washington about his case. His exile has led to speculation in overseas Chinese media that Ling Jihua had given him top state secrets, including the launch codes for China's nuclear weapons, to secure some leverage in negotiations with Beijing over his case. 'It was a relatively lenient sentence' Under Chinese law, the death penalty is available for corruption cases, but Xinhua said Ling was given a reduced sentence for having "faithfully" confessed to his crimes and being penitent for his actions. It was "a relatively lenient sentence", Willy Lam of the Chinese University of Hong Kong told AFP. "It's possible Ling drove a bargain with authorities." His former boss Hu was probably safe, Lam added, saying that the former president "made a wise decision by refusing to support Ling". But other Hu proteges "may now be blocked from promotion", he said, as Xi consolidates his power over the government. Graft is endemic in China's authoritarian system The Ferrari crash scandalised China despite a mainland media blackout -- partly because two young women, one nude and one partially clothed, were also injured in the crash, with one reportedly dying months later. Internet users questioned how the son of a party official could afford a car worth a reported five million yuan. The politician, his wife and son received bribes worth a total of 77.1 million yuan ($11.6 million), Xinhua said. The court found that the bribes Ling took were "exceptionally enormous" and "the criminal circumstances" under which he obtained state secrets were severe, said the report. His abuse of power caused "huge losses to public property and the interests of the state and the people" and had "especially vile social impact", it said. When Ling was charged the country's national prosecuting authority said he "abused his power" as director of the General Office of the Communist Party's Central Committee, where he worked under Hu. In several party leadership posts, he "illegally received large amounts of property and obtained state secrets", it added. Graft is endemic in China's authoritarian system, and Xi has acknowledged it as a threat to the ruling party's survival. (AFP)

Ex-Chinese President's close aide gets lifer over graft charges

At least 30 people were killed when a large bus burst into flames after crashing into the side of a road in central China on Sunday, state-media said. 
 
A total of 56 people were on board the bus which crashed in Hunan province, the official Xinhua news agency reported, suggesting casualties could rise. 
 
As many as 21 injured passengers have been sent to hospitals, Xinhua said, adding that the driver of the bus had been detained. 
 
A video posted online by state broadcaster CCTV showed thick black smoke billowing from the vehicle, as passengers appeared to stand nearby. 
 
Local officials believe that an oil leak caused by the bus crashing into a roadside guard rail may have caused the fire, Xinhua said. 
 
It would be pertinent to mention that traffic accidents are common in China, with more than 250,000 people dying each year on the country&#39;s roads, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). 
 
Also, long-distance buses are popular as a cheap way of travelling between cities and competition between bus firms can be fierce. 
 
(AFP)&nbsp; 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Officials believe an oil leak caused by the bus crashing into a roadside guard rail may have caused the fire

At least 30 people were killed when a large bus burst into flames after crashing into the side of a road in central China on Sunday, state-media said. A total of 56 people were on board the bus which crashed in Hunan province, the official Xinhua news agency reported, suggesting casualties could rise. As many as 21 injured passengers have been sent to hospitals, Xinhua said, adding that the driver of the bus had been detained. A video posted online by state broadcaster CCTV showed thick black smoke billowing from the vehicle, as passengers appeared to stand nearby. Local officials believe that an oil leak caused by the bus crashing into a roadside guard rail may have caused the fire, Xinhua said. It would be pertinent to mention that traffic accidents are common in China, with more than 250,000 people dying each year on the country's roads, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Also, long-distance buses are popular as a cheap way of travelling between cities and competition between bus firms can be fierce. (AFP)

30 dead after bus catches fire in central China

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