To prevent Uyghur separatist militants, China has created a new county in its sensitive Xinjiang province, close to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the Afghanistan border. The move also includes an effort to strengthen security along the narrow Wakhan Corridor. The newly formed county, named Cenling, lies near the Karakoram mountain range and close to PoK and Afghanistan, highlighting its strategic importance. It marks the third new county established by China in Xinjiang, a region largely dominated by Muslim Uyghur, in just over a year. India had earlier protested against the creation of Hean and Hekang counties, arguing that parts of these areas fall within its Union Territory of Ladakh. Hean includes a significant portion of the disputed Aksai Chin, which China has controlled since the Sino-Indian War and remains a key point of tension between the two countries.<h3>Fixed boundaries &amp; ancient Silk Road</h3>According to the South China Morning Post, the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region government declared the establishment of Cenling on March 26; however, complete details of its administrative divisions and fixed boundaries were not mentioned. Kashgar, a historic hub along the ancient Silk Road, serves as an important link between China and South and Central Asia. It is also the starting point of the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which runs through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and has drawn objections from India. Analysts believe the establishment of Cenling highlights Beijing’s increasing focus on border management and security. Lin Minwang, a professor at the Institute of International Studies at Fudan University, said that the move "reflects China's deeper recognition of the strategic importance of this region". "At a broader level, the decision signals China's emphasis on its borderlands," Lin was quoted as saying by the Post. He further pointed out that the new county lies close to the Wakhan Corridor in Afghanistan, a narrow 74-km stretch bordering Xinjiang that separates Tajikistan from PoK, underlining Beijing’s concerns over security and counterterrorism. In the past, Beijing has raised concerns about Uyghur militants linked to the East Turkestan Islamic Movement allegedly using the Wakhan Corridor as a route to enter Xinjiang from Afghanistan.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-failed-to-win-trust-of-iranian-delegation-parliament-speaker-after-failed-talks-1775994917349">US failed to win trust of Iranian delegation: Parliament speaker after failed talks</a>

Kashgar, a historic hub along the ancient Silk Road, act as an important link between China and South and Central Asia. It is also the starting point of the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which runs through PoK and has drawn objections from India.

To prevent Uyghur separatist militants, China has created a new county in its sensitive Xinjiang province, close to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the Afghanistan border. The move also includes an effort to strengthen security along the narrow Wakhan Corridor. The newly formed county, named Cenling, lies near the Karakoram mountain range and close to PoK and Afghanistan, highlighting its strategic importance. It marks the third new county established by China in Xinjiang, a region largely dominated by Muslim Uyghur, in just over a year. India had earlier protested against the creation of Hean and Hekang counties, arguing that parts of these areas fall within its Union Territory of Ladakh. Hean includes a significant portion of the disputed Aksai Chin, which China has controlled since the Sino-Indian War and remains a key point of tension between the two countries. Fixed boundaries & ancient Silk Road According to the South China Morning Post, the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region government declared the establishment of Cenling on March 26; however, complete details of its administrative divisions and fixed boundaries were not mentioned. Kashgar, a historic hub along the ancient Silk Road, serves as an important link between China and South and Central Asia. It is also the starting point of the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which runs through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and has drawn objections from India. Analysts believe the establishment of Cenling highlights Beijing’s increasing focus on border management and security. Lin Minwang, a professor at the Institute of International Studies at Fudan University, said that the move "reflects China's deeper recognition of the strategic importance of this region". "At a broader level, the decision signals China's emphasis on its borderlands," Lin was quoted as saying by the Post. He further pointed out that the new county lies close to the Wakhan Corridor in Afghanistan, a narrow 74-km stretch bordering Xinjiang that separates Tajikistan from PoK, underlining Beijing’s concerns over security and counterterrorism. In the past, Beijing has raised concerns about Uyghur militants linked to the East Turkestan Islamic Movement allegedly using the Wakhan Corridor as a route to enter Xinjiang from Afghanistan. Also read: US failed to win trust of Iranian delegation: Parliament speaker after failed talks

Kashgar, a historic hub along the ancient Silk Road, act as an important link between China and South and Central Asia. It is also the starting point of the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which runs through PoK and has drawn objections from India.

China sets up new county near PoK, Afghanistan border; raises strategic concerns for India

China is racing against time to rescue miners trapped in a flooded coal mine in northwest China's Xinjiang province. 8 miners have been rescued so far.

China Mine Rescue: Race against time to rescue 21 Miners

An Australian think tank, on Friday,&nbsp; has accused China of illegally demolishing thousands of&nbsp;mosques in the Xinjiang province.

The area&nbsp;&nbsp;has come to light for its inhumane treatment in the migrant camps and the widespread defiance of the human rights.

The group claims that the Asian country has destroyed nearly 16,000 mosques in the province.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/us-senators-citing-uighurs-urge-netflix-to-drop-planned-chinese-sci-fi-series-330091">Also read|&nbsp;US senators, citing Uighurs, urge Netflix to drop planned Chinese sci-fi series</a>

The report has been released by the&nbsp;Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) who used satellite imagery to document the claim.

As per the report, majority of the destruction of these mosques has taken place in the last three years, during which nearly 8,500 mosques have been destroyed, especially&nbsp;outside the urban centres of Urumqi and Kashgar.

The area has reportedly more than a million&nbsp;Uighurs and other Muslim minorities trapped in the camps. These minority groups are forced to abandon their religious practices and traditions but he Chinese officials.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-publishes-white-paper-applauding-employment-generated-in-xinjiang-328090">Also read|&nbsp;China publishes white paper applauding employment generated in Xinjiang</a>

The report also adds that nearly 15,500 mosques survived the demolition. However, these religious sites&nbsp;had their&nbsp;domes and minarets removed.

If correct, it would be the lowest number of Muslim houses of worship in the region since the decade of national upheaval sparked by the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s.

As per the report, a third of the Islamic religious sites, such as shrines,&nbsp;cemeteries and pilgrimage routes have been completely destroyed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-constructed-400-internment-camps-in-xinjiang-study-329842">Also read|&nbsp;China constructed 400 internment camps in Xinjiang: Study</a>

Interestingly, none of the Christian churches or the Buddhist temples in the area were destroyed during this time.

ASPI is not the only to make these claims. An AFP investigation, too, had revealed that dozens of cemeteries had been destroyed in the region, and the investgators had found human remains scattered across the land due to the destruction.

The Chinese government has, however, expectedly declined these accusations.&nbsp;China's foreign ministry has rubished the report as "anti-China report" that has&nbsp;"no academic credibility".

The&nbsp;Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin even claimed that there are nearly 24,000 mosques in the area.

"Xinjiang's total number of mosques is more than ten times the number in the US, and the average number of mosques per Muslim person is higher than in some Muslim countries," Wang told a regular press briefing.

An Australian think tank, on Friday, has accused China of illegally demolishing thousands of mosques in the Xinjiang province. The area has come to light for its inhumane treatment in the migrant camps and the widespread defiance of the human rights.

An Australian think tank, on Friday, has accused China of illegally demolishing thousands of mosques in the Xinjiang province. The area has come to light for its inhumane treatment in the migrant camps and the widespread defiance of the human rights. The group claims that the Asian country has destroyed nearly 16,000 mosques in the province. Also read| US senators, citing Uighurs, urge Netflix to drop planned Chinese sci-fi series The report has been released by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) who used satellite imagery to document the claim. As per the report, majority of the destruction of these mosques has taken place in the last three years, during which nearly 8,500 mosques have been destroyed, especially outside the urban centres of Urumqi and Kashgar. The area has reportedly more than a million Uighurs and other Muslim minorities trapped in the camps. These minority groups are forced to abandon their religious practices and traditions but he Chinese officials. Also read| China publishes white paper applauding employment generated in Xinjiang The report also adds that nearly 15,500 mosques survived the demolition. However, these religious sites had their domes and minarets removed. If correct, it would be the lowest number of Muslim houses of worship in the region since the decade of national upheaval sparked by the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s. As per the report, a third of the Islamic religious sites, such as shrines, cemeteries and pilgrimage routes have been completely destroyed. Also read| China constructed 400 internment camps in Xinjiang: Study Interestingly, none of the Christian churches or the Buddhist temples in the area were destroyed during this time. ASPI is not the only to make these claims. An AFP investigation, too, had revealed that dozens of cemeteries had been destroyed in the region, and the investgators had found human remains scattered across the land due to the destruction. The Chinese government has, however, expectedly declined these accusations. China's foreign ministry has rubished the report as "anti-China report" that has "no academic credibility". The Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin even claimed that there are nearly 24,000 mosques in the area. "Xinjiang's total number of mosques is more than ten times the number in the US, and the average number of mosques per Muslim person is higher than in some Muslim countries," Wang told a regular press briefing.

Nearly 16,000 mosques destroyed in Xinjiang by China: Australian think tank

More than a million Uighur Muslims are being detained by China and what is described as re-education camps. China does not allow the media nor human rights organizations to visit these re-education camps. Watch report.

Uighur's expose China's oppression: Uighur's live in fear even outside China

United States President Donald Trump refrained from imposing tougher sanctions on Chinese officials blamed for a violent crackdown on Uighur Muslims in Xingjian province because of concern such measures would have interfered with trade negotiations with China.

United States President Donald Trump refrained from imposing tougher sanctions on Chinese officials blamed for a violent crackdown on Uighur Muslims in Xingjian province because of concern such measures would have interfered with trade negotiations with China. "Well, we were in the middle of a major trade deal. And I made a great deal, $250 billion potentially worth of purchases,” Trump was quoted as telling Axios on Friday when asked why he had not enacted Treasury sanctions against Communist Party officials linked to repression in the Xinjiang region. Also read: A day in the life of China’s persecuted Uighur community The United Nations estimates that more than a million Muslims have been detained in camps there. The State Department has accused China of subjecting Muslims to torture and abuse. China has denied mistreatment and says the camps provide vocational training and help fight extremism. Under a Phase 1 trade deal negotiated in 2019 that took effect in February, China agreed to buy at least $200 billion in additional US goods and services over two years. Also read: China threatens consequences over 'malicious' US Uighur bill Former national security adviser John Bolton alleged in his new book that Trump sought Chinese President Xi Jinping's help to win re-election during a 2019 meeting by making agricultural purchases, and Trump also encouraged Xi to go ahead with building camps in Xinjiang. Trump has denied the accusations. (With inputs from Reuters)

Trump held off Xinjiang sanctions due to US-China trade talks

After the Chinese foreign ministry said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mesut-ozil-deceived-by-fake-news-will-be-pleased-to-see-him-go-to-xinjiang-china-268547">Arsenal football player Mesut</a> Ozil's "judgment was influenced by untruthful remarks" over the persecution of Muslims in Xinjiang province, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said China cannot hide its "gross human rights violations perpetrated against Uighurs."

On Monday, China's foreign ministry spokesman had said that the Arsenal player was "deceived by fake news" on Xinjiang province while declaring that the country would be "pleased to see him going to Xinjiang and having a look".

In a social post which went viral on social media, the German football star had that in "east Turkistan, the bleeding wound of the Ummah, resisting against the persecutors trying to separate them from their religion. They burn their Qurans. They shut down their mosques. They ban their schools. They kill their holy men. The men are forced into camps and their families are forced to live with Chinese men."

"The women are forced to marry Chinese men."

"But Muslims are silent. They won’t make a noise. They have abandoned them. Don’t they know that giving consent for persecution is persecution itself?"

After Ozil's comments, China's state broadcaster CCTV had taken&nbsp;off the Manchester City vs Arsenal Premier League game from its programming.

US secretary of state today in his Twitter post said that "China’s Communist Party propaganda outlets can censor Mesut Ozil and Arsenal games all season long, but the truth will prevail," adding, "The CCP can’t hide its gross human rights violations perpetrated against Uighurs and other religious faiths from the world."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
China’s Communist Party propaganda outlets can censor <a href="https://twitter.com/MesutOzil1088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MesutOzil1088</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/Arsenal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Arsenal</a>’s games all season long, but the truth will prevail. The CCP can’t hide its gross <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HumanRights?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HumanRights</a> violations perpetrated against Uighurs and other religious faiths from the world.
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo/status/1206953951653969921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The United States and China have openly clashed over Beijing's treatment of its Uighur Muslim minority. Earlier this month, the US House of Representatives had passed a bill requiring the US president to condemn abuses against Muslims even as it called for the closure of the camps in Xinjiang.

The Uighur bill was passed 407-1 in the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives. The bill also mandated the US president to impose sanctions on a member of China's politburo Xinjiang Communist Party Secretary Chen Quanguo.

After the Chinese foreign ministry said Arsenal football player Mesut Ozil's "judgment was influenced by untruthful remarks" over the persecution of Muslims in Xinjiang province, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said China cannot hide its "gross human rights violations perpetrated against Uighurs.

After the Chinese foreign ministry said Arsenal football player Mesut Ozil's "judgment was influenced by untruthful remarks" over the persecution of Muslims in Xinjiang province, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said China cannot hide its "gross human rights violations perpetrated against Uighurs." On Monday, China's foreign ministry spokesman had said that the Arsenal player was "deceived by fake news" on Xinjiang province while declaring that the country would be "pleased to see him going to Xinjiang and having a look". In a social post which went viral on social media, the German football star had that in "east Turkistan, the bleeding wound of the Ummah, resisting against the persecutors trying to separate them from their religion. They burn their Qurans. They shut down their mosques. They ban their schools. They kill their holy men. The men are forced into camps and their families are forced to live with Chinese men." "The women are forced to marry Chinese men." "But Muslims are silent. They won’t make a noise. They have abandoned them. Don’t they know that giving consent for persecution is persecution itself?" After Ozil's comments, China's state broadcaster CCTV had taken off the Manchester City vs Arsenal Premier League game from its programming. US secretary of state today in his Twitter post said that "China’s Communist Party propaganda outlets can censor Mesut Ozil and Arsenal games all season long, but the truth will prevail," adding, "The CCP can’t hide its gross human rights violations perpetrated against Uighurs and other religious faiths from the world." China’s Communist Party propaganda outlets can censor @MesutOzil1088 and @Arsenal’s games all season long, but the truth will prevail. The CCP can’t hide its gross #HumanRights violations perpetrated against Uighurs and other religious faiths from the world. — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) December 17, 2019 × The United States and China have openly clashed over Beijing's treatment of its Uighur Muslim minority. Earlier this month, the US House of Representatives had passed a bill requiring the US president to condemn abuses against Muslims even as it called for the closure of the camps in Xinjiang. The Uighur bill was passed 407-1 in the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives. The bill also mandated the US president to impose sanctions on a member of China's politburo Xinjiang Communist Party Secretary Chen Quanguo.

China can censor Ozil but cannot hide human rights violations against Uighurs: Pompeo

The Chinese foreign ministry said today that Arsenal football player <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/arsenal-star-mesut-ozil-condemns-muslim-silence-over-uighurs-268231">Mesut Ozil's "judgment </a>was influenced by untruthful remarks" after the former German World Cup winner said that Muslims were persecuted in China's Xinjiang province&nbsp;&amp; criticised Muslim countries for failing to speak up.

In his social post which went viral on Friday, Ozil, 31, who is a German of Turkish origin said: "East Turkistan, the bleeding wound of the Ummah, resisting against the persecutors trying to separate them from their religion. They burn their Qurans. They shut down their mosques. They ban their schools. They kill their holy men. The men are forced into camps and their families are forced to live with Chinese men. The women are forced to marry Chinese men."

"But Muslims are silent. They won’t make a noise. They have abandoned them. Don’t they know that giving consent for persecution is persecution itself?"

China's foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said that &nbsp;"it seems he has been deceived by fake news, and that his judgment was influenced by untruthful remarks".

"If Mr. Ozil has the opportunity, we will be pleased to see him going to Xinjiang and having a look," Geng said, adding, "As long as he has common sense, can make a clear distinction between right and wrong, and upholds the principles of objectivity and fairness, he will see a different Xinjiang."

"I don't know if Mr. Ozil has been to Xinjiang himself. But it seems he has been deceived by fake news, and that his judgment was influenced by untruthful remarks," China's foreign ministry spokesman added.

After Ozil's comments, China's state broadcaster CCTV took off the Manchester City vs Arsenal Premier League game from its programming.&nbsp;

Last month, a leaked Chinese government document had revealed that clampdown on Uighurs and Muslims in &nbsp;Xinjiang. United Nations experts had said earlier that at least 1 million Uighurs members have been detained in camps in Xinjiang. However, it was unclear who leaked the document. China, however, denied mistreating the Uighurs in the restive Xinjiang area. 
&nbsp;

The Chinese foreign ministry said today that Arsenal football player Mesut Ozil's "judgment was influenced by untruthful remarks" after the former German World Cup winner said that Muslims were persecuted in China's Xinjiang province & criticised Muslim countries for failing to speak up.

The Chinese foreign ministry said today that Arsenal football player Mesut Ozil's "judgment was influenced by untruthful remarks" after the former German World Cup winner said that Muslims were persecuted in China's Xinjiang province & criticised Muslim countries for failing to speak up. In his social post which went viral on Friday, Ozil, 31, who is a German of Turkish origin said: "East Turkistan, the bleeding wound of the Ummah, resisting against the persecutors trying to separate them from their religion. They burn their Qurans. They shut down their mosques. They ban their schools. They kill their holy men. The men are forced into camps and their families are forced to live with Chinese men. The women are forced to marry Chinese men." "But Muslims are silent. They won’t make a noise. They have abandoned them. Don’t they know that giving consent for persecution is persecution itself?" China's foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said that "it seems he has been deceived by fake news, and that his judgment was influenced by untruthful remarks". "If Mr. Ozil has the opportunity, we will be pleased to see him going to Xinjiang and having a look," Geng said, adding, "As long as he has common sense, can make a clear distinction between right and wrong, and upholds the principles of objectivity and fairness, he will see a different Xinjiang." "I don't know if Mr. Ozil has been to Xinjiang himself. But it seems he has been deceived by fake news, and that his judgment was influenced by untruthful remarks," China's foreign ministry spokesman added. After Ozil's comments, China's state broadcaster CCTV took off the Manchester City vs Arsenal Premier League game from its programming. Last month, a leaked Chinese government document had revealed that clampdown on Uighurs and Muslims in Xinjiang. United Nations experts had said earlier that at least 1 million Uighurs members have been detained in camps in Xinjiang. However, it was unclear who leaked the document. China, however, denied mistreating the Uighurs in the restive Xinjiang area.

Mesut Ozil deceived by fake news, will be pleased to see him go to Xinjiang: China

In a strong endorsement to China's stand on Xinjiang, ambassadors of 50 countries have written to UN Human Rights Council chief Michelle Bachelet backing China's treatment of Uighurs in Xinjiang autonomous region.

While several European nations have questioned China over its alleged human rights violations in the Xinjiang region, 50 ambassadors have praised China for its efforts.

The letter lavishes praise on China for its economic and social progress, effective counter-terrorism and deradicalisation measures, and a strong guarantee of human rights.&nbsp;

Earlier on July 12, 2009, 37 ambassadors including envoys of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia wrote a joint letter to UN to show their support for China, and now more ambassadors have joined the move to sign the letter which China says is a validation of the reality in Xinjiang region.

In what seems to be a clear shift in global realpolitik, the letter also urges a certain group of countries to stop using ''uncorroborated'' information to make ''unfounded'' accusations against China.

Several reputed global media agencies and rights groups have claimed that up to one million Uighur Muslims are being held in illegal captivity across Xinjiang in what China has termed as reeducation schools.

Chin claims these schools aim to instil the right values among the radicalised.

Those who’ve escaped claim “brainwashing” and ''psychological torture'', including engaging in practices contrary to Islam.

In a strong endorsement to China's stand on Xinjiang, ambassadors of 50 countries have written to UN Human Rights Council chief Michelle Bachelet backing China's treatment of Uighurs in Xinjiang autonomous region.

In a strong endorsement to China's stand on Xinjiang, ambassadors of 50 countries have written to UN Human Rights Council chief Michelle Bachelet backing China's treatment of Uighurs in Xinjiang autonomous region. While several European nations have questioned China over its alleged human rights violations in the Xinjiang region, 50 ambassadors have praised China for its efforts. The letter lavishes praise on China for its economic and social progress, effective counter-terrorism and deradicalisation measures, and a strong guarantee of human rights. Earlier on July 12, 2009, 37 ambassadors including envoys of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia wrote a joint letter to UN to show their support for China, and now more ambassadors have joined the move to sign the letter which China says is a validation of the reality in Xinjiang region. In what seems to be a clear shift in global realpolitik, the letter also urges a certain group of countries to stop using ''uncorroborated'' information to make ''unfounded'' accusations against China. Several reputed global media agencies and rights groups have claimed that up to one million Uighur Muslims are being held in illegal captivity across Xinjiang in what China has termed as reeducation schools. Chin claims these schools aim to instil the right values among the radicalised. Those who’ve escaped claim “brainwashing” and ''psychological torture'', including engaging in practices contrary to Islam.

Ambassadors of 50 countries write to UN rights council backing China's treatment of Uighurs in Xinjiang

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-on-grey-list-or-black-list-fatf-to-announce-decision-on-friday-229029">Pakistan attaches great importance</a> to projects taken under the $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Thursday, as he expressed satisfaction at Islamabad's "robust" economic partnership with Beijing.

The CPEC, which connects Gwadar Port in Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province, is the flagship project of Chinese President Xi Jinping's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

India has been boycotting the BRI to protest over the CPEC being laid through the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Vice Chair of the 12th NPC Foreign Affairs Committee and head of the Advisory Committee of the BRI Initiative International Think Tank of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences Zhao Baige called on Prime Minister Khan on Thursday.

"It was a matter of great satisfaction to note that all-weather and time-tested Pak-China friendship is transforming into a robust economic partnership," Khan said while welcoming Zhao and her delegation.

''Pakistan attaches great importance to the CPEC projects and all efforts were being made to further streamline and improve coordination at all levels, especially when the project has entered into its second phase with the inclusion of critical areas such as agriculture, socio-economic development,'' Pakistan PM&nbsp;said in a statement.

Khan wanted to learn from Chinese experience and expertise in different sectors.

He said a special cell was being established at the Prime Minister's Office to ensure seamless coordination between businesses of public and private sectors.

Zhao, in her remarks, said China will continue extending all possible cooperation to Pakistan in areas such as agriculture, health, housing and socio-economic development.

The visit of Zhao and her delegation came soon after the visit by General Han Weiguo, Commander People's Liberation Army (PLA) Ground Forces, who left on Wednesday after paying an official visit.

Pakistan attaches great importance to projects taken under the $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Thursday, as he expressed satisfaction at Islamabad's "robust" economic partnership with Beijing.

Pakistan attaches great importance to projects taken under the $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Thursday, as he expressed satisfaction at Islamabad's "robust" economic partnership with Beijing. The CPEC, which connects Gwadar Port in Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province, is the flagship project of Chinese President Xi Jinping's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). India has been boycotting the BRI to protest over the CPEC being laid through the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Vice Chair of the 12th NPC Foreign Affairs Committee and head of the Advisory Committee of the BRI Initiative International Think Tank of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences Zhao Baige called on Prime Minister Khan on Thursday. "It was a matter of great satisfaction to note that all-weather and time-tested Pak-China friendship is transforming into a robust economic partnership," Khan said while welcoming Zhao and her delegation. ''Pakistan attaches great importance to the CPEC projects and all efforts were being made to further streamline and improve coordination at all levels, especially when the project has entered into its second phase with the inclusion of critical areas such as agriculture, socio-economic development,'' Pakistan PM said in a statement. Khan wanted to learn from Chinese experience and expertise in different sectors. He said a special cell was being established at the Prime Minister's Office to ensure seamless coordination between businesses of public and private sectors. Zhao, in her remarks, said China will continue extending all possible cooperation to Pakistan in areas such as agriculture, health, housing and socio-economic development. The visit of Zhao and her delegation came soon after the visit by General Han Weiguo, Commander People's Liberation Army (PLA) Ground Forces, who left on Wednesday after paying an official visit.

Pakistan attaches great importance to projects taken under CPEC: Imran Khan

A Turkish-Chinese spat as a result of Turkish criticism of China’s crackdown on Turkic Muslims in its strategic but troubled north-western province of Xinjiang complicates efforts by Kazakhstan and other Central Asian states to at best deal quietly behind closed doors with the plight of their citizens and ethnic kin in the People’s Republic.

China’s threat that the Turkish criticism of its massive surveillance and detention campaign, involving the alleged incarceration in re-education camps of up to one million Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims would have economic consequences and the temporary closure of the Chinese consulate in the Mediterranean port city of Izmir serves as warnings to others in the Muslim world what could happen if they break their silence.

The Chinese effort to get the Muslim and broader international community to maintain silence, if not acquiesce in the crackdown that constitutes the most frontal assault on Islam in recent history, was boosted when Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on a visit to Beijing last month appeared to endorse Chinese policy.

Prince Salman’s endorsement of China's right to undertake "anti-terrorism" and "de-extremism" measures was widely seen as tacit support for the crackdown by the custodian of the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

China has denied allegations of widespread abuse of human rights and insisted that the camps are re-education and training facilities that have stopped attacks by Islamist militants and separatists.

The Crown Prince’s remarks contrasted starkly with the characterisation last month of the crackdown by Turkey’s foreign ministry &nbsp;as an “embarrassment to humanity,” the ministry demanded that Chinese authorities respect the human rights of the Uyghurs and close what it termed “concentration camps.”&nbsp;

Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu called twice last week on China to make a distinction between perpetrators of political violence and innocent civilians while insisting that Turkey wished to continue cooperation with the People’s Republic.

“The fact that we have a problem with China on an issue should not necessarily hinder our cooperation on other matters,” Cavusoglu said.

Turkey is hoping that Chinese investment in nuclear, e-commerce, finance, and infrastructure will narrow its gaping trade deficit with China that last year stood at $17.8 billion.

That is not how China appeared to envision its future relationship with Turkey.

“There may be disagreements or misunderstandings between friends, but we should solve them through dialogue. Criticising your friend publicly everywhere is not a constructive approach,” said Chinese ambassador to Turkey Deng Li.

“The most important issue between countries is mutual respect. Would you stay friends if your friend criticized you publicly every day?” Deng asked.

“If you choose a non-constructive path, it will negatively affect mutual trust and understanding and will be reflected in commercial and economic relations,” Deng added.

Deng’s comments were not only designed to whip Turkey back into line but also to prevent Central Asian nations from speaking out despite mounting domestic pressure.

Deng’s comments reflected greater Chinese intolerance for criticism of its crackdown amid attempts to convince the international community by taking diplomats and journalists on carefully managed tours of Xinjiang that one participant called a “dog and pony show.”

The ambassador’s rings particularly loud in Kazakhstan whose ethnic kin constitute the second largest Muslim community in Xinjiang after the Uyghurs.

A former re-education camp employee, Sayragul Sauytbay, who fled to Kazakhstan told a Kazakh court last year that she was aware of some 7,5000 Kazakh nationals and Chinese of Kazakh descent being incarcerated.

Atajurt Eriktileri, a Kazakh group that supports relatives of people who have disappeared in Xinjiang, says it has documented more than 10,000 cases of ethnic Kazakhs interned in China. The Xinjiang Victims Database says it has collected some 3,000 testimonies of prisoners and their families, half of which are from ethnic Kazakhs.

Askar Azatbek, a former Xinjiang official who became a Kazakh citizen, went missing in December after allegedly having been kidnapped while on the Kazakh side of Khorgos, a free-trade zone on the border with China.

So has Qalymbek Shahman an ethnic Kazakh Xinjiang businessman who was refused entry into Kazakhstan, sent to Uzbekistan and disappeared in Thailand to where he was returned by Uzbek authorities. Shahman hasn’t been heard from since.

"I wanted to go to Kazakhstan because China's human rights record was making life intolerable," Shahman said in a videotape from Tashkent airport before being forced to fly to Thailand, which has a track record of complying with Chinese repatriation requests.

For now, Central Asian leaders are walking a tightrope. Officially, they insist that Xinjiang is a Chinese internal affair. At the same time, the leaders are trying to curb domestic criticism.

Serikzhan Bilash, the head of Atajurt Eriktileri, was fined in February by an Almaty court for operating an unregistered organisation.

Sauytbay has fired her lawyer after he became unreachable at key moments in her asylum application and encouraged her to not talk about it publicly. “I don’t want to talk…until I have some kind of protection. I’d prefer that protection to come from Kazakhstan, but I might need help from other countries,” Sautbay said.

Sauytbay is certain to hope that Turkey’s willingness to confront China, if maintained, makes Central Asia’s tightrope act increasingly risky, particularly in an environment in which public criticism of the crackdown, anti-Chinese sentiment and social and economic discontent are meshing.

 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

A Turkish-Chinese spat as a result of Turkish criticism of China’s crackdown on Turkic Muslims in its strategic but troubled north-western province of Xinjiang complicates efforts by Kazakhstan and other Central Asian states to at best deal quietly behind closed doors with the plight of their citizens and ethnic kin in the People’s Republic.

A Turkish-Chinese spat as a result of Turkish criticism of China’s crackdown on Turkic Muslims in its strategic but troubled north-western province of Xinjiang complicates efforts by Kazakhstan and other Central Asian states to at best deal quietly behind closed doors with the plight of their citizens and ethnic kin in the People’s Republic. China’s threat that the Turkish criticism of its massive surveillance and detention campaign, involving the alleged incarceration in re-education camps of up to one million Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims would have economic consequences and the temporary closure of the Chinese consulate in the Mediterranean port city of Izmir serves as warnings to others in the Muslim world what could happen if they break their silence. The Chinese effort to get the Muslim and broader international community to maintain silence, if not acquiesce in the crackdown that constitutes the most frontal assault on Islam in recent history, was boosted when Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on a visit to Beijing last month appeared to endorse Chinese policy. Prince Salman’s endorsement of China's right to undertake "anti-terrorism" and "de-extremism" measures was widely seen as tacit support for the crackdown by the custodian of the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. China has denied allegations of widespread abuse of human rights and insisted that the camps are re-education and training facilities that have stopped attacks by Islamist militants and separatists. The Crown Prince’s remarks contrasted starkly with the characterisation last month of the crackdown by Turkey’s foreign ministry as an “embarrassment to humanity,” the ministry demanded that Chinese authorities respect the human rights of the Uyghurs and close what it termed “concentration camps.” Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu called twice last week on China to make a distinction between perpetrators of political violence and innocent civilians while insisting that Turkey wished to continue cooperation with the People’s Republic. “The fact that we have a problem with China on an issue should not necessarily hinder our cooperation on other matters,” Cavusoglu said. Turkey is hoping that Chinese investment in nuclear, e-commerce, finance, and infrastructure will narrow its gaping trade deficit with China that last year stood at $17.8 billion. That is not how China appeared to envision its future relationship with Turkey. “There may be disagreements or misunderstandings between friends, but we should solve them through dialogue. Criticising your friend publicly everywhere is not a constructive approach,” said Chinese ambassador to Turkey Deng Li. “The most important issue between countries is mutual respect. Would you stay friends if your friend criticized you publicly every day?” Deng asked. “If you choose a non-constructive path, it will negatively affect mutual trust and understanding and will be reflected in commercial and economic relations,” Deng added. Deng’s comments were not only designed to whip Turkey back into line but also to prevent Central Asian nations from speaking out despite mounting domestic pressure. Deng’s comments reflected greater Chinese intolerance for criticism of its crackdown amid attempts to convince the international community by taking diplomats and journalists on carefully managed tours of Xinjiang that one participant called a “dog and pony show.” The ambassador’s rings particularly loud in Kazakhstan whose ethnic kin constitute the second largest Muslim community in Xinjiang after the Uyghurs. A former re-education camp employee, Sayragul Sauytbay, who fled to Kazakhstan told a Kazakh court last year that she was aware of some 7,5000 Kazakh nationals and Chinese of Kazakh descent being incarcerated. Atajurt Eriktileri, a Kazakh group that supports relatives of people who have disappeared in Xinjiang, says it has documented more than 10,000 cases of ethnic Kazakhs interned in China. The Xinjiang Victims Database says it has collected some 3,000 testimonies of prisoners and their families, half of which are from ethnic Kazakhs. Askar Azatbek, a former Xinjiang official who became a Kazakh citizen, went missing in December after allegedly having been kidnapped while on the Kazakh side of Khorgos, a free-trade zone on the border with China. So has Qalymbek Shahman an ethnic Kazakh Xinjiang businessman who was refused entry into Kazakhstan, sent to Uzbekistan and disappeared in Thailand to where he was returned by Uzbek authorities. Shahman hasn’t been heard from since. "I wanted to go to Kazakhstan because China's human rights record was making life intolerable," Shahman said in a videotape from Tashkent airport before being forced to fly to Thailand, which has a track record of complying with Chinese repatriation requests. For now, Central Asian leaders are walking a tightrope. Officially, they insist that Xinjiang is a Chinese internal affair. At the same time, the leaders are trying to curb domestic criticism. Serikzhan Bilash, the head of Atajurt Eriktileri, was fined in February by an Almaty court for operating an unregistered organisation. Sauytbay has fired her lawyer after he became unreachable at key moments in her asylum application and encouraged her to not talk about it publicly. “I don’t want to talk…until I have some kind of protection. I’d prefer that protection to come from Kazakhstan, but I might need help from other countries,” Sautbay said. Sauytbay is certain to hope that Turkey’s willingness to confront China, if maintained, makes Central Asia’s tightrope act increasingly risky, particularly in an environment in which public criticism of the crackdown, anti-Chinese sentiment and social and economic discontent are meshing. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Turkish-Chinese spat puts Asian leaders on the spot

In a new construction activity by China that could be seen as a provocation to India, China is constructing a new road near Line of Control area news Siachen says a defence ministry report accessed by Zee News.

Made from the northern bank of Shaksgam valley, the new road will give directed access to Line of control area near Siachen to the Chinese army.

Construction activities of a military post in Shaksgam valley were also reported.

According to report the initial stretch of the road will approximately be 21.3 km is completed with paved surface of 7-meter width.

The remaining 14.5 km of the road is still under construction.

The earlier detection of these activities is based on Google Earth Images where two new posts and five construction camps are seen astride a new road construction in Shaksgam Valley.

A total of two posts have been found from which post 1 is near the tri-junction of Pakistan occupied Kashmir, China and Shaksgam Valley boundaries at the river confluence of Oprang River and Shaksgam river.

Post 2 &nbsp;is located astride the new road approximately 20.5 km from the Post -1. It comprises a long building and a Watch Tower.

Sources say that the possible motive of such construction is to use this to take a step towards gaining claim over the sovereignty of Shaksgam Valley in future.

In view of China tacit support to Pakistan claim of Siachen up to the line of Karakoram Pass.

The Military implication of the activities in Shaksgam Valley with regard to Siachen Glacier cannot be ruled out as the Skasgam Valley runs along the northern watershed of&nbsp; 
the Karakoram Range which gives Chinese Army the access to Line of Control near Siachen.

Shaksgam Valley is part of Pakistan occupied Kashmir and it borders with Xinjiang province of China, as well as with the Siachen Glacier.&nbsp;

The valley was given by Pakistan to China in 1963 when they signed a boundary settlement agreement.&nbsp;

However, India does not recognise this agreement and considers the valley to be a part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

(Reported by Manish Shukla)

Made from the northern bank of Shaksgam valley, the new road will give directed access to Line of control area near Siachen to the Chinese army

In a new construction activity by China that could be seen as a provocation to India, China is constructing a new road near Line of Control area news Siachen says a defence ministry report accessed by Zee News. Made from the northern bank of Shaksgam valley, the new road will give directed access to Line of control area near Siachen to the Chinese army. Construction activities of a military post in Shaksgam valley were also reported. According to report the initial stretch of the road will approximately be 21.3 km is completed with paved surface of 7-meter width. The remaining 14.5 km of the road is still under construction. The earlier detection of these activities is based on Google Earth Images where two new posts and five construction camps are seen astride a new road construction in Shaksgam Valley. A total of two posts have been found from which post 1 is near the tri-junction of Pakistan occupied Kashmir, China and Shaksgam Valley boundaries at the river confluence of Oprang River and Shaksgam river. Post 2 is located astride the new road approximately 20.5 km from the Post -1. It comprises a long building and a Watch Tower. Sources say that the possible motive of such construction is to use this to take a step towards gaining claim over the sovereignty of Shaksgam Valley in future. In view of China tacit support to Pakistan claim of Siachen up to the line of Karakoram Pass. The Military implication of the activities in Shaksgam Valley with regard to Siachen Glacier cannot be ruled out as the Skasgam Valley runs along the northern watershed of the Karakoram Range which gives Chinese Army the access to Line of Control near Siachen. Shaksgam Valley is part of Pakistan occupied Kashmir and it borders with Xinjiang province of China, as well as with the Siachen Glacier. The valley was given by Pakistan to China in 1963 when they signed a boundary settlement agreement. However, India does not recognise this agreement and considers the valley to be a part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. (Reported by Manish Shukla)

China constructing 36 Km road for direct access to LoC near Siachen: Report

China is in talks with Afghan officials <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cpec-clout-now-yuan-may-replace-us-dollar-in-pakistan-china-trade-27146">for a possible military base along the Wakhan Corridor</a>, a narrow strip of land in northeastern Afghanistan between China and Pakistan, newswire AFP quoted Afghan officials as saying.

The strategically located Wakhan corridor, a historical trade route since time in memorial is being eyed by Chinese authorities to counter militants who might sneak into Chinese territory.

The Wakhan corridor borders China&#39;s restive <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-temporarily-stops-funding-of-some-cpec-projects-pak-authorities-stunned-25922">Xinjiang province which has seen a surge of jehadist-based </a>terrorism in recent years. A Pakistan newspaper reported recently that China&#39;s defence minister Chang Wanquan who recently visited the area wanted to build an &quot;iron wall&quot; in the autonomous region.

China has beefed up border control along Xinjiang to counter jihadists returning from Syria, China&#39;s state-run Global Times reported recently.

China fears militants from Kabul and Pakistan could infiltrate into Xinjiang to carry out attacks.

Afghan and Chinese officials discussed the plan in December in Beijing, but details are still being clarified, Afghan defence ministry deputy spokesman Mohammad Radmanesh said.

&quot;We are going to build it (the base) but the Chinese government has committed to help the division financially, provide equipment and train the Afghan soldiers,&quot; he told AFP recently.

China&#39;s renewed push comes amid President Xi&#39;s ambition to build the One Belt, One Road(OBOR) to further trade with Asia and Europe. China has already poured billions of dollars into the project which seeks to link Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal with Europe - an initiative which is resisted by India as the controversial route travels through several disputed areas in Kashmir.

China is keen to include Afghanistan into the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in an attempt to secure its security and economic interests.

Chinese president Xi hosted British PM Theresa May in Beijing this week with China intent on pushing the OBOR deal however the British PM sought to distance herself from the project which is fraught with economic and security complications.

Members of the Kyrgyz ethnic minority in Wakhan told AFP in October they had been seeing Chinese and Afghan military patrols for months.

&quot;The Chinese army first came here last summer and they were accompanied by the Afghan army,&quot; said Abdul Rashid, a Kyrgyz chief, adding that he had seen vehicles flying Chinese flags.

 
&nbsp;

China fears militants from Kabul and Pakistan could infiltrate into Xinjiang to carry out attacks

China is in talks with Afghan officials for a possible military base along the Wakhan Corridor, a narrow strip of land in northeastern Afghanistan between China and Pakistan, newswire AFP quoted Afghan officials as saying. The strategically located Wakhan corridor, a historical trade route since time in memorial is being eyed by Chinese authorities to counter militants who might sneak into Chinese territory. The Wakhan corridor borders China's restive Xinjiang province which has seen a surge of jehadist-based terrorism in recent years. A Pakistan newspaper reported recently that China's defence minister Chang Wanquan who recently visited the area wanted to build an "iron wall" in the autonomous region. China has beefed up border control along Xinjiang to counter jihadists returning from Syria, China's state-run Global Times reported recently. China fears militants from Kabul and Pakistan could infiltrate into Xinjiang to carry out attacks. Afghan and Chinese officials discussed the plan in December in Beijing, but details are still being clarified, Afghan defence ministry deputy spokesman Mohammad Radmanesh said. "We are going to build it (the base) but the Chinese government has committed to help the division financially, provide equipment and train the Afghan soldiers," he told AFP recently. China's renewed push comes amid President Xi's ambition to build the One Belt, One Road(OBOR) to further trade with Asia and Europe. China has already poured billions of dollars into the project which seeks to link Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal with Europe - an initiative which is resisted by India as the controversial route travels through several disputed areas in Kashmir. China is keen to include Afghanistan into the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in an attempt to secure its security and economic interests. Chinese president Xi hosted British PM Theresa May in Beijing this week with China intent on pushing the OBOR deal however the British PM sought to distance herself from the project which is fraught with economic and security complications. Members of the Kyrgyz ethnic minority in Wakhan told AFP in October they had been seeing Chinese and Afghan military patrols for months. "The Chinese army first came here last summer and they were accompanied by the Afghan army," said Abdul Rashid, a Kyrgyz chief, adding that he had seen vehicles flying Chinese flags.

China eyeing military base in Afghanistan to counter terror threat: Report